Gearwrench #3680 Serpentine Belt Tool Kit

The Critic · Nov 29, 2008

I just purchased a BRAND NEW Gearwrench #3680 Serpentine Belt Tool Kit from eBay for $41.50 shipped (after a 25% off Live.com discount).

Here's a picture of the tool in use (not me):

Listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=110309518704

Review: http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/30/hands-on-gearwrenchs-serpentine-belt-tool/

Does anyone own one? How do you like it? How's the durability?

It was a bit of an impulse buy, but I have read many good reviews about this tool and decided to jump on this deal because the price is normally much higher.

TurboLuver · Nov 30, 2008

I have this one, works perfectly. I think I gave $20 for it.

benjamming · Nov 30, 2008

I just "borrow" one from AutoZone when I need one (loaner program). I might keep it a month sometimes but just return it & get my money back.

oily boyd · Nov 30, 2008

I just use a wrench with a cheater bar (the handle for my floor jack).

alreadygone · Nov 30, 2008

What you bought is one of the finest, handiest, tool sets I've ever owned. The ratcheting feature makes it MUCH more versatile than Turboluv's cheaper version. Think I gave something like $80. for my set re-labeled and off the Matco truck. Course, I got my $80. in saved time back quickly. How long is $41.5 gonna take you?

(yes, it's "pick on The Critic" week!)

Bob

tom slick · Nov 30, 2008

It looks like a really nice tool, certainly handy if you need it.

I've been lucky that they serpentine belts I've worked on had clearance for a long handled ratchet or breaker bar, no special tools required. I can imagine some vehicles being a bear to get to the tensioner.

Buffman · Nov 30, 2008

I bought the craftsman one. works in tight spots especially on FWD cars.

GMBoy · Dec 4, 2008

Originally Posted By: oily boyd
I just use a wrench with a cheater bar (the handle for my floor jack).

X2. Heck, even in my GM factory we just use a regular socket on a 3/8" drive to install the belts.

dkcase · Dec 5, 2008

Originally Posted By: GMBoy

X2. Heck, even in my GM factory we just use a regular socket on a 3/8" drive to install the belts.

I'm guessing at the factory there's better access to it.

tom slick · Dec 5, 2008

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: oily boyd
I just use a wrench with a cheater bar (the handle for my floor jack).

X2. Heck, even in my GM factory we just use a regular socket on a 3/8" drive to install the belts.

Is the engine already installed in the car when they put the belt on?

JustinH · Dec 5, 2008

I just use the bare socket of a 3/8's drive also.

I put a 3/8's adapter on a 1/2 inch breaker bar and use that.

I've put on a ton of belts, it looks to be very similar to that tool that you have.

I think the breaker bar was 9 bucks at harbor freight and I use it a few times a year it works fine.

The Critic · Dec 5, 2008

I don't know what you guys are working on, but the 3/8" socket and ratchet combination never works for me; there just isn't enough clearance to use that.

Buffman · Dec 5, 2008

My RMS is about the only thing I can stick whatever I can find in 13mm to change the belt. having a foot between the radiator and the engine makes a huge difference. I can use a 3/8" rachet on my Wifes cavalier, but it has to be slim design and the right angle. The gearwrench/craftsman tensioner bar makes it 10x easier.

sciphi · Dec 5, 2008

I'm spoiled by my cars that have had access for a cheater bar, or put the tensioners underneath the engine where you could easily get at them. My Hyundai used manual tensioners. PITA to get the right tension, but it would never break on you.

GMBoy · Dec 5, 2008

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: oily boyd
I just use a wrench with a cheater bar (the handle for my floor jack).

X2. Heck, even in my GM factory we just use a regular socket on a 3/8" drive to install the belts.

Is the engine already installed in the car when they put the belt on?

No, the belts are installed on the engine before installation so yeah - it is really easy then

oily boyd · Dec 5, 2008

Critic,

I have two Toyotas with the 2.4L I4: everything is easy to work on with no special tools!

I was sort of busting your stones with my comment that I can use a wrench + cheater bar.

Long ago I had a Taurus that needed a tool like you got. A friend of mine had one so I was in luck.

Good luck with that Saturn and take care!

JHZR2 · Dec 6, 2008

Originally Posted By: The Critic
I don't know what you guys are working on, but the 3/8" socket and ratchet combination never works for me; there just isn't enough clearance to use that.

Well the picture you posted looks like a GM V6 or V8 - its exactly like my 4.3L v in my truck... no need for the tool there either.

Some engine bays are better designed than others... and some vehicles are just larger (obviously)... Ill be interested to see how much of a benefit it proves to you for various fwd smaller cars. I may buy a similar tool if you recommend.

alreadygone · Dec 6, 2008

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: The Critic
I don't know what you guys are working on, but the 3/8" socket and ratchet combination never works for me; there just isn't enough clearance to use that.

Well the picture you posted looks like a GM V6 or V8 - its exactly like my 4.3L v in my truck... no need for the tool there either.

Some engine bays are better designed than others... and some vehicles are just larger (obviously)... Ill be interested to see how much of a benefit it proves to you for various fwd smaller cars. I may buy a similar tool if you recommend.

My glowing, professional recommendation on first page doesn't count?

Bob

JHZR2 · Dec 6, 2008

whoops!

Gearwrench #3680 Serpentine Belt Tool Kit

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