Everything You Need to Know About GripEdge

GripEdge made a big splash with the recent launch of their socket extractors, G-Fors extractor and star and hex bit sets. As a GripEdge Authorized Seller, we often hear the following questions about GripEdge:

What’s the difference between GripEdge and Mac extractors?

Are GripEdge products any good?

What is GripEdge RPT (Rounding Prevention Technology)?

How do GripEdge extractors work?

Let’s begin by answering the first two questions: Word on the street is that GripEdge is the maker of MAC extractors, and they are now launching the same (or similar) products under their own GripEdge brand for a lower price than the MAC extractors. Assuming that is correct (and we have good reason to assume so), GripEdge are every bit as good as Mac and can likely be found for cheaper.

Now, let’s explain what the GripEdge product line includes, and how the products work:

Socket Extractors

The GripEdge RPT Socket Extractors are extreme-grip extractors designed to be hammered onto the exterior head of rounded fasteners for easy extraction. They are designed to work on fasteners rounded up to 100%, including bolt, nuts, studs, socket cap screws, button head screws, threaded pipes, lug nuts, and grease nipples. They feature patented RPT (Rounding Prevention Technology) which creates an extremely tight grip on the fastener head. Their bi-directional feature enables you to tighten and loosen the fastener. This helps with fastener removal and can also be extremely helpful for use in the field when you need to re-use the damaged fastener. The integrated pusher rod makes is fast and easy to remove the extracted fastener from the extractor with only a pair of pliers and a ratchet (no need to use a vise).

Despite being hammered onto the fastener, GripEdge extractors don’t damage the fastener. This can be extremely helpful with studs which the extractor will remove while still allowing a nut to be turned onto the stud threads.

The socket extractor sets come in SAE Standard, SAE Deep, Metric Standard, and Metric Deep configurations.

 G-FORS Extractors

The GripEdge G-FORS Extractors are used to extract fasteners which don't have an exposed portion of the fastener head. Extraction with the G-FORS is done embedding the extractor into the interior of the fastener to grip it from its interior. After drilling a hole into the fastener with the included drill bits, the extractor is tapped in. Once the extractor is imbedded, a socket is used to back out the fastener.

G-FORS Extractors are non-tapered straight cut which provide grip all the way through the length of the extractor to allow for bidirectional turning of the fastener and extreme grip. Bi-directional turning allows the fastener to be loosened and tightened which is helpful in extraction and allows for emergency field use of the fastener. The extractor's 6-point head allows you to use and socket or wrench to grip the extractor. The extractors come with an integrated sleeve to easily allow for removal of the damaged fastener from the extractor with only a ratchet and a pair of pliers - no need for a bench vise.

 The G-FORS comes in a 14-piece set.

 RPT STAR and HEX Bits

GripEdge’s RPT STAR and HEX sets are dual use: In most cases they can be used to remove stripped hex and star fasteners which a standard hex or star bit can no longer grip. They are primarily designed however, to replace your regular star or hex bits. Using these bits with integrated RPT (Rounding Prevention Technology) in the first place will help you avoid stripping the fasteners in the first place. Their unique design allows for 50% more grip on new fasteners and up to 400% more grip on damaged fasteners when compared to standard bits.