SPARKS, MD--(Marketwired - Jun 18, 2015) -  GearWrench®, a premier hand tool brand known for tools that deliver speed, strength and access to automotive technicians, today unveiled its new Ratcheting Tap and Die Open Stock Program.

GearWrench took its popular ratcheting wrench design and applied it to tap and die tools to create the popular sets sold today. The new open stock program supports the existing ratcheting tool sets by allowing users to purchase taps and dies individually.

Overview of the Innovative GearWrench Tap and Die System
It's all about improved access, speed and superior design with these sets. Patented adapters lock the cutting tool into the ratcheting handles for straight threads on every job. The five-degree swing arc ratchet with reversing lever eliminates hand-over-hand turning, while the patented twist lock guide system ensures material stays properly aligned. For applications that require increased access, end users can extend the length of the tap and die system by combining adapters and any standard 3/8" drive extension. The system works with round or hex style dies and the die adapter works with the GearWrench Pass-Thru™ Ratchet and Socket System.

"Automotive professionals love the GearWrench Tap and Die system," said Jim Stewart, product manager for GearWrench. "With the launch of this new program, users can ensure their Tap and Die sets are always ready for the job. The availability of open stock taps and dies allows end users to easily replace lost or damaged pieces. Now there is no need to worry about an incomplete set."

The complete GearWrench Ratcheting Tap and Die program includes 48 open stock SKUs and the following sets:

• SKU 82812: 114-piece SAE/Metric Large Set
• SKU 3887: 75-piece SAE/Metric Medium Set
• SKU 3885: 40-piece SAE Medium Set
• SKU 3886: 40-piece Metric Medium Set
• SKU 3880: 5-piece Medium Drive Tool Only Set

The open stock taps and dies fit into GearWrench blow mold cases and are backed by the trusted GearWrench lifetime warranty. For more information, please visit www.GearWrench.com.

About GearWrench:
GearWrench is a premier hand tool brand from Apex Tool Group, one of the largest hand tool manufacturers in the world. Since the launch of the original patented five-degree ratcheting wrench, the GearWrench brand has continuously led the industry with breakthroughs in pass-thru ratchets, sockets, screw/nut drivers, pliers and specialty tools. Millions of GearWrench products have been "Professionally Tested" throughout the world. Additional information about GearWrench is available online at www.gearwrench.com.

About Apex Tool Group:
Apex Tool Group, LLC, based in Sparks, MD, is one of the largest worldwide producers of hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain, and electronic soldering products. Directly and through its subsidiaries, Apex serves a multitude of global markets, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail. Apex markets its portfolio of diverse products under its own brand names in addition to being the principal manufacturer for several key private label products for certain retailers for many years. Additional information about Apex Tool Group is available at www.apextoolgroup.com.