When you teardown a tool, or anything else for that matter it is usually done on a workbench. If a workbench is not available., a clean white towel placed on a table or other flat surface will also work. Just my humble opinion.
Amazing thing is, you can walk back into harbor freight and swap out a new one with a washer. Id put money that they are supposed to have that washer just that one didnt, blame the assembler. Go get a new one and continue life
@@ThingsMen also i was watching a couple other reviews of the sockets and they looked chamfered at the ratchet side. I made sure it was video of them recently and not all the ones from 3-4years ago when they came out. I would wonder if its that set specifically or maybe a bad batch
@@ThingsMenthe plate to secure the anvil and pawl is absolutely not designed for lateral torquing force. You spin a ratchet concentric with your hand or you will break it. The new one will have less slop, with the bigger pawl.... when tightening a fastener in a confined space. The new one is better. And that washer will wear out. I think you should lay off the grass.
I started building my set with icon ratchets and wrenches with Pittsburgh impact sockets. Slowly I have and am changing over to matco stuff and it's night and day. Across the range of stuff you can get @ hf it's going to get a job done, but for how long and how well they hold up is another thing. Spent 350$ on a 1/2 drive locking flexhead absolutely longer than anything I've seen @ 33-3/8" and it can do things NO impact can do . H.F is great for starting mechanics and weekend warriors and there's nothing wrong with that but they fall short for commercial environments.
There is truth to that. I was hopeful that when the icon line arrived they might take it a little more seriously. It started off great but these recent slips are concerning.
@kevinlopota3626 my new Snap-On 1/2" swivel head ratchet blew out its gears with my just using my two hands, no cheater pipe involved. Went to Harbor Freight and bought their same spec Pittsburgh tool and had no problems with it, go figure. Note the Snap-On half incher was warrantying a much older ratchet that finally broke at the flex head junction, after 40+ years of service
I had that same problem with my 3/8 ratchet on that same set, took it back to HF and they replaced it with another ratchet from a different 54 set and it had the same issue.. I don’t wrench on stuff often so I’m not terribly concerned but it’s still very annoying & upsetting to have a ratchet that binds up and grinds while you fasten or loosen a nut or bolt. It’s a brand new tool I expect it to operate smoothly
Perhaps the person who assembled that ratchet forgot to install the wave washer. The bevel on the anvil may have been eliminated in order to streamline the machining process.
@@zapa1pnt it used to be a step in the process and now its not. Without the wave washer the leading edge of the gear is free to make contact with the inspection plate.
I would buy the williams ratchet or a used snapon before I paid 45 bucks for a harbor junk copyon. And if I had to buy a ratchet from harbor junk I would by a Quinn made by gear wrench
Starting out wrenching I really loved the icon ratchets especially the extended ratchet just hated it was a locking flex head I put more then 200 pounds onto it and held strong never any issues but switch to a Matco locking flex head I couldn’t go back that’s the biggest upgrade
After a though inspection of my local HF's ICOM ratchet selection, I found absolutely no locking flex heads. MY favorite ratchet of all time is a 3/8" Matco long handle locking flex head, and I was looking for 1/4" and 1/2" supplements, but I saw no locking flex heads at all. I did end up buying thew 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" standard length flex heads. Can't say I needed them, as I've done everything from brakes to engine/trans swaps with my previous assortment. Right now, I'm awaiting a PCM I ordered almost 2 weeks ago, after a month of PCI bus diagnosis.They claim to ship in 24-72 hours, with an average shipping time of 5-7 days, without even an ordere confirmation or tracking number email being received.
100% tekton is 99% all my affordable tools in the road box warranty is amazing and I'm not driving to the store every time I use one of harbor junk tools
I bought a 3/8" Craftsman flex head ratchet a few years ago from Ace Hardware and after a little use it got really sloppy, very much like what you're seeing with that Icon ratchet. Took it apart and saw there was plenty of room to easily add a shim washer I had found in my used washer drawer and that made a huge improvement in the way the ratchet worked. Seems like the quality has really slipped since Stanley picked up the line.
@@ThingsMen I've been using the Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" dual flex head ratchet for years (963699) and had no complaints. It was cheaper when I bought it. You can remove the upper piece of the handle and turn it into a stubby ratchet and if you don't like the dual flex function, you can buy a cheap Evercraft 3/8" long flex head ratchet at Napa for $8.75 (7741482) and then swap the handles and have a nice single flex head ratchet using the Pgh. Pro head. That's pretty prosumer like.
Buy Koken virtually zero back drag. And ratchets that aren't going to bust up in a couple ueses on them. It actually made me look forward to using my rats again.. and if you have the money I think the best tool manufacturer on the planet is Nepros. I believe they're in the same company but that's their high high end and they are definitely super quality. I have the wooden screwdrivers I've never seen a screwdriver look so beautiful. They function as good as they look.. the Chrome finish is second to none
They had a recall really early on with these ratchets. Thought it was just the flex head but I’m not sure. You might have one of the pre recall ratchets.
Tools are manufactured according to the design specifications. Many times companies that don’t manufacture their own tools will contract out with different manufacturers. As a contract comes to an end the tool company that designed the tool and wrote the specifications will send out a bid to several companies to see who can manufacture the tool and fulfill the contract for the best price. Another thing that happens to tool design is change orders over time. They may see flaws that need to be corrected or improvements to make them better than the original. They can also change the specifications to save cost on a batch or run of tools produced and see how many come back under warranty. The same is true if a company wants to cut costs and believes cutting a step in manufacturing processes will save money with no adverse effects on tool performance or longevity. Rarely do products remain the exact same over time.
I had always seen wisdom, in buying quality (not most expensive) tools, to last a lifetime. As I got past 50, I realized I could buy cheaper tools and they would Still last a lifetime. 🌞😁✌
Fair point. Quality doesn't always = most expensive. Less expensive also doesn't = Lower quality. That is one of them main points of this channel. Finding the best tools out there indiscriminate of price.
Just stating the video. Hoping the newest fles head ratchets haven't cut corners, as I've bought 1/2", 3/8", and 1/2"(standard lengths) in the last week due to the 40% off sale. My favorite ratchets have long been a 72 tooth AmPro stubby, and a Matco long handle locking flex head. I wish they made ICON locking flex heads.
The five cent wave washers you mention are, probably, five cents per one hundred. The radiusing of the gear and thinning of the switch knob are unnecessary machining steps, which have no effect on the operation of the mechanism and so, not doing those saves costs. The absence of the wave washer (an incredibly cheap part) is bad judgement, because it Does affect the operation, of the mechanism. 😁✌🖖
Thanks for commenting. The anvil is also less refined and the ball detent has been replaced with a smaller one. The radiusing of the gear isnt as crucial is the washer is present, but if under load, and without the wave washer, its teeth could make contact with the plate and bind.
The only people sweating are the little children making harbor junk tools. It's gross Americans are buying them to save a couple bucks. Buy williams they are made by snapon and have a usa line and the sockets are almost identical ratchets are close just the teeth count is different harbor junk is a big corporate trash putting out garbage. The only tools I would buy is something that I use once a year
@thingsmen and I'm really suspecting that H-F's biggest Icon competitor is Pittsburgh/Quinn; not Snap-On, etc. The one brand that seems to never get advertised is BluePoint; I have a 21mm ratchet wrench I bought new many years ago and it still works like new. Snap-On back then didn't offer that size in its own lineup hence my getting a BluePoint from them
Good video; thank you. I've been on the fence about buying Icon tools... Wish I could feel more positive about taking a chance on them. I may just stick w/ Proto, S-K, and the old, USA-made V & VV series hand tools. Subbed!
Appreciate the feedback. Not all icon is bad. I think current my they are cutting corners on a couple products but they have other items that are still solid purchases. Thanks again for commenting and subscribing. 👍🏻
Man we are really picking the fly shit out of the pepper here aren’t we? I’ve bought god knows how many snap on, Mac matco Cornwell etc and never taken one apart, back drag on a brand new ratchet unless horrendous is something you expect to get better over time. Perhaps we should use our tools for awhile
I bought this same kit the other day and have the same issue with the ratchet binding. Grease was pouring out the anvil as if they over packed it to compensate for the missing washer. Its so annoying as I never had this issue on any of my Icon ratchets which have been workhorses for me.
Mine was packed with grease as well. It’s unfortunate you ran into the same problem. Are your sockets square on the back too? I did another video that goes into that.
@@ThingsMen Pulled it apart. No wavy washer. I then pulled my 1/2 flex, 3/8 flex and 1/4 fixed Icons and the 3/8 flex had no washer but also no issue and looked to have a different head size. The 1/4 fixed had a washer and the 1/2 flex had a washer. I could not open the 1/4 flex as I don't have a torx that small. I then pulled apart a Pittsburgh 3/8 Teardrop Composite which frankly is my favorite and it had a washer. All of these ratchets were purchased within the last month for reference.
So, I think there's more going on here. I had a second gen 3/8 long handle flex head (after they fixed the recall). I'm pretty sure it had the washer. The anvil snapped on that unit and I had it replaced a couple weeks ago. The new ratchet has all of the changes you've shown here; bigger pawl, no bevel on the anvil, and no washer. However, my ratchet does not bind when stressing the tool as you've shown. So, I believe the exclusion of the washer is an intentional change, and the tolerances have been taken into account elsewhere in the design (likely the milling of the body/housing). I suspect your ratchet was produced around the time they were re-tooling, and it ended up with mismatched components. They seem to be refining the design. Not only for cost saving measures (less tooling on the anvil), but also reliability (beefier anvil) and reducing assembly complexity (exclusion of the washer).
Unfortunately there are others that are lacking the washer and they too bind up so it’s not an isolated problem. The manufacturer is cutting corners and the products are starting to show it.
@@ThingsMen Didn't claim it was an isolated incident. Just that the exclusion of the washer may be a sign of a redesign since some units are not experiencing the binding. I fail to see how a larger pawl could be seen as cutting corners. I think what we're seeing is the factory mixing up components during a re-tooling. Based on the shenanigans of the factory reselling this design under their own brand, Harbor Freight is probably paying around $5 to $10 per ratchet. I really doubt Harbor Freight is worried about a 3 cent washer on a tool with such a high markup. Especially when such a change would result in more warranty exchanges. A design change with poor execution at the factory seems more likely in my opinion. Perhaps they even changed factories, after the other was reselling what's probably supposed to be an exclusive design. Not everything is a conspiracy to save money.
The backdrag can be adjusted these. You just to shorten or weaken the spring under the pawl. There is a fine line because the spring can not be to weak or it will not work properly. But if you have a ratchet with this style the spring is key.
Yes you could alter the spring rate but then it becomes even harder for the spring to overcome the weight of the heavier paul. As you mentioned it’s a fine line.
@@Mr.Thermistor7228 why go through all that just return or buy better quality for the same price tekton I also find the Quinn ratchets are gear wrench and are better
After you pointed out the lack of washer and lack of bevels anvil gear. If they would have beveled the gear, even without the washer. The gear wouldn’t drag as much or be trying to saw through the retaining plate with the teeth of the anvil gear when gear cams under upward handle tension. Hopefully you just got a faulty ratchet. Id be curious if you returned it if the replacement has the same issue. If so thats 100% not a “premium” or prosumer ratchet and wont physically last long at all.
That’s my line of thinking as well. These are the absolutely most expensive ratchets HF offers and they are cutting corners. It has allowed them to lower prices a bit on the icon line but at what cost to the overall product? Not a fan of what I’m seeing.
@@ThingsMenthink you could take another look and get those measurements? I feel lots of people may own this set and could benefit by being able to source their own wave washer for an upgrade
It’s possible your older ratchet was from Icons first release before they were recalled and those were the differences when they were updated? I don’t remember what the exact issue was back then but there were some problems with the ratchet binding up I believe. It seems the actual main issue with the ratchet that comes with these socket sets is just that washer.
@@ThingsMen there is also a rumor that a new designed Icon ratchet could possibly be released soon, so the quality control could be slipping on these current ones? If you look at harbor freights website on the advertised pictures of the brand new Hardy brand latex gloves, a hand is shown with an icon ratchet that has a very different look of the current one?
@@ThingsMen it seems the picture has been removed on the website.. It was on the new orange gloves. A post still exists on a Facebook group of someone’s screenshot of it. I can’t find it anywhere else at the moment.
I purchased one ICON comfort grip and I haven't taken it apart but I was not impressed as it was very notchy and if you put pressure like you show it would lock up. I only have 1 so nothing to compare it to but didn't like the feel and compared it to a Gearwrench 90t and it was much smoother so I ended up going to the Gearwrench 90T. This makes me wonder if the ratchet is just missing parts and was missed on assembly or if they are not including those anymore....I will pull it apart and see thanks.
Several have said theirs are missing. That along with the different Pauls, lack of bevel on anvil, lower quality of anvil that also has a smaller ball detent. And cannot forget the sockets that are also missing the proper chamfering. It’s a lot of thing wrong in such a short amount of time.
Yeah, I like the Gearwrench too- I just wish they had quick release- but other than that, they're solid and even look professional, and are a good deal for the price; i.e. not cheap...but not expensive.
@@bobbylibertini I also have some tekton ratchet they also are 90t and are quality, I have an extra long 3/8 ratchet and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite ratchets even though it’s not always used. They have the quick release ratchets you may want to
@@donelias1981 I've heard good things about Tekton. I recently purchased a bunch of Casoman impact sockets- I'm kind of on the fence about those...they seem to be good for what I use them for (I don't use them every day) but the 1/2" drive ratchet that came with one of the sets has failed after using it 3 times (The drive mode selector doohicky is jammed)...which does not portend good things.... OTOH, I used their 1&7/8ths socket on bush hog blade bolts, which are extremely tightly torqued..and it did the job...
Bought the 3/8 54 piece set. My ratchet was horrible and would bind at any slight angle on the socket. I took it back today and was able to get a new one, without replacing the whole set (individual ratchet)...... And it's the same! A little smoother than the last, but still absolutely garbage. Decided to take it apart and it also has no wave washer......this isn't just a QC issue at this point. Unacceptable, because the Pittsburgh ratchets feel much better and do not bind at all. On a side note, the 1/4 icon set I bought is fine, with no binding.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s clear the factory producing these in Taiwan is purposefully not including the crush washer. We don’t know if it’s at the request of HF to cut costs or if the factory is making this decision on their own. Either way this isn’t HF first attempt at launching a decent product and then changing factories or lowering quality in order to maximize profits. 😠
overpriced junk i bought 3 duralast sets 25 years ago on sale still have yet to open the other 2 got them for $24.99 each there is no use spending copious amounts of money on sockets and wrenches and ratchets when the majority of them perform similarly
You paid $24.99 each 25 years ago and you’re saying these are overpriced? 😂😂😂 brother they’re like $30/$40 after 25 years of inflation and you won’t have to pay for one ever again. I’d say you’re just here to complain, which is par for the course.
I asked before and i ask again: what are the dimensions for the wave washer? My ratchet doesn't have this washer. You did good identifying the problem, but go the whole 9 yards and help others fix their ratchets by giving the dimensions. I can find the part on my own. McMaster Carr has a washer .500" ID, .750" OD, .010" thick, .160" height, PN 1775N13. This looks like what i see in the video, but none of us know for sure without dimensions. Help a fellow out please.
@troycarle3296 , the closest wave washer McMaster Carr lists is pn# 9714K1. Pack of 10 $12.73. Not exactly the same dimensions as provided, but I think it'll fit. It doesn't have to be the same. It just needs to fit. Anyhow, this washer's dimensions are 0.520" ID, 0.740" OD, 0.008" thick, 0.063" high. I haven't bought them. I think my ratchet works well enough, but I might burn 13 bucks to see if it'll make a difference. None of my other ratchets (Craftsmen and Milwaukee) has a wave spring. For all I know, ICON makes the ratchet better now and it doesn't need a wave spring. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Damn, my buddy just sent me a Home Depot Husky 270 piece 1/2”, 3/8” and 1/4” SAE and metric with 3 drawer case for $99.00 Fathers Day Sale. What do you think?
Get a grip. If your really butt hurt as bad as you seem on the Internet we'll you can walk your hurt ass back into harbor freight and swap out with a new one
I had got two ratchets many years ago same day I got a gold icon and a gold Craftsman made in China 50$ each same price and online the Craftsman is resale for 100$ and the icon resale 30$ and icon is never resale for more than original price and some Craftsman stuff sells for 10 times more than original price but the made in China two ways going on but the icon has the double box end flex them are nice they are the only Icon product that sells for half the original price on offer up
@@craigdave3266 If you are looking at resale then I think your pricing would vary by region. Then again time will also tell if Icon picks up over time. Craftsman didn’t use to have a high resale either. In that case I’m more inclined to buy tools based on performance and warranty as I tend to keep them but I can understand your point as well. 👍🏻
A lot of their stuff varies some depending on where that batch came from. The 20t press for example. One comes with the main frame welded and you have to bolt the other version together. Compare their other rachets before buying. I pick the one with the least amount of play in the anvil. I wont buy the icon ratchets.
@thingsmen I bought a 1/4" flex head just to give them a shot. First one didn't work out of the box. Second one froze just passing it around the shop feeling the slop, back drag and lever. There may have been another one but the one I have now has a ton of back drag. The Pittsburgh version I have is very smooth. For the price point, I'll stick to gearwrench (I love their ratchets. Better than most of my tool truck brands) and other known brands. I realize it's "our fault" because of guys buying tools to use once and return but the prices and how they've gotten with returns I've only been in hf maybe 5 times in the last couple years. I used to go there every weekend with my wife and step daughter. The same stuff is available online these days, only requires a picture for me to replace a broken tool and I get it in the mail 2-3 days later. Craftsman tools are a pain to return at my local Lowes. The truck guys have excuses on top of excuses anymore. Harbor freight only has a 90 day warranty on automotive "specialty tools" with a receipt and possibly restocking fee. Sorry for the adhd rant. I'll stop now. Haha
Icon stuff is about equivalent to current Craftsman crap. If you watch the vids where the tools are scientifically tested, the Icon stuff usually matches or falls below Craftsman (Which isn't saying much). Horrid Freight is using marketing-via-name-association to try and make people think that they are getting a bargain because they compare their prices to Snap-On...but of course, the Icon stuff is a joke compared to Snap-On [Note: I am not a Snap-On fan or user]. A very few HF items are deent...and while the quality has improved somewhat over the years, the prices have also gone up exponentially. I don't buy the tool truck brands, because they are an overpriced rip-off...but I do try to buy quality tools- which often means going with different manufacturers for different products. I just went to use my HF snap-ring prliers yesterday...what a pice of junk! Money wasted..now i have to go out and buy REAL ones.
Yea snap ring pliers are garbage. Their icon stuff has mostly been above par. I like most of their ratchets but this new stuff is concerning. Thanks for commenting!
@thingsmen I bought a 3/8 copyon about 6 months ago and it was a total pos traded it in a couple times and it in my junk box I use it as a hammer now I got the 3/8 Quinn and it's a way better ratchet
When you teardown a tool, or anything else for that matter it is usually done on a workbench.
If a workbench is not available., a clean white towel placed on a table or other flat surface will also work. Just my humble opinion.
Thanks. This was done on a workbench. 👍🏻
Amazing thing is, you can walk back into harbor freight and swap out a new one with a washer. Id put money that they are supposed to have that washer just that one didnt, blame the assembler. Go get a new one and continue life
Normally I would do that but this whole set has not met my expectations. Good chance it’s going back.
@@ThingsMen also i was watching a couple other reviews of the sockets and they looked chamfered at the ratchet side. I made sure it was video of them recently and not all the ones from 3-4years ago when they came out. I would wonder if its that set specifically or maybe a bad batch
@@bradleylayton1741 I’ll have to take a look at some new stock. As I sits I’m currently not impressed. Appreciate your comment. 👍🏻
I find the icon ratchets are junk the Quinn ratchets are way better the same as gear wrench
@@ThingsMenthe plate to secure the anvil and pawl is absolutely not designed for lateral torquing force. You spin a ratchet concentric with your hand or you will break it. The new one will have less slop, with the bigger pawl.... when tightening a fastener in a confined space. The new one is better. And that washer will wear out. I think you should lay off the grass.
Thank you Sir. When you was examining the internals i lost track of which came with the kit and which you bought separately.
Sorry about that. Essentially the one without the washer and no bevel on the gear is the new one.
I started building my set with icon ratchets and wrenches with Pittsburgh impact sockets. Slowly I have and am changing over to matco stuff and it's night and day. Across the range of stuff you can get @ hf it's going to get a job done, but for how long and how well they hold up is another thing. Spent 350$ on a 1/2 drive locking flexhead absolutely longer than anything I've seen @ 33-3/8" and it can do things NO impact can do . H.F is great for starting mechanics and weekend warriors and there's nothing wrong with that but they fall short for commercial environments.
There is truth to that. I was hopeful that when the icon line arrived they might take it a little more seriously. It started off great but these recent slips are concerning.
@kevinlopota3626 my new Snap-On 1/2" swivel head ratchet blew out its gears with my just using my two hands, no cheater pipe involved. Went to Harbor Freight and bought their same spec Pittsburgh tool and had no problems with it, go figure. Note the Snap-On half incher was warrantying a much older ratchet that finally broke at the flex head junction, after 40+ years of service
I had that same problem with my 3/8 ratchet on that same set, took it back to HF and they replaced it with another ratchet from a different 54 set and it had the same issue.. I don’t wrench on stuff often so I’m not terribly concerned but it’s still very annoying & upsetting to have a ratchet that binds up and grinds while you fasten or loosen a nut or bolt. It’s a brand new tool I expect it to operate smoothly
Agreed. And you paid a premium for what should be a very nice set. 👍🏻
Buy tekton
Perhaps the person who assembled that ratchet forgot to install the wave washer. The bevel on the anvil may have been eliminated in order to streamline the machining process.
True but that is an additional step missed. Also the ball on the anvil is smaller and overall quality of the anvil is poorer.
@@ThingsMen: How is it a step "missed", if it is not done, to save cost?
It has no effect on operation.
@@zapa1pnt it used to be a step in the process and now its not. Without the wave washer the leading edge of the gear is free to make contact with the inspection plate.
I would buy the williams ratchet or a used snapon before I paid 45 bucks for a harbor junk copyon. And if I had to buy a ratchet from harbor junk I would by a Quinn made by gear wrench
Starting out wrenching I really loved the icon ratchets especially the extended ratchet just hated it was a locking flex head I put more then 200 pounds onto it and held strong never any issues but switch to a Matco locking flex head I couldn’t go back that’s the biggest upgrade
Yea they have been good ratchets up until recently. I probably own a half a dozen of their ratchets now.
After a though inspection of my local HF's ICOM ratchet selection, I found absolutely no locking flex heads. MY favorite ratchet of all time is a 3/8" Matco long handle locking flex head, and I was looking for 1/4" and 1/2" supplements, but I saw no locking flex heads at all.
I did end up buying thew 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" standard length flex heads. Can't say I needed them, as I've done everything from brakes to engine/trans swaps with my previous assortment. Right now, I'm awaiting a PCM I ordered almost 2 weeks ago, after a month of PCI bus diagnosis.They claim to ship in 24-72 hours, with an average shipping time of 5-7 days, without even an ordere confirmation or tracking number email being received.
Tekton... decent tools. Great customer service.
Seems to be the consensus
100% tekton is 99% all my affordable tools in the road box warranty is amazing and I'm not driving to the store every time I use one of harbor junk tools
@thingsmen CAL Ranch tools; are they Tekton by any chance? I bought several oddball sockets from them at 30% of Snap-On money.
@@piercehawke8021 yes my cal ranch carries tekton. 👍🏻
I bought a 3/8" Craftsman flex head ratchet a few years ago from Ace Hardware and after a little use it got really sloppy, very much like what you're seeing with that Icon ratchet. Took it apart and saw there was plenty of room to easily add a shim washer I had found in my used washer drawer and that made a huge improvement in the way the ratchet worked. Seems like the quality has really slipped since Stanley picked up the line.
Nice work. However I would like to see HF premium priced brand show some effort at being “Prosumer”.
@@ThingsMen I've been using the Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" dual flex head ratchet for years (963699) and had no complaints. It was cheaper when I bought it. You can remove the upper piece of the handle and turn it into a stubby ratchet and if you don't like the dual flex function, you can buy a cheap Evercraft 3/8" long flex head ratchet at Napa for $8.75 (7741482) and then swap the handles and have a nice single flex head ratchet using the Pgh. Pro head. That's pretty prosumer like.
@@ThingsMenI agree the copyon line is over priced garbage. Buy the Quinn line or if I wanted a good cost effective brand I buy tekton
Greetings, fellow Linux user.
Buy Koken virtually zero back drag. And ratchets that aren't going to bust up in a couple ueses on them. It actually made me look forward to using my rats again.. and if you have the money I think the best tool manufacturer on the planet is Nepros. I believe they're in the same company but that's their high high end and they are definitely super quality. I have the wooden screwdrivers I've never seen a screwdriver look so beautiful. They function as good as they look.. the Chrome finish is second to none
Thanks for commenting.
They had a recall really early on with these ratchets. Thought it was just the flex head but I’m not sure. You might have one of the pre recall ratchets.
Yes the recall was only for the flex heads as they bound up.
Tools are manufactured according to the design specifications. Many times companies that don’t manufacture their own tools will contract out with different manufacturers. As a contract comes to an end the tool company that designed the tool and wrote the specifications will send out a bid to several companies to see who can manufacture the tool and fulfill the contract for the best price. Another thing that happens to tool design is change orders over time. They may see flaws that need to be corrected or improvements to make them better than the original. They can also change the specifications to save cost on a batch or run of tools produced and see how many come back under warranty. The same is true if a company wants to cut costs and believes cutting a step in manufacturing processes will save money with no adverse effects on tool performance or longevity. Rarely do products remain the exact same over time.
Correct and i agree. Change is inevitable. It can be for the good of the product, or bad and we little influence on that. Thanks for commenting.
I had always seen wisdom, in buying quality (not most expensive)
tools, to last a lifetime. As I got past 50, I realized I could buy cheaper
tools and they would Still last a lifetime. 🌞😁✌
Fair point. Quality doesn't always = most expensive. Less expensive also doesn't = Lower quality. That is one of them main points of this channel. Finding the best tools out there indiscriminate of price.
@@ThingsMen exactly!
Any chance anyone knows the size of the wave washer for the three ratchet sizes?
@@s2eyes yes I measure it in this video. 👍🏻
🫵🏻Your New Icon Ratchet Is Broken! Fix It Before It Explodes!
czcams.com/video/Ut5Ixe6S6HQ/video.html
Just stating the video. Hoping the newest fles head ratchets haven't cut corners, as I've bought 1/2", 3/8", and 1/2"(standard lengths) in the last week due to the 40% off sale. My favorite ratchets have long been a 72 tooth AmPro stubby, and a Matco long handle locking flex head. I wish they made ICON locking flex heads.
@@ravenbarsrepairs5594 well you might be surprised I’m dropping a follow up video this weekend so stay tuned as it’s worth watching. 👍🏻
The five cent wave washers you mention are, probably, five cents per one hundred.
The radiusing of the gear and thinning of the switch knob are unnecessary machining
steps, which have no effect on the operation of the mechanism and so, not doing those
saves costs. The absence of the wave washer (an incredibly cheap part) is bad judgement,
because it Does affect the operation, of the mechanism. 😁✌🖖
Thanks for commenting. The anvil is also less refined and the ball detent has been replaced with a smaller one. The radiusing of the gear isnt as crucial is the washer is present, but if under load, and without the wave washer, its teeth could make contact with the plate and bind.
Icon and Doyle making the tool trucks sweat bullets 👍
They have stepped up their game, but they appear to be slipping on some products as seen in this video.
The only people sweating are the little children making harbor junk tools. It's gross Americans are buying them to save a couple bucks. Buy williams they are made by snapon and have a usa line and the sockets are almost identical ratchets are close just the teeth count is different harbor junk is a big corporate trash putting out garbage. The only tools I would buy is something that I use once a year
@thingsmen and I'm really suspecting that H-F's biggest Icon competitor is Pittsburgh/Quinn; not Snap-On, etc.
The one brand that seems to never get advertised is BluePoint; I have a 21mm ratchet wrench I bought new many years ago and it still works like new. Snap-On back then didn't offer that size in its own lineup hence my getting a BluePoint from them
Good video; thank you. I've been on the fence about buying Icon tools... Wish I could feel more positive about taking a chance on them. I may just stick w/ Proto, S-K, and the old, USA-made V & VV series hand tools. Subbed!
Appreciate the feedback. Not all icon is bad. I think current my they are cutting corners on a couple products but they have other items that are still solid purchases. Thanks again for commenting and subscribing. 👍🏻
Man we are really picking the fly shit out of the pepper here aren’t we? I’ve bought god knows how many snap on, Mac matco Cornwell etc and never taken one apart, back drag on a brand new ratchet unless horrendous is something you expect to get better over time. Perhaps we should use our tools for awhile
It’s ok that you haven’t. I spent most of my career doing the same.
@@ThingsMenbut you never noticed that less chamfer in a socket gives better bite on a fastener.......
I bought this same kit the other day and have the same issue with the ratchet binding. Grease was pouring out the anvil as if they over packed it to compensate for the missing washer. Its so annoying as I never had this issue on any of my Icon ratchets which have been workhorses for me.
Mine was packed with grease as well. It’s unfortunate you ran into the same problem. Are your sockets square on the back too? I did another video that goes into that.
Mine does the same thing and will swap directions as well.
@@MarkJCarruthers yea that’s no good.
@@ThingsMen Pulled it apart. No wavy washer. I then pulled my 1/2 flex, 3/8 flex and 1/4 fixed Icons and the 3/8 flex had no washer but also no issue and looked to have a different head size. The 1/4 fixed had a washer and the 1/2 flex had a washer. I could not open the 1/4 flex as I don't have a torx that small. I then pulled apart a Pittsburgh 3/8 Teardrop Composite which frankly is my favorite and it had a washer. All of these ratchets were purchased within the last month for reference.
@@MarkJCarruthers appreciate the update. Glad most of your have the washers.
So, I think there's more going on here. I had a second gen 3/8 long handle flex head (after they fixed the recall). I'm pretty sure it had the washer. The anvil snapped on that unit and I had it replaced a couple weeks ago. The new ratchet has all of the changes you've shown here; bigger pawl, no bevel on the anvil, and no washer. However, my ratchet does not bind when stressing the tool as you've shown.
So, I believe the exclusion of the washer is an intentional change, and the tolerances have been taken into account elsewhere in the design (likely the milling of the body/housing). I suspect your ratchet was produced around the time they were re-tooling, and it ended up with mismatched components.
They seem to be refining the design. Not only for cost saving measures (less tooling on the anvil), but also reliability (beefier anvil) and reducing assembly complexity (exclusion of the washer).
Unfortunately there are others that are lacking the washer and they too bind up so it’s not an isolated problem. The manufacturer is cutting corners and the products are starting to show it.
@@ThingsMen Didn't claim it was an isolated incident. Just that the exclusion of the washer may be a sign of a redesign since some units are not experiencing the binding. I fail to see how a larger pawl could be seen as cutting corners. I think what we're seeing is the factory mixing up components during a re-tooling.
Based on the shenanigans of the factory reselling this design under their own brand, Harbor Freight is probably paying around $5 to $10 per ratchet. I really doubt Harbor Freight is worried about a 3 cent washer on a tool with such a high markup. Especially when such a change would result in more warranty exchanges. A design change with poor execution at the factory seems more likely in my opinion. Perhaps they even changed factories, after the other was reselling what's probably supposed to be an exclusive design. Not everything is a conspiracy to save money.
The individual 3/8 ratchet I got over a year ago didn’t come with the wave washer took it back and they swapped it out for me
Common problem I see.
I took apart my 1/2 flex head and sure enough there was no oil or grease on the teeth.
@@teamlows yea put some grease on there!
Interesting upload man. I was worried about buying anything icon and harbor freight and they lower the quality and replace with a bigger pos tool
Sadly they have a reputation of dropping new good products just to phase out their quality as years progress. I’ve got countless examples of this.
@@ThingsMenthat’s not good for any of us that own their products, dang
That's why I buy tekton it gets better as they phase out
The backdrag can be adjusted these. You just to shorten or weaken the spring under the pawl. There is a fine line because the spring can not be to weak or it will not work properly. But if you have a ratchet with this style the spring is key.
💯 I've made it too short once and didn't work. Then I got a spring from a mechanical pencil and cut to size and worked really good
Yes you could alter the spring rate but then it becomes even harder for the spring to overcome the weight of the heavier paul. As you mentioned it’s a fine line.
@@Mr.Thermistor7228 why go through all that just return or buy better quality for the same price tekton I also find the Quinn ratchets are gear wrench and are better
After you pointed out the lack of washer and lack of bevels anvil gear.
If they would have beveled the gear, even without the washer. The gear wouldn’t drag as much or be trying to saw through the retaining plate with the teeth of the anvil gear when gear cams under upward handle tension.
Hopefully you just got a faulty ratchet. Id be curious if you returned it if the replacement has the same issue. If so thats 100% not a “premium” or prosumer ratchet and wont physically last long at all.
That’s my line of thinking as well. These are the absolutely most expensive ratchets HF offers and they are cutting corners. It has allowed them to lower prices a bit on the icon line but at what cost to the overall product? Not a fan of what I’m seeing.
Now, they need to make the ratchet head a bit thicker around the switch to prevent it from breaking off.
Maybe. I haven’t heard of issue breaking off yet. 🤷
Mine is the same as yours, missing the washer and sloppy. I swapped mine out with a new one in the store...
Well done. 👍🏻
The rachets that come in the sets are factory seconds
@@michaelwhisman345 or thirds? 😉
Everything in your video, including sockets can be had for $35 on AmZ via EPAuto= two identical ratchets, case and sockets!
@@CorvetteTrev I don’t know you just wrote is.
Its most likely sourced from a different supplier that didnt read the cliff notes
Possible but likely directed to cut cost as it’s pretty common for HF to do.
Please measure the wave washer so we can buy one. OD, ID, and thickness. Thanks.
I’ll keep that in mind next time I have it apart. Thanks for commenting. 👍🏻
@@ThingsMenthink you could take another look and get those measurements? I feel lots of people may own this set and could benefit by being able to source their own wave washer for an upgrade
@@jameslong9607 yes I can. I’m actually filming another video for this weekend and will have those dimensions included. 👍🏻
It’s possible your older ratchet was from Icons first release before they were recalled and those were the differences when they were updated? I don’t remember what the exact issue was back then but there were some problems with the ratchet binding up I believe. It seems the actual main issue with the ratchet that comes with these socket sets is just that washer.
Only the flex heads were recalled as far as I know. The standard ratchets were fine.
@@ThingsMen there is also a rumor that a new designed Icon ratchet could possibly be released soon, so the quality control could be slipping on these current ones? If you look at harbor freights website on the advertised pictures of the brand new Hardy brand latex gloves, a hand is shown with an icon ratchet that has a very different look of the current one?
@@Masenko325 can’t seem to find the photo. Feel free to link it if you come across it again.
@@ThingsMen it seems the picture has been removed on the website.. It was on the new orange gloves. A post still exists on a Facebook group of someone’s screenshot of it. I can’t find it anywhere else at the moment.
It's good to be aware to check for quality indeed.
It’s worth the extra minute. 👍🏻
I purchased one ICON comfort grip and I haven't taken it apart but I was not impressed as it was very notchy and if you put pressure like you show it would lock up. I only have 1 so nothing to compare it to but didn't like the feel and compared it to a Gearwrench 90t and it was much smoother so I ended up going to the Gearwrench 90T.
This makes me wonder if the ratchet is just missing parts and was missed on assembly or if they are not including those anymore....I will pull it apart and see thanks.
Several have said theirs are missing. That along with the different Pauls, lack of bevel on anvil, lower quality of anvil that also has a smaller ball detent. And cannot forget the sockets that are also missing the proper chamfering. It’s a lot of thing wrong in such a short amount of time.
Yeah, I like the Gearwrench too- I just wish they had quick release- but other than that, they're solid and even look professional, and are a good deal for the price; i.e. not cheap...but not expensive.
@@bobbylibertini I also have some tekton ratchet they also are 90t and are quality, I have an extra long 3/8 ratchet and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite ratchets even though it’s not always used. They have the quick release ratchets you may want to
@@donelias1981 I've heard good things about Tekton. I recently purchased a bunch of Casoman impact sockets- I'm kind of on the fence about those...they seem to be good for what I use them for (I don't use them every day) but the 1/2" drive ratchet that came with one of the sets has failed after using it 3 times (The drive mode selector doohicky is jammed)...which does not portend good things.... OTOH, I used their 1&7/8ths socket on bush hog blade bolts, which are extremely tightly torqued..and it did the job...
Bought the 3/8 54 piece set. My ratchet was horrible and would bind at any slight angle on the socket. I took it back today and was able to get a new one, without replacing the whole set (individual ratchet)...... And it's the same! A little smoother than the last, but still absolutely garbage. Decided to take it apart and it also has no wave washer......this isn't just a QC issue at this point. Unacceptable, because the Pittsburgh ratchets feel much better and do not bind at all.
On a side note, the 1/4 icon set I bought is fine, with no binding.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s clear the factory producing these in Taiwan is purposefully not including the crush washer. We don’t know if it’s at the request of HF to cut costs or if the factory is making this decision on their own. Either way this isn’t HF first attempt at launching a decent product and then changing factories or lowering quality in order to maximize profits. 😠
overpriced junk i bought 3 duralast sets 25 years ago on sale still have yet to open the other 2 got them for $24.99 each there is no use spending copious amounts of money on sockets and wrenches and ratchets when the majority of them perform similarly
Yea those were good ones. Hold onto them. 👍🏻
You paid $24.99 each 25 years ago and you’re saying these are overpriced? 😂😂😂 brother they’re like $30/$40 after 25 years of inflation and you won’t have to pay for one ever again. I’d say you’re just here to complain, which is par for the course.
@@richardmann4006 i was thinkin the same thing, also how would he know if there junk if he been using the same tools for 100years 😂
@@joshrod2941 😂😂😂
I asked before and i ask again: what are the dimensions for the wave washer? My ratchet doesn't have this washer. You did good identifying the problem, but go the whole 9 yards and help others fix their ratchets by giving the dimensions. I can find the part on my own.
McMaster Carr has a washer .500" ID, .750" OD, .010" thick, .160" height, PN 1775N13. This looks like what i see in the video, but none of us know for sure without dimensions. Help a fellow out please.
.003” thick. Id is .62”. OD is .745”. 👍🏻
Did you ever fin a washer that works?
@troycarle3296 , the closest wave washer McMaster Carr lists is pn# 9714K1. Pack of 10 $12.73. Not exactly the same dimensions as provided, but I think it'll fit. It doesn't have to be the same. It just needs to fit. Anyhow, this washer's dimensions are 0.520" ID, 0.740" OD, 0.008" thick, 0.063" high. I haven't bought them. I think my ratchet works well enough, but I might burn 13 bucks to see if it'll make a difference. None of my other ratchets (Craftsmen and Milwaukee) has a wave spring. For all I know, ICON makes the ratchet better now and it doesn't need a wave spring. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@troycarle3296 I did not. Ultimately I returned it because of the issues I mentioned with the whole set.
@@OldAndGettingOlder did you ever buy the washers, and test it out? Would love to find a washer to fix this issue...
Hard to get excited about non-Snap on ratchets, unfortunately
There are some great alternatives out there.
By far snapon is the best and when I can't afford a new one I'll buy a used one
No way I can't believe it 😲
👍🏻
You should definitely advise the manager what you found on the ratchet. They may need to recall and fix the set.
My local management doesn’t care. Videos like this actually get a significant amount of attention. 👍🏻
@@ThingsMen I’m gonna go in to my HF tomorrow and let them know. Could it be just a 1 off mistake?
@@dreadedtred no several have complained.
Damn, my buddy just sent me a Home Depot Husky 270 piece 1/2”, 3/8” and 1/4” SAE and metric with 3 drawer case for $99.00 Fathers Day Sale. What do you think?
Let me know if Husky is junk.
When buying tools from Harbor Freight, you should expect corners to be cut.
Sometimes but their icon line fetches a premium and did get off to a good start.
Wait until we tell him the back drag has nothing to do with the pawl (or hardly) and everything to do with the spring tension.
You’ll have a hard time convincing me it’s not both. 👍🏻
These tool box ratchets are Defective!
At least my was in more ways than one.
Get a grip. If your really butt hurt as bad as you seem on the Internet we'll you can walk your hurt ass back into harbor freight and swap out with a new one
@@Mr.Thermistor7228: If it a matter of bad design, it is a worthless hike. 😁✌🖖
I had got two ratchets many years ago same day I got a gold icon and a gold Craftsman made in China 50$ each same price and online the Craftsman is resale for 100$ and the icon resale 30$ and icon is never resale for more than original price and some Craftsman stuff sells for 10 times more than original price but the made in China two ways going on but the icon has the double box end flex them are nice they are the only Icon product that sells for half the original price on offer up
@@craigdave3266 If you are looking at resale then I think your pricing would vary by region. Then again time will also tell if Icon picks up over time. Craftsman didn’t use to have a high resale either. In that case I’m more inclined to buy tools based on performance and warranty as I tend to keep them but I can understand your point as well. 👍🏻
A lot of their stuff varies some depending on where that batch came from. The 20t press for example. One comes with the main frame welded and you have to bolt the other version together. Compare their other rachets before buying. I pick the one with the least amount of play in the anvil. I wont buy the icon ratchets.
Correct they tend shift around manufacturers. However icon is their premium line as was showing some hope.
@thingsmen I bought a 1/4" flex head just to give them a shot. First one didn't work out of the box. Second one froze just passing it around the shop feeling the slop, back drag and lever. There may have been another one but the one I have now has a ton of back drag. The Pittsburgh version I have is very smooth. For the price point, I'll stick to gearwrench (I love their ratchets. Better than most of my tool truck brands) and other known brands. I realize it's "our fault" because of guys buying tools to use once and return but the prices and how they've gotten with returns I've only been in hf maybe 5 times in the last couple years. I used to go there every weekend with my wife and step daughter. The same stuff is available online these days, only requires a picture for me to replace a broken tool and I get it in the mail 2-3 days later. Craftsman tools are a pain to return at my local Lowes. The truck guys have excuses on top of excuses anymore. Harbor freight only has a 90 day warranty on automotive "specialty tools" with a receipt and possibly restocking fee. Sorry for the adhd rant. I'll stop now. Haha
@@aaadamt964same I don't buy copyon anymore when in a pinch I found the new Quinn ratchets are way better
I really love some of the Icon stuff. But, I have trouble trusting HF. I feel like their nice stuff is always secretly garbage.
It’s tough because sometimes they do offer a quality product and for a long time. But that is not always the case.
Icon stuff is about equivalent to current Craftsman crap. If you watch the vids where the tools are scientifically tested, the Icon stuff usually matches or falls below Craftsman (Which isn't saying much). Horrid Freight is using marketing-via-name-association to try and make people think that they are getting a bargain because they compare their prices to Snap-On...but of course, the Icon stuff is a joke compared to Snap-On [Note: I am not a Snap-On fan or user]. A very few HF items are deent...and while the quality has improved somewhat over the years, the prices have also gone up exponentially. I don't buy the tool truck brands, because they are an overpriced rip-off...but I do try to buy quality tools- which often means going with different manufacturers for different products. I just went to use my HF snap-ring prliers yesterday...what a pice of junk! Money wasted..now i have to go out and buy REAL ones.
Yea snap ring pliers are garbage. Their icon stuff has mostly been above par. I like most of their ratchets but this new stuff is concerning. Thanks for commenting!
Buy tekton way better quality and warranty dont break every time you use them and have to drive to the store at 3.50 a gallon FJB
The older icons are quite nice. It’s this newer batch that I’m questioning. A lot of Tekton products are nice. 👍🏻
@thingsmen I bought a 3/8 copyon about 6 months ago and it was a total pos traded it in a couple times and it in my junk box I use it as a hammer now I got the 3/8 Quinn and it's a way better ratchet
@thingsmen and yes I agree for the money tekton for m has been the best brand I also feel like they care more it's still a family owned business
Best way to avoid that is to not buy h.f. crap
That's why i do these videos. Not all HF is crap, but when they do its always good to point it out. Thanks for commenting!
You must be a snap off fan boy
@@williamM-18 nope just the facts copyon is overpriced garbage
Does it Titan and loosen nuts. That it does its job enough with these stupid videos taking tools apart for no fucking reason
Will it tighten or loosen them for long? That’s my question as I like to make informed decisions before purchasing tools for the long haul. 👍🏻
Go get em walter...true!