The sad part is, that these tools are made in china….but you could produce them in the usa for the same price. Armstrong was in a similar price range and in germany, we produce the same quality than snap-on for a fraction of the snap-on price tag…and the production costs are higher here than in the us.
The gold is a gimmick, yet makes sense to me. One of my first Craftsman sets back in the 70s was an "anniversary edition" with gold plating (at least trim) on nearly everything. I still use some of the screwdrivers all the time.
My local harbor freight sold out of the gold ratchet 3 times already. They are gone within 24 hrs, apparently. To be fair, one of the few ratchets that can make you feel like el chapo.
@@andybub45 call it whatever you want, they have yet to do what was stated in the email that was sent out. I'm just weird about people standing behind what they say 🤷♂️
I was looking for a replacement 3/8 flex head ratchet because I lost mine at work but I wanted it to have a quick release button so I went with the tekton and I have no regrets it is a great ratchet only $38 and you can either order it through them or Amazon.
I know of people who never returned the 3/8” ratchets. If theirs was operating OK, they saw no reason to return it. I wonder what percentage of the original ratchets were returned.
Are oval faceplates a better design them the figure 8, in general? I'm wondering because Armstrong use to have the figure 8 then they changed to oval I'm guessing after Danaher bought them
I’m thinking the other sizes will be changed on the run. The 3/8 gave too much trouble and they wanted to make them all better for anyone who bought one. Seems that way.
I would really like to hear you Compare the icon and the Pittsburg ratchet and see if there really is that big of a difference and if the price is justifiable.
Hi there . I really like your tool videos.. I have three soft handled Icon ratchets.. from 2021.. how I know the difference in the one that’s correct.. I have 1/4, 3/8,1/2 non flexhead. Thanks
Yeah people are buying those ratchets, it’s kinda funny and cool at the same time, LOL It’s so ridiculous that I kinda want one, not because Icon ratchets are so amazing, but because as a mechanic I’ve got a golden ratchet, I can fix anything! 😆 It’s “fun”, I don’t think you’re supposed to take those golden ratchets seriously. Buy one or don’t, it’s a golden ratchet, take it for what it is. 😎
Now those of us that bought and returned the 3/8" flex heads need to understand the process for getting out replacement ratchet. I still have my email from Eric that was sent out to return the original. Now when will I get the email to come get my replacement?
I tried getting my replacement from the store and the manager said you have to wait for the email voucher before you can go back to the store to get your free replacement. The manager was cool he said he is going to hold one for me until the emails get sent out.
Pretty cool review, Catus. I have little faith in HF tools, only use them for disassembly. For assembly I only use SO, Old Craftsman, Proto, or K mart Automotive from the 80s.
Urhmm.... wouldn't assembly be easier on tools than disassembly? So you save the good tools for the easy work? HF icon tools far exceed their ANSI specs, modern fine tooth ratchets are much stronger than older coarse tooth designs. That's not even disputed these days.
@@aussiehardwood6196 Not that assembly is harder on tools, but more exacting. I need to feel the torque that my torque wrench may lie about. I work on aircraft.
@@upsidedowndog1256 my cousin works on helicopters in the navy, you would be surprised on the ragtag of tools they use including Pittsburg and Icon. The boys who work on the ambulances at my hospital use quite a few HF tool. But there are some things they have you just can't use. Until they upgrade, anyway.
@@PistonHonda87 Nice. Government contracts mean you can only use what they provide. Not necessarily the best tools, but usually sufficient. I use EX government contract air drills quite often, but have found better in the civilian market. I own probably 6 drills including 2 angle drills from military surplus. My favorites were from standard public companies. Most now conglomerated with bigger companies so no telling how to get those again. Probably gone to China. I hate Chinese tools.
@@upsidedowndog1256 there is a law that the military has to buy a certain percentage of US made tools. Icon, Matco, capri and some tekton are all Taiwanese which I consider good quality. Second tier to Japan, US, Germany and UK.
They would not be able to re-use the handles in any retail box that had been opened. Beyond the regulations that prohibit this kind of thing, it would have been uselessly expensive, which is why I doubt they re-worked any existing stock that was on the shelf. HF redesigned it and did the right thing.
Tekton has a similar design to Icon, but is slimmer and just as durable. For very hard to reach places for a non tool truck brand. That would be the go to. Capri's 72 tooth is solid. But has a really bad back drag ( the angle of reset after the first click of a turn. 5° arch swing which takes 3° or more to re-engage to the turn of the gear). But hands down has the best tension on the swivel of the tool. Most flex heads either have a retention snap ring, indexing non locking, or locking switch. It doesn't have any of the three. It on has a retention spring that sits about more that 2/3 of the base of the head. So can really tighten it down to where it won't move on you.
Icon makes nice tools, the flex heads sucked but HF fixed them, I like icon, use them professionally on hydraulic equipment, impact sockets, ratchets, and ratchet wrenches
ICON doesn't manufacture tools. HF doesn't manufacture tools. HF didn't design ICON. These are generic tools, made in Taiwan by Infar Industries, Toptul, and Kabo. They're the same tools as NAPA Carlyle. Same as Milwaukee's hand tools. Same as a few others.
They probably only recalled inside track member purchases because they already had them in their computer when I return some thing as an inside track club member all I need is the item that is defective and my phone number they’ll replace it on the spot without question
I have heard that there is a God that came with the tool and if you worship it.....the God would grant you extra wives, girlfriends, mistresses, money, sport cars......whatever you want...
It’s always a balance between quality vs cheap and overpriced vs too inexpensive. I’d say try the cheaper ones, if they hold up for you great. If not upgrade. Most of us have 10-20 ratchets, but we use power tools mostly anyway. 😳🧐
I used to live right behind a harbor Frieght and every couple days id see a couple employees wheel a big cart out and destroy tons of tools, cords just all kinds of stuff im guessing stuff that was returned. I highly doubt they shipped these ratchets back to taiwan to get remanned and then back.
whole ratchet is new, handle differs too slightly, reused some existing packaging but I expect that pretty pricey as packing is awful over done bling waste on these . I guess they switched manufacturer to same as the fixed head ratchets or got manufacturer rework it to use same design internals . I would imagine general internal bitching on the issue and time it takes deal with manufacture, do some tooling, have some samples then wait your turn in manufacture stages eats lot of time . If HF actually used it's brain rather than nuts in chasing some snapon design elements and ditched the toy like style copying and wasteful packaging they could actually source better innovation and ergonomics and better tools and bigger range for proper sensible fixed price . Worth looking at the chromed socket rail sets that now show as made of crmo rather than crv which bit unusual . wonder if that manufacturer change or just spec change to combat remarks on socket durability !?
Just my personal tinkerer, hobbyist opinion. I personally chose the Craftsman flex head CMMT86322V with 3.75° arc swing. It has a recessed reversing switch. Quality, durable high gloss chrome plating. The ratchet's weight and quality metal make it feel very strong. The strong sealed head with no screws and no socket quick release. Yes, the precision drive gear clicks are audible and excellent without excessive movement before the next click is heard. Yes, the socket securely snaps onto the drive gear. Yes, the knurled handle is shape is unique or different. Not a reason to not keep or avoid it. No obvious way to open it at home for cleaning and lubrication purposes. Lifetime warranty. Should it ever fail to function properly. I will simply have it replaced as instructed on the package.
@@chip7236 doubt it the section is so small to began with not much demand this is the first review in a long time on it it's been proven that the cheaper priced Pittsburgh is better
@@larryborkstrom3580 I could see it depending on location. My store seems to have a hard time keeping everything in stock and has pretty much all the tools currently in the lineup. I expect they'll be around for awhile yet. Pittsburgh are not better, in general, than Icon. Same as Icon is not as good as snap on. I have all three.
Why people wouldn't just buy snap on, Gedore, Hazet stahlwille I will never understand, not even much more? You can buy new snap on ratchets on ebay here in the UK for 30% to 50% off retail prices.
@@heybabycometobutthead they got into dept with snap on, or had a bad dealer and blamed S/O for the way the franchisee treated them. That's the only way people get turned off of snap on.
@@dstblj5222 I agree. 50 dollar range for entry level professional tools is about right. Although there is gearwrench/tekton for slightly cheaper but still in the same ball park. Harborb freight does have in store warranty convenience same day. Client graphics only did a test on the old flex head. Everyone only tested the old flex head. Curious to see how the stronger design translates in comparison
Credit where credit is due, they fixed this properly, and it actually looks to be a solid ratchet for the price.
The sad part is, that these tools are made in china….but you could produce them in the usa for the same price.
Armstrong was in a similar price range and in germany, we produce the same quality than snap-on for a fraction of the snap-on price tag…and the production costs are higher here than in the us.
@@BoltThrower321 they are actually made in Taiwan, like many Pittsburgh tools are.
The upgrade is why I finally invested in the ratchets. Very pleased so far.
HF used the gold ratchet to fund the manufacturing of the new 3/8 flex head ratchets 😂
I bought a gold one. I really like Icon and wanted to show the snap on guy his shit doesn't own my heart
Thanks for the detailed explanation of these wrenches. Great review, thanks!
The gold is a gimmick, yet makes sense to me. One of my first Craftsman sets back in the 70s was an "anniversary edition" with gold plating (at least trim) on nearly everything. I still use some of the screwdrivers all the time.
Howdy, Catman! I'm glad you gave Harbor Freight a shout-out for their efforts to make things right with the 3/8.
CATUS!!!!!! just when i though you might be about to run out of Ratchet Videos, you go and put this up. LOL......Great job man...
finally
now i can fix the flat tire on my bike
I have never understood the motivation to have a gold plated ratchet of any brand.
Freud associated gold with excrement, so a golden ratchet would be the symbolically correct tool for an anal type to use when fixing toilets.
@@onehandclapping1068 LOL
It’s just to look nice
So the owner would worship it...
Goes with my grills.....
My local harbor freight sold out of the gold ratchet 3 times already. They are gone within 24 hrs, apparently.
To be fair, one of the few ratchets that can make you feel like el chapo.
More like el cheapo
Hahaha!!! LOL!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
They had one today in my store. I passed on it. Just too novelty for me. I’d rather have something I can use.
I thought about getting one, but it’s $25 bucks more, about. I’d only buy it to unnerve the haters anyway.
Has anybody got the vouchers to get the rachets?
I was told we would be contacted when the replacements came in.... HF definitely did not handle this recall well at all. Great video
They just started to reach stores just a few days ago, some stores did not get them yet.
Was not really a recall because it wasn’t a safety issue. Think about it like a TSB on a car.
@@andybub45 call it whatever you want, they have yet to do what was stated in the email that was sent out. I'm just weird about people standing behind what they say 🤷♂️
Nope I still haven't gotten any communication from HF
I think they’re trying to make up for the loss when the cancelled all coupons lol...another great video👍
I visited a store that opened this week. Sadly there was no spot on the plan-o-gram for them.
I was looking for a replacement 3/8 flex head ratchet because I lost mine at work but I wanted it to have a quick release button so I went with the tekton and I have no regrets it is a great ratchet only $38 and you can either order it through them or Amazon.
I know of people who never returned the 3/8” ratchets. If theirs was operating OK, they saw no reason to return it. I wonder what percentage of the original ratchets were returned.
Are oval faceplates a better design them the figure 8, in general? I'm wondering because Armstrong use to have the figure 8 then they changed to oval I'm guessing after Danaher bought them
I’m thinking the other sizes will be changed on the run. The 3/8 gave too much trouble and they wanted to make them all better for anyone who bought one.
Seems that way.
At least they fixed it properly
January 2023, I just bought a 1/2 long handle Icon flex head and it has an updated head and selector switch.
I’m gonna go and try to get my free one !
I've been waiting for these
First
First to get the ICON tool? Is it a big deal?
@@trankt54155 first to post
@@cbmech2563 Oh...too much free time eh.....
@@trankt54155 no I was checking my email when it popped up
I reallly want a 3/4 inch ratchet !
I emailed them about this several times!
I would really like to hear you Compare the icon and the Pittsburg ratchet and see if there really is that big of a difference and if the price is justifiable.
There are a few videos on that. I believe Catus Maximus did one on it as well. I know that he did one on the Pittsburgh versus icon roto ratchet
I was going to get those ares ratchets on pay day like i said......Now they will have to wait...im pick me up one of these.
Hi there . I really like your tool videos..
I have three soft handled Icon ratchets.. from 2021.. how I know the difference in the one that’s correct.. I have 1/4, 3/8,1/2 non flexhead.
Thanks
Yeah people are buying those ratchets, it’s kinda funny and cool at the same time, LOL It’s so ridiculous that I kinda want one, not because Icon ratchets are so amazing, but because as a mechanic I’ve got a golden ratchet, I can fix anything! 😆
It’s “fun”, I don’t think you’re supposed to take those golden ratchets seriously. Buy one or don’t, it’s a golden ratchet, take it for what it is. 😎
I bought two of the gold plated ratchets.
Now those of us that bought and returned the 3/8" flex heads need to understand the process for getting out replacement ratchet. I still have my email from Eric that was sent out to return the original. Now when will I get the email to come get my replacement?
I tried getting my replacement from the store and the manager said you have to wait for the email voucher before you can go back to the store to get your free replacement. The manager was cool he said he is going to hold one for me until the emails get sent out.
Man looks like they took that problem seriously and didn’t do a hack job to just make it work for a while way to go harbor freight
How long is that long flex head 3/8 icon ratchet?
review the new thin wall socket from icon
Where are the new ones made at?
The prices are competitive as well they are getting just as expensive as the rest as well
I got one coming in the mail if it ever comes
I'm still waiting for a locking flex head.
Pretty cool review, Catus. I have little faith in HF tools, only use them for disassembly. For assembly I only use SO, Old Craftsman, Proto, or K mart Automotive from the 80s.
Urhmm.... wouldn't assembly be easier on tools than disassembly? So you save the good tools for the easy work? HF icon tools far exceed their ANSI specs, modern fine tooth ratchets are much stronger than older coarse tooth designs. That's not even disputed these days.
@@aussiehardwood6196
Not that assembly is harder on tools, but more exacting. I need to feel the torque that my torque wrench may lie about. I work on aircraft.
@@upsidedowndog1256 my cousin works on helicopters in the navy, you would be surprised on the ragtag of tools they use including Pittsburg and Icon.
The boys who work on the ambulances at my hospital use quite a few HF tool.
But there are some things they have you just can't use. Until they upgrade, anyway.
@@PistonHonda87
Nice. Government contracts mean you can only use what they provide. Not necessarily the best tools, but usually sufficient. I use EX government contract air drills quite often, but have found better in the civilian market. I own probably 6 drills including 2 angle drills from military surplus. My favorites were from standard public companies. Most now conglomerated with bigger companies so no telling how to get those again. Probably gone to China. I hate Chinese tools.
@@upsidedowndog1256 there is a law that the military has to buy a certain percentage of US made tools.
Icon, Matco, capri and some tekton are all Taiwanese which I consider good quality. Second tier to Japan, US, Germany and UK.
They would not be able to re-use the handles in any retail box that had been opened. Beyond the regulations that prohibit this kind of thing, it would have been uselessly expensive, which is why I doubt they re-worked any existing stock that was on the shelf. HF redesigned it and did the right thing.
What's up with Icon? I notice there off and on, Righty isn't tighty no more?
I’m thinking that gold plated job is a Father’s Day gift or something along those lines
would like to see a head to head with capri and tekton!
Capri, Matco and Icon all use the same manufacturer. Would still be interesting to see where they may excel at or cut corners.
@@PistonHonda87 capri and icon may but the matco as are made in the US by aj manufacturing which these obviously aren't
@@dstblj5222 MATCO ADV is Sunex IIRC.
@@jordanrussell345 matco adv sure but matco and matco adv are not the same
Tekton has a similar design to Icon, but is slimmer and just as durable. For very hard to reach places for a non tool truck brand. That would be the go to.
Capri's 72 tooth is solid. But has a really bad back drag ( the angle of reset after the first click of a turn. 5° arch swing which takes 3° or more to re-engage to the turn of the gear). But hands down has the best tension on the swivel of the tool. Most flex heads either have a retention snap ring, indexing non locking, or locking switch. It doesn't have any of the three. It on has a retention spring that sits about more that 2/3 of the base of the head. So can really tighten it down to where it won't move on you.
Didn’t the retail price of the 3/8 flexhead go up?
Icon makes nice tools, the flex heads sucked but HF fixed them, I like icon, use them professionally on hydraulic equipment, impact sockets, ratchets, and ratchet wrenches
ICON doesn't manufacture tools. HF doesn't manufacture tools. HF didn't design ICON. These are generic tools, made in Taiwan by Infar Industries, Toptul, and Kabo. They're the same tools as NAPA Carlyle. Same as Milwaukee's hand tools. Same as a few others.
@@MrSubaru1387 looks like they still work good
I need a gold plated one with engravings " El Patron " jejeje
Is there a reason these don't have a button release on the back?
Quick release means a weaker anvil. They went for strength over form.
Catus what is the price of the 14 inch?
They probably only recalled inside track member purchases because they already had them in their computer when I return some thing as an inside track club member all I need is the item that is defective and my phone number they’ll replace it on the spot without question
What's the microfiber cloth about? The new "free" gift?
that's to wipe your buyers remorse tears ...
@@mrb1864 omg lol
The cloth is for all the tool polishers out there that collect tools but never use them.
I wish they would do a quick release version. It's a deal breaker for me unfortunately
I bought the gold one just for fun. Won't use it but it does look nice in the box.
I have heard that there is a God that came with the tool and if you worship it.....the God would grant you extra wives, girlfriends, mistresses, money, sport cars......whatever you want...
@@trankt54155 Wow! Great info. I had no idea! I just bought one to match my grills...
I want a locking flex head
Is it worth it to spend that much money when cheaper HF brand is also lifetime warranteed?
Depends if you want the higher build quality
Good ratchets for the money if you’re beginning a career using tools.
Would only buy for diy if you can spend a little more
Depends on how many trips you want to make to HF
@@a1axel738 if you have a Snap On or Matco student discount, I would go straight to them and skip Icon for most items
It’s always a balance between quality vs cheap and overpriced vs too inexpensive. I’d say try the cheaper ones, if they hold up for you great. If not upgrade.
Most of us have 10-20 ratchets, but we use power tools mostly anyway. 😳🧐
As far as flex heads I like my Capri and GW better than these Icons, but these seem to be okay.
Bought one the other day. Anvil will just spin and will not work
lol i did a small review too lol yours is 10x better
Don't Forget CATUS MAXIMUS at 8p.m.
I used to live right behind a harbor Frieght and every couple days id see a couple employees wheel a big cart out and destroy tons of tools, cords just all kinds of stuff im guessing stuff that was returned. I highly doubt they shipped these ratchets back to taiwan to get remanned and then back.
Did they trash the jack stands or scrap them?
@@rtz549 i haven't lived at that place in about 5 years i dont remember when the jack stand recal happened cause i still have mine.
I bought a gold one just to sell it once it triples in value 😆😆
The Gold plated one is half the price of a single Snap-On... Damn... I'm getting 2! 😉
50% of a truck brand ratchet, yes 50% of one thats not gold plated.
whole ratchet is new, handle differs too slightly, reused some existing packaging but I expect that pretty pricey as packing is awful over done bling waste on these .
I guess they switched manufacturer to same as the fixed head ratchets or got manufacturer rework it to use same design internals .
I would imagine general internal bitching on the issue and time it takes deal with manufacture, do some tooling, have some samples then wait your turn in manufacture stages eats lot of time .
If HF actually used it's brain rather than nuts in chasing some snapon design elements and ditched the toy like style copying and wasteful packaging they could actually source better innovation and ergonomics and better tools and bigger range for proper sensible fixed price .
Worth looking at the chromed socket rail sets that now show as made of crmo rather than crv which bit unusual . wonder if that manufacturer change or just spec change to combat remarks on socket durability !?
Just my personal tinkerer, hobbyist opinion.
I personally chose the Craftsman flex head CMMT86322V with 3.75° arc swing.
It has a recessed reversing switch. Quality, durable high gloss chrome plating.
The ratchet's weight and quality metal make it feel very strong. The strong sealed head with no screws and no socket quick release.
Yes, the precision drive gear clicks are audible and excellent without excessive movement before the next click is heard.
Yes, the socket securely snaps onto the drive gear. Yes, the knurled handle is shape is unique or different. Not a reason to not keep or avoid it.
No obvious way to open it at home for cleaning and lubrication purposes.
Lifetime warranty. Should it ever fail to function properly. I will simply have it replaced as instructed on the package.
Worst $50 I spent. Anvil snap off after the first use
I bought gold
🐈🥠
slow down man. I like the more laid back vids
I'm not sure you know how mass produced stuff works, Each of those heads cost a few cents to make.
😏
I am human.
Junk, I’m sorry for price of icon tools there are better tool companies for same cost or less.
Tomuch money I con
All a publicly stunt I don't see see icon line lasting much longer my HF don't have much in icon mainly Pittsburgh
The icon line will definitely stick around.
Could be because they keep selling out of stock.
@@chip7236 doubt it the section is so small to began with not much demand this is the first review in a long time on it it's been proven that the cheaper priced Pittsburgh is better
@@larryborkstrom3580 I could see it depending on location. My store seems to have a hard time keeping everything in stock and has pretty much all the tools currently in the lineup. I expect they'll be around for awhile yet. Pittsburgh are not better, in general, than Icon. Same as Icon is not as good as snap on. I have all three.
I bought all the gold ones that my stores had and resold them on ebay for 3x as much money.
Why people wouldn't just buy snap on, Gedore, Hazet stahlwille I will never understand, not even much more? You can buy new snap on ratchets on ebay here in the UK for 30% to 50% off retail prices.
s/o screwed a lot of us. i won't buy anything from them. i like pittsburgh pro flex head. works great
@@narcissistinjurygiver2932 how did snap on screw you?
@@heybabycometobutthead they got into dept with snap on, or had a bad dealer and blamed S/O for the way the franchisee treated them. That's the only way people get turned off of snap on.
@@jonnylong7927 sad that people blame a product for their own financial stupidity, cash is king, if you can't afford it, don't buy it.
@@heybabycometobutthead So you just answered your own question.
That's why I sold mine...rachets are crap. Icon is junk n overpriced
Meh their at least equal to what gearwrench and craftsman are selling and cost the same
@@dstblj5222 I agree. 50 dollar range for entry level professional tools is about right. Although there is gearwrench/tekton for slightly cheaper but still in the same ball park. Harborb freight does have in store warranty convenience same day.
Client graphics only did a test on the old flex head. Everyone only tested the old flex head. Curious to see how the stronger design translates in comparison