The Truth About Harbor Freight, ICON Warranty, and Tool Testers
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- Talking about Harbor Freight, ICON Warranty, and Tool Testers. Giving my experience in testing tools for Harbor freight and my experience warranting ICON Tools and new icon tools from harbor freight.
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Nothing in this video was meant to offend anyone and this is not a personal attack this is about a tool company. Nothing more. With that being said what is your experience warranting these new ICON Tools?
Redemption Garage I appreciate this video I was very close to switching to icon when you started the videos. I didn’t I went with Tekton instead nothing wrong with the tool trucks just my little shop they don’t stop by lol
What if someone buys you a ratchet as a gift, do you have to get that persons to warranty the tool? Who asks for a receipt with a present like a ratchet?
HF gave me an issue with their Pitysburgh radiator kit because they wanted proof of purchase. It was embarrassing and a while big issue getting it warrantied. All in all they refused the warranty in the end.
Jeffrey Heinzelman I watched this video. And it really made be glad I didn’t my my hand tools there I like HF but it’s not cool how they are doing with warranties
@@jeffreyheinzelmanjr3317 same here they wouldn't take there battery charger back that was only like 5 days old it started smoking. It litterly says cen tech on them and then it still said harbor freight on it. But eventually we got them to take it back after making a big scene
I took a 1/4" Icon ratchet in last week, did not ask for any information just gave me a brand new one. (Michigan Store)
So far after 2 years of buying stuff there I have not had a bad experience at hb with warranties, nor been ask for my phone number when returning them.
I snapped an ICON torque wrench when they first came out (using it most definitely neglectfully/the wrong way) and they asked for my phone number and then told me that it couldn't be warrantied after 6 mos. I broke the tool just before I left for military training. But I really think this might be before ICON sort of blew up and they announced lifetime warranty. I am not sure if this "lifetime" was a thing until they gained traction. My store was one of the first stores to start showing ICON. I believe they had torque wrenches on the shelf as early as Dec. 2918 or Jan. 2019
@@josefelix4152 I always get asked for my number, but goes into my history so don't mind.
taken in at least 20 of those Pittsburgh flex head ratcheting wrenches in the past 3 years and they always just gave me a new one no phone number receipt or anything, but it's always good to make sure what kind of warranty the tool you buy has
I've had to replace a few of the gen 1 ICON ratchets and I've never had a single issue with phone numbers and such, and only one time I had to explain to them it was an exchange, not a return, and that they would have to unlock a new one for me. (Florida store).
Dude if you have a broken ball joint press. Go to the store and purchase another one. Return the broken one on the new receipt. That's the work around I've been doing it for years. Thanks for the video man. Keep up the good work.
Boston Boston yep
I have done that at other stores. Lol.
They had these flashlights for sale at napa one time and i got one for like $80 (with 90 day warranty). Over a year later it stopped charging and they wouldnt warranty it, but the same flashlight was on sale for $40 so i bought 2 more and then had one of the “new” ones warrantied with my old one in the box, now i have 3 brand new ones
And people wonder why warranty limitations get more strict at stores. This is why.
Exactly
I warrantied an Icon 1/2" flex head ratchet and they didn't even want to hear the story. Swapped it out with no proof of purchase and took 3 minutes. So I would say it varies by store.
Moral of story, if they won't let you at one store.. try another? I'd like to see more uniformity though.
Same. I called before I got my set, the closest store to my house said warranties were done through a mail-in process, the store an extra 3 minutes in the opposite direction (closer to downtown if that makes a difference) said they'll swap it on the spot no questions asked. Which was a plus because I'd never been there and it's like twice the size of my local one lol
I used to be the sales manager for the Boise Idaho store. I am very sorry to hear about your experience with your local store. The policy that I understand (and we ALWAYS honored) was no questions asked period. you bring in a broken tool and we hand you a new one.
Honestly We need more people like you giving us their honest opinion. Keep up the good work
Very good video. I only have 2 Icon tools. One is the ratchet and it has really been a good one. The other is the metric deep chrome socket set and they fit pretty good but they are noticeably softer than Snap On or even my older Craftsman set. They haven’t broke but at this point I question when they will start rounding bolts off. They haven’t been used on an impact at all and even the 3/8” square drive has wear on them so if they warranty them no big deal just aggravating to have to drive them to the store to exchange them. But honestly they haven’t had that much use on them at all compared to the other sets I have and show much more wear.
You should have wally use the sockets and once he breaks them buy him some matco sockets 😁
Hell yea. All my stuff is older Craftsman, can't afford the SO lol. Recently got a 3/8 deep socket set (EE) at the pawn shop for $10. Great!
Wheres Wally?
Had a similar experience with a rear caliper wind back tool at harbor freight. Brought in for warranty and was told that mine was the older brand and only had 30 day warranty. Went to home depot and got a roll pin and fixed it myself (after the depot employee who stopped me and asked what I was looking for informed me that they don't sell roll pins, I showed him where they were.)
I know Craftsman is falling out of love, but when I was younger I used to go to garage sales and estate sales and look for broken Craftsman hand tools. I could usually explain to the seller how it was broken and they would sell it really cheap. I could then walk into my local Sears store and get a brand new tool with their lifetime warranty exchange. No receipts, no phone numbers, just Craftsman stamped on the side was good enough!
I got several nice tools that way.
I used to do that also, when Craftsman was still made in the USA.
Now I won't touch them with a twenty foot pole.
This is coming from someone, who's washer, dryer, hot water heater, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, freezer, about 95% of hand tools, router, circular saw, jig saw, corded drill, chop saw, air compressor all came from Sears
That shit don't fly for a long time but it was great when it lasted
@@rusilver2 It lasted for about 100 years. The other tool companies had the same type of service until Sears started closing stores. That type of warranty was something that Sears was proud of, not anything that someone was "getting away with".
I tried to warranty out an old phillips Craftsman screwdriver that was broken at my local Sears back about 15 years ago. The manager argued with me saying that there was rust on it so it had clearly been left outside and therefore she wouldn't cover it under warranty. It was our house screwdriver that lived in the toolbox under the sink and finally wore out after probably 20 yrs of use. I think i eventually got a new one from the store. It really depends on the store (Sears, HF, Lowes, HD, whatever) and the manager with how they play their warranties it seems.
@@TStheDeplorable how is that ruining it for everyone? He bought Craftsman tools and got them warrantied? He wasnt producing fake tools and trying to get new ones in some sort of black market scam. Craftsman offered a warranty on their tools and he got tools that he owned, whether he purchased them new or used, replaced under warranty.
Damed if you do- Damed if you don't!
I WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH YOU!
YOU ARE REAL!
YOU HAVE INTEGRITY!!!
STAY HEALTHY!!
I’ve heard Snap On is doing the same thing with their tools. You have to show proof of purchase with a tool warranty
I bought a lifetime tape measure from Snapon and I still can't return it after it ripped lol
Thank you for your honesty. Rare in this world, I had a suspicion HF was planting reviews. Subscribed.
Yea this is how youtube works for all “influencers” who don’t have massive audiences
I was still waiting on the 3/8 replacement ratchet. So I went into the store and told the manager. She gave me a ratchet plus I got there 1/2 big ratchet for free. And the other one to. As far as the phone number whenever I go purchase something for there they always ask for the number I give it to them and go about my business. What's the big deal about giving them your number. It's not like there are going to call you. As a matter of fact lots of stores do that Lowe's for a fact. me personally have never had a problem with harbor freight. On there bigger equipment you only get a 90 day warranty if I were you I would have tried another store. There manager at the store I go to is always helpful. Never any problem.
A
Tekton appears to have a great warranty. I hope it holds true because I've been buying quite a few of them. SK recently warrantied some tools that I can't even remember how I bought them because they were so old no questions asked
Tekton ain't no hf they starting to make usa tools and there not cheap as hf tools
You’re an authentic guy. That’s just who you are and why we watch your content. Eric from Harbor Freight has shown he’s an authentic guy also. I think your experience was the result of front line people and not that of company as a whole. I keep it real on my channel as well. Stay safe and keep being you brother.
Thank you Jeff!
Just subscribe to both your channels
I took several Icon items back. They didn't ask me for anything, just had me grab a new one off the shelf and threw the broken one in a basket.
I did too early on but in the last month have encountered this
Justin Ariyan the problem is, you brought back several icon tools back, already. They haven’t even been out long, you understand that?
Joe Framer who said anything about them being good tools? He was asking about the warranty process...
Sounds like they got a little butt hurt. They should know, negative feedback can be a good thing!
I've seen in many occasions that husky tools also are rejected from being warranted from home Depot stores. I recently also found out snap-on rejects warranty on tools that weren't bought from the original owner. I was going to look into buying new snap-ons and warranty them if they broke but after I found out this news I looked into icon which it looks like is having similar issues like huaky tools. At this point tekton looks like a reasonable brand that I've heard many times is very easy to exchange tools the only problem is it is online but if they are hassle free then that's something to consider.
I like this with Harbor Freight,they email you a copy of the receipt right away if you lose it.I never had a problem with getting a broken tool replaced at Harbor Freight.Had it do it once with a 1/2 drive Pittsburgh Pro ratchet once.Told me get one off the shelf and walked out with a new ratchet
My icon swivel head ratchet broke on a job and some of the parts fell into a black hole
I went to harbor freight and they wanted me to mail it somewhere. I was kind of surprised because I thought it was a over the counter return policy with icon.
I needed it for work the next day so the manager gave me another off the shelf.
Their cheap breaker bar my dad bought years ago, before I knew how to turn a wrench, I warrantied out myself, quickest transaction ever.... The other day my 12v compressor broke they swapped it even though it was past the 90 day receipt life... It all depends on the people working there, I'm a regular costumer there maybe that helped, I think your experience will vary from store to store
Great video, thank you for your honest opinion. HF is a company they have to sell tools and keep an image so just like any other company they are going to send tools to someone that says positive things only. Hf is not a bad company just like you said great Pittsburgh brand lifetime warranty, and some of the icon are worth buying.
Thanks for the video! I appreciate your honest opinion. Thanks for keeping it real. I have purchased a few items because of your recommendations. I have also not purchased some things because of your recommendations. In the past 6 months or so I had to warranty a couple non Icon harbor freight items and they had to look up my phone number before they swapped them out. Before that, in the past they never asked for a phone number.
I don't have any Icon stuff but I do have a bunch of Pittsburgh tools that live in my "road boxes" and as stuff that I'm willing to loan out. The reason being that if I lose it, or it doesn't get returned, it's not a big deal. I've never had a problem with any of it-except for a Pittsburgh strap wrench. I broke the handle off and they actually gave me the set of 2 under warranty, rather than being bothered putting the small one on the discount shelf. For stuff that isn't allowed more than 10' outside my shop, it's S-K all the way for me! I was raised on S-K and still have/use many of dads and grandpas old tools!
According to their policy all of their lifetime warranties are to the original purchaser. I have never been asked for a reciept to exchange a broken tool by them though. I do know that more and more companies are requiring a receipt for replacement. Especially any lifetime tool bought at most auto parts stores. At least Harbor freight keeps your purchases on record so you dont have to keep the receipt and will give you a replacement from the floor.
You, Justin Dow and Mr. Subaru all 3 of you guys said those ICON sockets were soft metal and showed too much wear too quickly. (Justin Dow did a side by side ICON vs New Lowe's Craftsman and the new Craftsman held up better) >>>>> The Only person who is still touting ICON sockets as being outstanding is the talking bear. (BTW-The talking bear is not a professional tradesman of any sort).
Dow just said it more politely / professionally and still got icon box and more tools. Maybe it’s retention approach or tone. I heave no problem with it. But u can still be honest and appreciated. Everyone says they want the truth including hft/ Eric. I’ve found it’s how I say the truth and when
The talking bear doesn't have a clue about tools. He is a shill for HF and bases his reviews strictly on looks and feel. HF tools are great for the home owner who uses them a couple times a year. Professionals dont waste their time and money on junk. What good is a warranty when you have to keep going back to replace the same tool?
@@ppap351 neither are you
I had a recall on jackstands. Went to the store they gave me a gift card for triple the price of what I paid. So I bought a new professional set. And kept the difference..... i think manager was confused..
Watch and enjoy your videos because I felt you were honest, stay that way. A company looking for a shill, knows their products have issues, any reputable company would want the honest review of a professional tool user. Any tool user deserves an honest review.
Love the videos, I hear what your saying. I am a DIYer that loves quality tools. Snap on and other tool truck companies make if very difficult for me to warranty a tool if I can’t prove it was purchased from an authorized dealer. I feel this is no different from what happened to you at Harbor Freight. The tool truck cuts you a brake because they know you. Just take it in no questions asked went away with Craftsman. That’s my opinion.
every time I have bought a tool there they tell me if it is a lifetime or 90 day and give me the choice to upgrade it.
as long as they are upfront with the terms, we agree to the terms at the time of purchase.... cant be mad or sad later if they hold us to the terms that we agree to at the time of purchase
yes very true , but most people are irrational
Tekton has a great warranty at a great price for people looking for a bargain
Tekton is the biggest joke of a tool company out there
@@path3848 I'm just curious as to why? I have a few and use them daily and it's been 2 years no issue.
I tried to warranty a non functional ratchet, they asked for a picture which I provided they said it looked fine and needed to be broken in, hahaha it didn't ratchet, it was basically a breaker bar, tekton is a shit company,
@@path3848 Interesting. I've only warranteed two tools with no issues. I love there tools. I have all brands of tools and buy the tool a company may have. I am not married to just one company.
@@path3848 I managed a small engine shop and three of my techs use a lot of Tekton I file all the warranty claims for them in the last year I have had three ratchets warrantied no questions ever asked. 4 screwdrivers. No questions.
You just keep being you and you are gonna be fine. We appreciate the honesty, seriously. Thank you! Great video as always!
You do know that if you go to any auto parts store to warranty out a lifetime starter, they'll ask for a phone number. It's how they track purchases. Every single thing I've ever bought from Harbor Freight they ask for my phone number, never once have I argued with them because it's a process.
I haven't had any problems with my HF tools so far other than an air grinder and I took it in to a store and they replaced it no problem.
I have taken some of the icon tools back to be replaced and no questions asked they gave me a brand new one. Dallas Texas!
The stuff has barely been out and it's broken already? Sounds like the same HF junk to me.
@@hollywood21639 ya that's what I thought too. But ever since I got my replacement have not had any problems since
I said the same thing in my Is Snap on Worth it video. If my Snappy breaks I just get on the truck and he fixes it no questions asked, well all dealers will hassle you and give you a hard time about breaking it while they are fixing it it’s part of the banter that’s fun about the tool truck it’s like a locker room. And BOGO deals on the truck are always good buys, I got my semi deep impact sockets that way. Great video man! Keep em coming
I returned my 3/8” flexhead ratchet due to recall back in what.......October? STILL haven’t got an answer as to when the new ratchet will be released. No managers in 3 different stores I went to no anything either. You know damn well I saved my reciept. That’s the only thing I warrantied and due to the situation I have them my phone number. As far as their power tools, come on man! A bunch of booty-ass brushed tools with a whopping 90 day warranty? I don’t care what anyone says that’s championship bull crap right there. I have Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, Rigid, Bosch, and Craftsman. All have 2-5 year warranties. Thanks Redemption Garage appreciate your real honest feelings here!
So I used to work for harbor freight they are a decent company to there employees. Now the phone number is what every employee is told to get no matter what it helps track warrantys. Every store is different but at my store we only needed a receipt if you weren't in the system. I warrantied anything that was from HF I didn't care. Now the warrantys you have to buy those are commission based the employees make money on selling but because you bought that it's supposed to be no questions asked.
I think if your given tools to try out, and you honestly want to maintain a partnership with the company, it's best to not do the review if it's a negative one. I know, it's against your principle, but if you want that relationship to continue you have to balance it out, because their dependant on you to put them in a good light, and you are dependant on them for content. But they are not going to stop you from going out on your own and purchasing the item to do an independant review.
It was all on the store you went to. In my experience I got to the store they ask me to get another set and they pull the tool out the new set off the floor give it to me and send me on the way. No questions ask. Not even my phone number.
I buy some tools from autozone. They are pretty good quality and no problem getting warrantied. I think they are made by gearwrench. Between autozone and home depot they do very well. Craftsman warranty is a pain in the ass.
2.5 years using the Pittsburgh pro breaker bar finally broke went to get a new one and they asked for my number and asked how long ago I bought it. Had to wait for the guy to scroll through the computer only took a few minutes. Never have had them do that before on other products
Oddly enough I had an snap on allen set where the ball end broke off. the snap on rep asked for a phone number or account number. I had to have a friend that had an account talk with the rep before it was warrantied.
Bough the 1/2 drive icon flex head ratchet about 2 months ago (looks and feels just like the gearwrench ratchet I keep in the back of the work truck) so far I have snapped off the direction slide ( really sticks up compared to my snap-on) and I've stripped out the head on the replacement so on ratchet #3 my snap-on is over four years old and may have been used with a 6ft bar more times than I care to count and have not had to have it rebuilt yet, but when it does die I know I can walk on the truck and have it fixed.
I am happy with my Icon tools. I have had no issues with any of them including the sockets, that being said I have not used them with an impact gun. I bought the screwdriver set and absolutely love them as much as my snappy ones. I will let you know if I warranty one and my experience with it. Thanks for the video.
Had the same issue with icon ratchet literally broke in 3 days and they were arguing with me about it not a good idea to screw people and I had the box and receipt.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I definitely look at the brand differently now. Keep up the good work!
You can’t tell it like it is anymore people’s feelings gets hurt when they hear the truth..
It’s sad to here this happened to you, I have been a big HF fan and have a set of icon sockets, I might go back toTekton I hear now they are a great source with a no nonsense warrant process. Never know about the HF in regards to the icon torque wrench could be a local store being picky but hard to say. Keep up the good vids love the channel!
Tekton is a really good brand!
I mean, that sounds exactly like what I've heard Snap-on is like with warranties. They want proof YOU bought the tool.
Bigger tools yes hand tools they dont some drivers want to act funny but if you call their number they may ask if you remember what driver you bought them from but i think that is for paper work only thing i know they want proof is for scanners and boxes. Everyone has different experiences even with harbor freight some guys dont have any problem with hf some do some dont have any problem with snap on some do too tho. Maybe it ks just my experience who knowa lol. Thanks for your input brother
For decades my family had zero issues with Snappy warranty.. but lately, they want proof of original purchase. After spending many 10s of thousands over many many decades with Snappy, they stopped coming by our business. We will be buying Icon, Teckton, and Knipex from other sources... I'm done with Snappy.
That’s why I chose to go with Tekton tools for my last purchase
I've taken in a broken craftsman ratchet and got a new one free a few years ago no questions asked. This life time warranty sounds more like the life time of the original purchaser. I never give these places my phone number, I don't want them selling my number to solicitors.
At HF they always ask for a phone number but the choice is up to the customer whether to provide one or not. If the choice is no then you must save your receipt as your proof of purchase for any warranty claim. I myself simply take a photo of the receipt. It is then considered a digital receipt and should suffice in most states. There was one time when no proof of purchase was asked for a claim at HF and another when there was and my phone number was all I needed so you must be prepared. I once tried a lifetime warranty claim at Lowes and was I surprised when I read the small print and was denied. Lesson learned. I then started choosing tools according to its ease of replacement and not by its name and reputation. Every tool retailer has its own process for warranty claims. All warranties are not created equal. A consumer's definition of a "lifetime guarantee" may not be the retailer's definition. Never assume. Always read the fine print.
I get what you’re saying about the lifetime warranty vs Lifetime to the original purchaser but I think I can live with that for a $40 set of sockets. I didn’t think anyone out there actually thought that HFT was going to perpetually warranty a $40 socket set. Yes some tool trucks will warranty a wrench that you found at a yard sale or an engine bay but that also comes with the territory of selling a $500 set of wrenches. I do, however, agree that it is pretty misleading when everything is described as “Compare to Snap On”
Overall, a bigger gripe of mine would be the lack of singles available for purchase in store. At least I can replace a single Kobalt or Husky wrench or socket in store pretty easily as long as it’s in stock. Personally I believe that will hold them back more than anything.
At HF if you change your phone number and years are past , out of luck. I would not recommend a 12 pt socket for anything as a 6 pt grabs so much better.
Thanks for your honesty I watched your channel quite a bit before you got into the icon tools and once you started your videos seemed to be about how great icon was and that’s it I was actually surprised to see the video where you pointed out the problems with them I have recently came back to watching your channel again I guess it just shows harbour freight didn’t want a honest opinion on there tools Justin Dow is still pumping the icon and the last few comparison videos he has done seem pretty biased in icons favour and you can tell he spends more time demonstrating icon than the others most people on you tube want a honest review not a boughten one keep up the great videos 👍
Good talk and I agree with you on HF and there extended warranty program. That kept me away from some of HF tools. Once I add that into the price I was better off with another line at a big box store. HF will have a place with me but I will pick and choose. Stay safe...Cheers.
How do you think companies handle the liability they incur from these warranties? Why do you think it matters that they use an insurer, if they do? Do you think insurers lose money on their policies?
Not to argue with you but this is the terms of their "Lifetime Warranty": Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty
We guarantee our Hand Tools to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. Limitations apply. Harbor Freight Tools will replace any hand tool that fails to properly work during the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the event an identical item is not available as a replacement: Harbor Freight Tools reserves the right to substitute a substantially similar item in its place. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.
It's for the original purchaser only.
Awesome job!!! I cant agree with more then what you have said!!!! And to be honest is the old adage you get what you pay for! I appreciate you and everything that you do ! stay safe brother love all that you doing ! Keep up the great work!!
FWIW I’m trying my hardest to say what I think no matter the consequences. I struggle with this especially with family members
Could you look into more low key brands like capri tools. They sound like great tools but idk anyone that has them so are they worth it or another icon.
Adrian Ramirez I have a few of there sockets. They are not the beat but where I have found them useful is the fact they are so thin. So if you have a nut or bolt in a tight spot that a normal chrome socket will not reach there’s generally does.
Adrian Ramirez Capri has some great tools
I thought I read somewhere that Capri is owned by Snap On...is that right?
@@rototiller78 I highly doubt that. Why would the do that when they make so much profit of lisle and other companies
@@TONYSTARK-jh2wu yes, you're right, it was CDI tools, not Capri
People misunderstand warranties. It is an insurance product. If a product has a good warranty it is because the company built the cost of the warranty (either they paid another company, or they did some actuarial statistics and are absorbing the risk themselves) into the price. A good warranty is not a sign of good quality, or a sign of bad quality. A bad warranty is not a sign of good quality or a sign of bad quality. A true lifetime of the tool warranty would be a very expensive warranty.
I seen their prices. They are there with Gearwrench and Craftsman. If you have a Menards nearby, their store brand Masterforce is a decent tool brand. I know I won't buy anything from Harbor Freight to use on a hazardous job.
Silly question but here it goes... where did you get your mac tool banner? I have been trying to get one for a few years and never could get it because the mac dealer in my area had some health issues and never came around and we never got anyone else to pick up his slack. Keep it up with the good honest videos!
The fact that you are willing to sacrifice a relationship with hf to speak your true review on a tool make me trust your tool reviews more I am not a big fan of hf but I do have some of there stuff but the only thing I have of there stuff that I truly like is my 5 draw cart other than that I will buy my hand tools from tekton I like my texton tools for the do it yourself at home garage guy the price is fair the tools are pretty good and the warranty is amazing
I like some of there stuff but they need to update there ratchet selections! I want them to start making 3/8 14inch flex heads!
He was a sponsored reviewer for hf...don't know about paid, but was sent free tools. He said something they didn't like about Icon...and decided that RG was no longer a good use of advertising dollars. Now that he has been cut off, he feels the need to bash HF warranty. Bottom line...all these guys are on someone's payroll.
Lol this man was a hf shill until his well ran dry. You can tell he’s butt hurt cause he’s not getting anymore free tools. Lifetime warranty is for the original purchaser only, that’s why they verify phone number... to see if you actually bought them
Yeah you all are right and if he keeps on a hf bashing trip then I will stop watching his videos I personally will not buy the icon stuff regardless how many of these guys getting tools for free say how good they are I like tekton and I know they dont have the best tools on the market but for what I do they are perfect I have beat the snot out of my texton tools
One more thing, they ask for an email address so they can email a copy of your receipt. So just go to you phone and show them the receipt.
Im proud of you for stating facts.. Good job bro 😊👍👍
You definitely shed some light on CZcams guys with a shiny new “shop”. I’m gonna go into my local HF and ask if they will honor a lifetime warranty on a tool that was gifted to me. I can’t say I know what number if any was used during purchase, knowing my boss....no. If so I might just leave it with them and bite the bullet now instead of whenever it decides to fail on me.
N8ureboy here,Wooooooo! Kudos B! I ain't mad atcha! Im,glad youre standing your ground good sir! In the words of Wildman Walker former WEBN personality Tekton tools forever,Icon hand tools NEVER! LOL
I would’ve left pissed off too if it took me Dawm near 2 hours to warranty out a ratchet, but y’all gotta remember their a huge company & they’re in it to be on top so of course they’ll only wanna F with people to say good things about their stuff. Pittsburgh is the way to go usually no issues. 👍
Hell Yes, Keeping Real Brian! That’s why I alive your channel. Thanks Bro!
yoo bro keep the vid coming! that protig 205 does have me curious, ive been hard on the tig torch here lately getting my learning on. i had a titanium 200 multi processor and it was reasonably decent my neighbor was blown away, he took that machine and laid some dimes with the scratch start tig.its awesome field welder kinda regret selling the little guy
Great video. Warranty should be warranty I agree 100% I’ve had the same issue a snap on when I moved to the area where I live now I didn’t the snap on truck said you didn’t buy them from me I don’t have to warrantee them same kind of deal
Just swapped out the icon flush cut pliers. They gave me crap about not having a receipt. I asked if they could just look it up and they said no. They told me to search my email for the receipt. I explained again that the tool has a lifetime warranty. Once they understood it was an icon tool, there was no questions asked and they swapped the tool out after showing my id.
All the manufacturers have been cutting costs, reducing quality, warranty service and other things to put profit first. But producing a product that brings value is the best long term plan, or was for a century.
Not sure what’s changed, but it’s obvious that it has.
Well said on their recent warranty exchange. I was turned onto Harbor Freight after seeing one of your videos posted late last year. The wife and I shopped there for Christmas gift, long story short I bought a roll around mechanics stool for myself. At check out they didn’t ask for a phone number for the purchase, well I took it back a week ago to warranty it out. I was asked for a phone number and since they didn’t have me in their system I was turned away with a broken stool. Since Christmas I have bought several tools including some Icon tools from them, but after them not honoring the stool I will not be going back or use their tools.
I had bought some tools with the assumption it’s warranted no question. Sways the opinion of the brand hearing this story. Haven’t broke anything “Yet” guess I’ll find out what the experience is like. Hopefully it’s changed. I had a 1/2 Snapon from 1960 couldn’t repair it but offered a new one. I kept the broken one. Bought a new one. Hopefully icon will be around for 60 years plus.
Sorry for all my comments on your Icon videos. I’m just getting caught up. Thank you for being honest!
i bought a 7 piece sae ratcheting set from snap on for way too much by telling myself that im buying this for my entire life (was the first time i ever felt buyer remorse), saw a co worker go on and give the guy his broken wrench and the snap on guy went and gave him another right there. been thinking of going icon, because cheaper, but the more i look into it the more im thinking ill just keep on with building up my snap on hand tools.
Wow only a lifetime warranty to the person that bought it thats crazy but snap on also does that they don't warranty a tool unless you bought it
I have had issues with Snap on and Matco not honoring their warranty if you aren't the original owner.
Old craftsman had a great hand tool warranty.best I've ever came across was Kline pliers.didnt care if I bought them give them part # new pair sent out free of charge no returns,shipping paid.
Warranty a 3/8 ratchet with no questions asked. Walked in dropped it on the counter and said I need to warranty this the switch keeps switching when any kinda side load is put on it. They gave me a new one and said have a nice day (harbor freight in Wayne Michigan)
I am thinking your issue with the warranty on Icon stuff is probably the store itself. I had no issues warrantying my 1/4 inch ratchet and 3 of the sockets. I walked in, showed them the tool needing warranty, they got the tool off the shelf (I live in a shit neighborhood, so a lot of their "better" tools are locked on the shelves and need a key to get off of the shelf), then they gave me the new one. They did ask for my phone number with the ratchet, but I was also buying something at the same time and I believe it was for that purchase. I didn't have that issue with the 3 sockets.
I am not a fan of Icon stuff (I think the quality needs to improve some before I put money into it, I am a DIYer and I broke 3 sockets and a ratchet without abuse). Just my $0.02 on it.
I will still continue to follow you. As far as I can tell you're honest and do have knowledge in the tools you review, which is what I look for in tool reviews. Keep up the good work.
@Redemption Garage You probably know this but your video has banding climbing vertically if you look at it closely... maybe lighting or frame refresh rate. Good video.
You seriously thought harbor freight was giving you tools out of the goodness of their heart? They are a company that exists to make money. You talking negatively (whether true or false) about their tools does not make them money.
All these youtubers that get free tools to review are bullshit reviews one should take with a chunk of salt.
This is why guys like Project Farm buy tools with their own money. His tests are as unbiased as possible.
I never believe any reviews where someone gets a product for free
I have always enjoyed your stuff and your direct no bs presentation is one of the reasons. I have another channel if I want a guy dressed as a bear shilling cheap tools.😆
hydee hoo ! is the snake oil salesman lol
Like that your honest.
Heres my take. I am not a pro, I am a DIY guy, and have mostly Craftsman stuff from 20 years ago, and have no complaints. When working on a car, I want a tool that I have confidence in. If the car, which is my daily driver is on jack stands with parts off of it, I dont want my ratchet or sockets to break and I am stranded until my wife gets home with the second car. Harbor freight may replace them, but if I have no way to get there or it breaks at night and they are closed, I am stuck. Now for a tool where it is for a wood wood working project ir something like that where it does not need to get done right away, no problem. I guess it depends on your needs for that tool. For pros who time is money and need good tools, I would not go HF.
I get email invites to review my HF tool purchase as a "verified buyer". I wrote in a few reviews and stated my likes and dislikes after giving the tools a work out. I quit messing with it because my reviews would only get posted half the time for whatever reason. Either a glitch in the system or HF was being selective with my negative comments. I tend to think the latter because the reviews posted on ICON tools are way too positive compared to my experience. As though ICON saved the planet.
It might be a cool video idea to compare actual published warranty guidelines and compare the guidelines and also compare what actually happens to the guidelines, thanks again for the videos!
Good job don’t stop doing your reviews
What if you get the tools as a gift???
Good for you man . Tell it like it is . You are not like that tool bear , who swears harbor freight is great to get tools free...
I'm not sure about about the icon line but all of HF tools with a lifetime warranty will be exchanged with no questions at my local HF. I've even bought broken ratchets at flea Markey dirt cheap and I've exchanged them for a new ones.
This is why I buy tried and tested tools! Snap-on has been my bread and butter for many years, but I've been buying other (quality) tools. The countries I buy from are (1) North American, (2) Japanese, (3) German! These have been the only countries I feel comfortable with buying tools! When I was growing up we had mostly Craftsman tools made in U.S.A. However my dad had a few tool boxes of vintage Snap-on. I just want the stuff to last! I understand the price may seem high; however, when you factor in Convenience Vs. Cost... There is no comparison! Period! Buy real professional tools if your in the business! If you just DIYing it at home it's up to you. Just don't complain when sub-par tools break, and there's no warranty! Take care fellows! 👍
I see where you are coming from but as I honestly don't see a problem as long as if I broke it and they give me a new one right there. I will be pissy if I have to mail it out and all that crap.
How do Home DIY guys get tool truck tools without getting them online? Do I have to ambush the Snapon truck at the gas station?
I agree tool should carry the warranty. I returned icon ratchet under recall and was supposed to get a certificate for free one for the hassles. They have never sent anyone those.
I got the certificate and warranties my Icon 3/8 flex head ratchet and got a 3/8 low profile for free what has never happened is us getting back our 3/8 flex head ratchets and that's a little disturbing considering it has almost been a year