@@goinhot9133 All Warranties are baked into the cost, especially something like hand tools, were a lifetime warranty is standard and damage is expected.
You gave the most honest review on the new ICON ratchet I have seen so far, everyone else as been OMG this is the new snap on and its 3/4 the price lol! I cannot tell you how many of those zinc style levels I have broken, that will be the achilles heel of the new ICON ratchet.
Is the "zinc lever" a problem on the Snap on ratchets; because it is exactly the same as the one on the Snap on ratchet. I'm holding my snap on ratchet right next to an Icon ratchet and the reversing levers are identical.
Harbor Freight is a brick and mortar high volume low margin retail model that happens to sell low cost tools. The introduction of high margin items speaks to their historic business model not being sustainable going forward as low cost tools have become just another online commodity item when your brick and mortar anchor cost are escalating, Harbor Freights survival may depend on the success of this or other higher margin products.
@@felixf5211 Does one really need to know their financial position on the books when the pressures of holding brick and mortar and labor cost rising with minimum wage mandates are fairly understood along with the chosen commodity. The playbook is just not that big for niche strip mall retail or small stand alone. While there are different views of the products ranging from junk to a handy convenience or the 10,000 producers of low cost screw driver videos , I spoke to the introduction of higher margin products as key to their future. Those in the know may view it as being ahead of the curve. This is a positive sign with managements direction, will it lead to the company being sold off at its highest value maybe.
Kudos to HF and their attempts at producing a higher tier of hand tools. I agree some better attention could've been given to some small details, because small details add up. But the value for the dollar cannot be beat, nor the warranty and convience of the store. The only thing holding me back from Tekton tools is the mail order, and none available for the local purchase.
2:32 I may or may not have the packaging for my 3 flex heads and my torx sockets in my socket drawer. I do love that about Icon stuff is it’s packaging is very suitable for being used as storage racks.
Very good review. After my experience with the non sellable tool carts I will not try anything from HF. My Snap On 3/8" has done wonders for 30 years, no rebuild necessary.
@@Tailgatesntoolboxes I've got the green handled ratchets and like them. but it's my only swivel ratchets so no comparison. they have a little too much back drag but other than that I like them
@Frost XT I drove an hour and a half on a hot day in a non AC truck to buy the cart they had been bombarding my phone and mailbox about it being on sale. I got there and they said they were out. The 6 display carts they would not sell. I bought the rest of my list at Lowe's, and a got a used Blue Point cart. Prices were similar but quality of all much better. The lesson I learned is you can get better stuff just as cheap elsewhere.
I never had one of these long flex head ratchets until I picked one up a few months ago and I love it. Once I break the harbor freight one I'll probably buy a snap on just because it's better. Haven't managed to break it yet though.
Icon features a lifetime warranty, of you break it, stop in at your local store for a free warranty exchange for a new one. The whole point here is to make snap on obsolete, did you not understand that when you bought icon? If its rather just that you think buying snap on will make you a better mechanic, you'd better grow a pair or get a new job. Or make friends with your snap on dealer, he'll make a man out of you!
I just stopped in and looked at these today. They have some on display on short leashes that you can pick up and play with. I grabbed the 1/4 drive flex ratchet first and it had terrible stiff back drag. I thought "NO WAY, these are awful". I then picked up the others and they were all excellent. I mentioned to an employee that they might want to switch out that one that was obviously bad. She says "these are all new and we don't know much about them". I get it. She's hourly and not a tool person. LOL It's a ratchet! A simple staple of a tool. Have a good one on display. Anyway, Overall I was very impressed with them. Not so much with the normal wrenches, but that's a different story. There really are a lot of choices at this price point.
As expected an excellent review, nice to see you review these tools and share your insights. Surprised to see that Duralast builds such a quality/durable ratchet, I wasn't aware how good they were.
Watched other you tube videos and they did a torque test both those ratchets went to 150-lb before they both broke what's an inexpensive Pittsburgh only strip the gear Baltimore expensive icon snapped off I would rather buy the cheaper Pittsburgh with a coupon and return it not happy with the price of the icon as you said get rid of the box and lower the price
I saw that video and it convinced me to stick with the Pittsburgh Pro. If you need to crank down that hard on a bolt to loosen it, you should be using a breaker bar. A broken Pittsburgh can also be swapped out for a new one. There's no reason to pay more.
Pittsburgh was around 216 ft-lbs compared to ICON 229 ft-lbs at failure. They both could do 200 ft-lbs however there was much less flex in the ICON. That video is on my channel👍🏻
@@ClientGraphics I saw that video and that gave me the reason to buy the icon due to the amount of flex that the Pittsburg pro had. I have both the 3/8 long ratchet now and as I look at them side by side the icon definitely is the better ratchet for build and craftsmanship.
Those older 36T Duralasts look just like the newer 72T Capri ratchets on Amazon for right around $16. Pawl design and all (just more teeth). They even sell rebuild kits. Have you ever tried those out?
I've been using the 10in comfort grip 3/8 as my go to for a couple weeks now. I am impressed. It's not snap on I'll admit but I was curious about icon and for $30 or whatever it's a pretty good deal. Very little back drag.
Only icon products I purchased were 1/4 dr chrome sockets and the small stubby 1/4 ratchet. I figured I didn’t have much to lose with such a small drive. Mostly as loaners because when you’re the only mechanic on site everyone asks to borrow your stuff.
I would have to disagree with 50% of this video in no way shape or form is a duralast 36 tooth ratchet a professional ratchet and definently can’t be used as a control for comparison and yes I’ve used them so I do have expirence with them
I like the 80 teeth ratchets. My cheap kobalt set feels pretty nice with 90 teeth. I still haven't had the need to use them since my ez-red locking flexible set is working great. I do prefer the quick release on the smaller ratchets myself though. I use that pittsburgh for my wheels and it's still okay. Here's a tip, if you shop around the holidays, you can find some good deals on tools as I found out this past christmas.
I'm sure all of these are very strong, but I'm sure curious about a torture test between the 3. I don't think the Duralast would test as well as you might think. In most torture tests the anvil breaks 1st, but I've seen a lot of Craftsman ratchets with that same pawl as that duralast that had the teeth sheared off.
Had a duralast standard 3/8 for years, professionally used and performed perfectly without ever needing warranty. I'm very impressed with their Taiwan tools.
I suspect they used cast zinc on the switching lever because they didn’t want to scratch up their nice chrome finish. That’s probably also why it’s raised.
Great vid cat, you gotta compare the icon fixed head to the flex head. Two different designs and I read that the fixed heads are made by the same company that did you’re duralast.
I get that you like the old school 36 tooth OEM/Duralast ratchet and I agree that the weak spot on the ICON ratchet might be its raised direction switch. I'll know for sure when mine takes a few swan dives off of a lift arm. However, although this ratchet is probably the most expensive Harbor Freight ratchet to date, it's still cheaper than a not as long Craftsman 3/8 drive flex head ratchet from Lowes that isn't nearly as nicely finished. The ICON ratchet is made in Taiwan not China, Peoples Republic of. Also, if you would have removed the direction switch, there are two o rings on it to aid in sealing. Furthermore, I've used ratchets with the same floating pawl design from Matco, Gearwrench, Carlyle, for years without ever experiencing the slipping you described from metal debris. I guess I've been lucky. The anti theft packaging is overkill but, Harbor Freight has to do what they have to do to prevent losses. The ICON line isn't for everyone but, it is another option. The typical something for nothing Harbor Freight customer will get sticker shock at ICON pricing. You should look at the ICON sockets. They're some of the nicest finished sockets this side of a tool truck. Their wrenches might be too rich for your blood but, the ICON reversible ratcheting combination wrenches are probably the longest I have seen. The Anti slip combination wrenches appear to be Carlyle twins.
Fedwrench Only the fixed head has the o-ring on the selector switch. There is no o-ring on any of the flex head ICON ratchets and I have one in at least all three drive sizes.
If that ratchet is better than the Pittsburgh Pro as in the lever selector switch detent then it's worth the extra money over the Pittsburg pro. At that point they don't compare for everyday use. Btw the 3/8 ratchet is very smooth not like anap on but smoother then the matco 88. That said the matco 88 with locking flex is king for me at least
Hey can you do the flex diehard ratchets from advanced auto parts I cannot find any reviews the look alot like icon but hard to tell looks like a nice ratchet
I hate snap on detents you get an oily hand and you have to use a screw driver to get the socket off. I love my green handle HF quick release ratchets.
I'm still curious about what the gears or what not looked like in that Bauer hammer drill. I know you recorded it or at least part of it...I'd like to see that content....subbed
How about how hard it clicks in between clocks? I bought a 1/4 inche flex head and they all felt different. I want 2 thYs smooth and easy. I dont want a ratchet i have to hold for tightening and loosening in an adjustment situation.
Nice review, but Harbor freight needs to add detents on all there flex head ratchets. Anything that flexes in that order needs a detente head to keep the angle and less geometry slippage.
I like both types there certain situations that a detent would behandy but I found many situations where I'm able to get a long handle swing if I'm able to articulate while pulling the handle and ball detents make that extremely difficult. Also they're the situations were the particular angles that the ball detent settles into just are not the right ones you need
Local HF got some of the Icon hand tools in a few days ago. Ratchets and wrenches mostly. No tool storage units yet. I was disappointed as the ratchets in particular were sealed in the boxes and inaccessible. Would be nice to be able to grab one and get the "feels good in the hand" experience. Guess we will have to either buy these tools and find out or rely on videos like this LOL.
these seem packaged a little better but the stuff that can be taken out of the packaging without damage I just open it up right there. no ones ever said anything to me
My local Store has a nice display of all the new ICON ratchets and some sockets (outside of the packaging). They were so nice I bought a few 3/8ths comfort grip ratchets
that is a nice wrench. it is probably worth fifty dollars but not at harbor freight. they are going to price themselves out of the market. i would buy the cheaper one every time. they both have a lifetime warranty. why spend double the money for the same warranty.
I understand that HF is proud of this ICON line and want to make a big deal about it but that packaging is a waste of money. Most if not all of the people who buy them will toss it in the trash after opening. I also don't see the point of paying twice as much as the Pittsburgh Pro when they work well and have a lifetime warranty. I'll pass on the ICON.
Nice packaging was something Apple really pushed with its products and proved to be a good idea. People said that same thing, that the price was being increased unnecessarily. Turns out though that when a product is in high end packaging many people subconsciously increase how much they want/like the item. It pays off in the end.
@@pattognozzi Companies have gone overboard with this though. I bought a transmission pressure switch for an old Honda Accord. It came in a really, nice box ! You'd have thought you were opening a pair of Apple earbud things. Also got some tiny lightbulbs for dashboard (climate control panel) that came in a fancy box. Why ?
Pawn shops and flea markets are your friend for that, you could try posting a wanted ad on Craigslist in the wanted section a lot of people have success with that
…”expensive”? Compared to Snap-On, Matco or Mac Tools, Harbor Freight’s Icon tools are still dirt cheap. That ratchet is around $50, the equivalent ratchet from Snap-On or Matco is $200! If the Icon weren’t packaged in fancy packaging everyone would think of them the same as the Pittsburgh tools.
Here’s the question?.... H/F says that Icon ratchet is as good as the snap on ratchet that’s their marketing is that true since you look at so many different ratchet???
@@pattognozzi I bet those channels you were talking about are the ones that were given the tools by Harbor Freight. Real mechanics that bought them probably will not say that
fuzzy wuzzy Now you’re making junk up. No, one guy literally recorded himself buying all the ratchets. Spent a few hundred dollars. Another was having tool truck drivers review it on in their truck. Funny how you can speak for all “real mechanics” in America.
Too long shorter flex heads are best for speed. Build up hand and forearm strength and you won't need a long ass ratchet for a tiny caliper bolt. Just a cheater bar for those hard to reach spots.
Harbor Freight recall these they swapped people out with half inch or straight handle ratchets and that was months ago and they haven't replaced them since they also we're going to give bonus replacement ratchets to the people who had to turn them in and that still has not happened and well
Is this a satire review? Everything he says about the duralast being better is opposite....... never heard of a duralast fanboy but this sounds like it....
@ i have to find it but nows theres a new instagram post where a 5 pc icon wrench set...it has 2 22mm wrenches in it.....this just keeps getting better lol
The packaging is just marketing wank and to make you think your buying high quality instead of a single paw Taiwanese ratchet. The ratcheting- back drag is atrocious, like their ratcheting wrenches. With the packaging, and chrome, it’s putting a bow on a turd.. they want to compare to snapon, they’re gonna have to step up their quality.
@Frost XT does not work for a mechanic that loses money by having to go back and forth to hf all the time. They've already had recalls on the ratchets.
But you get that beautiful box If the Pittsburg screws up I will just return it send it back to China to be rebuilt by prisoners who asked for clean drinking water a crime in China
Raymond Gorski What?? He’s comes out with a new video at least every week. He reviews many different items and this is the like the first ICON review he’s done.
So I'm buying this only for the cloth & getting a free ratchet👍🔧
Lol
The matco ratchet has become my new daily and love it
Harbor Freight doesn't offer rebuild kits because they give you a new one right then and there no reason to rebuild it like Snap-on Mac and Matco
Obviously it doesn’t cost them much to replace them, obviously they’re overpriced to compensate.
@@goinhot9133 you meant the tool truck brands are overpriced to compensate for warranty right?
OMG, a smart person.
@@MrTmenzo I think HF is jumping the shark. It's not Snap On quality, it's on par with any midrange brand but also priced like them as well.
@@goinhot9133 All Warranties are baked into the cost, especially something like hand tools, were a lifetime warranty is standard and damage is expected.
Think I'll hold out till they come out with the locking flex head.
I went into Harbor Freight today and I didn’t see how the icon tools are so much better than the Pittsburgh pro to pay for the extra price
You gave the most honest review on the new ICON ratchet I have seen so far, everyone else as been OMG this is the new snap on and its 3/4 the price lol! I cannot tell you how many of those zinc style levels I have broken, that will be the achilles heel of the new ICON ratchet.
Agreed, this was a great non-biased and informative review.
Is the "zinc lever" a problem on the Snap on ratchets; because it is exactly the same as the one on the Snap on ratchet. I'm holding my snap on ratchet right next to an Icon ratchet and the reversing levers are identical.
The ICON is a third the price of a Snap-On. The Snap-On 3/8" Drive Dual 80® Technology Long Handle Flex-Head Ratchet is $145.
Harbor Freight is a brick and mortar high volume low margin retail model that happens to sell low cost tools.
The introduction of high margin items speaks to their historic business model not being sustainable going forward as low cost tools have become just another online commodity item when your brick and mortar anchor cost are escalating, Harbor Freights survival may depend on the success of this or other higher margin products.
bingo...will their reputation for selling throw away tools get the best of them? Bet these will be 50% shortly.
May I ask where you got your degree in economics and how you gained access to HFT's GL?
@@felixf5211 Does one really need to know their financial position on the books when the pressures of holding brick and mortar and labor cost rising with minimum wage mandates are fairly understood along with the chosen commodity. The playbook is just not that big for niche strip mall retail or small stand alone. While there are different views of the products ranging from junk to a handy convenience or the 10,000 producers of low cost screw driver videos , I spoke to the introduction of higher margin products as key to their future. Those in the know may view it as being ahead of the curve. This is a positive sign with managements direction, will it lead to the company being sold off at its highest value maybe.
Could also be that they saw a market they also wanted a piece of. I mean, who wouldn’t if they could make it happen?
That box, is going to go great with my 8 ounce rat fishing lure! Finally a box that will fit it, without taking up so much space in my tackle boxes.
Kudos to HF and their attempts at producing a higher tier of hand tools. I agree some better attention could've been given to some small details, because small details add up. But the value for the dollar cannot be beat, nor the warranty and convience of the store. The only thing holding me back from Tekton tools is the mail order, and none available for the local purchase.
2:32 I may or may not have the packaging for my 3 flex heads and my torx sockets in my socket drawer. I do love that about Icon stuff is it’s packaging is very suitable for being used as storage racks.
Very good review. After my experience with the non sellable tool carts I will not try anything from HF. My Snap On 3/8" has done wonders for 30 years, no rebuild necessary.
I have no issues with Pittsburgh rachets and the impact sockets kick ass. The green pittsburgh round head swivel rachet is a POS.
@@Tailgatesntoolboxes I've got the green handled ratchets and like them. but it's my only swivel ratchets so no comparison. they have a little too much back drag but other than that I like them
@Frost XT
I drove an hour and a half on a hot day in a non AC truck to buy the cart they had been bombarding my phone and mailbox about it being on sale. I got there and they said they were out. The 6 display carts they would not sell. I bought the rest of my list at Lowe's, and a got a used Blue Point cart. Prices were similar but quality of all much better. The lesson I learned is you can get better stuff just as cheap elsewhere.
The Harbor Freight ones are great for the backyard mechanic. I do miss the quality of Craftsman from back in the day when they were made in USA
I never had one of these long flex head ratchets until I picked one up a few months ago and I love it. Once I break the harbor freight one I'll probably buy a snap on just because it's better. Haven't managed to break it yet though.
keshmo12 same
Icon features a lifetime warranty, of you break it, stop in at your local store for a free warranty exchange for a new one. The whole point here is to make snap on obsolete, did you not understand that when you bought icon? If its rather just that you think buying snap on will make you a better mechanic, you'd better grow a pair or get a new job. Or make friends with your snap on dealer, he'll make a man out of you!
I just stopped in and looked at these today. They have some on display on short leashes that you can pick up and play with. I grabbed the 1/4 drive flex ratchet first and it had terrible stiff back drag. I thought "NO WAY, these are awful". I then picked up the others and they were all excellent. I mentioned to an employee that they might want to switch out that one that was obviously bad. She says "these are all new and we don't know much about them". I get it. She's hourly and not a tool person. LOL It's a ratchet! A simple staple of a tool. Have a good one on display. Anyway, Overall I was very impressed with them. Not so much with the normal wrenches, but that's a different story. There really are a lot of choices at this price point.
i love my 1/4 flex Pittsburgh and my 3/8
@Catus Maximus Great review! I didn't think about size of anvil screw, or them stripping out if rebuild kits were actually available.
Cast zinc tends to shatter when dropped. Pass. Great review, though.
Walk into a store and get a new one if it happens. It's that easy. Common phenomenon on YT - unintelligent chanel, unintelligent viewers.
Felix F love how u say unintelligent but u say the perfume Chanel out of context
Mr Panda Lololol
@@felixf5211 True, but if this is your main ratchet and you are a professional mechanic, it takes time to do that.
@@andybub45 A professional mechanic owns only one 3/8 ratchet? No, right.
I have a Pittsburgh Professional 3/8 Composite Rachet and a Tekton 3/8 traditional rachet. Love em!!! Great video 👍
As expected an excellent review, nice to see you review these tools and share your insights. Surprised to see that Duralast builds such a quality/durable ratchet, I wasn't aware how good they were.
Duralast USE to make nice rachets....the new ones are crap
i do not like Duralast. feel really notchy and cheap.
Watched other you tube videos and they did a torque test both those ratchets went to 150-lb before they both broke what's an inexpensive Pittsburgh only strip the gear Baltimore expensive icon snapped off I would rather buy the cheaper Pittsburgh with a coupon and return it not happy with the price of the icon as you said get rid of the box and lower the price
I saw that video and it convinced me to stick with the Pittsburgh Pro. If you need to crank down that hard on a bolt to loosen it, you should be using a breaker bar. A broken Pittsburgh can also be swapped out for a new one. There's no reason to pay more.
Pittsburgh was around 216 ft-lbs compared to ICON 229 ft-lbs at failure. They both could do 200 ft-lbs however there was much less flex in the ICON. That video is on my channel👍🏻
@@ClientGraphics I saw that video and that gave me the reason to buy the icon due to the amount of flex that the Pittsburg pro had. I have both the 3/8 long ratchet now and as I look at them side by side the icon definitely is the better ratchet for build and craftsmanship.
Always great reviews and one of my favorite youtubers.
Great video, I wish I had pickup that set of duralast ratchet set before they changed over.
My craftsman flex head uses a pin with a spring retainer and has never "come" loose .
My craftsman flex head ratchet is from the 70s and it's still tight craftsman used to be good
@@WorkHorseLT I bought mine in 2013 to replace mine after my box got stolen . Great ratchet with no issues .
@@cbmech2563 I bought mine for $10 at a flea market I had to rebuild it tho bc I didn't want a Chinese one
Those older 36T Duralasts look just like the newer 72T Capri ratchets on Amazon for right around $16. Pawl design and all (just more teeth). They even sell rebuild kits. Have you ever tried those out?
Hope they gave you a bunch of tools for free like a few channels have thanks for the review still not interested in icon
I love icon tools!
I've been using the 10in comfort grip 3/8 as my go to for a couple weeks now. I am impressed. It's not snap on I'll admit but I was curious about icon and for $30 or whatever it's a pretty good deal. Very little back drag.
Only icon products I purchased were 1/4 dr chrome sockets and the small stubby 1/4 ratchet. I figured I didn’t have much to lose with such a small drive. Mostly as loaners because when you’re the only mechanic on site everyone asks to borrow your stuff.
I have a toolbox specifically for loaning...
I would have to disagree with 50% of this video in no way shape or form is a duralast 36 tooth ratchet a professional ratchet and definently can’t be used as a control for comparison and yes I’ve used them so I do have expirence with them
I like the 80 teeth ratchets. My cheap kobalt set feels pretty nice with 90 teeth. I still haven't had the need to use them since my ez-red locking flexible set is working great. I do prefer the quick release on the smaller ratchets myself though. I use that pittsburgh for my wheels and it's still okay. Here's a tip, if you shop around the holidays, you can find some good deals on tools as I found out this past christmas.
Good comparison man, thanks..
I'm sure all of these are very strong, but I'm sure curious about a torture test between the 3. I don't think the Duralast would test as well as you might think. In most torture tests the anvil breaks 1st, but I've seen a lot of Craftsman ratchets with that same pawl as that duralast that had the teeth sheared off.
Had a duralast standard 3/8 for years, professionally used and performed perfectly without ever needing warranty.
I'm very impressed with their Taiwan tools.
Could you do a comparison to the SK LP90? They seem incredibly similar.
Nice ratchet but I'm more interested in what kind of knife you were using?
Snap-on Mac Matco Cornwell they don't have any packaging so why can't they save any money
Cause the money is put into the tool instead of the packaging
I suspect they used cast zinc on the switching lever because they didn’t want to scratch up their nice chrome finish. That’s probably also why it’s raised.
And the microfiber cloth suggests Harbor Freight always wants the ratchet to be clean and shiny.
Is this the recalled 3l8 ratchet,
It has to be . I never see it in the store.
Great vid cat, you gotta compare the icon fixed head to the flex head. Two different designs and I read that the fixed heads are made by the same company that did you’re duralast.
I get that you like the old school 36 tooth OEM/Duralast ratchet and I agree that the weak spot on the ICON ratchet might be its raised direction switch. I'll know for sure when mine takes a few swan dives off of a lift arm. However, although this ratchet is probably the most expensive Harbor Freight ratchet to date, it's still cheaper than a not as long Craftsman 3/8 drive flex head ratchet from Lowes that isn't nearly as nicely finished. The ICON ratchet is made in Taiwan not China, Peoples Republic of. Also, if you would have removed the direction switch, there are two o rings on it to aid in sealing. Furthermore, I've used ratchets with the same floating pawl design from Matco, Gearwrench, Carlyle, for years without ever experiencing the slipping you described from metal debris. I guess I've been lucky. The anti theft packaging is overkill but, Harbor Freight has to do what they have to do to prevent losses. The ICON line isn't for everyone but, it is another option. The typical something for nothing Harbor Freight customer will get sticker shock at ICON pricing. You should look at the ICON sockets. They're some of the nicest finished sockets this side of a tool truck. Their wrenches might be too rich for your blood but, the ICON reversible ratcheting combination wrenches are probably the longest I have seen. The Anti slip combination wrenches appear to be Carlyle twins.
Fedwrench Only the fixed head has the o-ring on the selector switch. There is no o-ring on any of the flex head ICON ratchets and I have one in at least all three drive sizes.
If that ratchet is better than the Pittsburgh Pro as in the lever selector switch detent then it's worth the extra money over the Pittsburg pro. At that point they don't compare for everyday use. Btw the 3/8 ratchet is very smooth not like anap on but smoother then the matco 88. That said the matco 88 with locking flex is king for me at least
Hey can you do the flex diehard ratchets from advanced auto parts I cannot find any reviews the look alot like icon but hard to tell looks like a nice ratchet
I hate snap on detents you get an oily hand and you have to use a screw driver to get the socket off. I love my green handle HF quick release ratchets.
I'm still curious about what the gears or what not looked like in that Bauer hammer drill. I know you recorded it or at least part of it...I'd like to see that content....subbed
Fantastic overview super detailed!
How about how hard it clicks in between clocks? I bought a 1/4 inche flex head and they all felt different. I want 2 thYs smooth and easy. I dont want a ratchet i have to hold for tightening and loosening in an adjustment situation.
They dont even sell this anymore. Was hoping to find one with a comfort grip but they dont offer it
Nice review, but Harbor freight needs to add detents on all there flex head ratchets. Anything that flexes in that order needs a detente head to keep the angle and less geometry slippage.
I like both types there certain situations that a detent would behandy but I found many situations where I'm able to get a long handle swing if I'm able to articulate while pulling the handle and ball detents make that extremely difficult. Also they're the situations were the particular angles that the ball detent settles into just are not the right ones you need
I bought the 1/4 and it has way too much back drag, how does that one feel? Also, can I compress or cut the spring to reduce the back drag?
Local HF got some of the Icon hand tools in a few days ago. Ratchets and wrenches mostly. No tool storage units yet. I was disappointed as the ratchets in particular were sealed in the boxes and inaccessible. Would be nice to be able to grab one and get the "feels good in the hand" experience. Guess we will have to either buy these tools and find out or rely on videos like this LOL.
these seem packaged a little better but the stuff that can be taken out of the packaging without damage I just open it up right there. no ones ever said anything to me
My local HF has one of each type out and secured to the shelf with wire so that they can be held and examined.
My local Store has a nice display of all the new ICON ratchets and some sockets (outside of the packaging). They were so nice I bought a few 3/8ths comfort grip ratchets
Is this the one that was recalled?
Yes the recall happened just a few days after I made this review
that is a nice wrench. it is probably worth fifty dollars but not at harbor freight. they are going to price themselves out of the market. i would buy the cheaper one every time. they both have a lifetime warranty. why spend double the money for the same warranty.
I have the gearwrench 120 teeth and love them
Gearwrench xp 120 ratchets are 60tooth dual paw.120 position not tooth count.
WOW Catus Maximus, This video sure got a lot of views.
What was the extra long 3/8 long ratchet?
I understand that HF is proud of this ICON line and want to make a big deal about it but that packaging is a waste of money. Most if not all of the people who buy them will toss it in the trash after opening. I also don't see the point of paying twice as much as the Pittsburgh Pro when they work well and have a lifetime warranty. I'll pass on the ICON.
That packaging adds more cost than people realize too. It looks great but really isn't necessary.
Nice packaging was something Apple really pushed with its products and proved to be a good idea. People said that same thing, that the price was being increased unnecessarily. Turns out though that when a product is in high end packaging many people subconsciously increase how much they want/like the item. It pays off in the end.
@@pattognozzi Companies have gone overboard with this though. I bought a transmission pressure switch for an old Honda Accord. It came in a really, nice box ! You'd have thought you were opening a pair of Apple earbud things. Also got some tiny lightbulbs for dashboard (climate control panel) that came in a fancy box. Why ?
How've you been friend? Do you have an 1/4 Craftsman USA extensions I can buy? Trying to complete a 1/4 set
Pawn shops and flea markets are your friend for that, you could try posting a wanted ad on Craigslist in the wanted section a lot of people have success with that
…”expensive”? Compared to Snap-On, Matco or Mac Tools, Harbor Freight’s Icon tools are still dirt cheap. That ratchet is around $50, the equivalent ratchet from Snap-On or Matco is $200! If the Icon weren’t packaged in fancy packaging everyone would think of them the same as the Pittsburgh tools.
Here’s the question?.... H/F says that Icon ratchet is as good as the snap on ratchet that’s their marketing is that true since you look at so many different ratchet???
I guarantee it's just marketing. It's probably a fine ratchet but not as good as Snap-On
There are lots of reviews by mechanics complaining it to Snap on and they seem to think it’s as good as S.O.
@@pattognozzi I bet those channels you were talking about are the ones that were given the tools by Harbor Freight. Real mechanics that bought them probably will not say that
fuzzy wuzzy Now you’re making junk up. No, one guy literally recorded himself buying all the ratchets. Spent a few hundred dollars. Another was having tool truck drivers review it on in their truck. Funny how you can speak for all “real mechanics” in America.
You seem super impressed with the packaging and microfiber cloth - not.
I'll take the Duralast and the Pittsburg, that Icon has a fu#%ed up looking selector. Not joking!
I honestly think you should oil any new tool you buy.
How many teeth are on the pawl?
Too long shorter flex heads are best for speed. Build up hand and forearm strength and you won't need a long ass ratchet for a tiny caliper bolt. Just a cheater bar for those hard to reach spots.
I stopped by HF yesterday to check out the new tools. I have to say that I did not like the new ratchets. I did like the reversible wrenches though.
Nice rachet
A distinct advantage called a thousand stores LOL
Where can I get this, I looked on the website and on store
Harbor Freight recall these they swapped people out with half inch or straight handle ratchets and that was months ago and they haven't replaced them since they also we're going to give bonus replacement ratchets to the people who had to turn them in and that still has not happened and well
Catus Maximus dang, thanks
Does AutoZone still sell that 36 tooth flex ratchet?
No i don't think so
I’ve noticed they’ve closed out a lot of tools and they have bunch of new ratchets that are exact same as the Home Depot 100tooth ratchets
@@billlee1724 apex probably then
Its ok, but can't compete with Dual80. If you want a cheap but great professional ratchet, you're better of with Tekton.
What I do is buy cheaper tools with really good warranties
Not impressed with the Iclone ratchets..i got my money back.
Is this a satire review? Everything he says about the duralast being better is opposite....... never heard of a duralast fanboy but this sounds like it....
Throws away ratchet, keeps the packaging 😂
Theres a guy on instagram already wore out 2 icon sockets
@ wore out
@ i have to find it but nows theres a new instagram post where a 5 pc icon wrench set...it has 2 22mm wrenches in it.....this just keeps getting better lol
so much false information from the tool truck riders
The packaging is just marketing wank and to make you think your buying high quality instead of a single paw Taiwanese ratchet. The ratcheting- back drag is atrocious, like their ratcheting wrenches. With the packaging, and chrome, it’s putting a bow on a turd.. they want to compare to snapon, they’re gonna have to step up their quality.
price will go down, too much competition.
I don't trust HF not to give us a box of crap like they've done in the past. Only this time more expensive. I dont care about packaging!
@Frost XT does not work for a mechanic that loses money by having to go back and forth to hf all the time. They've already had recalls on the ratchets.
But you get that beautiful box If the Pittsburg screws up I will just return it send it back to China to be rebuilt by prisoners who asked for clean drinking water a crime in China
robert kline What? You’re being a little dramatic
@@pattognozzi well, he is a famous actor 🤣
Bo Haggin Ha, if you say so. Never heard of him.
Enough of this Icon crap. Don’t you have any expertise on interesting things you could share?
Raymond Gorski What?? He’s comes out with a new video at least every week. He reviews many different items and this is the like the first ICON review he’s done.
A New Video Every Day... also I think the above comment is being facetious... at least I hope so
Catus Maximus You would think I knew that being a subscriber as long as I have ha.
You don't know squat about the Icon
But I do know Squash about the Icon... :)