Sideline view. My tool appraising ability says not a single tool of the line is worth the extra money beyond what HF already had on offer. The proper comparison is back to the pittsburgh and pittsburgh pros. While other lines like Bremen and Doyle DO significantly increase the quality/durability of the tool vs the pittsburgh, when it comes to the stamped and forged metal tools of the ICON line, the pittsburgh line is far better value. Made in China tools at made in USA prices is my impression. If I'm going to use asian tools, I want to pay asian prices.
@@WorkHorseLT True, I pretty much refuse to buy made in china, and hunt for made in taiwan. They have CR-MO down pat, where china has CR-MO glass down pat.
@@snap-off5383 husky and newer craftsman are made in China but they are not bad at all but kobalt is made in China and it sucks also I hunt for USA made and I don't buy new often I have a lot of USA made tools
As a young Tech I was advised by an old Master Tech, to not worry about the name on the tool, but to have the tool available (Not to be borrowing tools all the time). $100 for 1 tool off a truck vs $100 for 10. He said if you break it enough times or see the need for a superior tool that is used all the time, then spend the money for the quality. Otherwise you spend money on a collection of tools that you use once in a great big while vs keeping money for yourself.
That was very good advice i had a set of very inexpensive sockets that i purchased over time, they were a satin type finish not chromium plated, i used these tools every day, 5 days per week for many years, i never damaged a socket and none were worn out, when i changed career i handed them onto our Son who is a light and heavy vehicle mechanic, the tools are still being used, the sockets were manufactued by CK......
@@heyitsfranklynn168 damn, my impact deep socket is already falling apart at where it attaches. Might of been from the adapter(was using with impact driver).
@@blancheflippo9071 im going with alot of icon stuff becuase between coupons and black Friday I've spent less than 1k on tools so far, are snap on better, yes ofcourse im eventually going to get snap on but these tools are holding up great so far granted im essentially a glorified luber goober lol
You’ll get your $ back. Cheap tools work but some tools def are better with higher price tag. I have a mix of snap on Mac co and mactools also Pittsburgh and Icon etc as long as it works for me and I’m happy with my purchase
@@nolanhauge it's all the same, the real issue would be does he torque the bolts, doesn't matter if unscrews them with a Pittsburgh 1/4 rachet with 3/8 adapter lol
Love your videos. I have spent over $1,000 on icon and I already got my money back by doing quick jobs here and there. On another hand, my coworker had to get a loan to pay for his snap-on tools. He paid triple for the name, not the tool. Haters gonna hate. Team Icon for life 🤘
Love my Snap-On ratchets but when I brake one I need to track down a tool truck because I'm no longer a tech. By the time I switched from parts to tech Craftsman was trash... as a teen in the 90s early 2000s I had Craftsman. I still have some of those old USA Craftsman tools and they work well. Harbor Freight is what Sears used to be except they don't offer many USA items (yet?) I hope they get their quality up and mayby source their top tier tools from USA. Im sure we would all pay a bit more for domestic quality
When you go through and read some of these comments I dont know how you do it bro some of these dudes have disability check IQ. YOU'RE a better man than me I can't deal with stupid.
@@JgHaverty so anything thats expensive is professional grade? Hahahaha dumbass people this days. Give me a pittsburgh pro and you can have a snap on. Ill take off an engine faster than you
HB Pittsburgh Pro all the way! Have had my 3/8 flex ratchet for years and it still looks great. I’ve used that think for all sorts of auto repairs from sway bars, brakes and dropping a transmission. Clean with a little WD40 and it’s good as new.
Excellent observation. Harbor Freight is about inexpensive tools that work. The ICON line is a money grab. The launch of this product line is not about giving us a better tool for a reasonable price. It's about Harbor Freight getting more profit.
I’ve rounded out Pittsburgh sockets with light, normal use. The only Pittsburgh tool Id recommend is their impact sockets. An impact socket is supposed to be soft and the Pittsburgh line is really great at producing soft metal lol.
Their real cheap $10 socket set they sell I've broke and split very easily. Those are crazy soft and junk but their normal lineup have held including the ratchets . I've also learned the importance of using a breaker bar and/or impact sockets to break things lose. A cheater pipe on 1/4 or 3/8 ratchets doesnt end well.
I appreciate the honest review. I was thinking of getting the icon sockets. I don’t use ratchets or wrenches a whole lot. Cordless impacts and ratchets whenever I can. I also appreciate that you were honest about impact misuse.
I received the ratcheting ones both metric & standard for Christmas, along with a 1/2 inc flex head, 1/4 flex, and fixed head. I am not a mechanic, I am a social worker, so when I go to my workshop, it’s for me to unwind from the day.. That said, for the price compared to Milwaukee, they are a really good deal. I left me the length of them and I really like being able to change direction with them. I work on my 2010 BMW, 2008 Infinity FX 35, and my 1988 911, as well as my wife’s Honda CRV with no complaints so far.
Honesty these days is truly refreshing. In a world where honesty and faith are words tatted on people's forearms I can respect when someone gives an honest opinion. Thank you for the great videos and please keep them coming
I noticed that HF is offering a coupon deal on Icon sockets. Completely agree with some of these torture tests are beyond what you would ever in the real world use the tool for. Appreciate your honesty.
I'm glad you did those videos! I actually found your channel right before all the ICON TOOLS stuff, haven't missed a video yet. Keep rocking it brother! And at this moment I have yet to buy any ICON tools but do plan on getting some.
I am pretty satisfied with the 3/8” sockets and my 3/8” ratchet. The warranty and quality are far superior than most tools on the market and the convenience of the store is a selling point. I have been collecting Tekton Tools and they have never let me down but I had to try the Icon brand just because. I am a fan of all hand tools but an admitted fanboy of Milwaukee. Appreciate the videos sir.
I was a little bummed about the performance of the ratchets that I picked up, but when I compared them to similar priced models from other brands I realized it was more of the “snap-on” comparison that made me expect more. Also, I’ve been thrilled with the performance of the standard Pitt pro Ratchets. I think the vast majority of people will be thrilled with the icon stuff, especially for the price.
Honestly I am a professional mechanic and the Pittsburgh pro ratchets I have just about every one in all 3 drive sizes they are all over a year old now and haven’t broken and I use the kind 3/8 flex to break bell housing bolts loose they can’t be beat for less than 20 bucks each if you are breaking them you either got a dud from the start which happens of course or you are not using the right drive size for what you are trying to accomplish plain and simple you can’t blame a tool for breaking if someone has overtightened a fastener or you don’t have a 1/2 inch available so you use a 3/8 that wasn’t designed to do the job just my 2 cents I have tools from all brands and there are good tools from everyone and there are junk ones too just like any other brand hf has good and bad and snap on has good and bad too for example everyone talks so highly of the mg725 impact it is nothing compared to an IR that costs half as much I have a ton of cornwell tools but I don’t like their ratchets I have a set of matco vise grip pliers that I wish I would have bout actual vise grip brand instead because the matco set feels cheap the important thing is if a tool is a dud and the company knows it is will they take the time and effort to fix the issues or just continue with a poor product
My final thoughts: Harbor Freight was gaining respectability with their Pittsburg Pro/US General products. I think they should have doubled down on what worked and released improved versions of those lines. They could have called it Pittsburg Premium or something. The ICON thing just seems like a marketing gimmick. It is nice to have a better quality option though. If they are trying to appeal to tool snobs it wont work because they will never respect anything that comes from HF.
Broke I mean Icon tools look vey similar to many of the Pittsburg tools, and they are most likely made in the same Taiwanese factories. I suspect the same is true with US general and Icon tool boxes. So, the gimmick was to hype Icon like it was a completely new brand even though it is basically an upgraded version of the products they already carry. Its like having a grand reopening sale. I am not saying it didn't work, but it is a marketing gimmick.
@@everythingfan9726 I guess you are right. HF tools are not glamorous, but some are decent quality and can get the job done. They are sort of an F.U. to tool snobs. ICON seems like a cheesy Snap-on wannabe.
I use all non tool truck tools foot a few years with no issues. Used Pittsburgh pro in automotive for over a year not a single issue. Now a diesel mechanic and still using them with no issues. Own husky/craftsman, gearwrench etc. Now upgrading to icon and all craftsman. Any tool is good until it breaks 👍.
To be honest with you I got me a good 3/8 Snap-On and the rest of my tools are Pittsburgh or Icon. I love my Icon sockets. I had to change a Craftsman 3/8 Stubby and it took me over an hr just to replace it. Harbor freight is simple and fast I recommend. Thanks for the video content.
As a cnc maintenance tech, through classes with haas I learned that snap on and icon are nearly the same. They change the dies out and use the same machines to make them.
I like that Harbor Freight listens to these reviews and hope they continue to develop the Icon line. I also hope they still send you stuff to test out. Like the Titanium Plasma cutter to go with your welding video series.
I agree with you Garrett and it would be nice to check the plasma cutter out for sure lol. I will probably end up buying it though. I'm not sure if Harbor Freight is interested in having me test tools or not anymore but I am leaning toward that they are not lmao. I dont know if im gonna just go buy the titanium cutter or wait for the Vulcan though.
I don't have Snap On money. I've purchased some ICON tools. Torque wrench , the long ratchet wrenches etc. They seem fine and the warranty is excellent. I gave my son in law all my Wright tools when I retired from the Construction industry. So I had to find some new tools to work on my cars.
Bought a set of flexhead ratcheting wrenches 8-19 mm at the flea market brand new in box for 75 dollars awsome freaking deal couldnt be happier they are absolute beasts!!!!!!!
I only got the standard length flex head ratchets and after lube and break in, they seem smooth with low back drag and I haven't had any issues. I haven't beat on them or chucked a pipe bar to them or anything like that. The soft grips feel righteous. Low back drag is extremely important to me and comes in second to massive ultimate strength because I am not one to take a pipe bar to a tool. I'm one to grab the right tool for massive strength such as a breaker or monster 3/4 drive ratchet or master blaster impact if I have the real estate. I am deeply impressed with the long pattern ratcheting wrenches. Matco smooth and the profiling comes in thinner than the Gearwrench variety I own. I haven't beat on them so how robust they are, I dunno. For the prices ICON is coming in at, I cannot expect SnapON or SK durability. I'm just digging the profiling of ICON and rating it as pro DIY grade. Otherwise, I completely agree there is a lot of room for improvement with ICON. As far as the drama queens who bitch slap you and your reviews, they are just too fucking stupid to understand that you are just trying to demonstrate inexpensive alternatives to the high end stuff that may or not get the job done. You have been straight and up front with this all along brother. ICON is listening I am sure.
Appreciate your hard work brother, just picked up the sae ratcheting wrenches with the new 20% off icon coupon that got emailed to me. May the LORD bless you man!
I have bought thousands of dollars of snap-on tools and the only tool that I would buy now is icon other then the battery powered tools it's worth the money to get the battery powered tools form snap on anything else icon is really good in my opinion
I bought the swivel head 3/8 rubber grip and I have to say I love it! It feels good in the hands and very durable. I've used it daily, working on appliances and around the house for a few months now. I actually just picked up the quarter inch swivel and half inch. Good price for a quality tool. No slipping! Which I find is the issue with a lot of other cheap ratchets.
Great video thanks I buy what I like not professional just like to work on my own cars harbor freight is heaven made for me especially the hand tools got me a nice tool box put together that will last me a lifetime. Next week going to grab the icon ratcheting wrenches can’t wait
I also dig the direction HF is going with their "Sears type" replacement model. It's still a little surreal seeing how decent some of the Pittsburg Pro tools are, while others still have that flea market feel. I really liked the look/feel of those ICON reversible ratcheting wrenches, but just couldn't bring myself to drop that kinda money at HF. Though, you're not the only reviewer giving them the thumbs up, so maybe...
Good video dude. I think what created all the hate was the bogus marketing directly attacking Snap On. Not your fault. But I hope this is an eye opener to HF to test their products first before they make such bold claims. I will admit that I like Snap On, the brand has been good to me over the years. Their reputation has been built up over many years. Be sure of your product before you claim it to be as good as Mac, Matco, Snap On, SK or Cornwell or even as good as the German brands. I like your channel a lot. Keep up the good work dude. 🤘
The tools HF retails are a good value, some people appreciate that, some don’t. How are things with HF since the price drops, i’d think it would only be better now? Or has their quality changed also?
I have been using HF ratchet socket sets for almost 40 years on my cars, trucks, motorcycles and boat with no problems. I like their tools. Will I buy Icon? Doubt I need that sort of quality.
Great Video, glad I found your channel. . . . just to jar your memory, there was also a lot of CZcams drama when When Stanley/Black N' Decker relaunched the Craftsman brand in August/September 2018. . . . but you're right, that drama was nothing like what went down with this ICON launch. ((((( ...and we will most likely have to go through drama again in late 2020 when Stanley/Black N'Decker plans to relaunch Craftsman again a 2nd time with their new USA tools made in Texas.
They have upgraded quite a few tools. I’m no mechanic. But I service and build gas station fueling systems. I use a variety of wrenches pipe wrenches sockets ratchets and impacts. All of my sockets and ratchets are Pittsburgh and icon. I use cheater bars all day long on these things and haven’t broken a single tool besides a ridgid 24” offset pipe wrench. Pittsburgh and icon are a solid buy for any use I believe. They have held up to everything I have given them even being exposed to gas, diesel fuel, ethanol, racing fuel, kerosene and jet fuel. They always get the job done for me. I have dewalt power tools icon/Pittsburgh ratchets, sockets and wrenches and ridgid pipe wrenches. None of my stuff lets me down. I would give Pittsburgh and icon a thumbs up to anyone. Harbor freight has some gyms in it for sure.
I'm a fleet mechanic on mostly medium duty trucks and all of my sockets are pittsburgh pro and haven't broke one, but my boss has a snap-on sockets and usually warranties 2 to 3 sockets a week
Being able to go to the store and get good tools is amazing. The only problem with certain places is you have to wait a week to get it replaced. Just putting that out there
I partially agree on your statement of the Tekton ratchets and the high torque before breaking. If you need over ~200 foot pound on it, it is the wrong tool. At the same time, just as Snap-On does, they over build them to handle the extra abuse that is often applied on them. I agree that a bent handle is still "broken", but at the same time, if I bent the handle I can still finish the job. If the ratcheting mechanism or anvil breaks, I cannot finish the job. It at least lets me get things done and deal on warranty after. I had issues with the older Craftsman 1/2 drive RP ratchet, the USA made ones. I broke 2 of them years ago where the ratcheting mechanism failed. Not the anvil, but the gear and pawl portion. Although I got them replaced, the ratchet was no longer usable after the break. It really seems that it depends on how you use your tools. There are statements like every tool as a hammer side for a reason, and the same for the most common use of a flat blade screwdriver, which is not for screws.
I waited two years after watching this to buy them. Seems that got those issues fixed. I bought all sizes of the entire line of icon ratchets. Have had zero issues with them so far.
Thank you for the follow up video. Made comments in your earlier Icon review. I mentioned there “similar” appearance does not equal “the same”. Materials we can’t necessarily see do matter. I hadn’t watched this but figured that cast switch would fail. For the creeping up prices they aren’t competition for anything really. There are good offshore brands but HF developing a business model that compares their products to known quality products and claims “comparable”. Clearly not true below the surface but this works of many of us at least a time or two. Keep up the good stuff.
Thanks for the review. I'll agree with with your 2 months testing. Sure more time is better but really a week or two would have worked. I work in drug manufacturing. We spot test batches. You beat up one tool set over 60 days that is a decent data set. Thanks for the effort.
Keep doing your reviews the hell with people who are just tool elites and snobs.......the tool companies that hate hft are just afraid of the competition and most likely over priced and hyped.......more tools for the masses is better for all......when a diyer can get a tool that does the job at half the price it's always good........more power too you....keep it coming I love what your doing keepin it honest!
Great review(s), helped me make a few purchasing decisions. Not a pro, but use my 1/4" icon ratchet on a weekly basis, so far so good. Was waiting on your final thoughts for the wrenches. I think I'll get the set based on your recommendation. I just want a quality which will not see professional use, but heavy pro-sumer use. thanks again!
Wow !!! Never in a billion years I would never thought someone who has been sponsor by ICON ... you keeping 💯 I appreciate the real ness thank you so much for your honestly .... others would have not said the true to keep getting sponsor !!! Definitely you will not see them emailing you anymore or your feedback but the best feeling is laying your head on your pillow at nite knowing you didn’t dishonest anyone bless your heart brother 🤜🏼🤛🏼
He'll see them again and continue to recieve items for review. People aren't stupid, and want honest real world reviews. Almost 25k views shows that. Harbor Freight isn't stupid either and understands this. Thanks for the honest review RG
Good objective review. I'm no mechanic or auto tech, just a home DIY'er. I don't own any Icon tools myself so I have no opinion good or bad. That said, looking at HF's advertisements when these Icon tools were being released, they stepped in it when they compared them to Snap-Op, Mac and other high end quality tools. If HF had come out and ran their advertising comparing them to say Tekton, Gearwrench, Craftsman, Husky (which I do own some wrenches and socket sets) they would have been better off and not created as much drama as they did. Just my opinion from an old man DIY'er. Cheers!
HF been doing it for years with their Pittsburgh tools. They compare their tools to Malco, Ridgid, and Klein. I bought the pipe cutter it works yet will never last or take the abuse my Ridgid tubing cutters have.
My final thoughts on icon are that I lost a 17mm ratchet wrench and I can’t buy a single wrench which made makes it extremely aggravating if I want a complete set I have to buy a whole set I was really upset with corporate of harbor freight today
Lifetime warrenty?? Ive been told you buy anything in a set if you go as far as missing one peice theyll replace the whole set. Thats frkm all local harbor freight stores where i live
Seems like the whole tool thing anymore is like Ford versus Chevy versus Dodge. I honestly think in many ways it’s a big prick waving event and a lot of people think if you don’t have that $12,000 snap on toolbox thing you don’t know how to work on anything which is totally not true. No one has got it 100% right yet
my problem with the icon tools being sold at harbor freight is you have to buy the sockets an socket wrench separate. why can't cant they sell a complete set? i want to store everything together...
I been watching alot of reviews about icon tools the past few days and I must say even tho I'm a month late I'll be subscribing to your channel I like your non favoritism toward a certain brand and tell it like it is and you use your tools about the same way I do at times....keep up the good work and your knuckles intact
Great information and telling us your experience I agree they are soft I also agree you use what you have on hand if it's a chrome socket and a impact you do what you gotta do to get the job done thanks for your opinions Brian see you on the next video
I’ve used the Pittsburgh pro 3/8 flex head ratchet as my daily for a few months now. I actually reach for it before my snappy just because it’s a little bit longer. I’m disappointed in the icon line up. Was really hoping to see them do well. I’ve held off buying anything from that line because of yours and Justin’s reviews
There’s nothing wrong with the snap-on and all that but most people don’t have the money or access to a tool truck that’s why craftsman and husky and all do well but I’m glad to see someone who is honest with these tools not like everyone else on snap-on is the best
I've been using Pittsburgh lineup for a while. I'm a diyer, I'm thinking about upgrading to the icon ratcheting wrenches and trying out their 3/8 sockets I'm reluctant on the rachets though.
Forklift mechanic here. I purchased the metric and sae anti slip combination wrenches and am very pleased with them. I also purchased both 3/8 deep socket sets only because of the coupon. I too seldom use chrome sockets because I use my 3/8 impact wherever I can for efficiency. Time will tell with the sockets though. Regarding ratchets you can’t go wrong with the Pittsburgh pro for the price imo. But this is just my 2 cents.
I'm a pretty hard core harbor freight guy but the new snapon 1/2" 18v impact is scary. I had it on a bolt with an 1 3/16 head and stopped pulling the trigger because I thought it was going to break it.
What sucks about icon and the higher end at HF is it takes alot of floor space out of the other items that are no longer there. Not sure whats missing but something must be , no?
I am still a bit sore about what happened to craftsman, they use to be the go to for middle line tools, were made in US, and had a no questions asked warranty. When they off-shored that was a sore spot for me, and the warranty went with it. I don't typically make money with my tools, so I will never be a tool truck guy. It seems like harbor freight is trying to fill that void. I used to only buy HF when I was in a bind and needed a tool to work once. We will see what happens in the future. It would be nice to see an US made, no questions asked warranty, affordable tool line. I have a few husky and kobalt tools as well that have treated me nicely, but I still haven't found a favorite since craftsman fell out of favor. When my old man retires I will probably buy whatever he doesn't want to keep of his shop tools and be set for some time.
Bought a set of ratcheting combo wrenches. Gonna go buy more. IMHO Since the demise of Craftsman, there has been a hole in the market between stuff that immediately breaks, and super spendy stuff. Also RE super cheap stuff, what good is a lifetime warranty if they just hand you another tool that immediately breaks? Glad to see HF upping the Chinese tool game.
I did a side by side comparison video for 1/4 flex head ratchet "Craftsman vs ICON" . . . at the end when I choose a winner, something that I SERIOUSLY thought about doing in my video was at the end when I choose a winner, saying "Neither" and then whipping out my Carlyle 1/4 flex head ratchet and saying "this is the real winner right here". But I didn't do that. So I picked a legitimate winner between Crafts and ICON.
I bought the flex head Pittsburgh pro 3/8 ratchet, for my mobile tool kit that I take to the junkyard. Honestly so far pretty dang nice for the 25 bucks.
Ratcheting wrenches by ICON are good. I like mine a lot I have the regular size and stubby in metric and I use them everyday at my Mercedes dealership I work at.
Curious what you would tell a guy needing to buy his first set of wrenches for around the house/weekend warrior use. Wanting something decent but not wanting to break the bank? Looking at Tekton, Icon and Craftsman?
Anyway we could get a real world, comprehensive comparo of ICON vs TEKTON? I'm considering making a pretty large investment in a full set of tools. I'm leaning towards Tekton at this point just because we all know of them.
I've been thinking of getting a new long 3/4 breaker bar. My old one was a Pittsburgh since at the time I couldn't afford to add another snap on or mac to my set. But after feeling some of the icon breakers the other day my initial impression was pretty good. - The Pittsburgh is sketch, I was taking the head off my truck which uses Allen head bolts, One was seized in pretty good I literally had my feet on side of engine bay pushing off trying to get the bolt broke free. The breaker bar was literally bending like a wet noodle and after I got it out the bar still has a slight bend, I'm just glad the bolt didn't snap or the bar for that matter. I've also started to kinda shun away from snap on/bluepoint (unless the price is right) since my issue with my die grinder. It's a older model and the reeds needed to be replaced and I wasn't even running it hard, I only used it when I was doing larger motors. When I purchased it they offered a lifetime warranty full coverage on all parts. That warranty is a major factor in paying the price on a snap on or mac, But it turns out maybe 5 years ago they changed how their warranty works and no longer do lifetime warranties on air tools. So I'd have to buy a kit the kit was something stupid in cost, I got away with flipping the reeds around and got it to limp though. Bought some decent looking die grinder off ebay it still runs today keep the snap on back up. But I think what I payed for the eBay special was still cheaper than the two reeds. I still keep my older snap on ratchets in my truck bag. But for just in the shop something like these are nice and carry the same no question asked warranty. Cause at least if it breaks you aren't stuck out in the middle of nowhere. Hell I have an older kobalt ratchet set in my tool box which the 1/2" I've used a pipe cheater on it multiple times and have used it to swap the wheels around on my truck. - standing on it. EDIT: I'm not saying the snap on can't break but hopefully that faith is in there with the price tag.
Ben Tech There giving everyone a free ratchet and replacing that ratchet under warranty. So yes they really are stepping up to the plate. All they had to do is give a refund to everyone that bought that ratchet.
I don't think I'm going to get too worked up over blowing out a 3/8 ratchet. I've done the same thing to a Snap-on 3/8 ratchet. The problem is since I don't work where the truck comes anymore it's huge pain in the ass to get it repaired. If they come out with a rigid head 1/2" drive ratchet I might have to check that out.
The Pittsburg pro is a great rachet. I have had my flex head Pittsburg pro 3/8th and 1/2 inch flex heads for 7 years now. I abuse them daily and can not break them.
I agree with the sockets being soft, I noticed right away. The flex head half inch is garbage. The flex is completely open, won't tighten and constantly flops around.
Thanks for the info ...the short wrenches probably same as the standard ones .... would like to see the ratcheting wrenches it would be helpful before I go but them...have a good one ...
I appreciate your guidance. I was looking for a set of 1/2" metric sockets; I was considering Icon. Gonna hafta find something else. Thanks and great job!
I used the old Pittsburgh brand deep well sockets. I worked in industrial maintenance. I have used them with impacts and cheater bars. We had to break something loose once in a tight spot. A buddy held the ratchet. We had a 5 foot cheater bar with 2 250 pound guys pulling down. The socket didn't break or strip. I was also using a older kobalt 3/8 ratchet
.... but HF told us that icon beats Strap-on. No surprise here HF just went to Taiwan and picked random tools to put their name on them. No testing or quality assurance was done, they only"design" the look. Before anyone brings up the price, price is subjective as everyone has a different concept of value. Snap-on can charge whatever they want as they have a long and clear history of quality. Where are the icon value and quality? non-existent, they are entering a saturated market of Taiwan tool vendors. The major vendors have somewhat of a proven record and better prices, gearwrench alone offer a more impresive amount of tools then icon. Not to mention they will compete with the cheaper USA/german/Japanese made tools. People have short memories, it looks like they have forgot about the king of tool drama Craftsman.
Saw a pretty good test of icon be snap on torque wrenchs. Icon was more accurate for $100. Also the Daytona car jack is the same as snap on. Both made in China. Identical in all respects. When you buy snap on, you're just buying the brand. Snap on rebrands many Chinese tools.
What has been your experience with ICON tools?
Sideline view. My tool appraising ability says not a single tool of the line is worth the extra money beyond what HF already had on offer. The proper comparison is back to the pittsburgh and pittsburgh pros. While other lines like Bremen and Doyle DO significantly increase the quality/durability of the tool vs the pittsburgh, when it comes to the stamped and forged metal tools of the ICON line, the pittsburgh line is far better value. Made in China tools at made in USA prices is my impression. If I'm going to use asian tools, I want to pay asian prices.
@@snap-off5383 Pittsburgh pro and icon is made In Taiwan so a little better than China
Good so far with the ratchets and I use them everyday.
@@WorkHorseLT True, I pretty much refuse to buy made in china, and hunt for made in taiwan. They have CR-MO down pat, where china has CR-MO glass down pat.
@@snap-off5383 husky and newer craftsman are made in China but they are not bad at all but kobalt is made in China and it sucks also I hunt for USA made and I don't buy new often I have a lot of USA made tools
As a young Tech I was advised by an old Master Tech, to not worry about the name on the tool, but to have the tool available (Not to be borrowing tools all the time). $100 for 1 tool off a truck vs $100 for 10. He said if you break it enough times or see the need for a superior tool that is used all the time, then spend the money for the quality. Otherwise you spend money on a collection of tools that you use once in a great big while vs keeping money for yourself.
That was very good advice i had a set of very inexpensive sockets that i purchased over time, they were a satin type finish not chromium plated, i used these tools every day, 5 days per week for many years, i never damaged a socket and none were worn out, when i changed career i handed them onto our Son who is a light and heavy vehicle mechanic, the tools are still being used, the sockets were manufactued by CK......
@@stefanobio7045 a master tech at my shop has pitsburge impact sockets. Said hes had them since he started and theyve never failed on him.
@@heyitsfranklynn168 Thats very good.....
@@heyitsfranklynn168 damn, my impact deep socket is already falling apart at where it attaches. Might of been from the adapter(was using with impact driver).
Amen to that
I dont care what name is on the tool. I care that it works, has a warranty, and does not cost more than im going to make with it.
You just called that perfectly!
I think alot of new techs get caught up spending more than they need, less profit, but it's their tools, I'm with you
@@blancheflippo9071 im going with alot of icon stuff becuase between coupons and black Friday I've spent less than 1k on tools so far, are snap on better, yes ofcourse im eventually going to get snap on but these tools are holding up great so far granted im essentially a glorified luber goober lol
You’ll get your $ back. Cheap tools work but some tools def are better with higher price tag. I have a mix of snap on Mac co and mactools also Pittsburgh and Icon etc as long as it works for me and I’m happy with my purchase
As a automotive machinist and engine builder I bought a set of icon chromes and they are holding up great!
What’s the name of your company? I have to make sure I never give any of my engines to somewhere that uses Chinese tools.
How does the anti slip open bax end hold up?
@@nolanhauge Icon is made in Taiwan, not China. As well some snap on tools are made in Taiwan.
@@nolanhauge some people say the dumbest crap on the internet, congratulations. 👏
@@nolanhauge it's all the same, the real issue would be does he torque the bolts, doesn't matter if unscrews them with a Pittsburgh 1/4 rachet with 3/8 adapter lol
Love your videos. I have spent over $1,000 on icon and I already got my money back by doing quick jobs here and there. On another hand, my coworker had to get a loan to pay for his snap-on tools. He paid triple for the name, not the tool. Haters gonna hate. Team Icon for life 🤘
snap-on makes more money on interest than tools.they make good tools but you pay out your ass.
wade rigsbee yeah i know they’re good but i also feel they’re over priced not cus its bad but it’s soooo much money for one ratchet
It's not the arrow, it's the indian.
Love my Snap-On ratchets but when I brake one I need to track down a tool truck because I'm no longer a tech. By the time I switched from parts to tech Craftsman was trash... as a teen in the 90s early 2000s I had Craftsman. I still have some of those old USA Craftsman tools and they work well. Harbor Freight is what Sears used to be except they don't offer many USA items (yet?)
I hope they get their quality up and mayby source their top tier tools from USA. Im sure we would all pay a bit more for domestic quality
Yo, we’re Dudes, we’ll start a rumble over anything. Snap-On dudes vs Icon dudes, Husky dudes vs Kobalt dudes. Bring it on suckas! Let’s rumble! 😂
Lmao! Right!?! Forgot MAC, Proto, SK, Facom, Wright, etc.. so many tools out there...but does it work?
That was actually a good observation. You, should have a better than average Thanksgiving for that.
Ford vs Chevy Honda vs everybody else
Tits vs Ass
@@dtester ass. No question
When you go through and read some of these comments I dont know how you do it bro some of these dudes have disability check IQ. YOU'RE a better man than me I can't deal with stupid.
It's just people trying to justify going into debt over a wrench set and is upset that someone who spent less is able to keep up
@@Dunki113 its also idiots trying to justify their 10$ ratchet as a "professional grade tool". People being real dumb on both sides.
@@JgHaverty so anything thats expensive is professional grade? Hahahaha dumbass people this days. Give me a pittsburgh pro and you can have a snap on. Ill take off an engine faster than you
Took a shot for every time he said tools. Im dead now
😂😂😂
You’re watching a tool review
RIP brotha
HB Pittsburgh Pro all the way! Have had my 3/8 flex ratchet for years and it still looks great. I’ve used that think for all sorts of auto repairs from sway bars, brakes and dropping a transmission. Clean with a little WD40 and it’s good as new.
I want cheap tools that can still do the job. Ive had no issues with the Pittsburgh line.
Yes it is just silly how ppl judge. I have used pittsburg sockets for 8 years . only have broke 1 socket..doing something i shouldnt have been
I've never broke a socket or a ratchet yet. I'm surprised at the Pittsburghs strength. For the money you can't go wrong.
Excellent observation. Harbor Freight is about inexpensive tools that work. The ICON line is a money grab. The launch of this product line is not about giving us a better tool for a reasonable price. It's about Harbor Freight getting more profit.
I’ve rounded out Pittsburgh sockets with light, normal use. The only Pittsburgh tool Id recommend is their impact sockets. An impact socket is supposed to be soft and the Pittsburgh line is really great at producing soft metal lol.
Their real cheap $10 socket set they sell I've broke and split very easily. Those are crazy soft and junk but their normal lineup have held including the ratchets . I've also learned the importance of using a breaker bar and/or impact sockets to break things lose. A cheater pipe on 1/4 or 3/8 ratchets doesnt end well.
I appreciate the honest review. I was thinking of getting the icon sockets. I don’t use ratchets or wrenches a whole lot. Cordless impacts and ratchets whenever I can.
I also appreciate that you were honest about impact misuse.
I received the ratcheting ones both metric & standard for Christmas, along with a 1/2 inc flex head, 1/4 flex, and fixed head. I am not a mechanic, I am a social worker, so when I go to my workshop, it’s for me to unwind from the day.. That said, for the price compared to Milwaukee, they are a really good deal. I left me the length of them and I really like being able to change direction with them. I work on my 2010 BMW, 2008 Infinity FX 35, and my 1988 911, as well as my wife’s Honda CRV with no complaints so far.
Honesty these days is truly refreshing. In a world where honesty and faith are words tatted on people's forearms I can respect when someone gives an honest opinion. Thank you for the great videos and please keep them coming
I noticed that HF is offering a coupon deal on Icon sockets. Completely agree with some of these torture tests are beyond what you would ever in the real world use the tool for. Appreciate your honesty.
Dude, I don't love or hate your channel. As long as you keep your tool reviews honest and unbiased I'll keep watching.
I'm glad you did those videos! I actually found your channel right before all the ICON TOOLS stuff, haven't missed a video yet. Keep rocking it brother!
And at this moment I have yet to buy any ICON tools but do plan on getting some.
buy sunex better shit
I was wondering if you have plans to make an updated video about how your Icon tools are holding up? Thank you Jay.
I am pretty satisfied with the 3/8” sockets and my 3/8” ratchet. The warranty and quality are far superior than most tools on the market and the convenience of the store is a selling point. I have been collecting Tekton Tools and they have never let me down but I had to try the Icon brand just because. I am a fan of all hand tools but an admitted fanboy of Milwaukee. Appreciate the videos sir.
I was a little bummed about the performance of the ratchets that I picked up, but when I compared them to similar priced models from other brands I realized it was more of the “snap-on” comparison that made me expect more. Also, I’ve been thrilled with the performance of the standard Pitt pro Ratchets. I think the vast majority of people will be thrilled with the icon stuff, especially for the price.
That is a review that give fact! Keep the attitude that You have and keep being Yourself
Honestly I am a professional mechanic and the Pittsburgh pro ratchets I have just about every one in all 3 drive sizes they are all over a year old now and haven’t broken and I use the kind 3/8 flex to break bell housing bolts loose they can’t be beat for less than 20 bucks each if you are breaking them you either got a dud from the start which happens of course or you are not using the right drive size for what you are trying to accomplish plain and simple you can’t blame a tool for breaking if someone has overtightened a fastener or you don’t have a 1/2 inch available so you use a 3/8 that wasn’t designed to do the job just my 2 cents I have tools from all brands and there are good tools from everyone and there are junk ones too just like any other brand hf has good and bad and snap on has good and bad too for example everyone talks so highly of the mg725 impact it is nothing compared to an IR that costs half as much I have a ton of cornwell tools but I don’t like their ratchets I have a set of matco vise grip pliers that I wish I would have bout actual vise grip brand instead because the matco set feels cheap the important thing is if a tool is a dud and the company knows it is will they take the time and effort to fix the issues or just continue with a poor product
My final thoughts: Harbor Freight was gaining respectability with their Pittsburg Pro/US General products. I think they should have doubled down on what worked and released improved versions of those lines. They could have called it Pittsburg Premium or something. The ICON thing just seems like a marketing gimmick. It is nice to have a better quality option though. If they are trying to appeal to tool snobs it wont work because they will never respect anything that comes from HF.
They can barely keep their ICON tools stocked every time I shop there, so I don't know what you mean by "marketing gimmick"
Broke I mean Icon tools look vey similar to many of the Pittsburg tools, and they are most likely made in the same Taiwanese factories. I suspect the same is true with US general and Icon tool boxes. So, the gimmick was to hype Icon like it was a completely new brand even though it is basically an upgraded version of the products they already carry. Its like having a grand reopening sale. I am not saying it didn't work, but it is a marketing gimmick.
Mike Michaels so it’s what you wanted them to do, but not, because you don’t agree with the name? 😂😂😂
@@everythingfan9726 I guess you are right. HF tools are not glamorous, but some are decent quality and can get the job done. They are sort of an F.U. to tool snobs. ICON seems like a cheesy Snap-on wannabe.
I use all non tool truck tools foot a few years with no issues. Used Pittsburgh pro in automotive for over a year not a single issue. Now a diesel mechanic and still using them with no issues. Own husky/craftsman, gearwrench etc. Now upgrading to icon and all craftsman. Any tool is good until it breaks 👍.
To be honest with you I got me a good 3/8 Snap-On and the rest of my tools are Pittsburgh or Icon. I love my Icon sockets.
I had to change a Craftsman 3/8 Stubby and it took me over an hr just to replace it. Harbor freight is simple and fast I recommend. Thanks for the video content.
You can't beat icon snapring plier set for 50 bucks thats the greatest deal on Earth
I have them, they are awesome.
As a cnc maintenance tech, through classes with haas I learned that snap on and icon are nearly the same. They change the dies out and use the same machines to make them.
I like that Harbor Freight listens to these reviews and hope they continue to develop the Icon line. I also hope they still send you stuff to test out. Like the Titanium Plasma cutter to go with your welding video series.
I agree with you Garrett and it would be nice to check the plasma cutter out for sure lol. I will probably end up buying it though. I'm not sure if Harbor Freight is interested in having me test tools or not anymore but I am leaning toward that they are not lmao. I dont know if im gonna just go buy the titanium cutter or wait for the Vulcan though.
I don't have Snap On money. I've purchased some ICON tools. Torque wrench , the long ratchet wrenches etc. They seem fine and the warranty is excellent. I gave my son in law all my Wright tools when I retired from the Construction industry. So I had to find some new tools to work on my cars.
Bought a set of flexhead ratcheting wrenches 8-19 mm at the flea market brand new in box for 75 dollars awsome freaking deal couldnt be happier they are absolute beasts!!!!!!!
I only got the standard length flex head ratchets and after lube and break in, they seem smooth with low back drag and I haven't had any issues. I haven't beat on them or chucked a pipe bar to them or anything like that. The soft grips feel righteous. Low back drag is extremely important to me and comes in second to massive ultimate strength because I am not one to take a pipe bar to a tool. I'm one to grab the right tool for massive strength such as a breaker or monster 3/4 drive ratchet or master blaster impact if I have the real estate. I am deeply impressed with the long pattern ratcheting wrenches. Matco smooth and the profiling comes in thinner than the Gearwrench variety I own. I haven't beat on them so how robust they are, I dunno. For the prices ICON is coming in at, I cannot expect SnapON or SK durability. I'm just digging the profiling of ICON and rating it as pro DIY grade. Otherwise, I completely agree there is a lot of room for improvement with ICON. As far as the drama queens who bitch slap you and your reviews, they are just too fucking stupid to understand that you are just trying to demonstrate inexpensive alternatives to the high end stuff that may or not get the job done. You have been straight and up front with this all along brother. ICON is listening I am sure.
Appreciate your hard work brother, just picked up the sae ratcheting wrenches with the new 20% off icon coupon that got emailed to me. May the LORD bless you man!
Thank you Luis man that means a lot to me!
I have bought thousands of dollars of snap-on tools and the only tool that I would buy now is icon other then the battery powered tools it's worth the money to get the battery powered tools form snap on anything else icon is really good in my opinion
Snap on makes garbage battery tools. Their hand tools are great but their battery tools are worse by far than dewalt and Milwaukee
I bought the swivel head 3/8 rubber grip and I have to say I love it! It feels good in the hands and very durable. I've used it daily, working on appliances and around the house for a few months now. I actually just picked up the quarter inch swivel and half inch. Good price for a quality tool. No slipping! Which I find is the issue with a lot of other cheap ratchets.
Great video thanks I buy what I like not professional just like to work on my own cars harbor freight is heaven made for me especially the hand tools got me a nice tool box put together that will last me a lifetime. Next week going to grab the icon ratcheting wrenches can’t wait
If we worry about what people think we will live in a world of crap..you make awesome vids..👍
I also dig the direction HF is going with their "Sears type" replacement model. It's still a little surreal seeing how decent some of the Pittsburg Pro tools are, while others still have that flea market feel. I really liked the look/feel of those ICON reversible ratcheting wrenches, but just couldn't bring myself to drop that kinda money at HF. Though, you're not the only reviewer giving them the thumbs up, so maybe...
Yeah the price on the Pittsburgh Pro Flex head 3/8" went up quite a bit. Most things Pittsburgh aren't great but those are fantastic.
Good video dude. I think what created all the hate was the bogus marketing directly attacking Snap On. Not your fault. But I hope this is an eye opener to HF to test their products first before they make such bold claims. I will admit that I like Snap On, the brand has been good to me over the years. Their reputation has been built up over many years. Be sure of your product before you claim it to be as good as Mac, Matco, Snap On, SK or Cornwell or even as good as the German brands. I like your channel a lot. Keep up the good work dude. 🤘
I want to thank you for this video, I am looking for tools for college. This video is valuable
I'm bout in the same spot as you, just holding off on school but still kitting up. Good luck n God speed
I couldn't have said it better. Just ordered a set of stubby ratchet wrench and will get snap rings shortly. Great job. thanks
The tools HF retails are a good value, some people appreciate that, some don’t.
How are things with HF since the price drops, i’d think it would only be better now? Or has their quality changed also?
I have been using HF ratchet socket sets for almost 40 years on my cars, trucks, motorcycles and boat with no problems. I like their tools. Will I buy Icon? Doubt I need that sort of quality.
i have the ratcheting set for work, so far they seem pretty good, normal wrenches are pretty good for the price
I have the 3/8 swivel head and I like it a lot, I've abused it.
Great Video, glad I found your channel. . . . just to jar your memory, there was also a lot of CZcams drama when When Stanley/Black N' Decker relaunched the Craftsman brand in August/September 2018. . . . but you're right, that drama was nothing like what went down with this ICON launch. ((((( ...and we will most likely have to go through drama again in late 2020 when Stanley/Black N'Decker plans to relaunch Craftsman again a 2nd time with their new USA tools made in Texas.
They have upgraded quite a few tools. I’m no mechanic. But I service and build gas station fueling systems. I use a variety of wrenches pipe wrenches sockets ratchets and impacts. All of my sockets and ratchets are Pittsburgh and icon. I use cheater bars all day long on these things and haven’t broken a single tool besides a ridgid 24” offset pipe wrench. Pittsburgh and icon are a solid buy for any use I believe. They have held up to everything I have given them even being exposed to gas, diesel fuel, ethanol, racing fuel, kerosene and jet fuel. They always get the job done for me. I have dewalt power tools icon/Pittsburgh ratchets, sockets and wrenches and ridgid pipe wrenches. None of my stuff lets me down. I would give Pittsburgh and icon a thumbs up to anyone. Harbor freight has some gyms in it for sure.
I'm a fleet mechanic on mostly medium duty trucks and all of my sockets are pittsburgh pro and haven't broke one, but my boss has a snap-on sockets and usually warranties 2 to 3 sockets a week
Id like to see you back on these in a year 👍
Being able to go to the store and get good tools is amazing. The only problem with certain places is you have to wait a week to get it replaced. Just putting that out there
Folks let me make this simple: its your money, your life, buy what you want
I partially agree on your statement of the Tekton ratchets and the high torque before breaking. If you need over ~200 foot pound on it, it is the wrong tool. At the same time, just as Snap-On does, they over build them to handle the extra abuse that is often applied on them. I agree that a bent handle is still "broken", but at the same time, if I bent the handle I can still finish the job. If the ratcheting mechanism or anvil breaks, I cannot finish the job. It at least lets me get things done and deal on warranty after. I had issues with the older Craftsman 1/2 drive RP ratchet, the USA made ones. I broke 2 of them years ago where the ratcheting mechanism failed. Not the anvil, but the gear and pawl portion. Although I got them replaced, the ratchet was no longer usable after the break. It really seems that it depends on how you use your tools. There are statements like every tool as a hammer side for a reason, and the same for the most common use of a flat blade screwdriver, which is not for screws.
I waited two years after watching this to buy them. Seems that got those issues fixed. I bought all sizes of the entire line of icon ratchets. Have had zero issues with them so far.
Idk what drives me nuts about Pittsburg is the stubbys are 12 point and deeps are 6. I wish they had all the options in 6 point and 12
Thank you for the follow up video. Made comments in your earlier Icon review. I mentioned there “similar” appearance does not equal “the same”. Materials we can’t necessarily see do matter. I hadn’t watched this but figured that cast switch would fail. For the creeping up prices they aren’t competition for anything really. There are good offshore brands but HF developing a business model that compares their products to known quality products and claims “comparable”. Clearly not true below the surface but this works of many of us at least a time or two. Keep up the good stuff.
Thanks for the review. I'll agree with with your 2 months testing. Sure more time is better but really a week or two would have worked.
I work in drug manufacturing. We spot test batches. You beat up one tool set over 60 days that is a decent data set. Thanks for the effort.
I hope CZcams reviews come back. My ICON (insert name of tool here) one year later . Thank You for your reviews Brother.
I use my Kobal 1/4" sockets with impact every now and then, no problems so far.
Keep doing your reviews the hell with people who are just tool elites and snobs.......the tool companies that hate hft are just afraid of the competition and most likely over priced and hyped.......more tools for the masses is better for all......when a diyer can get a tool that does the job at half the price it's always good........more power too you....keep it coming I love what your doing keepin it honest!
For that price on the wrenches I'd have a hard time not spending a bit more for the Milwaukee wrenches
I bought a standard set of ratcheting wrenches of ICON. Very nice 👍. It's basically affordable Snap-on
Great review(s), helped me make a few purchasing decisions. Not a pro, but use my 1/4" icon ratchet on a weekly basis, so far so good. Was waiting on your final thoughts for the wrenches. I think I'll get the set based on your recommendation. I just want a quality which will not see professional use, but heavy pro-sumer use. thanks again!
Wow !!! Never in a billion years I would never thought someone who has been sponsor by ICON ... you keeping 💯 I appreciate the real ness thank you so much for your honestly .... others would have not said the true to keep getting sponsor !!! Definitely you will not see them emailing you anymore or your feedback but the best feeling is laying your head on your pillow at nite knowing you didn’t dishonest anyone bless your heart brother 🤜🏼🤛🏼
I appreciate that man and we will see if they want honest feedback or just a yes man after this.
He'll see them again and continue to recieve items for review. People aren't stupid, and want honest real world reviews. Almost 25k views shows that. Harbor Freight isn't stupid either and understands this. Thanks for the honest review RG
Good objective review. I'm no mechanic or auto tech, just a home DIY'er. I don't own any Icon tools myself so I have no opinion good or bad. That said, looking at HF's advertisements when these Icon tools were being released, they stepped in it when they compared them to Snap-Op, Mac and other high end quality tools. If HF had come out and ran their advertising comparing them to say Tekton, Gearwrench, Craftsman, Husky (which I do own some wrenches and socket sets) they would have been better off and not created as much drama as they did. Just my opinion from an old man DIY'er. Cheers!
William Logan You hit the nail on the head. Cause when you do it your basically throwing shade on yourself. People will be that much more skeptical
HF been doing it for years with their Pittsburgh tools. They compare their tools to Malco, Ridgid, and Klein. I bought the pipe cutter it works yet will never last or take the abuse my Ridgid tubing cutters have.
My final thoughts on icon are that I lost a 17mm ratchet wrench and I can’t buy a single wrench which made makes it extremely aggravating if I want a complete set I have to buy a whole set I was really upset with corporate of harbor freight today
Lifetime warrenty?? Ive been told you buy anything in a set if you go as far as missing one peice theyll replace the whole set. Thats frkm all local harbor freight stores where i live
Well then, dont lose em...
I lost $100 bill and I blame the U.S treasury.
@@i_________________________4994 not the same at all
Honest reviews brother! Helped me make a decision.....Thank you!
Seems like the whole tool thing anymore is like Ford versus Chevy versus Dodge. I honestly think in many ways it’s a big prick waving event and a lot of people think if you don’t have that $12,000 snap on toolbox thing you don’t know how to work on anything which is totally not true. No one has got it 100% right yet
Great video man I appreciate the honesty of your reviews bro.
my problem with the icon tools being sold at harbor freight is you have to buy the sockets an socket wrench separate. why can't cant they sell a complete set? i want to store everything together...
I been watching alot of reviews about icon tools the past few days and I must say even tho I'm a month late I'll be subscribing to your channel I like your non favoritism toward a certain brand and tell it like it is and you use your tools about the same way I do at times....keep up the good work and your knuckles intact
I appreciate that brother and am glad you are sticking around!
Great review. Will definitely hold on the flex ratchet. Thanks buddy.
Great information and telling us your experience I agree they are soft I also agree you use what you have on hand if it's a chrome socket and a impact you do what you gotta do to get the job done thanks for your opinions Brian see you on the next video
I’ve used the Pittsburgh pro 3/8 flex head ratchet as my daily for a few months now. I actually reach for it before my snappy just because it’s a little bit longer. I’m disappointed in the icon line up. Was really hoping to see them do well. I’ve held off buying anything from that line because of yours and Justin’s reviews
There’s nothing wrong with the snap-on and all that but most people don’t have the money or access to a tool truck that’s why craftsman and husky and all do well but I’m glad to see someone who is honest with these tools not like everyone else on snap-on is the best
I've been using Pittsburgh lineup for a while. I'm a diyer, I'm thinking about upgrading to the icon ratcheting wrenches and trying out their 3/8 sockets I'm reluctant on the rachets though.
Great review. HF really hyped up the release for multiple quality assurance failures. Thanks for keeping it honest 👍🏻
Cant wait till icon come out with impact sockets
Saaaaaame I think it'll be the redemption they will get it right
They had them at SEMA along with their screwdrivers.
In what way will they be better than Pittsburgh?
@@OldAndGettingOlder its will be hard to beat pittsburgh pro set.
Thank You..Very Concise & Helpful..I Enjoyed the vid!!
Forklift mechanic here. I purchased the metric and sae anti slip combination wrenches and am very pleased with them. I also purchased both 3/8 deep socket sets only because of the coupon. I too seldom use chrome sockets because I use my 3/8 impact wherever I can for efficiency. Time will tell with the sockets though. Regarding ratchets you can’t go wrong with the Pittsburgh pro for the price imo. But this is just my 2 cents.
how are they holding up after 3 years?
I'm a pretty hard core harbor freight guy but the new snapon 1/2" 18v impact is scary. I had it on a bolt with an 1 3/16 head and stopped pulling the trigger because I thought it was going to break it.
What sucks about icon and the higher end at HF is it takes alot of floor space out of the other items that are no longer there. Not sure whats missing but something must be , no?
I am still a bit sore about what happened to craftsman, they use to be the go to for middle line tools, were made in US, and had a no questions asked warranty. When they off-shored that was a sore spot for me, and the warranty went with it. I don't typically make money with my tools, so I will never be a tool truck guy. It seems like harbor freight is trying to fill that void. I used to only buy HF when I was in a bind and needed a tool to work once. We will see what happens in the future. It would be nice to see an US made, no questions asked warranty, affordable tool line. I have a few husky and kobalt tools as well that have treated me nicely, but I still haven't found a favorite since craftsman fell out of favor. When my old man retires I will probably buy whatever he doesn't want to keep of his shop tools and be set for some time.
Bought a set of ratcheting combo wrenches. Gonna go buy more. IMHO Since the demise of Craftsman, there has been a hole in the market between stuff that immediately breaks, and super spendy stuff.
Also RE super cheap stuff, what good is a lifetime warranty if they just hand you another tool that immediately breaks?
Glad to see HF upping the Chinese tool game.
I did a side by side comparison video for 1/4 flex head ratchet "Craftsman vs ICON" . . . at the end when I choose a winner, something that I SERIOUSLY thought about doing in my video was at the end when I choose a winner, saying "Neither" and then whipping out my Carlyle 1/4 flex head ratchet and saying "this is the real winner right here". But I didn't do that. So I picked a legitimate winner between Crafts and ICON.
I bought the flex head Pittsburgh pro 3/8 ratchet, for my mobile tool kit that I take to the junkyard. Honestly so far pretty dang nice for the 25 bucks.
Hope icon comes out with some screwdrivers. Still using the old craftsman ones.
They do now and they rock I have snap on ones and they hold up the same !
Have you had a chance to try out Icons swivel set yet? I thought about the 1/2 drive SAE set but wasnt sure how they would hold up.
Bought the 3/8 set last week honestly they hold up really well .then again its only been a week.
I have the 3/8th metric shallow universals and they work great I've abused them on 1/2 impact for well over a year and haven't had one break yet...
Ratcheting wrenches by ICON are good. I like mine a lot I have the regular size and stubby in metric and I use them everyday at my Mercedes dealership I work at.
Curious what you would tell a guy needing to buy his first set of wrenches for around the house/weekend warrior use. Wanting something decent but not wanting to break the bank? Looking at Tekton, Icon and Craftsman?
Anyway we could get a real world, comprehensive comparo of ICON vs TEKTON? I'm considering making a pretty large investment in a full set of tools. I'm leaning towards Tekton at this point just because we all know of them.
I've been thinking of getting a new long 3/4 breaker bar. My old one was a Pittsburgh since at the time I couldn't afford to add another snap on or mac to my set. But after feeling some of the icon breakers the other day my initial impression was pretty good. - The Pittsburgh is sketch, I was taking the head off my truck which uses Allen head bolts, One was seized in pretty good I literally had my feet on side of engine bay pushing off trying to get the bolt broke free. The breaker bar was literally bending like a wet noodle and after I got it out the bar still has a slight bend, I'm just glad the bolt didn't snap or the bar for that matter.
I've also started to kinda shun away from snap on/bluepoint (unless the price is right) since my issue with my die grinder. It's a older model and the reeds needed to be replaced and I wasn't even running it hard, I only used it when I was doing larger motors. When I purchased it they offered a lifetime warranty full coverage on all parts. That warranty is a major factor in paying the price on a snap on or mac, But it turns out maybe 5 years ago they changed how their warranty works and no longer do lifetime warranties on air tools. So I'd have to buy a kit the kit was something stupid in cost, I got away with flipping the reeds around and got it to limp though. Bought some decent looking die grinder off ebay it still runs today keep the snap on back up. But I think what I payed for the eBay special was still cheaper than the two reeds.
I still keep my older snap on ratchets in my truck bag.
But for just in the shop something like these are nice and carry the same no question asked warranty. Cause at least if it breaks you aren't stuck out in the middle of nowhere. Hell I have an older kobalt ratchet set in my tool box which the 1/2" I've used a pipe cheater on it multiple times and have used it to swap the wheels around on my truck. - standing on it.
EDIT: I'm not saying the snap on can't break but hopefully that faith is in there with the price tag.
HFT really stepped up to the plate with the recall.
i mean they already have a liftetime warranty i dont see how they stepped up to the plate.
Ben Tech There giving everyone a free ratchet and replacing that ratchet under warranty. So yes they really are stepping up to the plate. All they had to do is give a refund to everyone that bought that ratchet.
@@1970chevelle396 well they should its embarrassing that it happened.
@@bentech8887 Snap on has had around 20 recalls. At the cost of their tools how embarrassed should they be?
@@Moadar 20 recalls in 100 years of making tools isnt bad at all. 2 recalls in 2 months is horrible.
I don't think I'm going to get too worked up over blowing out a 3/8 ratchet. I've done the same thing to a Snap-on 3/8 ratchet. The problem is since I don't work where the truck comes anymore it's huge pain in the ass to get it repaired. If they come out with a rigid head 1/2" drive ratchet I might have to check that out.
The Pittsburg pro is a great rachet. I have had my flex head Pittsburg pro 3/8th and 1/2 inch flex heads for 7 years now. I abuse them daily and can not break them.
What?! You don't think you get a five times better tool for five times price of a Pittsburgh tool? Neither do I. Neither do I. 😎
I agree with the sockets being soft, I noticed right away. The flex head half inch is garbage. The flex is completely open, won't tighten and constantly flops around.
Any idea when they will be sending vouchers out for free 3/8 flex ratchets? I assume they will still do this?
Thanks for the info ...the short wrenches probably same as the standard ones .... would like to see the ratcheting wrenches it would be helpful before I go but them...have a good one ...
I'm a harbor freight junkie.i ain't been their in at least a week. Starting to have with draws.
I appreciate your guidance. I was looking for a set of 1/2" metric sockets; I was considering Icon. Gonna hafta find something else. Thanks and great job!
I used the old Pittsburgh brand deep well sockets. I worked in industrial maintenance. I have used them with impacts and cheater bars. We had to break something loose once in a tight spot. A buddy held the ratchet. We had a 5 foot cheater bar with 2 250 pound guys pulling down. The socket didn't break or strip. I was also using a older kobalt 3/8 ratchet
.... but HF told us that icon beats Strap-on. No surprise here HF just went to Taiwan and picked random tools to put their name on them. No testing or quality assurance was done, they only"design" the look. Before anyone brings up the price, price is subjective as everyone has a different concept of value. Snap-on can charge whatever they want as they have a long and clear history of quality. Where are the icon value and quality? non-existent, they are entering a saturated market of Taiwan tool vendors. The major vendors have somewhat of a proven record and better prices, gearwrench alone offer a more impresive amount of tools then icon. Not to mention they will compete with the cheaper USA/german/Japanese made tools. People have short memories, it looks like they have forgot about the king of tool drama Craftsman.
Saw a pretty good test of icon be snap on torque wrenchs. Icon was more accurate for $100. Also the Daytona car jack is the same as snap on. Both made in China. Identical in all respects. When you buy snap on, you're just buying the brand. Snap on rebrands many Chinese tools.