Ratchet Bit Driver Showdown! Icon vs The World!
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Ratchet Bit Driver Showdown! Icon vs The World!
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I picked up the Icon a few days ago. Can honestly say it has surpassed my expectations. So versatile. Nice review Jeff!!
Was going to pick up the icon set but my Matco guy had a 38 piece set brand new for 35 bucks otd
I purchased the Gearwrench set in the early 2000s, used it multiple times a day for years in the motorcycle repair business. I constantly exposed it to extreme torque, never broke it.
I loved the angled heads for clearance, and the handle is a great length.
The case was junk, so I used a magnetic rail to store handle and bits.
I mainly just used the handle, 1/4” square adapter, and built my bit collection from snap on, whia, and Matco.
I broke many pro level truck handles before I acquired it.
Highly recommend, it’s a survivor, and a favorite go to.
Definitely best bang for buck, I paid right at $10 for it.
I have been using the Chapman set as a professional fixer of electromechanical machines for 20 plus years. I bought the Wiha sent about 5 years ago because I convinced myself it would be better.
In practice, I keep going back to the Chapman because the Wiha likes to tip to one side or the other, so I have to put my finger on top of the head of the ratchet to steady it, which reduces the clearance and it keeps switching the direction while using it, so you think you're loosening, and suddenly the screw is tight again.
It was really frustrating. I ended up giving the Wiha set away.
Yes, the gear ⚙️ wrench 2 piece bit driver set is excellent for the money. A hard organizer case would be even better. The other brand is okay, but the flex head grooves could be deeper.
In the automotive repair world..... smaller is better. The only time an auto tech picks up this type of tool is when nothing else will fit in the tiny working space.
Been looking for at these kits for a while now to toss in the range bag. Nothing really was "good enough" to replace my small tool bag of assorted tools. Then HF releasesed the Icon set a few months ago, and it was like all the answers to what I wanted.
pretty happy with mine so far.
I have a larger Chapman set. To me, the standout feature with Chapman is the quality and precision of the bits. The ball detent retention saves the hassle of the bit falling out when used at certain angles.
They have been especially useful in working on sewing machines and certain other “ blue steel outdoor sporting equipment” if you know what I mean - with out damaging screw heads.
One of the benefits of Chapman is that you can buy individual replacement bits fairly inexpensively. I use 3, 4 and 5 mm bits daily for nearly 20 years and have only worn out one 3mm bit.
People always fail to understand that the Chapman bits are what you're buying and that the Chapman bits are the best you can buy.
If you want to use any POS cheap bits you have laying around then Chapman is not what you want.
If you want high quality precision drivers that fits screws better and hold up longer, but will break before damaging a screw that may not be replaceable the Chapman is what you want.
Gunsmithing, typewriter or sewing machine repair, really any kind of repair on old things with specialty screws it is what you need.
You can turn them with your fingers to avoid overtorquing, easily replaced, modularity and versatility of sets, a round palm ratchet, stubby driver handles, wood driver handles, different case options, replacement latches for the cases, your favorite color of case and favorite color of ratchet,you name it.
The Chapman may not be the best ratchet, but that's not why you buy Chapman and their bits are the best , they are the most versatile, and they are the best company.
Btw the Chapman bits are also the only ones you can just stick right into a 1/4" ratcheting box wrench.
There are no others with detents and built in stops , unless it's the cheap Chinese knockoff sold under the general tools brand.
I could go on and on, and nobody could possibly come up with a reason Chapman isn't the absolute best when it's the kind of tool you need.
The HI-FIVE manufactured drivers ( all marked reverse gear on the thumb wheel including icon and Wera ) are the best when it comes to using any standard bit for general purpose tasks though.
I’m an A&P mechanic and we use bit ratchets all the time, one of my top 5 most used tools. I’ve tried a ton of different brands. The Vim HBR4 is the best I’ve used for tight places. Great action and a high tooth count, about $20. My favorite overall when I have a little more room is the Snap-on TM72. Planes have a lot of Philips style screws and they require you to put downward force on the head of the ratchet. Almost all bit ratchets have a thumb wheel or some type of pass through so when applying pressure it interferes with the ratchets action. The Snap-on is basically a regular 1/4” ratchet so it performs like a regular ratchet. All other bit ratchets feel like a compromise, not the Snap-on. You can convert an new style Snap-on 1/4” ratchet with the RKRTM72A repair kit for $11.20.
excellent detailed info, thanks
As a field service guy, the Wera is my favorite. I have flat-out abused mine using pipe handles and it never skips a beat (the thinness of the head when used with a shortened bit is great). The Icon is nice but too long for some of the places I need to get to, so it stays in my computer bag for when I just need to make a quick adjustment to a machine and don't feel like dragging my 95 lb roller box through the plant. You really can't go wrong with either one.
One little thing about the pass through style vs the capped ones is you can usually flip the bit and use the ratchet inverted to significantly reduce the usable depth. As far as sets, Wera hands down for daily field use (esp if you customize the bit selection for your needs like adding Bondhus ball end hex, maybe ball torx from blue point set) and heavy TSA friendly traveling. Ratchet alone, the Icon.
Icon ratchet style with extension in the tool check plus would be perfect
28:14 caught me off guard. LOL 😂
I fully agree. That icon set is one of the best tool releases of 2022. Harbor freight which I normally look at as a throwaway tool company hit a home run with that kit.
This is just a Taiwan OEM and it already 10+ years on the market with different labels
@@ollivgv lol where....there isn't another set like it anywhere
As a kid in the '60s, my Dad's machine shop was my day care. I ended up working there and bought the place from my Dad in 1975. As far back as I can remember there was a Chapman set in the shop, but it was kept in Dad's personal wooden tool box (German), that was off limits to the gorillas running the machines. I retired at 71, and if I dig hard enough I'll bet I could find the set.
I like the Chapman (because I already have it). Mostly use it for working on my “other” tools…. Those proprietary bits are great for gunsmithing.
I really like the Felo ratchet. Out of the ones I own, (Felo, Icon, Wiha, and Wera) the Felo has the best ratcheting feel.
There's a lot more of this type of tool in the bicycle tool world. My personal favorite is the Bike Tools Mini Ratchet. But Topeak makes a good one too.
I've been carrying the Chapman in my pocket for a year. I use regular bits with it every time. Just put your thumb behind it. It's really light weight and disappears in my pocket. It fits the bill for me 🙂
I primarily reach for these for tight access fastener use. I've used them a lot working on custom van buildouts inside cabinets and for repair/disassembly work on many applications. Proprietary bits for a bit driver is ridiculous. The pass through sockets are cool, but that's a ratchet not a bit driver. I have the ares version of the sealey driver and that's my go to for tight access, the compact size can't be beat. I like the extra 1/4" on the handle and have used it as a fixed screwdriver to spin loose fasteners out and as a bit holder to switch back and forth when working with two different fasteners. I liked it so much I bought another for my mobile work set up. I have a Klein one I didn't like and gave it away. I had a cheap stamped steel one and gave that away also, it wasn't any more compact and had a silly coarse tooth count, like 18 teeth or so, swing angle was abysmal. I have that Wiha kit and like it. Coming with a good selection of quality impact rated bits is a win in my book. It lives with my mobile kit and gets used regularly. Would love to try the icon at some point but it's been out of stock every time I go to my local HF. VIM makes the same ratchet and extension available in a kit or standalone and I may just order theirs at some point.
I picked up the Icon on Thursday and it's really nice. I had a 25% off anything that expired on the 31st so this video was timed. I was at Harbor Freight today and the set is no longer 39.99, it's gone up $5.
Great info and good choices. The Icon really does have the highest degree of functionality. It’s more of a master set then a beginner set in my view with all the capabilities the ratchet has over the competition. Except for the titan which to also chose. I guess what I am saying here is great minds think alike…
Nice comparison, I love the toolcheck always goes with me on final walkthroughs.
I don't know what Wiha set you have...but I have a Wiha set similar to that except the bit adapter and ratchet fit in a Kaizen cut out.. the idea behind these little kits is so that they can fit in the places that other tools can't fit so you want a small driver
The Husky set Is the Gearwrench pass through setup
I have about a dozen of the cases that are like the Sunex case that I use to hold bits and other small work tools and accessories and I've never had one break...I've had them over 5 years... appearing as though it's flimsy and actually being flimsy or two different things... they're actually tougher than you think
I was thinking about buying the Icon not just for the bit ratchet, but also to use the socket adapter as a 1/4 flex head ratchet rather than having a separate dedicated one.
I'll chime in on the tiny ones. Use them a good bit in automotive. I believe the odd one with big bits, is also geared towards a specific area. Tight dash work, engine compartment, etc. something like that. Great comparisons! Wasn't looking for a new set, but I believe a trip to HF is needed now:)
loving that icon, might have to put that in my motorcycle tool kit
File this under a set I don't strictly need, but would definitely make a ton of quick jobs easier and faster. Honestly, the Icon set with all the extra features is looking perfect.
Awesome comparison. Can't believe how many different styles there are. I have the Klein 65200 and the Gearwrench 81039 both which have worked out great for my use.
Went out and bought the Icon set... Everything on CZcams appears larger than in real life, even your hands. 😆
Great set.
The Sunex set gets daily use at our shop, and working under a dash it’s a life saver. With it’s weird case it’s definitely something that stays in the tool cart, and I wouldn’t suggest it for a travel kit.
That husky is made by gearwrench, it's compatible with their pass through and the one they made for craftsman. I have the husky version of the double ended gearwrench and love it but I'll be looking far a sale on the icon now to add to the small tools collection.
I've used the Chapman for decades. Still works perfectly. When you need to get in tight places, that little ratchet is a lifesaver.
How durable would you say it is in regards to the tension one can put on it when encountering rusted bolts or screws ? I do locksmithing and come across a lot of bolts n screws that are extremely jammed or rusted in. Are these not heavy duty enough to deal with these conditions?
I have the VIM model and the Icon, today is used them together as hand crank I really think that it is the best tool in my ready tools kit
Mr. Bear, you trimmed your beard. It looks good! Chapman makes the best gunsmithing screwdrivers. I've had mine for 35 years.
Just hit 41 yrs on my Chapman set.
Chapman's hollow ground screwdrivers are the only screwdrivers that will touch my guns. I've had them for about 30 years and they are absolutely ideal for any application where you can't afford a tip to cam out.
Omg when you brought that husky kit out! Lmfao 🤣
I got a Gearwrench set a few months ago at Home Depot. Pretty nice set, came with a set of bits and two locking flex head ratchets, one long and one short.
To me it just depends on the project and whats on hand and your personal preference to get the job done effeicently and quickly
The Lang is an orange version of the Blue Point. Blue Point makes a couple others at different angles.
Pretty sure it's the other way around. it's also been sold under Matco and Craftsman.
The Bear is right, Lang has made that exact ratchet for Snap-on, Bluepoint, Matco and Craftsman USA at some point.
@@denoftools makes sense. All I know is I have the three version set. Good design if expensive off that truck.
It just amuzes me how people struggle to read measurements in imperial and still stick to it instead of using metric😄
I have a Wiha set that came in a plastic holder. I've found that the ratchet pawl sometimes reverses on it's own with the way I hold it.
Love the Wera tool check plus!
Great review of several kits I have been considering. I think I agree that the ICON kit checks the most boxes when it comes to functionality. The locking flex he'd is the same as my snapon flex head ratchet... the finest ratchet I have ever used. Must have in any shop, whether or not you own any other Snap On tools.
I did pic up an Icon yesterday and it's nice but I use the Wadsworth super deluxe mini ratchet. You won't like it for the proprietary bits but the degree of swing is excellent.
I have to say, I really like the icon. The adjustment for the head looks nice. I have a Stanley that looks kinda like the gear wrench and it's ok. Really short handles aren't that great. They are hard to hold and trying to get in a tight spot where fingers don't fit well, it becomes very apparent.
I'm in my 50s. I've owned a couple of nice name brand bit driver sets my entire adult life. I HAVE NEVER USED THEM ONCE!🤣🤣🤣 When would you ever need these? I just use my normal ratchet driver sockets.
The posibility for hex bit kits to do it all--power drill drive--screw driver handle--ratchet handle--sockets and fit all possible screw heads-- and this possible all with with individual driver bit replacements. I do find most of the ratchets too small to use easily. These all have the posibilty of being compact and easy to use. LOL I find that like you, I need a seperate large container to carry them. The pile just seems to keep expanding!! They really can do anything but assembling what is needed can be an effort.
When the mine closed 30 years ago around here my uncles friend cleared the tools out and snagged a bunch of tiny chapman packs. Soo useful but I may snag that icon looks like a great little pack. Throw it in the harley bag....
The socket adapter are nice for working on tight spots on motorcycles. The sunex got a new upgraded swivel ratchet now in 2023.
I've got the Sealey ratchet branded by Ares. Mine came with a bit adapter that I've used to stick in the end of the handle. Effectively giving me a 2 inch or so extension. I got it when I decided to try to put together a day to day (not survival) altoids tin. The little Sealey ratchet fits in perfectly. As does the bit adapter and a selection of the most common bits. I find myself getting a lot of use out of it.
Could you just cut an Allen key and throw in the sealy pack? For an extension
I have the Wera, Icon, and two different, but similar, Sunex sets. I by far love the Icon the best. And I keep two small socket sets with it. Put them in a small camera bag, all together. I have used the sockets with the handle extension for torque. For small, low torque jobs, it works great. What's not to love. An auto mechanic friend loved mine so much, I bought him one, and he paid me back. He uses it a lot on dashes, trim, radio work, etc. in cars.
what bag and socket set did you get? this sounds perfect
@@scottyee707 The camera bag was just a good one from a thrift store. A small canvas, zip tool bag would work too. Jeff has shown evert set I own in his videos, except one of my Sunex ones. I purchased all sets either off Amazon, or in Harbor Freight for the Icon set. The Icon set is my favorite. I bought it when it first came out.
I only have experience with the Chapman and gear wrench sets. The Chapman ratchet gets stiff and notchy.
Gear wrench set is nice for automotive work since you don't need to drag out a 1/4 drive set, but it has its draw backs. the case is brittle and breaks easily, the ratchet doesn't take much torque before breaking...next to impossible to get warranty around me.
Learned a long time ago to place wide rubber bands on ALL small bit holders and socket set boxes . Vessel manufactures a nicely packaged a 31 piece impact ball set . Quality Made in Japan product .
I just ordered the Husky from Home Depot. Lifetime warranty! I like the pass-through sockets. will use the Allen wrench to install Billstein shocks on the front of my jeep jk. Will also get the Harbor one when becomes available at my Harbor.
I'm leaning toward the icon. I have an antique tool like this which holds hex bits in a small cup, made of stamped/pressed stainless steel with a discrete peg style directional switch. I don't recall the brand but it's probably smaller than all of those tiny ratchets and work polished. I love the tool but the ratchet is wearing out. Put the icon on my wish list next time I visit HF. The locking hinge and end bit holder + superior carrying case sold me.
Those other brands that are thicker with bit attached are solid NO's because a tool like this has limited usefulness, and generally I'd only use it for tight fitting spaces. The Wera is nice but too expensive and bulky. The Sealy would be my 2nd choice if I didn't want a case, bits, or extra features.
Klein is best. Craftsman is good in tight spots. The ebay chinesium one has a std 1/4 ratchet on the other end.
I've got a Kobalt set that's almost identical to the gearwrench set and I love it. Comes in super handy.
The #1 feature is the short length. Picked up a Pittsburg cheapie ($10) to get to a screw between a car dash and the door. Was not about to remove the door to get to it. I just measured it and just a tiny bit over 1" with standard Phillips. Yes, it is cheap, ratchet has clunky feel but it works and for the price, paid for itself. Don't remember any case but I just stick the small handle in with the rest of my tools as I'll use a power driver to get most stuff and the Pittsburg for tight places.
I appreciate the honest opinion, especially where you basically say "it's just my quirks" ;)
I also wanted some JIS cross bits (Japanese Phillips.) Picked up a set of 3 bits that came with a large T-handle. The bits were good but the large T-handle was fantastic. Will probably pick up the Icon someday, looks real good and the T-handle feature is underrated.
Too bad the Pittsburg has taken some serious abuse and probably won't break soon as an excuse to get the Icon. :)
The Wadsworth Falls bit ratchet/driver sets are my favorite. USA made, extremely good bits and fitment, very very versatile with several configuration possible, extremely strong... all in a very compact kit box. They are not cheap, but they are worth every cent if you use these type tools much. I have probably 8 or 10 other bit ratchets. Some are super tiny, some super thin, others super cheap. I like the Wadsworth Falls the best.
Dear Mr. Bear
I would recommend you looking / trying the
Tekton tech rescue kit , great little kit for the glove box .
Thank you
You mean this one? czcams.com/video/frvuywQWswA/video.html
Love my Chapman. Love the small head. Gets in the corners awesome
The Titan is a favorite of mine :) Combined with a good bit set that has a nice assortment of long and short bits has been quite a useful combo.
Was there a link to titan?
@@thomasluteran3113 Doesn't look like it. The model number is 11318 and they have other colors available, those handles may be made from aluminum but I'm not completely sure.
I've bought three Icon sets one of which went to my son. I've used many and one set was $200 and proprietary bits: I'll not go that route again. That set remains in a fixed position in my workshop so it doesn't get lost as replacement bits are essentially UNAVAILABLE. Another pass factor. Fantastic quality of material, but those two are a no go.
Icon set by Harbor Freight is by far the most versatile based on a lot of clever engineering as evidenced by all the detail and even the case is IMHO, exceptional.
Your mileage will vary and viva la difference as the French say.
One thing I would have mentioned in the size comparison, is the fact that the icon ratchet/driver has a "handle extension". So it's super compact. But can also extend.
Regarding the ICON ratchet as well as one made by VIM tools. I only have one issue with the ratchet, Most mechanics would want this set or type of ratchet to use in tight spaces. Mostly for low torque applications like dash work. 60 tooth would be the minimum but would rather see 72 or even 90 tooth count instead. Take note on this VIM tools since my guess is I think they might manufacture this tool for ICON or out source it from the same manufacture. Otherwise I like the set…..
The icon set is literally unobtainium at this point. Stores stock 3 or 4 at a time and they're gone within an hour it's crazy years later after release.
Love everything about harbor freight except for the fact you can't just order stuff online and ship it to your house. Especially during sales.
Klein makes a nice one, i like the finger hole on the end, makes fast ratcheting. Doesn't come with a whole lot of extras but its worth the $15-$20.
You left out Victorinox. They have one of the nicer ratchets. You didn't mention conventional 1/4" drive ratchets. The Pittsburg one from HF (62175) my favorite because it's standard and not special in any way, which makes it really reliable. I know...odd. For hex bits, just use an adapter.
I figure you'd need the socket adapter for any tight situation where you'd use any of these bits.
Sure you can grab your socket, but what will you turn it with, in an awkward angle or space too tight for a regular ratchet or driver?
Should be good for interior, dash, and tiny bolts tucked away under hood. 🤷♂️ idk?
Wiha was given to me at work to use. The ratchet fails in short order for most of the guys in the shop but it never for me. I didn't like using it tight spots the direction lever is hard to move. Using it at home should work fine for most people.
Thanks for including the Chapman set. That set saved me the other day bc of the low profile.
I very much want a small set with bits AND sockets for the moped under the seat for emergency rattles and whatnot. All the bit sets are great but I need a few sockets too to be ready for something rattling or falling off or needing fixed.
I honestly like my long and short handle gear wrench bit set with more extras for a little more money.
If you really, really don't need the smaller ic** tool's size and functions. Save your money. Purchase an inexpensive 1/4" to hex bit adapter and a quality strong 1/4" flex head ratchet.
It's really over-priced, in my opinion. Sure, the hard case is neat with the brand name on it cool.
Maybe I'm blind. I personally don't see the brand stamped or lasered on the actual metal tool itself and that makes it look generic.
I have different brand tiny 1/4" sockets clearly marked and they look great.
My other ic** ratchets are marked and look great like the real deal.
I exchanged one with too much wiggle. The second one is a little better but not great.
If the flex head were a maybe 1/32" little thicker, and flex head grooves cut deeper, it would be much better.
What are you doing without an HBR5 from VIM tools? It's easily the best one I've ever used. HBR3 if you don't want the double end HBR4 for the comfort grip model.....they are TOP TIER.
I love that the wera is all impact rated, but the icon looks great too!
The ICON sure does look like the FACOM right down to the identical case. Is it rebranded or cloned like the KNIPEX knock offs?
Ya I pointed this out earlier and my comment was deleted. I don't like supporting companies that just copy other company's good designs. Reading these comments, it seems people are praising and going out and buying Icon which just ticks me off more.
Looks like somebody needs a tape measure with all the increments posted!
Nice thoughtful ideas about which is best. I have the Gearwrench type. I don't have much to say about it. I don't use it often. I bought it when I need an offset screwdriver and it works for that. I didn't agree with some of the intermediate choices but I agreed on the ICON.
One annoying thing about all these kits isn't about the kits themselves. Metric vs. standard allen key sizes. They are almost completely interchangeable except when they're not. Bike people and camera people are going to want metric. For general purpose US stuff you probably want standard except when you want metric.
I bought the Wiha set a couple years ago. I put it up and forgot where I put it up for a year. I found later and the first time I tried to use it the ratchet broke. When I tried to tighten the screw it jumps gears and started reversing. I called them up and they did replace the ratchet. It's has a nice heft to it and felt like good quality. I haven't even tried the new ratchet yet. I very seldom use bit sets like these.
I happened to have the Gearwrench, the Icon and two of the Titans (one bit / one socket in different colors to differentiate) and I find that those four make for a fantastic and flexible combination .... the Icon is the one I have at home with 8 different models of the Picquic screwdrivers (hex, torx, etc) ... and some smaller pliers in a very small tool bag.
I picked up a little yellow box at a yard sale. Seemed to be brand new. $5 said the elderly lady running the sale. I never heard of them before, but it said USA CHAPMAN on the outside. Love them except the ratchet. The bit passthrough split and is hard to turn. Still ratchets but gets tight partway round. The bits don't work in a normal bit driver because of the splines on the end. Definitely would buy another brand of ratchet to keep with them.
I’ve got the gear wrench set that comes with the two flat handle ratchets (one short one long) that are both flex heads and the icon set. By far the best two on the market. Only issue with the gear wrench set is it all sits in a blow mold it’s not a case so to travel with it you have to throw it all in a zip up canvas bag but the tools themselves are great. And I disagree about the sockets I like having a few of the normal smaller sizes because then if I have to mess with the battery or other minor mechanical stuff on the car I can use these sets
Ok now I've got to add that to my Icon tool pile. Love it but it adds up. Lol 😅
I purchased the Icon set last week and really like it a lot. I'm going to augment it with a set of selected 1/4 sockets as part of my everyday carry bag.
How have I never seen this?! I have the Wera $90 mini ratchet bit and socket set. This is amazing!
I have the ICON, just recently got it, seems to be tough to get....almost wish I had bought 2....but I also have a TopTul set. The main difference between the ICON and TopTul, besides price, (TopTul was almost twice the cost, $83.00), is the TopTul has metric sockets. I throw this in my backpack when riding trail with my Japanese dirt bike. I like the case for the ICON better, but it has no sockets.
O'Reilly's auto parts sells a Power Torque brand bit ratchet. It's a fantastic design and has really high quality S2 bits that come with it. It has a rather tiny case but the ratchet itself is great and it has a lifetime warranty so it can be exchanged at O'Reilly's. It also accepts bits in the bottom of the handle for the screwdriver type application.
Klein also makes a really nice bit ratchet but the best complete set in my opinion is the Icon. I own about 7 different ones so I can keep one in my glove compartment, at work, in my nightstand etc. Icon if the best value and best ratchet to use.
All good points, but i would put chapman bit quality up against anyone. Pb swiss, makita, wiha, icon or whoever, chapman bits are second to none.
Hahaha love how the wiha teleported back onto the table.
I have the wiha, wera, icon, gearwrench, and titan bit drivers.
They all have pros and cons.
wiha & wera I feel both are both bulky for bit drivers.
The icon I like the case and the extension. But the ratchet itself is junk. Ive been through 8 so far. The pals in the head strip easy even without using the extinction for leverage. The pal for handle angle didn’t work out of the box on 3 of the 8. The bit stop in the head that prevents bits from passing through was non functional on 2 out of 8 out of the box. Another 2 out of 8 the bit became non functional after using the extension past through the head then switching back to using just a bit in the head, at this point standard bit passes straight through the head. So 5 out of 8 ratchets were usable before I even walked out of the store. 2 were broke in the parking lot of the second harbor freight I had to go to replace because the first harbor freight ran out of them.
The gearwrench is good for electrical and control system work.
The titan head comes in handy for certain situations.
But my favorite bit driver that I carry daily in my pocket, you don’t have in your list but out performs all my other bit drivers is the power torque GM4315. I just cary the ratchet with a ph2 and 1/8 bit installed in it. even though the GM4315 if micro size compared to all other drivers but the ratchet is capable of higher torque than most bit drivers without breaking.
Have used the Chapman set for years. Only issue is if you go too strong of a pull the ratchet will split. Replace with a set from snap on. Snap on bits are horrible so I use the Chapman bits with the snap on ratchet. The titon ratchet looked the most interesting but the head idea too late foot my uses
Hello again Jeff and Mrs. Bear
Thank you for another Great Video. Currently I don't have a true bit driver set. What I do have is the original adapters from my 1997-1998 Gearwrench Ratchet Wrench set, and a Craftsman Ratchet Screwdriver. Having said that, I forgot to add my adapters for my cordless tools. I have been looking add another tool to the box. You make a compelling argument for the Icon. And I was just at Harbor Freight today. Lol.
Thanks for posting this! The icon tool kit seems like a win for me too. I like their socket bit adapter, as I work with a lot of electrical small precision sockets and bits.
why no love for klein? the klein 65200 is an awesome driver ... i use it more than the icon even though it only comes with 5 bits and one is a 1/4 socket adapter great as a edc pocket tool.
And I'm not sure I'd classify the husky as a bit driver but more of a pass through ratchet?
I have the Icon set and the only criticism I have for that set is the lack of tooth in ratchet head. When you're working in a limited space you need every bit of that angle which I was a bit disappointed with this set
Icon is definitely the best one. Bought one and it replaces a Bosch set (that set foolishly has some metric sockets).
The Gear Wrench might also be similar to a set by Kobalt.
I like almost everything about the Icon except the flex head. I actually think the bulk of the flex head is a disadvantage. If you're using one of these it's because it's a tight spot and that extra bulk will likely be a problem.
I do maintenance. My bit driver lives is my pocket with a few bits for quick access. small size and no sharp edges mines klutch
Like the measurements. Keep it simple (3 and 1,2,3 lines)
I have the Premier and the quality is fantastic. Nice high tooth count. Most of what I do is with a drill/driver/impact and the Premier lives in the tool bag for the rare time I need to get into a tight spot with a bit or socket. In my case I have all my main bits plus extras on hand so I don’t need another container to hold the ratchet and more bits. I am considering picking up the HF just for the flex head.
Would you say these are durable and hold up under heavy torque load or are these not really tough enough for heavy duty work? I deal with a lot of rusted in and forced in screws and bolts in tight places at times.
Hello, what are the exact dimensions of the ICON box? I cannot find such data on the HF product page. Thank you!
I feel like the Wera has a lot more utility with all the sockets, but the Icon has the great adjustable head and extension. Wera should definitely copy those features.
One consideration not covered is weight. For situations like bicycle riding, keeping one's tool kit light is important. Chapman sells a little, bicycle specific kit in a vinyl pouch and I think the sheet metal design of the ratchet keeps the weight down. I see similar weight savings designs in military products when it will be left on the battlefield once it serves it's purpose. I have a Chapman set in a blow molded case in my home tool box and yes, the proprietary bits have caused frustration.
That Icon kit seems to be very well designed from the ratchet to the case. The engineer(s) where definitely drinking high octane coffee that day. I think that using the extension bar on the bit holder end of the ratchet handle to increase leverage has high potential to stress the metal too much at that socket. I'm going to check that one out when a coupon comes along. :)
Another one to consider is the Klein 65200 which they sell in-store at Home Depot.