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 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
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 🤘
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
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.
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.
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'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.
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
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 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.
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 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
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
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 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 👍.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Subscribed..... I think you give an honest review and not just some bs "ohhh the chrome is so shiny!" And thanks for the heads up on the sockets, I almost bought a set.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
Great Video, glad I found your channel. . . . just to jar your memory, there was also a lot of RU-vid 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.
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.
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'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.
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 thoughts and can’t wait for the ratcheting wrench review. The wrenches look good and I may pick some up later, ratchets seem nice but I got several SnapOn I use now, and the sockets didn’t interest me much. Like you, I only use impact sockets, and HF has a big task at hand to get me to give up my Grey Pneumatic Duos.
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 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.
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 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...
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’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
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.
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 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.
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.
The only Icon tool I've bought has been a 1/4" fixed head ratchet. I had to warranty it out after the first use. The second ratchet I got works but doesn't seem as smooth as the ones they had on display in the store. I was really excited about these tools before release but now im gonna stick with my gearwrench and tekton untill they get all the bugs worked out.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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 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.
