Snap-ON Killer! Icon Tool Cabinet from Harbor Freight (Hands On Review) 

Please remember the comments section is FAMILY FRIENDLY! We got cubs reading these things, act like an adult. That said also remember this is a hands-on first lopl/ I will be doing follow up videos as we explore these cabinets further.

To everyone complaining about the price, this really isn't a box for the home gamers, this is a box for people who make their money out of it. My snap on box, without the locker or top storage, is north of 13k.

I've not seen this in person yet, but as a professional mechanic who loves his snap on boxes, this has my seal of approval so far. It reminds me alot of a proto box, which is a damn fine box. This isn't a snap on, but the guy buying this doesn't need it to be. Looks like a fine box that will give you years of service, and if I was starting out and didn't already own my snap on boxes I'd definitely be interested in this.

Okay, hold my beer! I have had my US general box for 5 years, it's the 56 in with top and bottom and two side cabinets. I love my box, have had virtually no issues with it with the exception of the drawer locks. Because I'm a mechanic I came up with a magnetic system that holds the drawers closed in the back of the drawer, it cost me an extra $25 to make this work. My box still looks amazing and I'm proud of it. I don't understand these negative people, this is a demonstration of the box and what it looks like and a person's opinion. At the end of the day you have a brain of your own go look at it and see if it works for you, if works for you great and if it doesn't it doesn't. Insulting someone else's integrity is your issue not theirs. Thank you for your videos I really enjoy them and I will continue to support you.

Nice looking tool boxes. Just wish HF would show some love to the construction trades with some truck boxes.

Nice looking cabinet, but when I hear it's 3k to 5k, I start thinking about all the actual tools I could buy for that amount of money. 👀

Anybody who questions your Honesty and Integrity doesn't have any of their own !!!! Not that you need to, but anyone who has watched even only a few of your videos should respect your opinion. They are for the most part adults and realize it is just your opinion. That said, it's an opinion that should be listened to because of your diverse background in your employment history. I can say upfront that I have not agreed with everything you've said. That comes from different life experiences. It never for a second made me question your ethics, honesty, or integrity. Thank you Jeff for another great video !!!! SHINE ON !!!! RODNEY

They will have a hard time selling those even with a 20% off coupon. They don't have the reputation nor the loyalty of big names. People who shop at HF are very price sensitive.

Sorry DaBear 🐻...I'm buying the cheaper US General HF brand. It's good enough for my use. Icon is too expensive for my budget...💸

Howdy from Texas sir! I work at HFT and I love your reviews because they are honest. You always give a fair viewpoint as well as pointing out WHY you don’t like a product. I tell all my customers to check you out because you are honest and fair. Glad you got a first look at the ICONs!! I’ve yet to lay my hands on one, but I’m excited!!

Harbor Freight has become the Tool King....I remember saying Rest in Peace Craftsman, now I am seeing RIP Snap on, MAC TOOLS, and so Many more. I remember when I moved to Florida and learned about HF, It was like cheaper then Craftsman though back then they were known as throw away tools but now WOW! Glad to see Harbor Freight Tool coming out with these high end tools and such. I just watched the Torque Wrench they sell for $99.00 which beat out the $400.00 Snap on Torque wrench. Ya these guys and gals are going to rule the market. THANK YOU SO MUCH HF....THANKS THANKS THANKS

Honestly I paid 5.5k after interest on my snap on 1022 brand new awesome colors I dont see this box filling any gaps not enough difference imo unless you get a sweet deal

You have to admit nobody can honestly say that isn’t a nice toolbox that hutch sets it off for sure. I’m glad you showed how to install the top and hutch like that. Many people would be scared to bust out a drill and pop holes in a brand new toolbox. That’s a sweet setup for sure. I know ICON has impressed me and everyone knows I am a Snap On and Matco guy but they are going to change a lot of peoples minds.

It doesn't seem that long ago that the only option to by tools from Harbor Freight was to order from the mail catalog. I was stoked when the first retail store opened near me. Fast forward to today and they are taking on the biggest tool brands around. Loved seeing that shiny new wall of Icon cabinets in your garage! Keep up the great work!

SnapOn is like a car lot: no matter how good a deal you got, the dealer always wins.

I bought a used krl722 with a stainless top for $2k.. That’s a nice looking box but that’s a lot of money for a Chinese toolbox.

...... and cue the trolls and haters!!! That thing is bigger than my garage! Holy smokes! Thanks for the initial review and God bless! 😁

🙏 for the great content! Congrats on the new box and from the looks of it your great grand kids will be using that baby

Everybody knows bear can't lie. Only politicians and fishermen can do that. Thanks for your time. Great review. Shine on.

I own a big snap on box. Untill a non tool truck tool box company comes out with a 29 or 30 inch deep box, it will not compare. Yes they are nice, they look like a snap on box but that's about it. If this icon box was 29 deep I would be all over it. First company to do it and offer it at a great price will a game changer.

Not a bad looking box, looks like a decent box that might last...but when I bought a brand new ktl1023 for 6k hf really isn't that good of a deal. And my slides,castors are lifetime warranty. (Let's mention mine is 29" deep which adds alot of room). And if you make payments and buy regularly nobody pays full cost off a tool truck....

I just hope it comes down in price. I cant justify spending $5000 for the bottom when the masterforce boxes I like are less than $2000

I love your honesty and integrity. Those two things are becoming a rarity.

I'll Stick with the Us General boxes.. Now the tools I put in it can be from all over.. Also you have to keep in mind how good is the full "quality control" side of all the tools in a price range.

Thanks for showing man, I'll say it does look pretty sweet!

I like it. I Don't think I can convince my wife that I need this for our bi-monthly oil changes on the cars or knocking out the honey-do list though! 😄

Is it really worth five 56" US General cabinets???

So glad i waited . Got my 56" for 2200

There was one at my local Harbor Freight. My opinion was it was nothing special, just a really big box. The drawers open like a normal tool box, no smooth close and it only impressed me with its size.

Give me some details, sheetmetal thickness, how is welded drawer capacity etc..

"I don't get anything out of being biased.' Heh, except the possibility of more free stuff. lol Of course I'm not saying YOU would do that, but let's face it, many 'reviewers' are like that, and the suppliers know it. One has more of a chance of continuing to get swag if all of the reviews are favorable. Great looking cabinet!

2 years ago I bought a Husky lower box and tied it down in the back of my truck. It spent 3 months outside while I did the snowbird routine in Yuma Arizona. I had my tools and spare parts to keep my sand car running during trips to the sand dunes. I drove threw snow and rain with it covered by cardboard and a tarp. It's back home in the garage. It still looks like new and the bearing drawers are smooth. The wood top has a old bath towel between my old upper boxes since I just hate to tear up that wood top. For a retired person on fixed income I couldn't ask for more. Maybe a computer on the box to tell me what drawer I put it in. Every time I reorganize things it seems I can't find it. When things were a mess I new what pile to look in. LOL

Keep in mind regarding the price..... there may be some tariffs built in as well . Once we get the trade situation straightened out with China, I wouldn't be surprised if the prices fall 10-20% ! That quality looked fantastic!

I like it. And for anyone complaining of drawer depth/ space. Firstly.. learn some organization skills, second.. take the time to configure the box. Yo can configure any of the other big brands also.

Looks fantastic and great call on the one time use ramp! Can’t wait until you get it all loaded up with your favorites from storage.

Glad I picked up my Cornwell Pro Series 76" used but like new for $1800 on Craigslist last year. 5K for that 73". That is big dog territory.

I've only been working on cars a few years now. Not professionally in any way. Just as a side gig and for fun. I only own a few hundred worth of cheap tools and have shopped at harbor freight for any misc tools I need. I'm kinda glad they're coming out with Icon and these tools that are suppose to compete with higher end brands. Ya, they might not have the reputation of being well built, but they're trying. Hell, they even have a life time warranty on all Icon products. So if this tool chest breaks in 20 days or 20 years, it's under warranty. I think they have room to improve, but I love the direction they're going, and I'm definitely considering shopping icon once I pull the plug on getting a tool chest and full tool kit.

My 72x25” MATCO box with power drawer and power on front was $5000 new, not really a question of which one is better

I’ve never cared what brand of took I used. Just as long as it worked. These tool boxes look to be a good box. Time will tell. -a diesel mech

OMG! I CANNOT EVEN CONTAIN MYSELF!!! WOW!!! THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! Okay...let me finish watching the balance of video.

She's a game changer that's for sure.

Definitely not a Snap-on killer. Dream on. Lol

RED, WOW! First, congrats! You provide great reviews, put in a ton of work, have a depth of knowledge, and it shows. The fact they sent you that is further proof. Second, that’s an amazing looking cabinet set up. Can’t wait to see it in stores.

Good for you on the free boxes you put in the work for this channel. I think people just get jealous.

Very nice. However, I love my us general 72 and I paid 999.99. Enjoy that Beaty.

Looks like a nice box. Way out of my price range. I just happened to be driving past my local HF today and decided to stop in. The only thing in there with the Icon name was a 3/8 and a 1/2 inch breaker bar.

I haven't seen the Icon boxes in person yet, so I have to reserve judgement. For most people the US General series 2 is more than enough to work well for them, especially in comparison to boxes from the big box stores, i.e., Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. What can often work for a "pro" is to buy a used or a box that has been taken back because of payment defaults. I bought my S/O box off a guy that was leaving the auto repair industry and paid off the balance due on the box and got the box for a healthy discount from the regular list. There is a fairly active market for used boxes, so that can be an alternative to buying a new pro box. Of course you have to have cash to do this but savings can be significant. If your box doesn't get moved around, then truefully, almost any box can work as long as you don't abuse it.

love the video but currently out of my price range, currently saving for a series 2 us gen, currently have a series 1 us gen 44in and been using for 2yrs professionally and my only issue is i wish it had more room

Saw the Icon tool boxes in the Medford Ma. Harbor Freight today and was not at all impressed with the way the drawers opened and closed. They were not at all smooth to open and close at all. The drawers needed force to open and close and were not smooth Kiley the Us General. Can’t see what all the hype is about. Logistics supervisor said icon was a entirely separate company and not a HF product at all. Any feedback on this statement? I love HF but Icon seems a dud so far...

it was cool to see u lettin the lil guys pitch in & help... when i was just a cub it was always the hi-lite of hangin with my grandpaw when he let me work with him & use his tools... alot of which are now in my tool box now that hes gone home to be with the lord... & dude, thats a serious flippin tool box... wow! ...im blessed with a beautiful bride that got me a husky 46 incher with the wood work top, & i love it! ...but... i gotta admit, im a lil jealous cause that thangs awesome! god bless & as u always say, shine on dude!

Bear I believe without a doubt that you would be honest to your viewers about very product you review. With that said someone else might have a different experience with the tools and think that you're being bias but because you gave it a good review. But with that said I appreciate your honesty and the time you take to do these videos for the community. Thanks Bear

Wow it actually came with a wooden ramp? A coworker of mine spent $7000 on his Snap On tool box and it only came with a cardboard ramp...the running gag with tool truck tool boxes is, you actually spend $6000 on a nice jacket and you got the tool box for free.

From the video the Icon unit looks really nice. I got a steal this summer on a Matco single bay, top and bottom with side locker for only $1250. It was made in 1996, so it's a 25 year old box.

Icon literally just copy’s the look of snap one.

While I don't feel like you try to sell people on Harbor Freight products in order to get free stuff, it is silly to say you couldn't benefit from being biased in their favor. You got a $10,000+ setup for free. That being said good video, thank you for helping inform me on a product I am likely to buy in the future.

Just saw it in person at my local HFT. Its a solid first class cabinet! Heavy duty for sure. Sliders are THE BEST. I wish my corvettes had red paint that good. Beautiful. I"d be scared to put tools in it it's so pretty. It is a lot of $ for sure. But if you're a guy who turns wrenches for a living or a guy with a shiny floor garage, it's for you! HFT you just stepped forward with a big foot! Congrats getting it built and out to stores.

It looks like a high quality tool box. But I won't be buying one. Maybe if they do a 30+ inch deep version someday. As It stands I have things that just won't fit in these boxes.

One day I too will partake if this beautiful set up you described with such elegance. Lol great vid. I'm a bit envious.

I love the extra features, the hutch, and the design. I'm not convinced that these are worth 5x more than U.S. General as much as I am not convinced the Snap-On is worth more than 10x the U.S. General. I would have liked to see something in a nicer U.S General line at maybe double the price.

Thanks Red Beard! Love it!

You are one honest bear. Want to see long term testing.

Post-purchase rationalization is what snap-on purchasers have. They don't purchase tool boxes. They purchase EGO boxes.

I know Craftsman has gone downhill lately but, my 20+ year old boxes still work fine. At these prices or even sale prices I think I'll leave them at the store. Honestly, I'd rather buy a new bandsaw or tablesaw for that kind of money. No, I'm not a mechanic, I gave that up when you needed to become a computer programmer to work on cars. To each their own, to those that do buy them enjoy.

My store got this box in today, the side locker is amazing, it is a good box no doubt about that, I do understand the price, building something like that, shipping it out and making a profit puts hf at that price range, but that makes them compete directly with strictlytoolboxes, snap on (when you got dealers that have repos) or even ebay has some decent boxes, gonna have to wait for black friday.

These do look like nice tool boxes, hope they hold up. A bit more expensive then I anticipated which might be a deal breaker for most people even if they do match snap on’s quality it’s still over priced. Looking forward to the coupon prices, maybe then i might be on the fence for one.

Thanks for the review. I watch and dream. Retired on fixed income here, but love the reviews. My needs are bauer. My hf purchases span 25 years and my solid waste disposal business beat some of these tools hard. If you know what you're looking for, harbor freight is great. If you don't, nobody cares.

i really do think people are missing the intended market with these ICON boxes and tool line. it is meant to compete with the big boy tool brands. Snap-ON, Matco, MAC, etc etc. if you compare the same set up through one of the big boys its a difference of easy 8-10K. similar for the tool line. HF isnt getting rid of their general line or other tools. they are trying to wedge in and undercut the big boys in a PROFESSIONAL MARKET. yea for the tool box in the home garage for a DIYer or a weekend mechanic its a bit much. but for the professional techs who spend $10k-$20k and up on boxes and tools its nice to have an alternative. one of the biggest draw backs of getting into a professional tech field (whatever it may be) is the cost of tools. I have been a tech for 8 yrs now and with my Snap On Box, and my matco tool cart and tools. I know I have about $15k in tools and i need more. So when something like this comes along and i can get a tool that is professional grade for 40-60% cheaper then the tool trucks and not lose quality then its helpful.

Snap on guy sold me a used krl722 in good shape for 2200. That box is 7k new, I paid for hutch on sale for 2700 with free led work light that’s about 5k total. I’ll take my snap on set up over the knock off for same price any day.

Looks similar to snap on. Do all the casters swivel and can they be locked like the snap on? Are the slides under warranty for life? Quality does have a cost for the professional 6k is cheap for a box if they stand behind it and don’t discontinue the repair parts in ten years I think it will do well.

my brother-in-law besides being a ex-marine is a gold certified technician for Porsche and if anybody knows anything about Porsche every dealer has to have to Gold to Silver to bronze technicians to be open so he's at the top but his tools to service those cause when he told me the price that he has end working tools and multiple tool boxes from Matco Tools and I didn't know if you have Snap-on or not but he told me over $60,000 I can't believe how much tools can cost that's what makes Harbor Freight so good that you can get a decent tool at a decent price

I BOUGHT A 73 INCH ICON WITH HUTCH AND SIDE LOCKER AS GOOD AS SNAP ON ...........I LOVE IT........ SPENDY NOW THEY ARE GOING TO DROP IN PRICE SOON

Give me $13,000 in tool cabinets for free and I'll sing their praises too. Facts are most home owner tool guys tinkering around in their garage will be fine with a US General or similar brand.

That's a really nice box. Love it. I'm excited about Icon it's a good upgraded brand for Harbor Freight. It would be awesome if you could also buy a large icon tool set that would fill most of the bottom box and include organizers. 1000pc set or more

From all the video that appears to be one nice toy box but I really can not justify having one as I am a retired aviation mechanic, I already have 2 of older series 1 forty four inch US General boxes 2 side cabinets 2 top cabinets and locker in my shop and those do a great job storing my tools. I think for a mechanic just starting off these are what I consider to be ten year boxes and at a price that is affordable (I do know when the coupons come out even better priced). What really lights my fire is when the Icon hand tools are widely available (also with coupons). There are several tool sets that were not available almost 40 years ago when I was starting off that I would really like to have.

They appear to be a great option. I love how Harbor Freight is adding competition to the market. These are exciting times in the tool community. Thanks for the continued updates brother bear!

The quality is there, very nice.

From what I see I’m impressed with the icon tools and cabinets. If you are a diy person this price point isn’t for you but if you are a professional mechanic the cost can be justified. I’m sorry but I don’t like it comes from China but it is hard to find anything completely made in the USA in any product. Thanks for the review.

I’m glad Harbor Freight sent you the toolbox! You have been honest with your HF reviews. I am always confident that when you give a positive/negative tool review, it’s comes from an unbiased point of view. I’m a weekend warrior/diyer so I depend on your reviews to help me make my decisions. Justin Dow makes reviews from a professional mechanic point of view plus a few other RU-vidrs as well. So, I feel confident in the reviews period! Thanks for all you do making your videos!

not a fan of the ports on the front of the unit as I could see myself getting caught on the cables constantly, but I also see that theres no where else to put it on the outside. Can't go on the sides because of the other boxes that attach to the tool box and obviously they can't stick it on the back.

I did and have to say time will tell the quality about this tools we can’t expect a lot after all they are from HF

Huge price drops from a lack of sales I guess, but it still takes MONTHS to get them delivered. Ask me how I know. (Ordered May 22, arrives July 26th)

Very nice, seems over kill for at home use

Thank you for the review. The 20% off coupons I have read the small print of what items are not eligible for the discount, ICON is on the list. Have a blessed and safe week.

Nice that there is modular drawers

I did a video on this icon setup today when I was at harbor freight would love one of these lockers sent to me to put against my us general box

I agree when you get items for free you are more honest on the review then when you buy the item yourself because you always want to justify your purchase

One of the main ideas of this, is that it is very professional looking and should look good in a shop or business

OMG, using the "mobility scooter" to get the zooming in shot in the beginning has me LMAO.

As I stated in my previous comment. I was quoted $16,000 by the store manager for the exact same icon set at the Harbor Freight in Camarillo California. Whatever the cost, the Icon tool box is going to be significantly higher than the US General set up which is a well-built sturdy unit. I reviewed the icon firsthand and still ended up buying the US General 72 in triple bank roller cabinet and 56 in upper chest with side end locker box. These three units had more storage space than the Icon set up you reviewed and only cost me $1869.00. In my opinion Harbor Freight is making a huge mistake trying to sell upper end tool boxes at a discount tool store. Mark my words, this will be short-lived.

You could get three 72" us general boxes for just the price of the that bottom box I think I would just spred the weight out over multiple box's for that price but I'm a weekend warrior

I don't think anyone is doubting the quality, it's just the price and the logistics of purchasing/financing. That's the whole wildcard. I'd really be interested in someone doing an in-depth "teardown" of the Icon vs the US General with some parts shopping (ie comparing the source/cost/quality of the slides, casters, etc) to see how they justified adding nearly $3500 to the price of the 56" and $4000 to the 72". It seems like these are way higher margin. I am also curious about availability. There are multiple different products, sizes, and colors. In the past with other new products it was very difficult to get your hands on them... the Yukon garage cabinets are a good example, or the first LED Slim light, or the vulcan welders, etc... Come December, say I decided I wanted to drop 10g's on buying the whole set, what is the likelihood that they will have all the pieces available to ship in the same color without waiting for the slow boat from China?

Unless the cupons give you a thousand dollars off i dont see how these are a good deal... My mac single bay 45" macsimizer was $2000 new it doesnt have a power droor but that shouldnt cost $1000 i can make one for like $50

Honestly I was super excited about these boxes. Mostly the lockers but honestly 2k?? I was ok with the idea of 1200-1500 but 2 is too much. I payed 1200 for my 72 inch triple bank homak that is equivalent to the icon. But the homak locker doesn't appeal to me. But I could get 2 almost 3 homak rs pro lockers for my box for the price of one icon.

Wish you the best whit this box it will do just find in a home but don’t think it will ever last in a real shop we’re you open your Drawers like 50 to 100 times a day depending on your shop don’t see the value in this box is a HF brand and that don’t hold value maybe 1to 3 years you will see and reconsider you opinion

Thank you for going over the entire box, would have been great to seen each peace, 360° .. as some of the peaces are more note worthy as other peaces not so much, like the Huch, Id believe is two walls (back side)...the backing plate and the stainless wall but is there a reinforced frame or rolled plating with recessed impressions.. does the top of the huch have any frame work done to the roof (to bolt the top cabnet)or frame work to the door or plating, couldnt tell.. The locker bottom frame is it the same as the the primary box and can you set the wheels on ether side because its a universal locker for the R & L side, im pretty sure it can be if the door can connect on the locker frame from both sides.. Please note, use the primary wheels on the outside of locker (the way you have it), is on the inside, it doesnt support any weight, sence the locker didnt show any hook style plates along the side walls, Im gonna say they used bolts to anker down to the Huch an to the primary box.. And seeing holes along the locker side walls (witch in my opinion is stronger & you brought up at the beginning), I would highly suggest the (360) wheels being on the outer side of the end of the locker for equal weight distribution, also try to keep the primary box wheels that rotate (360) and arent fixed, next to eachother, the fixed wheels should be at the end of the box that way you can stear the box fully, instead of fighting the box to move it but I couldnt tell if you had any fixed wheels (that dont turn 360°) an nothing was brought up on them. Would you suggest having two lockers over having one locker and one side cabinet, did they send one to you ?, Id think they would have as each peace of the 56" set lol Edit: if you havent noticed, on their websight.. They dont have the 72" hutch ?, I wonder why...they have the primary 72" cart lol

Bottom line is with a tool box, you get what you pay for. To build a box for less money, you will have to cut corners SOMEWHERE. So if you work hard and use your box hard, pay more for your box. It will work better and enable you work better and more money. It doesn’t matter who’s name is on the box. Oh, and to add about the tool truck guy, I once had a Snap On box, the nicest box I have ever own, but it was before the locking drawers. My box VERY RARELY ever moved. BUT, one day I had to roll my KRL1001 and hit a small divot in the shop floor, my large top drawer- loaded with all of my sockets, mostly impact sockets flew open before I could catch it hit the end with a bang and all the drawers followed and boom, my beautiful box dumped OVER! Tools spilled onto the floor, it bent the two bottom drawers and the roller slides for those drawers. I was SICK. Anyway, I contacted my Snap On Dealer, he came by the next day. And he said “I can warranty your drawers and slides!! Happy Happy Joy Joy. So remember, you my pay more for your tool-mans services, but he is trying to make a living also. And, if you have a problem, if he can most likely warranty it. The big box stores may or may not or maybe it a month away. If it’s a box at home in your garage - no problem, but if your making your living with your box, chose wisely and if you can, by the best that you can afford. If you don’t cut corners on your tools, don’t cut corners on your box.

Those catalog prices look almost as expensive than Snap-On prices! E.g. the blue Icon unit for $4000 pretty much and in every respect resembles Snap-On's KRL 722 (size 54 x 24), which currently cost about $7000 retail. BUT (!) Snap-On has often BIG sales, no too long ago, you could get this KRL722 for $3000 (I know because I went for that sale and that is what I paid for mine). So this is something only a very few people mention. It is sort of an open secret kind of like the rebates on American Trucks - some people buy one year old used trucks from the used car dealer for more than others paid for their brand new trucks with a rebate. Imagine you bought a KRL722 box for $3000 and you can any time sell for more than you paid for it. At the same time few people will pay big money for a used regular branded toolbox, so that money is lost forever.

I'm just glad to finally see a little bit of quality at Harbor Freight no matter what the price you can tell they're really trying

I dont see myself paying $3000 for “Icon” let alone $8000 for Snap Off

My over priced always waiting on tool repair snap-on dealer said he’s amazed on how many of his customers are talkin about icon.