Ok we get it, you don't like Harbor Freight.. Move on with your life dude, I know myself and a lot of people would like to know the real reason you dislike Harbor Freight so much?? Probably just pissed because they don't want to send you free tools🤣. I know when I dislike a product or brand I just don't purchase it or use it again. ✌🏻
It’s funny how you and so many others have commented on the back drag of the icon ratchets. I bought a complete set of them to give them a chance and used them professionally. One of the first things I found was how bad the back drag is especially in my experience on the 1/4 standard length icon ratchet. I typically use wera,Snap-on,Mac,Dewalt,and some times gear wrench or a husky for my 1/4s and none of them have the back drag issue my icon one does. I’ve put the icons in a drawer and rarely touch them now.
Cp spends his afternoon opening up a half a dozen 80-120 tooth ratchets. Meanwhile I just finished rebuilding a 34 tooth 3/4 drive Proto ratchet today.
I have heard really good things about those. I hope to one day own tools other than Pittsburgh. I have a HF a mile down the road next to the parts shop so all my tools are from there!
If you're not a professional the HFT stuff will probably last you forever and if/when they do break having that HF a mile a way makes exchanges easy. I recently broke a GearWrench 3/8' long handle that had been well used and they warrantied it but it took a month to get my replacement. It's a better ratchet than an ICON but it would've been nice to get my replacement the same day.
@@Dan-wt7jx good to know. I have never seen them in my local NAPA store though. Maybe next time I am in there I’ll ask if they carry them in the store.
i only have a couple of icon ratchets, but so far i have been pleased with them, my icon is smoother than my snap on and the SO was just rebuilt by my rep about a month ago.
I do have a long handle half inch drive icon that does have sealed internals and the backdrag isn’t bad at all. I use it for things I don’t want to use my nicer ratchets for. It’s a decent enough ratchet but my biggest gripe is that icon tools are actually pretty expensive atleast in my area. There are better options for the price. The one good thing is that hf is 10 minutes from my house and I can be in and out in less than 5 minutes if I need to warranty something. I’ve actually been pretty impressed with the new Milwaukee ratchets too but again they are expensive for a Taiwanese tool
CP! 📣Wooooooo! I bought 3 brand new ICON ratchets for a great price on OFFERUP. I use these ratchets when I go to the pick a parts or when i do mobile work. I have not yet been dissapounted with these ratchets. They get the job done and perform great for me. I have taken them apart to grease them once a month to maintain them. They are a reliable ratchet at an affordable price & convenient for a warranty.
So morale of the story is there are 500 different ratchets on the market now. Some are the same, some have dual pawls, and some have less backdrag, some cost a lot more, but all are better than ratchets from 30 years ago.
You hit the nail on the head when you say "they don't have to be identical to be made in the same factory." Because they really don't. They very likely don't have an individual drop hammer for each and every different tool that is forged, the factory would be absolutely massive. In comes the magic of ✨ tooling ✨ you can run a full set of 7-19mm sockets off a single machine by swapping out the forging dies. That's it. That's the magic. Craftsman and Danaher and I think it was either Cooper or Armstrong all came off the exact same machines back in the day, the differences were in what was passable for QC spec, and what was roll stamped on the side (more interchangeable tooling, roll dies). Same with wrenches, same with ratchets, etc. And because of that they very well could be identical, or mostly the same, or kinda the same, or completely different. But when you're nabbing stuff to rebrand, you're likely relying on the actual manufacturer to assist in the design if not outright just sell you their own design with your logo on it. And they'll likely have some commonality in design that is just absolutely spot on the same as you pointed out.
Talking of back drag cp. My snap on ratchets have a ton of back drag especially my fhnf100. I’ve only had them about a month and I’ve pulled them apart and cleaned them and greased them with some super lube. Will they loosen up as they get used more or is it normal. I’m comparing them to a new Proto precision 90 and about a 1 year old matco which are both lower especially the Proto.
Thanks for another great vidio. Nice to hear somebody mentioned project farm. He does the best testing of anyone. Gotta get me one of them miniature powered screwdrivers. Retired & over 70 but still buying toys mean tools. Must to have worked with 50 electricians in last 55 years and I was the only sparky that I can remember that had Snap on sockets.Looking into replacing my 3/8 & 1/2" fine tooth ratchets with pushbutton socket release. Some how they grew feet while I left them on my SUV to run into house for a bathroom break. Can still remember what an old smart old timer told me back in the 1960's. Said he rather loose a twenty dollar bill then a ten dollar tool.
You not understanding the main point is that icon warranty at harbor freight is walk in with no questions ask compare to snap on truck will not be around for maybe 2 weeks or wait how about when the snap on guy said “you didn’t buy that ratchet from me or if he does a warranty exchange he will say I don’t have it I will have to order it 99% of the time and also believe icon will get the job done and also I really don’t understand why people need a 10k tool box from snap on when US general does the job to store tools come on guys let’s be smart here
No guy you missed the point I don't need to drive anywhere my ratchets get warranties done without me wasting my time showing proof of purchase and having to rely on something being in stock 27yrs I've never had one single issue so keep trying to fake it .
@@CPthetooladdict fake it ? What are you saying because you make no sense!!! How am I faking it oh wait let me put you on 2023 content creator speech grammar is call pump fake
icon ratchets are decent, i tend to use them when ever the job is super dirty or questionable that i might brake the tool. icon still ticking away! only issue i have experienced is the on/off selector will move on its own when ratcheting quickly. I have snap-on, mac, Matco, and the tekton. My go to has always been the icon flex head 3/8, or the snap-on flex head 3/8 in the 1/4 body. Most of My snap on's are way too stiff to put on and take off sockets especially when your hands are greasy. Mac the heads are too big to use regularly. Matco i actually like a lot but they feel fragile and i dont have a rep to warranty so not interested in braking them. Icon i have 6 stores with in a 30 mile radius to warranty. I never need to but it is convenient.
I mainly use my mac and snap on ratchets. After all the hype, I went out and got a 3/8 and 1/2 icon rachet. I never use them. The back drag is ridiculous. The icon has more back drag than any of my mac, snap on, gear wrench, craftsman or husky. Was kind of a let down, sure you could use icon. But for $40, gear wrench makes a much better budget ratchet.
I agree tbh all icon tools are a rip off so harbor freight can charge tool truck prices for not even close to the same quality I’m a diesel truck mechanic and I tried to use that stuff and ya it works but it loses its effectiveness very fast where as my snap on and matco ratchets are still going strong. Icon is basically Pittsburg pro remodeled like cp pointed out you can get the same icon ratchets on Amazon’s for about 1/4 of the price. The only thing I’ve seen go well for icon is their big tool boxes all the guys who’ve had no complaints with them use them to keep the tools they don’t use everyday in and they work out of a cart.
Based on project farms assessment of many different brands, what are your thoughts on gearwrench vs husky? I've considered buying used snap on stuff but warranting second hand stuff seems to be a problem. Thanks and I appreciate your response. I'm with you about icon...not as friendly with it's warranty as many may think.
Not a mechanic, but hardcore diy’er. I originally had planned to buy the Icon ratchets but I hopped on the truck and was impressed by the quality. Also they’re made an hour from me.
I'm looking for a decent quality tool brand for a decent price I can't afford Matco and snap on tools and I'm just trying to figure out what other brands offer a better quality for the price
I get you don’t like Icon, but for average people that don’t wrench for a living, we can live with a little bit of backdrag. The warranty pays for itself, being able to go down and swap it out. Not having to deal with emails and delivery. The company may be a bunch of crooks, but these days that’s the least of our worries. Thanks for the videos 🍻
Backdrag was fantastic on the old coarse tooth Protos too Big Brother. That Powertorque is also sold as a Titan 90 tooth without the quick disconnect button, that version is absolute poo poo. They bind, not much else to say, they could suck the chrome off a 2 5/8 ball…
Good job cp. You can reduce the backdrag on the icon and Pittsburgh by taking the head apart cleaning and reassembling with white lithium grease. Very little difference between icon and Pittsburgh. I like the texton kobalt and Mac the best.
I was feeling the Pittsburgh Pro ratchet in the store last week and was shocked at how little backdrag it had. Guess it turns out that’s as good as it gets! Probably can’t take as much torque and abuse I imagine
Oh no it will. I've still got 5-6yr old pittsburg ratchets I've used cheater bars and hammers to brake stuff loose with. Also used the heads as hammers every so often. They refuse to die. The Icon lasted me less than 3 months and stays in the junk drawer.
ICON beat Mac tools by A LOT in the strength test on Clientgraphics channel. Tekton smoked nearly everyone. There is A LOT that goes into that pawl design that simply looking at it cannot reveal. My Icon ratchets have all held up with the best ones I own (Snap-on and Matco). They are durable and hold up quite well. Harbor freight knocked it out of the park in my opinion for a 45 dollar flex head as did Tekton and Gearwrench but tool truck quality they are NOT. Sorry.
My craftsman “professional “ series ratchets from the 90’s are still in my box, and still work like new! Not to mention they are just as smooth as my newer snap on….
Icon Ratchets make a great hammer! Any thoughts on how the screwdrivers fare as chisels? To think all the trucking companys around me started out with White Road Commodes Or Jimmy's and fixed them with SK, Craftsman, or Thorsen tools and made something of themselves working up to KW's or Pete's and tool truck tools, now we have degraded into a few tool truck offerings made in America or off shore ShAt..............Lord help us
Would like to see a comparison on screwdrivers sometime. I own craftsman blue point and snapon. Seems to me the craftsman philips always grip better. Is there any other brand you would recommend?
I have always heard the hinged stops in the ARES and similar ratchets referred to as "dogs" rather than pawls. Not sure if there is a solid definition though. Proto was probably the first to use that particular method and still sells new 24 tooth ratchets utilizing it. For me I have no interest in ICON tools for the same reason I have no interest in fake designer clothes. They are blatantly and in some cases painstakingly copying the design and appearance of Snap-On, often right down to the font engraved on the tools. I have a hard time taking a company seriously that play pretends as something they aren't and uses someone else's design and appearance instead of coming up with their own designs. I also don't want to support that kind of behavior which, legally or not, is in my mind at least equal to intellectual theft. Also that dual dog design is inherently weaker than single pawl, or double pawl because that tiny little hinge pin breaks pretty easily. It is amazing for back-drag though, and if used properly will still last.
Loved the video CP! I have a lot of ratchets most of them are Snap on and Mac. For what I do they are the best. I had Matco before when they had most of there sockets made in the USA. The 1/4 inch would always break. So I went to Snap on they work the best for me. Thanks again for another great video CP.
CP I'm a hardcore DIY'er, not a tech in a shop. Which brand would you recommend as a tool truck alternative, Pittsburgh Pro, ICON, Tekton, Gearwrench, or some other brand? I don't need the best, but looking for something that is the best value for the money and performance.
Buy what each company does best, that’s how you buy. Most tools are not made in the U.S. anymore unfortunately and are made in Asia by the same company, look for Taiwan, also Spain, Germany, or France. Tekton probably has the best warranty support at this time. Also be careful of companies ie Channellock makes good US made tools but sometimes they put their name on tools like the kits sold at Sams Club that are poorly made.
Check out the ratching breaker bar by Pittsburg for me 😅 I only use harbor for little stuff that’s outside my typical realm. But that ratcheting breaker bar would seem great if I just used it to break oil plugs off series 60s
I agree with what you say about the ratchets being made at the same place, snap on design is reliable the mac 90 tooth gives me more trouble than any of my snap on, proto, expert or gear wrench tools. Good job! I think icon does fill there own spot in the market, I for one am glad to see they are investing in upping the quality, copying or not I like that they are trying to be better
I know many people myself included who would just about fight anyone to the death on the grounds that the old Craftsman/ Easco / Apex RHFT ( introduced in the early 70's, not the raised panel ) is still holds it's own today. The 3/8 may fall a bit short, but the 1/4 is great as is the 1/2 . The larger ones have a dual pawl douple tooth position mechanism, the drag isn't too heavy, and they've got the built in thumb wheel around the base of the anvil. If you're a DIY'er, there are old school ratchets that still hold up today and the vintage stuff doesn't have to just be a collectors piece. The Duro-Indestro / Powr-kraft 100 series, the Easco RHFT, and the New Britain dual pawl are all great, the Proto dual pawl pear head has been in constant production since the late 30's and is the most widely copied non round head ever for good reason. The S-K 40970 has had a 60 tooth mechanism in it for a long time, they're buttery smooth little ratchets that are very acceptable with regards to back drag. They're no Koken Z series, but they're pretty good. I'm just saying that not all vintage ratchets should be overlooked as users if you're not a professional. I enjoy collecting, using ,and servicing/ discovering the mechanisms of different ratchets.
There is no one more honest about tool quality than our brother, CP. Some may not use tools in a professional setting and they are satisfied with the value of an Icon ratchet. For those that use their tools professionally, a higher-end ratchet does make a difference (especially in close quarters work).
@@CPthetooladdictI see a harbor fright jack next to every winning racecar, Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette, Nascar, IMSA, etc they may use Matco Air for tires, but you'll see the HF jack and Icon tools next to every winning professional race car. It's been a joke for years, not anything wrong with the tools, but that they show up in the photos. These icon tools get left all through the night at Daytona in the grass etc.
@@CPthetooladdict go to a 24h race at Daytona , or Sebring and see the HF jacks and Icon tools for yourself. With the exception, Corvette racing is sponsored by Sonic , so you're going to see their carts filled with full support, Icon is very popular in pro racing 🏁 and the HF jack. That's what I'm talking about. I know because I did it my whole life
I got the icon long 3/8 flex head and short 3/8 flex thinking they were really something worth having but now I absolutely despise these ratchets. For a 90 tooth ratchet they are super stiff even after lubrication and the heads are huge. Don’t waste your time and money and just go buy a good ratchet
The fixed heads are just rebranded EpAutos, still good but not as good as their flex heads. I don't know who makes their flex heads but after the soft recall they're a really solid ratchet
I'm not as sure the new designs are better. I have 50 year old sk and craftsman that still work like new. The new style craftsman don't last near as long as those 80s and 90s craftsman
I got an idea for a new line of tools C.P. I plan on naming it icon't. Since Icon is doing so well I figures we'd just copy their shit and ride their coat tails all the way to the bank.
great video, i like my icon ratchet, and so far have been very durable. but people like me and i would say CP we have a million ratchets and use dif ones for all different things. My icons have there own use. The back drag on the 1/4 drives are still an issue. They fixed the 3/8, my 3/8 icons are butter smooth, but then the 1/4 drives, have such terrible back drag i don’t get it, there swivel ratchets are similar very stiff!!
@@CPthetooladdict Hey CP anymore icon content coming? You should check out icon 1/2” digital torque wrench. I recently purchased one and I am actually pleased with it. not many video out in the subject. Curious to know your thoughts. I have the older snap on version and like the icon much better. However snap on does have a newer one out
From what I seen in Icon/ Horrid Freight Groups the Back drag and them locking up is hit an miss. Had to beat the QC of North American Build Products. I got an Mac Ratchet from the 50s from my Grandfather still works great, Selector is Ruff but Ratchet mech is smooth.
I like the old style ratchets over the icon from hf and get the same ratchet under a different name for less if going to buy cheaper tools do the research the icon is more expensive as the Milwaukee hand tools husky SK and Capri newer craftsman
Good video as always. I have Snap On and Icon. There's no denying that Snap On is better...but Icon is very good quality. Icon is definitely a better value. I've only had a problem with their 9" fixed head ratchet. All their others I have are very high quality.
Hello Fellow Toolhaulics: Thank you for bringing to light the different ratchet head designs. You are 100 % correct that the ratchet designs of old are way outdated & weaker. That's why weeks ago I went through my ratchet collection & upgraded everything & put the Nepros into service. Some people can't fathom the feel of how a ratchet feels in your hand let alone when you are on a fastener combo. It took me years to fully understand the corolation with the positive hand feel between the ratchet & the fastener combo. These days all these kids do is zip zip with the power tools until they start sheering stuff off then WHAT DO I DO NOW, OH MY GOD ????? When I was on the Snap On truck by a MB dealer I asked a mechanic about replacing an ABS PUMP & when I asked him what type of line wrenches he had said. WHATS THAT. OMG HE'S NOT COMMING CLOSE TO MY BENZ. These new kids have no concept of what is really required or what's involved to do a proper repair & IMHO that translates to what they use for tools 🤔 = Clueless. Old timers like us have more work than we can handle where as these kids can't even do oil change on a Kia. My best to you, Henry, & all of your subscribers ❤️. TMP from N.J.
@@josiahlinquist4043 Unfortunately many just don't get it or for that matter they don't want to get it. But the carnage that can be created by the hackers can bankrupt a business owner.
I have a few 1/4 and 3/8 icons. Use them daily and have for almost 2 years I grab them over my proto ,or sk or any other expensive ratchet,reason being I’d rather beat the shit outta a cheap tool and have it fail then an expensive one
Them haters want to believe that their 20 dollar tekton ratchet is better then snap on but it’s not, as a professional I can’t trust my knuckles with a tekton or icon, snap on Mac and corn Well only
I'm glad you shared common knowledge. It seems like you have low expectations in life. I've never had problems get a replacement tool from any company except harbor freight. Lol
Ok we get it, you don't like Harbor Freight.. Move on with your life dude, I know myself and a lot of people would like to know the real reason you dislike Harbor Freight so much?? Probably just pissed because they don't want to send you free tools🤣. I know when I dislike a product or brand I just don't purchase it or use it again. ✌🏻
I have been using the icon ratchets for almsot 2 years now in a refinery and they are holding up fine.
It’s funny how you and so many others have commented on the back drag of the icon ratchets. I bought a complete set of them to give them a chance and used them professionally. One of the first things I found was how bad the back drag is especially in my experience on the 1/4 standard length icon ratchet. I typically use wera,Snap-on,Mac,Dewalt,and some times gear wrench or a husky for my 1/4s and none of them have the back drag issue my icon one does. I’ve put the icons in a drawer and rarely touch them now.
Cp spends his afternoon opening up a half a dozen 80-120 tooth ratchets. Meanwhile I just finished rebuilding a 34 tooth 3/4 drive Proto ratchet today.
I have heard really good things about those. I hope to one day own tools other than Pittsburgh. I have a HF a mile down the road next to the parts shop so all my tools are from there!
If you're not a professional the HFT stuff will probably last you forever and if/when they do break having that HF a mile a way makes exchanges easy. I recently broke a GearWrench 3/8' long handle that had been well used and they warrantied it but it took a month to get my replacement. It's a better ratchet than an ICON but it would've been nice to get my replacement the same day.
@@OldBeaterGarage for the same money as GW you can get Carlyle from Napa, and have same day exchange
@@Dan-wt7jx good to know. I have never seen them in my local NAPA store though. Maybe next time I am in there I’ll ask if they carry them in the store.
i only have a couple of icon ratchets, but so far i have been pleased with them, my icon is smoother than my snap on and the SO was just rebuilt by my rep about a month ago.
I do have a long handle half inch drive icon that does have sealed internals and the backdrag isn’t bad at all. I use it for things I don’t want to use my nicer ratchets for. It’s a decent enough ratchet but my biggest gripe is that icon tools are actually pretty expensive atleast in my area. There are better options for the price. The one good thing is that hf is 10 minutes from my house and I can be in and out in less than 5 minutes if I need to warranty something. I’ve actually been pretty impressed with the new Milwaukee ratchets too but again they are expensive for a Taiwanese tool
CP! 📣Wooooooo! I bought 3 brand new ICON ratchets for a great price on OFFERUP. I use these ratchets when I go to the pick a parts or when i do mobile work. I have not yet been dissapounted with these ratchets. They get the job done and perform great for me. I have taken them apart to grease them once a month to maintain them. They are a reliable ratchet at an affordable price & convenient for a warranty.
Great tip!
So morale of the story is there are 500 different ratchets on the market now. Some are the same, some have dual pawls, and some have less backdrag, some cost a lot more, but all are better than ratchets from 30 years ago.
You got it!!
You hit the nail on the head when you say "they don't have to be identical to be made in the same factory." Because they really don't. They very likely don't have an individual drop hammer for each and every different tool that is forged, the factory would be absolutely massive.
In comes the magic of ✨ tooling ✨ you can run a full set of 7-19mm sockets off a single machine by swapping out the forging dies. That's it. That's the magic. Craftsman and Danaher and I think it was either Cooper or Armstrong all came off the exact same machines back in the day, the differences were in what was passable for QC spec, and what was roll stamped on the side (more interchangeable tooling, roll dies).
Same with wrenches, same with ratchets, etc. And because of that they very well could be identical, or mostly the same, or kinda the same, or completely different. But when you're nabbing stuff to rebrand, you're likely relying on the actual manufacturer to assist in the design if not outright just sell you their own design with your logo on it. And they'll likely have some commonality in design that is just absolutely spot on the same as you pointed out.
The best part about icon tools is that you can get 300$ worth of icon wrenches on the street for like 60$
Talking of back drag cp. My snap on ratchets have a ton of back drag especially my fhnf100. I’ve only had them about a month and I’ve pulled them apart and cleaned them and greased them with some super lube. Will they loosen up as they get used more or is it normal. I’m comparing them to a new Proto precision 90 and about a 1 year old matco which are both lower especially the Proto.
Thanks for another great vidio. Nice to hear somebody mentioned project farm. He does the best testing of anyone. Gotta get me one of them miniature powered screwdrivers. Retired & over 70 but still buying toys mean tools. Must to have worked with 50 electricians in last 55 years and I was the only sparky that I can remember that had Snap on sockets.Looking into replacing my 3/8 & 1/2" fine tooth ratchets with pushbutton socket release. Some how they grew feet while I left them on my SUV to run into house for a bathroom break. Can still remember what an old smart old timer told me back in the 1960's. Said he rather loose a twenty dollar bill then a ten dollar tool.
Very informative video cp . I hope you got all the screws back to the rightful ratchets . Thanks for another awesome video
You not understanding the main point is that icon warranty at harbor freight is walk in with no questions ask compare to snap on truck will not be around for maybe 2 weeks or wait how about when the snap on guy said “you didn’t buy that ratchet from me or if he does a warranty exchange he will say I don’t have it I will have to order it 99% of the time and also believe icon will get the job done and also I really don’t understand why people need a 10k tool box from snap on when US general does the job to store tools come on guys let’s be smart here
No guy you missed the point I don't need to drive anywhere my ratchets get warranties done without me wasting my time showing proof of purchase and having to rely on something being in stock 27yrs I've never had one single issue so keep trying to fake it .
@@CPthetooladdict you don’t need to show proof of purchase at harbor freight lol
@@CPthetooladdict fake it ? What are you saying because you make no sense!!! How am I faking it oh wait let me put you on 2023 content creator speech grammar is call pump fake
icon ratchets are decent, i tend to use them when ever the job is super dirty or questionable that i might brake the tool. icon still ticking away! only issue i have experienced is the on/off selector will move on its own when ratcheting quickly. I have snap-on, mac, Matco, and the tekton. My go to has always been the icon flex head 3/8, or the snap-on flex head 3/8 in the 1/4 body. Most of My snap on's are way too stiff to put on and take off sockets especially when your hands are greasy. Mac the heads are too big to use regularly. Matco i actually like a lot but they feel fragile and i dont have a rep to warranty so not interested in braking them. Icon i have 6 stores with in a 30 mile radius to warranty. I never need to but it is convenient.
I hope you keep reviewing these tools. As a DIY, I appreciate your honesty and I look forward to next review.
More to come!
ICON ratchets are far superior to my 30 year old Craftsman ratchets. I did not want this to be true but the truth is the truth.
That would be accurate
I have 3 icon ratchets I use almost daily. Zero complaints from me.
I mainly use my mac and snap on ratchets. After all the hype, I went out and got a 3/8 and 1/2 icon rachet. I never use them. The back drag is ridiculous. The icon has more back drag than any of my mac, snap on, gear wrench, craftsman or husky. Was kind of a let down, sure you could use icon. But for $40, gear wrench makes a much better budget ratchet.
I agree tbh all icon tools are a rip off so harbor freight can charge tool truck prices for not even close to the same quality I’m a diesel truck mechanic and I tried to use that stuff and ya it works but it loses its effectiveness very fast where as my snap on and matco ratchets are still going strong. Icon is basically Pittsburg pro remodeled like cp pointed out you can get the same icon ratchets on Amazon’s for about 1/4 of the price.
The only thing I’ve seen go well for icon is their big tool boxes all the guys who’ve had no complaints with them use them to keep the tools they don’t use everyday in and they work out of a cart.
Based on project farms assessment of many different brands, what are your thoughts on gearwrench vs husky? I've considered buying used snap on stuff but warranting second hand stuff seems to be a problem. Thanks and I appreciate your response. I'm with you about icon...not as friendly with it's warranty as many may think.
I'll check it out
Not a mechanic, but hardcore diy’er. I originally had planned to buy the Icon ratchets but I hopped on the truck and was impressed by the quality. Also they’re made an hour from me.
Another great educational video CP, thanks brother keep them coming!
More to come!
I'm looking for a decent quality tool brand for a decent price I can't afford Matco and snap on tools and I'm just trying to figure out what other brands offer a better quality for the price
I get you don’t like Icon, but for average people that don’t wrench for a living, we can live with a little bit of backdrag. The warranty pays for itself, being able to go down and swap it out. Not having to deal with emails and delivery. The company may be a bunch of crooks, but these days that’s the least of our worries. Thanks for the videos 🍻
Woa, awesome! I’m so excited 😆
This was a fake scammer
@@CPthetooladdict I was ready to give him my credit card 💳
I was being sarcastic… maybe it’s Harbor Freight 🥸
Great video CP! Really appreciate your tool comparisons. Hope you didn't mix up all of those plates and screws I know I would have lol
I’ve got quite a few cheap ratchets but none of’em are HarborFreight & I always find myself reaching for my snap on comfort grips
Backdrag was fantastic on the old coarse tooth Protos too Big Brother. That Powertorque is also sold as a Titan 90 tooth without the quick disconnect button, that version is absolute poo poo. They bind, not much else to say, they could suck the chrome off a 2 5/8 ball…
Absolutely great comment
Good job cp. You can reduce the backdrag on the icon and Pittsburgh by taking the head apart cleaning and reassembling with white lithium grease. Very little difference between icon and Pittsburgh. I like the texton kobalt and Mac the best.
Thanks for the info!
I was feeling the Pittsburgh Pro ratchet in the store last week and was shocked at how little backdrag it had. Guess it turns out that’s as good as it gets! Probably can’t take as much torque and abuse I imagine
Oh no it will. I've still got 5-6yr old pittsburg ratchets I've used cheater bars and hammers to brake stuff loose with. Also used the heads as hammers every so often. They refuse to die. The Icon lasted me less than 3 months and stays in the junk drawer.
Don't lie. Those things are as soft as harbor freight Fanbois feelings!!
ICON beat Mac tools by A LOT in the strength test on Clientgraphics channel. Tekton smoked nearly everyone. There is A LOT that goes into that pawl design that simply looking at it cannot reveal. My Icon ratchets have all held up with the best ones I own (Snap-on and Matco). They are durable and hold up quite well. Harbor freight knocked it out of the park in my opinion for a 45 dollar flex head as did Tekton and Gearwrench but tool truck quality they are NOT. Sorry.
Thanks for the info!
Great information 👍
Thank you dudes appreciate the comment!
I tried the 1/4 ratchet and it started to get binded up never will i buy a icon i rather get a tekton or gearwrench ratchet
Even the new quinn is better
My craftsman “professional “ series ratchets from the 90’s are still in my box, and still work like new! Not to mention they are just as smooth as my newer snap on….
Those tools were great!
Icon Ratchets make a great hammer! Any thoughts on how the screwdrivers fare as chisels? To think all the trucking companys around me started out with White Road Commodes Or Jimmy's and fixed them with SK, Craftsman, or Thorsen tools and made something of themselves working up to KW's or Pete's and tool truck tools, now we have degraded into a few tool truck offerings made in America or off shore ShAt..............Lord help us
Would like to see a comparison on screwdrivers sometime. I own craftsman blue point and snapon. Seems to me the craftsman philips always grip better. Is there any other brand you would recommend?
I think you sold me on that screwdriver.
I do NOT need another one, but that is kinda cool
Lol well it is incredibly handy++
@@CPthetooladdict ACK it's in my cart, and like in some weird movie, I can hear it calling out to me ---- (Play some Twilight Zone theme song)
I have always heard the hinged stops in the ARES and similar ratchets referred to as "dogs" rather than pawls. Not sure if there is a solid definition though. Proto was probably the first to use that particular method and still sells new 24 tooth ratchets utilizing it. For me I have no interest in ICON tools for the same reason I have no interest in fake designer clothes. They are blatantly and in some cases painstakingly copying the design and appearance of Snap-On, often right down to the font engraved on the tools. I have a hard time taking a company seriously that play pretends as something they aren't and uses someone else's design and appearance instead of coming up with their own designs. I also don't want to support that kind of behavior which, legally or not, is in my mind at least equal to intellectual theft.
Also that dual dog design is inherently weaker than single pawl, or double pawl because that tiny little hinge pin breaks pretty easily. It is amazing for back-drag though, and if used properly will still last.
What’s that ratchet on the left side of icon box
Great video showing all the different types and designs!
Glad you liked it!
Great vid, Cee Pee! Thanks for the education! 🇺🇸
Loved the video CP! I have a lot of ratchets most of them are Snap on and Mac. For what I do they are the best. I had Matco before when they had most of there sockets made in the USA. The 1/4 inch would always break. So I went to Snap on they work the best for me. Thanks again for another great video CP.
Thanks for the info!
Another great video from CP 🔩🔧🪛
Thank you! Cheers!
I’m with you CP, 110%!!! Tell that TRUTH!!
Where do i get one of those screwdriver kits and what is the price point?
Link is in the description
CP I'm a hardcore DIY'er, not a tech in a shop. Which brand would you recommend as a tool truck alternative, Pittsburgh Pro, ICON, Tekton, Gearwrench, or some other brand? I don't need the best, but looking for something that is the best value for the money and performance.
Craftsman or Stanley's dewalt
Buy what each company does best, that’s how you buy. Most tools are not made in the U.S. anymore unfortunately and are made in Asia by the same company, look for Taiwan, also Spain, Germany, or France. Tekton probably has the best warranty support at this time. Also be careful of companies ie Channellock makes good US made tools but sometimes they put their name on tools like the kits sold at Sams Club that are poorly made.
The EPAuto and icon actually have the same part number on the handles
For beater ratchets I still really really really like the AutoZone Taiwanese made Duralast pieces. Hard to beat for the price in my opinion
For the price it's hard to beat their impact socket sets too.
Hart at Walmart are cheaper and better so it's actually really easy yo beat
@@CPthetooladdict Thanks for the info. I'll swing by and look at them
Check out the ratching breaker bar by Pittsburg for me 😅 I only use harbor for little stuff that’s outside my typical realm. But that ratcheting breaker bar would seem great if I just used it to break oil plugs off series 60s
Thanks for the tip!
I agree with what you say about the ratchets being made at the same place, snap on design is reliable the mac 90 tooth gives me more trouble than any of my snap on, proto, expert or gear wrench tools. Good job! I think icon does fill there own spot in the market, I for one am glad to see they are investing in upping the quality, copying or not I like that they are trying to be better
Thanks for sharing
Great video Cp👍
Glad you enjoyed it
I know many people myself included who would just about fight anyone to the death on the grounds that the old Craftsman/ Easco / Apex RHFT ( introduced in the early 70's, not the raised panel ) is still holds it's own today.
The 3/8 may fall a bit short, but the 1/4 is great as is the 1/2 .
The larger ones have a dual pawl douple tooth position mechanism, the drag isn't too heavy, and they've got the built in thumb wheel around the base of the anvil.
If you're a DIY'er, there are old school ratchets that still hold up today and the vintage stuff doesn't have to just be a collectors piece.
The Duro-Indestro / Powr-kraft 100 series, the Easco RHFT, and the New Britain dual pawl are all great, the Proto dual pawl pear head has been in constant production since the late 30's and is the most widely copied non round head ever for good reason.
The S-K 40970 has had a 60 tooth mechanism in it for a long time, they're buttery smooth little ratchets that are very acceptable with regards to back drag.
They're no Koken Z series, but they're pretty good.
I'm just saying that not all vintage ratchets should be overlooked as users if you're not a professional.
I enjoy collecting, using ,and servicing/ discovering the mechanisms of different ratchets.
CP what would you recommend for a gunsmith bit set like wheeler engineering?
Pretty hard to beat wheeeler kits for gunsmith
There is no one more honest about tool quality than our brother, CP. Some may not use tools in a professional setting and they are satisfied with the value of an Icon ratchet. For those that use their tools professionally, a higher-end ratchet does make a difference (especially in close quarters work).
Fantastically said thank you Dave for the incredible commitment and compliments!
@@CPthetooladdictI see a harbor fright jack next to every winning racecar, Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette, Nascar, IMSA, etc they may use Matco Air for tires, but you'll see the HF jack and Icon tools next to every winning professional race car. It's been a joke for years, not anything wrong with the tools, but that they show up in the photos. These icon tools get left all through the night at Daytona in the grass etc.
Wtf are you talking about? Smh
@@CPthetooladdict go to a 24h race at Daytona , or Sebring and see the HF jacks and Icon tools for yourself. With the exception, Corvette racing is sponsored by Sonic , so you're going to see their carts filled with full support, Icon is very popular in pro racing 🏁 and the HF jack. That's what I'm talking about. I know because I did it my whole life
I got the icon long 3/8 flex head and short 3/8 flex thinking they were really something worth having but now I absolutely despise these ratchets. For a 90 tooth ratchet they are super stiff even after lubrication and the heads are huge. Don’t waste your time and money and just go buy a good ratchet
The fixed heads are just rebranded EpAutos, still good but not as good as their flex heads. I don't know who makes their flex heads but after the soft recall they're a really solid ratchet
Solid waste, that's the truth!
I'm not as sure the new designs are better. I have 50 year old sk and craftsman that still work like new. The new style craftsman don't last near as long as those 80s and 90s craftsman
I got an idea for a new line of tools C.P. I plan on naming it icon't. Since Icon is doing so well I figures we'd just copy their shit and ride their coat tails all the way to the bank.
great video, i like my icon ratchet, and so far have been very durable. but people like me and i would say CP we have a million ratchets and use dif ones for all different things. My icons have there own use. The back drag on the 1/4 drives are still an issue. They fixed the 3/8, my 3/8 icons are butter smooth, but then the 1/4 drives, have such terrible back drag i don’t get it, there swivel ratchets are similar very stiff!!
Thanks for sharing
@@CPthetooladdict Hey CP anymore icon content coming? You should check out icon 1/2” digital torque wrench. I recently purchased one and I am actually pleased with it. not many video out in the subject. Curious to know your thoughts. I have the older snap on version and like the icon much better. However snap on does have a newer one out
I will investigate it
From what I seen in Icon/ Horrid Freight Groups the Back drag and them locking up is hit an miss. Had to beat the QC of North American Build Products. I got an Mac Ratchet from the 50s from my Grandfather still works great, Selector is Ruff but Ratchet mech is smooth.
You get what you pay for and you pay for what you get.
Keep up the great work cp. I’m a terrible commenter but I watch your videos religiously
I appreciate that
Another great 1 👍👍👍
Thank you! Cheers!
I like the old style ratchets over the icon from hf and get the same ratchet under a different name for less if going to buy cheaper tools do the research the icon is more expensive as the Milwaukee hand tools husky SK and Capri newer craftsman
Thanks for the comment Larry I appreciate 🙏
Cp, project farm recommended the gearwrench.
Project Farm recommends it because it was cheap
Awesome video, Tekton is my go to ratchet.
Good choice!
Awesome video brother. Thanks for sharing. I sent you an email. Keep the content coming. Hope you have an incredible night. Much love and RESPECT
Thanks! You too!
Great comparison video lots of info as always
Glad you liked it
the best ratchet is the one that works best for the job. the all do the same job but are used differently for each job. imho.
Good video as always. I have Snap On and Icon. There's no denying that Snap On is better...but Icon is very good quality. Icon is definitely a better value. I've only had a problem with their 9" fixed head ratchet. All their others I have are very high quality.
Thanks for sharing
tool truck fan boy
🥹😥😢😭
How's that TOPTUL? I might start selling those tools
Fantastic love them!
Hello Fellow Toolhaulics: Thank you for bringing to light the different ratchet head designs. You are 100 % correct that the ratchet designs of old are way outdated & weaker. That's why weeks ago I went through my ratchet collection & upgraded everything & put the Nepros into service. Some people can't fathom the feel of how a ratchet feels in your hand let alone when you are on a fastener combo. It took me years to fully understand the corolation with the positive hand feel between the ratchet & the fastener combo. These days all these kids do is zip zip with the power tools until they start sheering stuff off then WHAT DO I DO NOW, OH MY GOD ????? When I was on the Snap On truck by a MB dealer I asked a mechanic about replacing an ABS PUMP & when I asked him what type of line wrenches he had said. WHATS THAT. OMG HE'S NOT COMMING CLOSE TO MY BENZ. These new kids have no concept of what is really required or what's involved to do a proper repair & IMHO that translates to what they use for tools 🤔 = Clueless. Old timers like us have more work than we can handle where as these kids can't even do oil change on a Kia. My best to you, Henry, & all of your subscribers ❤️. TMP from N.J.
Old timers we're kids messing up stuff at one point too. We're all learning.
@@josiahlinquist4043 Unfortunately many just don't get it or for that matter they don't want to get it. But the carnage that can be created by the hackers can bankrupt a business owner.
Is that screwdriver made in the US?
Made in Mexico
Very professional review and information shared
Glad you liked it
@@CPthetooladdict not that my opinion matters but I like to see detailed facts not opinions and I feel u did just that
👍👍
Spend stuff.
Awesome videos I am interested in a set of 1/4 in drive universal deep sockets Have any recommendations
Thanks
Chrome or impact?
@@CPthetooladdict Impact
I have adv but if you are on a budget Def sunex
@@CPthetooladdict Thanks
Awesome
Good video as always
Glad you enjoyed
I have a few 1/4 and 3/8 icons. Use them daily and have for almost 2 years I grab them over my proto ,or sk or any other expensive ratchet,reason being I’d rather beat the shit outta a cheap tool and have it fail then an expensive one
Not to many people like Cornwell ratchets
I have a few Cornwall ratchets and they do good
The Cornwell tools just seem "A little off".
If u want to pay 4x times for snap on go ahead I’m going to keep getting icon. What’s ur point?
Let me know when you lose a tool and can't get it replaced icon doesn't sell individual lol
Before making statements, please do your research, 🤦♂️
@gsxriderk7 you better do yours first genius
@@gsxriderk7 …If your a professional go with snap on…if your just weekend mechanic…get icon
Them haters want to believe that their 20 dollar tekton ratchet is better then snap on but it’s not, as a professional I can’t trust my knuckles with a tekton or icon, snap on Mac and corn Well only
Say what you want, but Snap-On is nowhere the same as it was in the 1920's.
Ya they are better because they have been breaking record sales the last 10yrs do more research and less mouth breathing.
buy the icon , break it get a new one. Have a joy joy day.
I'm glad you shared common knowledge. It seems like you have low expectations in life. I've never had problems get a replacement tool from any company except harbor freight. Lol
@@CPthetooladdict Eat a salad.
Good thing losing weight is easier to remedy than being ignorant and ugly.
They're okay not great
What up brother appreciate the comment!! Og subscriber!!
@@CPthetooladdict you get it 😎
NO CP. Don't do HF reviews. Makes my brain hurt. Stop it CP. PLEASE FOR THE SAKE OF CHANNEL STOP!