Harbor Freight ICON Tools 3 Year Review ━ Did I Make a Mistake?
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- Опубліковано 17 вер 2024
- Harbor Freight ICON tools 3 year review. Lets find out if I made a mistake or the best purchase ever.
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Snap on people are angry they could have saved with Icon.
For real!
icon warranty is garbage and alot of the tools are rebranded amazon tools that dont have the mark up. The biggest pain in the ass is that they make you replace an entire set and it has to be in the original holder. sometimes i just need one torx bit replaced not the whole damn set. snap on has its place, especially at the professional level. a hobbyist isnt likely to encounter the scenario in which the small details of a vastly higher quality tool pay off. my work tools are all a mix of made in usa brands(snappy, mac, cornwell, craftsman, etc). My home tool are pretty much whatever i can grab for cheap and they do just fine for the occasional fix around the house or fixing families vehicles.
Yeah that’s right…..😂
I could have saved a ton of money if I didn’t buy a house and lived in a cardboard box instead.
I do still have certain snap on special sockets like their Sparkplug sockets that grip the plug without a boot or magnet. But I hope Icon continues to make specialty tools. And maybe come out with a locking flex head ratchets. I have almost all the Icon comfort grip ratchets lol as well as the 24k gold ratchets. 😅
“They want to spend a half a million dollars on tools for their $50k a year job.”
Bars.
Lol 🤣 it's true though
Yea I'm a diesel mechanic an everyone laughs at my harbor freight tools but not one has broken on me and I use them hard every day. I'd rather have my paycheck every week instead of giving it to the tool truck guy and being broke just to have overpriced name brand tools. Snap on is junk in my opinion and been riding on their name for the last few years.
I never make big purchases on the trucks. Hundreds of dollars for a socket set is insane. If I have a good dealer I'll spend a little more for the convenience even when I know I can get the exact same thing online. How much that is depends on the cost and if it's lifetime warranty. I've never bought anything I couldn't pay for though
@@StrongerThanBigfootsnap on hand tools are some of the best to call them junk is ludicrous.I don’t but their electronics but to say snap on is junk is just being a hater . And keeping Americans working with a good paycheck is a big bonus .I’ll take a knipex or weight over a icon any day .
@@racingjunk7024 he is correct. they are not the best tools and i have had more problems with snap on than any other brand. they are just over priced junk
I hope HF continues to expand the Icon line of tools. My hope is that it gets close to offering an Icon option for each tool that Snap-On offers. Thanks for the video.
They can’t get close, google search “snap on patent wall”
Also to the ignorant creator of this channel try $100k in tools that allows you to make over $100k a year.
If you made $50,000 a year as a tech I understand why you chose harbor break. You suck as a tech so you have to buy what you can afford. 😂
They are coming out with kits soon in foam organizers
I'm in the same page with you, I'm an Aircraft Mechanic and I have been using harbor freight tool for years, for the money; you cannot beat them.
Exactly
Started in 83 as a mechanic. I ran a shop in a small town. Sears was 45 miles away and had never heard of harbor freight, most of my tools are snap on. They came weekly, financed. I had 2 sets one at my garage and one at my hangar. Was second guy in state to own a pit wagon. Sold that 6 months ago. Paint peeling on lower corners (adhesion problem). They wouldn't warranty. One time we had no snappy dealer in our area for 7 years. The extra i paid for that extra money service wasn't available. Never again would i buy exclusively snap on. Ridiculous. I tell the young guys to go harbor freight or buy used. Snap on excellent tool. Ridiculous price. Did i tell you never again? A favorite pastime now is to make the 45-mile trek to harbor freight.
I use icon everyday at work as a professional tech and they work just as good as my snap on tools.
Bro, I started buying icon when I first saw your video when you did your icon tool haul. I haven't looked back since. Icon had been great and I love where the company is going with it. My collection is growing. Thanks again!!!
Mrs subaru and chump the crack addict will be triggered with this one..
😂😂😂
Me.Subaru is the biggest fucking crybaby when it comes to tools man I swear to god, bros deepthroating snap on and throwing it back on koken nonstop and anything else is just trash or “overpriced rebrands”
I have been a dealer tech for over 35 years so I have almost all Snap on. I have some Icon stuff at home. I wish they had Icon when I started out
So far I've only used the long, double ended, flex head, metric ratcheting box wrenches and I love them. My buddy bought the basic metric wrench set and they were IDENTICAL to my Snap-On set. Ever since I saw that about a year ago I've told every young kid coming into the shop to stay off that tool truck and go Icon.
I agree with 85% of that I agree snap on is wicked expensive, no argument there. How ever there is sometimes ….sometimes…. I feel were snap on is “worth it”
but to also be honest with the anti slip open end the icon Milwaukee Carlyle and some carpi wrenches have in common and have been proven to be retry freaking good. I see no reason to spend 640 on a simple wrench set from snap on when you
Can get a good alternative from the above Taiwan made tools at roughly 150-200 depending on the brand. with that left over money not buying them you
Can also get the ratcheting wrenches too from the other brand.
Snap on impact sockets to me are a joke they seem wayyyyyyy to soft even for an impact which is supposed to be softer than chrome becuase well it’s an impact lol. When you wanna charge some one 550.00 for ONE 1/2 drive impact set. Nah I’ll spend the 300 and change on a tekton 1/2 kit.
Snap on has some good tools but I don’t think they have the edge anymore in basic hand tools.
That being said I’ve tried a lot of brands with swivel impact sockets …yeah gotta say in my personal experience, just suck it up and by the snap ons that’s like the one of few times I’ll say that lol
I use the Icon ratcheting wrenches and 3/8" ratchet daily building out GM crate motors as marine engines. Love the extended length to ensure the fuel fittings are goodntight.
Harbor freight tools,icon and the other brands they sale,allowed me to open my business 6 years ago with out going into any debt at all. As a mobile Cng tech I don’t see any tool trucks so it’s nice to have a harbor freight store in almost every city to go get something or exchange a tool which isn’t often and 99.9 percent of the exchanges I’ve done are for 7/32 Allen key sockets.I use them every day on an impact and break one about every 2 months. Just wish they made a wrench roll for their icon wrenches
Watched your first video 3 years ago when I started buying a few and then I went whole hog. Use my icon tools everyday! Serve me well! Hope they keep coming out with more tools.
I have icon, Milwaukee, gearwrench and tekton tools all are good and haven't really had to many issues. However I do find that alot of the icon sets a very small size range and find myself going to other sets for the smaller or larger sizes. Thats been my main issue. Quality has been good and I'm happy with the tools I just wish my sets had more sizes.
Amazed at how new all those tools look after 3 years. I mean, if you told me they were just bought, and never worked with I’d believe it.
I am a 30 year master tech. I have been through the snap on and matco fad. I wish Icon was around 25-30years ago. I have a 72 x 30 tool box. I would say at least half is Icon and I have zero regrets on using them. I use my Icon more than Snap on. Granted not all Icon tools are great. I snap the impact swivel sockets like nothing but everything else I have has been great. Icon makes awesome tools at a price anyone can afford.
Icon seems pretty decent from the few things I've bought. If harbor freight doesn't have what I went there for I usually grab something icon like pliers to try out rather than leave empt handed. Like you said though they don't have a ton of specialty tools and I already had the vast majority of what they started out with.
My Icon Ratcheting wrenches work great with no issues-going on 3 years now.Good tools.
Good deal! 🤘
HF has really stepped up their game in recent years. On occasion you can justify buying the over priced tooling, but 90%+ it makes little or no difference . I made furniture some of my tooling is “overpriced” but is fractionally better. Saw blades I use are expensive but leave a better cut and save me a step. Other things are cheap, small cheap clamps work great (not the bigger ones). Most of my tooling is somewhere in the middle. There are hidden bargains out there and plenty of dumpster fill.
As a kubota ag tractor tech . We all use us genetal boxes. I take trips to harbor freight to get all there good stuff. Never had issues. Some snapon ,mac,matco tools as well . Hurcules is what i use daily for ppwer tools. It never gives me any issues. In a prpfessional setting.
I’ve been a professional service tech in my field for years. And I have pretty much every brand you can come across for tools except Cornwell and Matco. I do see a noticeable difference between my icon tools and snap on tools mainly in things like the ratchets. However I have the icon dead blow mallets and love them. A lot of the other techs give me shit but why spend $100 plus on a hammer that I was able to get a few between $25-$40 that get the job done and have been holding up.
Most techs are young dummies that just care about brand names and showing off.
Most dealer techs owe a monthly care note too. It's the guys driving a 20 year old Honda civic and using whatever tools work in their budget that are often the better techs.
Most techs these days just care about looking good with brand names in front of a bunch of other dudes.
MAC is 30% the price of snap on now.
Snap on have lost their shit
👁️🐽👁️
@@ihavethedocuments2580 Mac has been my go to for years and I have the best relationship with my Mac dealer. I agree they’re priced and sales are better. I seem to always see on the snap on monthly flyers that it seems like half the flyer isn’t even sales that it’s just advertising current pricing of items.
I still use the pittsburgh orange deadblows. Are they nice? No. Is it still a hammer and does hammer things? Yep
@ihavethedocuments2580 no mac is right up there with snapon. Marginally cheaper but not by much
Absolutely loved this video. The only thing I would say is that I don’t think HarborFreight power tools will ever match the quality of the big companies, but the icon hand tools are so much better than the big name brands. Maybe the quality isn’t as high, maybe a difference of a smidgen, but the price makes them more than better.
I have a good bit if ICON myself and have never had a problem. They always do what I ask of them and have performed just fine. I usually always hit the sale prices so that has also been an incentive. Good video and finally something positive, jb
I really like the Bauer stuff. I wish they had more tools on the powerline. I want a cordless ratchet. I have the grinder and both 3/8 and 1/2 impacts. Drill and impact driver as well.
HF puttin' a hurtin' on snap on! And all the other tool trucks to!
We use Icon, Pittsburgh and Bauer on our racecar. Haven't had any issues with them. The 1/2 impact is constantly in dirt because we racedirt tracks (been used for 6 years now) we abuse stuff and never broken one.
I fully agree with you. I worked as a heavy equipment salvage mechanic for a while, my Icons and Pittsburghs have held up extremely well. My breaker bars have outlasted several of my coworkers' Snap-ons.
I have many brands of tools and also snap on ratchets. Carlyle. Gearwrench. Icon. SK. 3 drawers full of all the Icon ratchets and sockets and wrenches. Go out and explore different brands you will find Icon are very good tools! Im waiting for Icon locking flex ratchets 👍
Work a service truck. Got my snap on box and tools in the truck. Recently got a new gig basicly working for 1 customer as there personal sevice tech. They have there own shop but i still have my truck. Wanted to buid a second box for that shop. Going full icon but in a us general box. So far love them
If you like tools, have that tool bug (like a lot of mechanics do).....ok Kool, get that box and the tools.
To have that box with tools, to use for those types of gigs...to leave at the shop you're working at.....ok Kool.
But then why have a service truck with your tools in it?
That's really just laziness.
Now I get if you get a roll cart.......pull up to the gig, put tools in the cart then at the end of the day, roll the cart back to your truck and put everything back...........that's very logical.
But why spend money on tools you already have that are on the very truck you're taking to the gig?
It makes no sense, unless you just like spending money or you're laziness and don't care about spending money.
Ive seen plenty of service techs in the shop I work at. They all have that mentality of what you seem to have.
I get it, one guy, he took all his tools out of his service truck and has them in the shop, with no tool box. Another guy left his box in the shop but really didn't use it cause he would use his service truck that has his tools. Now that is just dumb, why bring the box? One guy brought his tool box, only to have to take it back....that same day. The only smart guy is the one who uses his truck as intended. He doesn't spend any more than he needs to.
Everything else is a want not a necessity.
You got a great gig and it could last a long time and I hope it does. But don't be ignorant.........it's temporary....it will end. When.....is the unknown part.
So don't ignorant. I've seen plenty of service techs like that. They get that gig and it's going well....months in and then........Bye Felicia.
Its going great, the shop you're at says that you'll be there guaranteed for awhile then......Bye Felicia
I say, get a roll cart and get from your truck what you use for that day, then and the end of the day, put it back in your truck.
Too many times, I've seen guys leave their stuff cause they plan on coming the next day but get sick....so your company sends another guy to fill in cause that's the contract......the company provides a tech to be there. And guess what happens? That tech sometimes gets replaced by the guy who filled in. Or the company decides to take you off and put you somewhere else.
I'm just saying to don't be ignorant to these things, don't think it can't happen to you cause it can.
I say don't buy extra tools cause you really don't need them. Its a want not a necessity.
But in the end, it's your money so.......do what you want.
These tools are just fine for daily work for years to come. I remember using Craftsman tools, and still have them. Snap On, MAC, Matco are good too but expensive and kinda nice to have but not necessary.
11 months. After the 3 year. Let's see a 4th with all the new icon stuff and specialty things
Also Harbor Freight. Get this man a deep discount on sweet box setup
Ive used regular HF tools, snap on, craftsman and now started getting ICON. i can feel the quality in ICON and I love them. as you said, they feel exactly like snapon.
I have a bunch of icon tools and haven't had any trouble. My biggest concern is losing a socket or wrench. There's no way that I've heard of to get a single to replace it. If anyone out there knows any different I'd love to find out. Good video my man, keep it up.
I've heard you can order a single replacement by calling them if you have the part number. I have ordered parts for their power tools that way.
what I know about SNAPON TOOLs the MAJORITY of them are made it in CHINA as ADIDAS to INCREASE the price in USA...good TOOLS are SNAPON, ( they are made it with IRON) the majority of TOOLS are made with a MIX the iron and other elements, but now in this times save a PENNY counts for a FAMILY...if CHEAP TOOLS made the JOB and let $$$ why we have to worry for a BRAND.
I have 2 local HF's near me. I've warranted a couple of single items from sets at both locations. No problem!
For the love of god, thank you. If a tool does its job, it's a good tool, PEROID. If it happens to fail, like every tool will eventually and the seller warranties it without question then it's win.
Just bought the Icon screwdriver set and pliers and I was comparing them to my co workers snap on
And all though it's got an imitation on appearance the feel quality wasn't as good as the snap on screwdrivers they had a better handle and felt more comfortable as the Icon ones felt stiff and the Icon pliers also felt stiff with the handles and the snap on handle padding felt nice and comfortable the only issue I have Is the feel quality other than that they work good
I would use whatever works. No grudge on Icon. Only thing I’ve seen is the sockets come only in complete sets so if you lose one it may be hard to replace unless you buy a single one from another brand. Also like the Tekton stuff. Hey what you have there seems to work. Good enough then.
Yeah that bugs me badly but I just replaced the impact sockets I lost with snap on lol
Just picked up the new 3/8 semi deep sockets they are very nice.
Nice!!
I have owned Snap On Tools since 1980, that is 43 years going on 44, Snap On is still here, the way Harbor Freight changes names of tools and creates new brands of cheap tools I doubt Icon will still be around in name 44 years from now. I can still warranty all my Snap On tools today however I have only ever broke two Snap On tools in those 44 years and I have broken my MAC 3/4 inch drive ratchet once way back in 1981 and it has been fine ever since, the ratchets gear was stripped from using a long pipe on it to bust free lug nuts on a truck when the impact could not get the job done on the service vehicle.
Owned Snap On Tools for 43 years, huh.... hey, another 15, and you may have them paid off.
@@gl9500 My tools have been paid off since 1986 son, just because you don't know how to manage your money to purchase high quality products does not mean other people have the same problem. Here is a clue for you find that high quality set you want, then start putting some money aside and before you know it you can buy it and you did not have to go into a large sum of debt. But you are from the you have to have it right now generation so you go and buy the cheapest knock off tools you can find.
32 years and still use Pittsburgh impact sockets daily. Only ever had to warranty a couple. Still use my original craftsman wrenches too.
I always figured I’d move up to snap on as I broke tools but lifetime warranty is lifetime warranty. No point in paying 10x for a tool if you don’t need to.
I haven't had any issues with any of my icon stuff and I use it professionally every day
So glad your making videos again. I recently started to buy icon to replace alot of my Pittsburgh tools. I do love their wrenches. But they are the only thing I have bought and used
Hey Justin, glad it’s working out for you. If i was you I would consider some 3D printer battery hangers off the wall. I built one that I can take all 20+ battery’s straight to the job site. Just food for thought as you look pretty organized. Keep on keeping on!!
If you're in the trade and you can pass the cost of your tools on to your customers while taking expense deductions for your business, you buy snap-on... If you're a DIY, you buy what you can afford and ignore the fan boys of any tool brand. The best tool for the job is the one that gets it done, at the price you can afford!
What you do doesn’t mean you have to buy one over there the other. Just because you work professionally doesn’t mean you need snap on and passing the expense onto your customer because of your tool spending habits is a you problem not a customer problem. I work on fleet diesel trucks and trailers I have very little snap on and it works just fine …. Are snap on products nice ?? Yeah no doubt but not needed just because professional vs DIY’er
That wasn't the point I was making. The difference is that a Pro can take the tools as a deduction and the DIY can't. Thus buying the cheaper tools.
I use alot of Icon sockets but I always use Snap On ratchets cause I feel like the their comfort grip is the best ones in my opinion.
DP the Tool Bag gonna lose his mind if he sees this. Not a damn thing wrong with Icon. A lot of their wrenches are made by Kabo.
Lol tons of people will. Their loss 🤣
I laughed when I read this because it's true.
I’ve had issues with the open end of the icon wrenches spreading trying to loosen bolts on combines and tractors.
I have a ton of snap on Mac cornwell and matco. Now I have alit of icon, capri, gear wrench and tekton. They are all working and making me money. The haters would rather talk about their tools than use them. Cool, you have all snap on. Let me know when you need help on a b level technician job.
Definitely should not use chrome sockets as impact sockets, you’re asking for shrapnel in your face
Only SnapOn I have is a collapsible parts tray received as a gift, but it is a damn fine tray. They are innovators. Excellent fit and finish. Their tools make some jobs easier in the automotive industry. Everybody benefits from them being successful. You don't need their tools to be a professional mechanic, however. For most local repair shops it probably isn't a good return on investment. Don't hate on them, though.
I like them too. I have mostly other tools since I bought them years ago. I have a U.S. General in my machine area I like all the shallow drawers for machine bits and collets. I have three of the ones with wood tops in my woodshop, I have a 3 section Mac on one side of my shop in front of the car hoist (Nussbaum). I have the Icon 73” with a locker, lower drawer section and the work station top in front of the car/truck Bend-Pak hoist. Then I have a Snap On box I inherited from my son mostly filled with impact stuff and some body tools. Last is a U.S. General Cart that I keep by the big rollup door and I can take it outside to save going to the big Icon so often.
I choose to buy mostly Snap On Tools because they are made in the USA. I don't look down on icon tools but I have been raised to buy American whenever there is the option.
They may be made in USA but they buy their metal from CHINA and triple the price
I'm not a professional mechanic. I'm just a weekend warrior but icon has been working out pretty good so far. It's worth what I paid and if it breaks I can take them back and replace them at the store which is really nice which you can't do with snap-on because they're warranty sucks
I bought a 3/8 flex head long ratchet and boy do I say I use it ALOT I thought I wouldnt use it that much when I bought it but I was soo wrong I gotta get more of them they are just amazing
Once upon a time when I worked as a mechanic, there was nothing close to Snap On, Cornwell, and Mac tools. It's a pleasant surprise to see what looks like quality options at a cheaper price. Some of those tools look just like my Snap On tools.
If I wanted to save money versus buying my sockets and ratchets every day, I would have purchased the same Icon tool off of Amazon from the company that actually makes it called EPAuto.
That being said the one Icon tool I have is their 1/4 comfort grip ratchet. It still works after a few years of use. I don't use it much anymore because I got sick and tired of the ratcheting pawl always switching directions on me by itself.
I am building my mechanic garage with a budget of 5k, I been debating between Gearwrench and icon, up until your video I was real close I was slightly leaning Gearwrench.. you have changed my mind! I think I’m going to go icon
Screw snap on. I have a little bit of icon tools and will be buying more.
I have a good array of Hercules power tools as well.
All great quality stuf.
Crows feet wrenches come clutch when you torque to spec every single bolt/nut. Will make reaching anywhere a socket wont fit or you need an extension for full swing.
buy what makes you happy. one thing i will say is you can not replace one wrench or socket if you lose it. they need to figure that out so people can buy single tools. thanks for sharing
You should be able to call and buy a single replacement if you find the part number from their parts catalog.
Just bought Icon Large Jaw Puller and it worked great. Just ordered their 1/2 drive digital torque…so far im a fan….
As a SnapOn/MAC/Matco snob I've been buying Icon tools exclusively for the last year and a half. My SnapOn rollcab hasn't complained once so far. I even put a USGeneral side box on it... 😮
Hell yea brother, i got a bunch of icon tools. Cant complain at all! Havent had quality tools like this ever and couldn't be happier for the price!!!
For homeowners, buy icon all day. I have some cheap stuff in my box, namely sockets wrenches screwdrivers. Snap on pliers are no joke, they make a nice torque wrench too
Im trying to get my matco tools warrantied out and I have to go way out of my way to meet a dealer... harbor freight is right down the road and never have to worry about chasing down a tool truck to get my stuff replaced.
I also been replacing everything with Icon as well.
I just got the icon mid length sockets. Dude they are nice af. Love my icon ratchets too.
I use air tools on snapon sockets
Will these do that ???
Would like to know
Crome sockets
@@philliphall5198 I only use impact sockets on an impact guns.
I'm cool with Icon as long as Harbor Freight doesn't forget its roots. There are some tools that are only offered in the Icon line when I'm shopping on a Pittsburgh budget. I've been looking for a cheap toggle ratcheting combination wrench set. I need cheap since I don't use those for breaking bolts. Icon is $160 for 10 wrenches when there's a no name Chinese brand selling a 12 wrench set with a tool wrap for $40.
Got it, use chrome for impact. I will continue following your advices. I will use a face shield and have a spare anvil for my guns.
Thanks for the update! I recall watching your first video on the Icon stuff as I was considering getting some, and since then have acquired a fair number of their tools. My experience has been flawless. I'm not saying there's not a place for Snap On tools in the world, but think it's a shame how many new techs invest money on tool truck tools they should really put putting away in a retirement account.
As for the Icon hate, I think there are people who remember the HF of 20+ years ago and channel all kinds of weird anger at the company.
The only thing bad I can say about the icon or other Harbor Freight Tools is if I was to lose a socket I cannot buy an individual socket to replace it
That is a legitimate complaint.
Go home depot. They sell husky sockets individually. Who cares if it's different brand
I have a lot of icon tools and no problems. Have a good week Justin.
I needed a flex head 1/4 ratchet and didn’t want to spend 150 or more with snap on, mac or Matco. Get an icon for 35 bucks and it’s my GO TO!! Feels great and didn’t break my wallet
A good tool with a lifetime warranty is something you can not beat.
I will be going this route when I build my shop at home. I’m a hon y wrencher and I see no point to buy Snap-On for tinkering around the shop for small stuff at home. I’ll fill it with a few special tool but that’s it. The box is good enough for me for sure too.
Haters always hate!
Facts!!
I love all the icon tools I'm a tech at Firestone and all I use is icon and Hercules and they have been awesome! Whenever I do have anything break it gets taken care of quick and easy.
The icon wrenchs are good for the price ,but the open ends are huge compared to better quality wrenches,the sockets are the same deal they are heavier and bulkier than better quality sockets,that being said ,several of the guys i work with have many icon sockets chrome and inpact,and they hold up and get the job done.
Glad to see the Icon tools are working out. Nice for folks to have alternatives, and nice to be able to walk into a store for warranty.
Funny though how one time you said something like, "Use the tools right, the way they're designed for," then you tell people to go ahead and put chromes on an impact, and get a tap and die set to chase threads, instead of, well, thread chasers.
Oh, and I don't know where you're at, but by me 50k is like entree level salary for any kind of trade.
That is awesome that they will warranty a ratchet. Lifetime warranties used to only cover manual (simple) tools. I've been looking at the Icon brand recently.
I’ve been a harbor freight hater for years but as of 3 weeks ago I’ve been thinking of trying out the Icon line. It is true if the tool is used correctly it does perform the job. Great video brother 👍
Professional industrial maintenance technician here, I use almost solely icon tools and I have a lot of good things to say about them, but gedore and snap on are the local business’ go to supplier. That’s hard to compete with and they hold up almost just as well
I agree with you man….. the snap on people can go kick rocks 😢…. I love the Icon tools…. I like your setup
ICON has some beautiful tools and they are great quality!
I have most of the wrenches and a flex head ratchet and I love em. I love the Pittsburg ratchets as well as the ICON. As long as they work and have lifetime guarantee, who cares
Diy’r auto and semi pro handyman here: Icon, Pitts and Husky make up 80% of my tools plus knipex, Klein, Milwaukee, Tekton, Capri, and vessel - I’m doing just fine. Power tools: Milwaukee, Hercules, Dewalt, Ryobi (yes many are excellent), Sawstop, and a couple Festool so I can be a tool elitist lol
I like SNap On swivel sockets and some of their wrenches for particular jobs but you have to be nuts to be in debt to a tool truck dealer. I’m retired from being a mechanic and trying to get a Snap On tool warrantied if your not a “customer” is not easy, basically you need to get somebody to do it for you who is a “customer, at least that’s been my experience. I would never by sets from SnapOn just the particular wrenches I needed. The bulk of my tools were craftsman or SK. Never thought much of SnapOn ratchets, if something was super tight when it broke loose ratchet would switch directions. Craftsman 1/2 drive ratchets you could beat on with a hammer or put a cheater pipe on and not break.
I have older Craftsman, S&K, Proto, ICON and some Snap On tools plus a few other brands. Icon seems to have pretty decent tools and the price seems good but make no mistake about it, if I had the money I would have a complete set of Snap On tools including the boxes. But I don't have the money especially for what I use my tools for so I'll remain a multi brand tool guy.
I am a big snap on fan I like Mac and Matco as well as SK tools. Have a few Tekton tools. But I have
to say I am impressed with the ICON and Doyle as well as some of the Pittsburgh Pro. 40 Years ago I purchased Craftsman tools when I was starting out as a boat mechanic.
Many HF tools are as good as many of the tool truck brands. IF I was starting out as a mechanic now I would not hesitate to buy the
Icon and Doyle brands. I have purchased some gearwrench tools
I don't buy as much Craftsman as I use to .
Tool's that work are the best. It don't matter the brand.
@harborfreight send this man the Icon chest of his dreams!!!
Yes! I support this message! 🤘
I love my icon and Pittsburgh pro. The Quinn impact sockets aren’t bad either.
I certainly don't disagree I'll say where I live in the rust belt I have seen icon stuff fail. Not often but it will fail before snap on now that being said if it's easier for you to wait for the truck and he has a good stocked truck and can warranty it for you or you have an hf nearby, I feel the warranty is good enough for either of these brands. Hell I use a Pittsburgh rachet. Now if icon comes out with a good copy of snap on hose clamp pliers with the same unlimited warranty I'll pick those up in a heartbeat
Buy what you like and what works best for you
You see, the rank (when I was starting out in 1986) it was Snap-On #1, Mac #2, Match #3, a far, far distant was Cornwell. No one bought Cornwell. My dealer was Snap-On. No other dealer came by our shop. So, I bought Snap-On.
To be honest, we were taught to look down on other brands. IE, it was Snap-On or nothing. With that said, I still own my original Snap-On KR660B roll cab. It's tiny by todays standards, 50"x22". Comparing that vintage box to the new Icon roll cabs, Icon is built very well. Does it compare to a modern KTL1023 series. No, but neither does my 38 year old KR660B.
Good to hear, i dont need fancy im just doing DIY and such around the house and cars, ryobi and HF fit the bill for almost everything and I'll treat myself to a nicer icon stubby ratchet set.
i think icon and gearwrench are the go to tools for mechanics who are on a tight budget--snap on is cryin now because of competition
Harbor Feight actually needs to come out with individual sockets and wrenches. If it breaks, yeah they'll replace it but if you lose it then you're kind of screwed.
You can call them and buy them individually.
Really? I did not know that. Very cool.@@JustinTBraun
Harbor Freight is one of the best stores there is. The Pittsburgh tools are much higher quality than Snap-on and at only a fraction of the cost. And the ICON line is even better (and still way cheaper than Snap-on) for professional mechanics.
i have been a tech 29 years. you are 100% correct.
Tool Trucks are basically what the old Company Stores were back in the day.
I love the anti slip grip wrenches I bought.
I work in aviation and everyone loves their Icon stuff. My issue with some of the products is missing sizes, like 7/32, 9/32 & 11/32, which are unfortunately not uncommon on my aircraft. 12 point sockets are mandatory in the tight places on airplanes. The teeth on the open end of the wrenches can damage expensive aircraft hardware. I really like their tools but I find reasons not to buy the items which I would save the most money on.
Don’t love icon ratchets. Don’t hate either. Way better than my old craftsman. Have a snappy 1/4”, I consider it the nuclear option. I needed and needed it to work. Dollar for dollar I’d recommend gearwrench for an everyday 3/8. And maybe if I bought a GW before snappy, I’d have their 1/4”.
Yet to try their swivel ratchet or ratchet wrenches. More excited to see how they work out. I’d say GW are pretty good so the icon would need to be great.