I sold my Snap On tool box and bought an ICON set up, put the rest of the money back in the bank. I also sold all my Snap On electric and pneumatic tools and bought Milwaukee. No regerts. ;)
@olinhernandez8998 I've been super happy with my xtool d9.. 3 yrs free updates.. did can FD protocol.. & topographical module lay-out key programming etc.
I will always be a fan of harbor freight and Icon, when I first started I was using the shops tool til I saved up $500 to go shopping at harbor freight and I only ended up paying about $300. couldn’t find anything else that I needed or could possible need!! Here I am 3 years later and not one of those tools have broken on me 🤝
I just got the swivel head ratchets deep and short sockets and I absolutely love this stuff the warranties are way better than the tool truck no question asked u can snap them tools in half and they will replace it you walk in there with 600$ ur getting away with 3k of tools and tbh I’ve bought a lot from snap on and I’m never lookin back icon is legit the same as snap on for half the price I have a legit snap on swivel ratchet and a icon one they are the same except for gear drive selection and the handle so go get icon yall fuck strap on
There's many good alternatives today unlike 30 40 yrs ago , the automotive hand tools are designed after the professional tools you get from Snap on , Mac , Matco etc,,,, the finish is highly polished and the wrenching system on all sockets is the same as the Flank drive Snap on design Which was only a Snap on feature yrs ago , , the Taiwan tools hold up really we'll , and fit and finish are at a professional level now for less than half the cost , great vid and great ICON tool collection , looking nice , if I didn't see the ICON name I would mistaken those ratchets for Snap on or Matco , Great Job from ICON 👍👍
Been using Icon ratchets and sockets for over a year as an industrial mechanic. They are still solid and have had no problems. Over the last 6 months I've began to buy other icon products like the deadbolts, extractors and bearing and seal kits. I've been really impressed. The snap ring set is the only product I was disappointed in and only because of the way they look.
Thanks for the honest review. The Icon stuff looks pretty good. Most tools nowadays will hold up just fine as long as they aren't abused. Snap On ratchets wear out just like anything else. If you clean and lube your ratchets periodically they will last quit a long time.
I was a light technician years ago, I went into service writing and got out of it. But I've gotten back into it, I've been rebuilding my tools, and Icon has really been great. Not only affordable, I bought a set I didn't like the return policy was real simple. I'm very very organized so the trays have been phenomenal! And of course it doesn't hurt that the Harbor Freight store is about half mile from my shop!
I used ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx4ynqaujg7rZKFapA8s29kTpRszJGa3-K this for the first time today to replace the front wheel bearing on my rwd 98 dodge dakota. This had absolutely no issue removing or reinstalling the lug nuts and it took off the axle nut without any struggle. Sounds like it's got some muscle to it. Time will tell
Cool, Thanks for the update! Yeah I just started DIYing simple oil changes and stuff.. bought whatever I could for cheap and on sale.. Pittsburgh is fine and all, until the sockets fall off the ratchet and socket metal starts rounding. These simple two things that don't really matter to a casual DIYer, has led me to look at Icon or similar brands.
First time viewer here. I appreciate your attitude, demeanor seem like a stand up dude! I picked up the 1/2 drive icon impact extension set a few months back. Limited use so far but I’ll wouldn’t hesitate to buy more icon.
As a heavy duty on road diesel mechanic. I've got icons next to my snapons in my toolbox. And I love them. So far never had one fail. I've had the 1/2 universal on my dewalt dcf891 which puts out around 600 ft lbs and hasn't broken. My only complaint with icons is they don't offer 12 point stuff. I ended up having to go with sunex for my 12 point sets.
Haven't tried any icon stuff yet but I have plenty of Pittsburgh tools that are still going strong. I also opted for everything else to be Tekton and went with Ingersoll-Rand cordless stuff because I wanted to be different from the other guys in the shop with their Snap-on and Mac (or should I say rebranded and twice the money DeWalt). Actually had a co-worker curse me out and go on a 45 minute temper tantrum once because my torque wrench was a Pittsburgh 1/2"
I use my icon ratchets and sockets daily. I bought two sets one for work and one for home. Heavy use daily on both sets and at home. Haven’t had a problem with mine either. I love ‘em. I’ve recommended them to a lot of other techs in the shop and they laughed until they used them.
I always think back n wonder how nice it would've been if harbor freight sold these updated better quality icon/maddox tools lineup back in 2007+ when I was starting out as a tech. Back then in 2007 only decent tools I ever bought from HF was an orange floor jack and a press, all the hand and electric tools were weak poor quality stuff I remember those days
I bought the Icon 3/8 impact set. Love'em. I have Snap On as well, but like Rich said, there are quality tools out there that won't break the bank and will serve one well.
I’ve had the flex head ratcheting combination wrenches and the long handle extended ratcheting wrenches and they haven’t let me down. Very high quality and super fine ratcheting. Also no skips in the set (metric) so I have all sizes 8-19.
Have to say Harbor Freight really has seemed to stepped up their game in the last few years. When I started working in the field in the 80s I was a die hard Craftsman user up until the day to day was too tough on them. In the Early 90s my experience with HF was the stuff was pretty much crap and to be avoided with the exception of the larger wrenches and big sockets. I have to say these tools look like they really offer a good bang for the buck even in a professional setting Nice video
I have the shallow 3/8 set I use them every day and they work great every one in my shop uses them all the time too I’m on the far side of the shop and when the other guys are at my end they use them all the time but they have held up for sure I’ve had them probably 7 or 8 months now with no issues
...and they keep coming out with other stuff like the new locking Flex head ratchet and bit set that sets itself apart from pretty much anything on the market. Definitely worth keeping an eye on, especially the new stuff they like to hide in the back for a month or two before it hits the shelf
I'm a diesel mechanic for 33years I have snapon Carlyle and cheaper brands and you know what the cheaper stuff can hold up it's how you use and look after your tools great review mate
It's nice to see people in the industry having really good luck with these; I'm just diy-plus kind of person, but I recently bought an icon 3/8 ratchet and wow it was much better compared to the Pittsburg pro. Not saying that the Pittsburg pro one was evne bad it served me well through a lot of vehicles, but it kind of felt too much like a toy and I had a hard time building that muscle memory of torque-ing things
There is a HF here that shares a parking lot here with a Ford and Subaru dealership :lol:. The techs live in there. If there is any issue with a tool, it is an instant replacement.
I have purchased , 1/4 inch sockets ,short, metric ratcheting wrenches ,from icon . And cant be happier with them great tools for the price , and 2 braun led lights , i use this stuff everyday , the lights i have found are better then my high dollar snap on lights , much stronger, and brighter ..
Several influencers claim that real mechanic's dont use Icon. Im glad to see videos like this. Ive worked the wrenching world for 20 years, i love Snap On & other top brands but brands like Icondoes work. I have buddies who work at shops who charge way too much fkr service just to afford their tools &.have money left over. It screws the customer because of ego I tried some Icon but havent got any myself because i recently decided to leave the trade for another with less stress & amazing benefits Tool trucks are a choice, not a necessity these days appreciate the honestly
Nice 👍 I have a 3/8" and 1/2" deep metric impact sets from Walmart they are "Hart" brand. Love them both can't recommend enough. All six point 10mm to 24mm with some overlap. These things are popular not every Walmart has them, worth buying if you see them especially the 3/8" set which is harder to come by. The one thing I will say is they are kind of thin in the sidewall. Might hesitate to hammer on one with some monster impact on a huge compressor. But no issues so far with my electric impacts. Great for lighter duty diy.
The true test of hand and power tools is everyday use. I have an old school Craftsman 1/2 ratchet from the 1970s that slips and needs to be replaced. I need to try and see if bLowes or other Craftsman retailer will warranty the thing. If not, I think I may go pick up one of those Icon ratchets. Thanks again FBM!
While we also find the quality has improved over the years and is on point now with “upper end” tools….we find that the subtle difference sometimes are better meaning a slimmer drive head or slimmer shank in the universals but none the less they are the way to go as we have several of the same tools good to see they are holding up for u as well
I work in a GM shop and had to do a RH exhaust manifold on 5.4 triton, that 14" ratchet and the icon swivel 1/4" actually made it doable as I had only breaker bars and non flexing ratchets, and each of them feel extremely well made. The 3/8's flex is now my go to for really anything I can get it into.
@@SpeedResearchLabs No problems at all. One of the little drawer tensioners broke, but I called up customer support and they sent me a new drawer no problem. If you got a hutch or locker or anything like that with the box you might want to get yourself one of those matching key core changer sets as they don't make all the key cores match. It's like 20 bucks on their website.
You obviously know what you are talking about. I would appreciate it if you would give us another. update say in December while continuing to use the Icon ratchets exclusively. Thank you .
I remember years ago a tech I worked with boldly stated that his tool box would only hold Snap-on tools when he showed me his large wrenches. Another tech said that he wouldn't spend hundreds on a Snap-on 2 3/4 open end wrench when he could go to Sears and buy a quality Craftsman wrench for a fraction of the cost of a Snap-on.
A good thing with Icon is the walk in warranty, but HF has a flaw in that you must call in to customer service to order a missing socket or wrench. At minimum, they should have them listed on the web sight so you don't need to call in. If they are back ordered it may be a couple weeks for you to get a tool you need that makes you money.
Thanks for the review and I don't think I will ever purchase any ICON tools, still using tools from Bonney. After decades of use, still holding up just fine.
I have the Metric reversible ratcheting wrench set use it frequenty in my small engine shop and I can't say enough about it-Zero issues great quality .
Yeah just asked an online professional mechanic group if they were very good . So far the answers been yes 👍. Needed a very good Torx bit and I just bought the 12 piece Torx set for $30 .
The cool thing about those impact sockets which i i learned from Mr. Subaru is that theyre rebranded Cornwell sockets which are also really good from what i hear
I had some snap on get stolen, and replaced it with icon. I noticed little to no difference. It's usually quicker to warranty too. No waiting a week, then maybe another week or two if it isn't in stock. I'm also in the industry, the chromes don't complain even during suspension and heavy torque
Tekton, Gearwrench, Icon, and Pittsburg are pretty much my short list of go to, whomever has the more complete set for the best price. Some of the cheaper stuff works fine for my home use, I'm not in a shop beating them all day.
Now you will be very impressed with their latest ICON 2,100 Lumens under-hood LED flood light by Icon. Amazing quality and versatile with fast Type-C charging, magnetic handle that detached. Different modes, superb craftsmanship and more ... Better yet the price dropped down to $80 and im waiting for them to come out with their second LED light that will accommodate the unit sold separately to make the whole lighting unit a total of 4,200 Lumens perfect for working on engines!
Those Icon impact sockets look similar to Matco ADV impact sockets. Definitely worth looking into for SAE sizes rather than buying them off the truck or ordering Wright or Williams from Grainger.
I didn't know you used icon tools. I was thinking of buying a decent ratchet. I've been using the cheap ass low end harbor freight stuff for years. Mind you I just work on my own project cars and what not. I always thought the ratchets were fine since I didn't know any better. Not long ago I found a husky 3/8th ratchet in a generator I was working on at work and I fell in love with how great it felt to use. I'm thinking of buying a flex head 3/8 icon ratchet. Or maybe a gold one for the memes lol.
Hey Billy Bob, in my experience the best tools come from Germany, Australia, USA, Japan, and Taiwan. I picked up some Icon e-torx for a brake project. Only needed an E-11 but had to buy the kit unless I wanted to wait a week for one socket. This Icon kit is made in Taiwan.
I use the hell out of Pittsburgh and Icon and probably use them in a manner they shouldn't be used. Only thing I have broke is a swivel, took it into harbor freight to get replaced, no questions asked. Took me 2 minutes. Good look on that with snap on and maatco.
This helps me out. had a fire this winter that destroyed my shop and tools and am looking to replace. Was a craftsmen guy all my life but with them leaving usa again WHAT is the point of tryng to find a usa made tool when HARDLY any are made here.
I'm going to have to rethink things. I'm shade tree at best and haven't tried their Icon line - I have some Harbor Freight stuff and it's always been just adequate. You know your shit and if you say they're good .... then they're good. What a good deal for the young mechanic, much better than getting deep into debt to the Snap-On tool guy.
I am a Icon fan, I even bought the 24K gold plated ratchet which was less than half the price of a standard snap on ratchet. the Icon tool boxes are very nice quality.
And you get Lifetime Warranty as well if they break. When i got my expensive BMW i decided to use nothing but quality tools on it. Been using Icon torque wrenches and rachets ever since and love the precision results given by them special when torquing big precise bolts that need to be within specs, can't afford to mess up using cheap quality tools on it! Take my money Icon anytime... 😁
HF sure pulled a wollup on the tool trucks business and, i have noticed since the Icon line is catching on strong, that even the auto stores have been trying to change their line of tools to more higher quality. Example. Diehard at advance auto. HF is going to be here a long time and when you can walk into any HF and instant warranty your tools.... That tough to beat!!
My Snapon ratchets from the 1980's have such a low tooth count that I don't really use them much anymore. Now they're asking for receipts if you want to warrantee them. Old Craftsman don't seem to be warranted ( parts number has to be current).
over the years and I did work for harbour frieght when they opened their new london CT location ages ago and I have used and really abused their sockets and tools and have yet to have any break and if they did just go in a swap out
I bought every wrench set that icon made when they first came out. The only issue I have is the sae wrench set I got the tolerances on the open end are awful. I find them not fitting on fasteners smooth. U have to mess with it to get it on at times
I’ve been a heavy equipment mechanic 30 years. In my opinion there is no one harder on tools. Ive had tools of every brand and my conclusion is that i have no pure favorite. The big selling point with harbour freight is that there are three of them quite close to me. The no hassle exchange is the big selling point.
No joke, on black friday, i was visiting my mother and we went to the local harbor freight and she's like is there anything you need ??? got all ICON stuff, picked up a long 3/8 ratchet, 1/2 ratchet, 1/2 breaker bar, and some impact sockets, and my thoughts are, they are lifetime warranty, so if they break, i'll bring them in and get new ones. I too also have a matco 3/8 ratchet and i use my ICON more than the matco lol. I also have some MAtco 1/2 impact sockets and jmo, if i could have a re-do, i would have gone to Harbor Freight and bought the same stuff and saved money. I got to talking about tools one day with a customer and i was like, i picked up a lot of this stuff from Harbor Freight, and was like i'll use it till it breaks and then go back and replace them.. He's like well what happens if they break then your out a tool.. til you get it replaced.. I said ya, it's the same with Matco, if it breaks today, i still have to wait for the Matco guy to come back to the shop to replace it.. with stuff from HF, I can drive to the store after work and get it replaced. so it's no different
I work in the oilfields and honestly i use icon and the new Hercules ultra torque. After Milwaukee made that garbage m14 that broke in a few ugga duggas .... It was a never again for me. The ultra torque has been going hard and working just fine on all the quick VIC clamps , Diesel engine nuts and bolts , trailer lug nuts and axle bearing nuts , exhaust manifold bolts , you name it that ultra torque has beat it. Obviously nothing but good things to be said about icon. Harbor freight has tremendously stepped up big !
Iv been buying just the rachet heads from my Matco guy. A 3/8 head is 29$ a 1/2” head is $38. Go to harbor freight buy a 1/2” comfort grip breaker bar and take the head out and put the Matco head on it. Same with the 3/8 breaker bars. The fact that you can buy a rachet head for $30-40 dollars but the complete rachet is $150-$250 is odd. Paying 120 for the handle lol. My Matco guy will still warranty just the head also
You don't like being in bed with the Mac Tool and Snap on guys? I wish that Craftsman was still made in the USA. I have a mix of them, harbor freight, SK, Gear wrench and a smattering of Snap On. I loose the stuff before I break it. Someone should sell bulk 10, 13 and 15mm sockets. Lol. Can't say enough good about the Harbor Freight deep impact sockets.
I have been a heavy equipment mechanic for over 35 years. Started out with crap-on tools when their prices went through the roof I went with craftsman USA brand and their tools went to shit and over priced I switched to icon…. I really beat the shit out of them every day!!! I have gotten good service out of them occasional i break them and have no problem taking the broken tool to hf and they replace them no questions asked! I will say this about their icon boxes…. Be nice if the drawers wet deeper
Icon seems pretty good, haven’t tested their stuff yet. I have different tool brands and some stuff form harbor freight. Some people are just harbor freight haters man.
Order the oil not the grease from super lube. A lot of ratchet manufactures use super lube grease from the factory. Including Tekton and matco and snap on to name a few. However with the finer teeth you don’t want grease to interfere with them locking. So in all honesty with smaller ratchets like quarter inch or a fine tooth ratchets like these the oil is better than the grease. And the super lube oil is very very good for ratchets, it usually reduces the back drag down even finer.
Working on forklifts I use the hell out of my 1/4 ratchet just because it's compact, teeth count and can handle some abuse. I literally broke a 3/8 titan ratchet that the 1/4 icon was able to handle it and break it loose.
It depends on what kind of mechanics you do like me I do motorcycle mechanics and I hardly use a 10 I manly use 12-14-8-7-17 a lot though (I use Pittsburgh pro everything and love it) but obviously I use all sizes.
@@BeardedFordTech Hey man great to get a comment from another motorcycle mechanic! It's true 10mm is a unicorn in my box pretty much maybe once every 10 bikes I'll need a 10mm to remove a seat bolt or something but it usually a Hex socket in H4-7 that is holding a seat down over a 10mm haha.
i just wish icon would start selling individual sockets. so that if you lose one, break one or need extras, you don't have to buy an entire new set. i understand the argument that it's cheaper to buy 10 icon sets than buying 1 snap on set, but i still wish they sold individual bits
I's sure it has been said... Icon was founded and\or designed by one of (if not the) original designed/engineer of Snap-On. I could be wrong because I find the article I read any longer but I would seem to make sense.
So I thought the same thing until I actually started listening to people talk about the history of the icon tool and they are actually designed from I think it's Proto and not from Snap-on so a lot of people think that it's a Snap-On design tool but it's actually not it's just very similar and there's actually podcast out and write-ups on Google that people have dug into this and find out the story about the Snap-on guy is not actually true it's just something that was made up and then people held onto it
Snap-On is a 100 year old company. No one who “originally designed “ their tools 100 years ago is working for HF, or alive for that matter. So I would say that Is a myth!
I bought ICON 1/2 dr sae impact swivel socket set used for 2 weeks & broke the 15/16 & the 1 1/8 got em warrantied out broke 1 1/8 a few days later I was using Milwaukee 2767 & ingersoll rand w7152 when they broke took whole set back got $ back & bought grey pneumatic same set 10 bucks more broke 3/ 4 15/16 & 1 1/8 sent set back & got refunded now I have sunex none broke yet in about 5 months but those 15/16 & 1 1/8 are badly worn & bind up constantly
@@R26Roman same part no. and close visual comparison..maybe have projectfarm or torquetest channels go at them. I have a vintage clamshell 1/2" USA ratchet with high speed advance utilizing a miniature pull chain sprocket. Also have a self contained hydraulic vise grip with interchangeable jaw configurations
Have been using some Icon sockets and a swivel head ratchet for a little while now, no complaints. If you want a good solid tool that's available LOCALLY, and won't require a home equity loan to afford, Pittsburgh Pro and Icon are the way to go. Tekton is right up there with em but limited to no local availability.
I sold my Snap On tool box and bought an ICON set up, put the rest of the money back in the bank.
I also sold all my Snap On electric and pneumatic tools and bought Milwaukee.
No regerts. ;)
sole my snap on box for a us general. very happy
Wich sacnner you recomend snapon or autel lunch topdon
@@olinhernandez8998 I have an Autel DS808 and it does everything I would want it to do.
@olinhernandez8998 I've been super happy with my xtool d9.. 3 yrs free updates.. did can FD protocol.. & topographical module lay-out key programming etc.
I will always be a fan of harbor freight and Icon, when I first started I was using the shops tool til I saved up $500 to go shopping at harbor freight and I only ended up paying about $300. couldn’t find anything else that I needed or could possible need!! Here I am 3 years later and not one of those tools have broken on me 🤝
I just got the swivel head ratchets deep and short sockets and I absolutely love this stuff the warranties are way better than the tool truck no question asked u can snap them tools in half and they will replace it you walk in there with 600$ ur getting away with 3k of tools and tbh I’ve bought a lot from snap on and I’m never lookin back icon is legit the same as snap on for half the price I have a legit snap on swivel ratchet and a icon one they are the same except for gear drive selection and the handle so go get icon yall fuck strap on
I mean even if they did break you have a lifetime warranty for the parts
When an person finds tools that works for you, that’s the best quality of tool. Great video & thank you for doing the oil on my brothers explorer
Yvw anytime brother
I've had some of their Icon tools for a while now, and honestly they seem just as good as anything else out there.
There's many good alternatives today unlike 30 40 yrs ago , the automotive hand tools are designed after the professional tools you get from Snap on , Mac , Matco etc,,,, the finish is highly polished and the wrenching system on all sockets is the same as the Flank drive Snap on design Which was only a Snap on feature yrs ago , , the Taiwan tools hold up really we'll , and fit and finish are at a professional level now for less than half the cost , great vid and great ICON tool collection , looking nice , if I didn't see the ICON name I would mistaken those ratchets for Snap on or Matco , Great Job from ICON 👍👍
Been using Icon ratchets and sockets for over a year as an industrial mechanic. They are still solid and have had no problems. Over the last 6 months I've began to buy other icon products like the deadbolts, extractors and bearing and seal kits. I've been really impressed. The snap ring set is the only product I was disappointed in and only because of the way they look.
Awesome follow up! Thank you for doing it. I have been waiting to hear how these things survive the "every day" tech. I love my Icon tools.
Thanks for the honest review. The Icon stuff looks pretty good. Most tools nowadays will hold up just fine as long as they aren't abused. Snap On ratchets wear out just like anything else. If you clean and lube your ratchets periodically they will last quit a long time.
I was a light technician years ago, I went into service writing and got out of it. But I've gotten back into it, I've been rebuilding my tools, and Icon has really been great. Not only affordable, I bought a set I didn't like the return policy was real simple. I'm very very organized so the trays have been phenomenal! And of course it doesn't hurt that the Harbor Freight store is about half mile from my shop!
I used ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx4ynqaujg7rZKFapA8s29kTpRszJGa3-K this for the first time today to replace the front wheel bearing on my rwd 98 dodge dakota. This had absolutely no issue removing or reinstalling the lug nuts and it took off the axle nut without any struggle. Sounds like it's got some muscle to it. Time will tell
Cool, Thanks for the update!
Yeah I just started DIYing simple oil changes and stuff.. bought whatever I could for cheap and on sale.. Pittsburgh is fine and all, until the sockets fall off the ratchet and socket metal starts rounding. These simple two things that don't really matter to a casual DIYer, has led me to look at Icon or similar brands.
First time viewer here. I appreciate your attitude, demeanor seem like a stand up dude!
I picked up the 1/2 drive icon impact extension set a few months back. Limited use so far but I’ll wouldn’t hesitate to buy more icon.
As a heavy duty on road diesel mechanic. I've got icons next to my snapons in my toolbox. And I love them. So far never had one fail. I've had the 1/2 universal on my dewalt dcf891 which puts out around 600 ft lbs and hasn't broken. My only complaint with icons is they don't offer 12 point stuff. I ended up having to go with sunex for my 12 point sets.
Haven't tried any icon stuff yet but I have plenty of Pittsburgh tools that are still going strong. I also opted for everything else to be Tekton and went with Ingersoll-Rand cordless stuff because I wanted to be different from the other guys in the shop with their Snap-on and Mac (or should I say rebranded and twice the money DeWalt). Actually had a co-worker curse me out and go on a 45 minute temper tantrum once because my torque wrench was a Pittsburgh 1/2"
Good video, straight to the point all in one take. Would love another update down the line.
I use my icon ratchets and sockets daily. I bought two sets one for work and one for home. Heavy use daily on both sets and at home. Haven’t had a problem with mine either. I love ‘em. I’ve recommended them to a lot of other techs in the shop and they laughed until they used them.
I always think back n wonder how nice it would've been if harbor freight sold these updated better quality icon/maddox tools lineup back in 2007+ when I was starting out as a tech. Back then in 2007 only decent tools I ever bought from HF was an orange floor jack and a press, all the hand and electric tools were weak poor quality stuff I remember those days
I bought the Icon 3/8 impact set. Love'em. I have Snap On as well, but like Rich said, there are quality tools out there that won't break the bank and will serve one well.
I’ve had the flex head ratcheting combination wrenches and the long handle extended ratcheting wrenches and they haven’t let me down. Very high quality and super fine ratcheting. Also no skips in the set (metric) so I have all sizes 8-19.
Good to know that those tools work great from Harbor Freight and great review!
Have to say Harbor Freight really has seemed to stepped up their game in the last few years. When I started working in the field in the 80s I was a die hard Craftsman user up until the day to day was too tough on them. In the Early 90s my experience with HF was the stuff was pretty much crap and to be avoided with the exception of the larger wrenches and big sockets. I have to say these tools look like they really offer a good bang for the buck even in a professional setting Nice video
I have the shallow 3/8 set I use them every day and they work great every one in my shop uses them all the time too I’m on the far side of the shop and when the other guys are at my end they use them all the time but they have held up for sure I’ve had them probably 7 or 8 months now with no issues
...and they keep coming out with other stuff like the new locking Flex head ratchet and bit set that sets itself apart from pretty much anything on the market. Definitely worth keeping an eye on, especially the new stuff they like to hide in the back for a month or two before it hits the shelf
I'm a diesel mechanic for 33years I have snapon Carlyle and cheaper brands and you know what the cheaper stuff can hold up it's how you use and look after your tools great review mate
It's nice to see people in the industry having really good luck with these; I'm just diy-plus kind of person, but I recently bought an icon 3/8 ratchet and wow it was much better compared to the Pittsburg pro. Not saying that the Pittsburg pro one was evne bad it served me well through a lot of vehicles, but it kind of felt too much like a toy and I had a hard time building that muscle memory of torque-ing things
Right with you! I started as a lube guy, well 3 years later I’m a main line tech. Just started touching this icon tool line and I’m pleased…
There is a HF here that shares a parking lot here with a Ford and Subaru dealership :lol:. The techs live in there. If there is any issue with a tool, it is an instant replacement.
I have purchased , 1/4 inch sockets ,short, metric ratcheting wrenches ,from icon . And cant be happier with them great tools for the price , and 2 braun led lights , i use this stuff everyday , the lights i have found are better then my high dollar snap on lights , much stronger, and brighter ..
Several influencers claim that real mechanic's dont use Icon. Im glad to see videos like this. Ive worked the wrenching world for 20 years, i love Snap On & other top brands but brands like Icondoes work.
I have buddies who work at shops who charge way too much fkr service just to afford their tools &.have money left over. It screws the customer because of ego
I tried some Icon but havent got any myself because i recently decided to leave the trade for another with less stress & amazing benefits
Tool trucks are a choice, not a necessity these days appreciate the honestly
Wow I have blown up the Pittsburg impact wobbles with my blue point impact. I guess they stepped up their game with icon.
Nice 👍
I have a 3/8" and 1/2" deep metric impact sets from Walmart they are "Hart" brand. Love them both can't recommend enough. All six point 10mm to 24mm with some overlap. These things are popular not every Walmart has them, worth buying if you see them especially the 3/8" set which is harder to come by. The one thing I will say is they are kind of thin in the sidewall. Might hesitate to hammer on one with some monster impact on a huge compressor. But no issues so far with my electric impacts. Great for lighter duty diy.
The true test of hand and power tools is everyday use. I have an old school Craftsman 1/2 ratchet from the 1970s that slips and needs to be replaced. I need to try and see if bLowes or other Craftsman retailer will warranty the thing. If not, I think I may go pick up one of those Icon ratchets.
Thanks again FBM!
While we also find the quality has improved over the years and is on point now with “upper end” tools….we find that the subtle difference sometimes are better meaning a slimmer drive head or slimmer shank in the universals but none the less they are the way to go as we have several of the same tools good to see they are holding up for u as well
I love that orange tool box. Man that is nice!
Thank you for the update and the honest evaluation
I work in a GM shop and had to do a RH exhaust manifold on 5.4 triton, that 14" ratchet and the icon swivel 1/4" actually made it doable as I had only breaker bars and non flexing ratchets, and each of them feel extremely well made. The 3/8's flex is now my go to for really anything I can get it into.
A5.4 triton in a GM shop?
@johntodd67 used vehicle. We put parts into them when needed.
I'm definitely gonna have to give them a chance. Thanks!!!!!!
i just bought myself one of the 73 inch icon toolboxes with a stainless top, hutch, and locker for less than 5 grand - absolutely love it so far
how is it holding up? I havent recieved mine yet
@@SpeedResearchLabs No problems at all. One of the little drawer tensioners broke, but I called up customer support and they sent me a new drawer no problem. If you got a hutch or locker or anything like that with the box you might want to get yourself one of those matching key core changer sets as they don't make all the key cores match. It's like 20 bucks on their website.
@@dudemanguy3333 nice i ordered the hutch and locker with key set just to be safe. Its n8ce to hear the warranty is good.
You obviously know what you are talking about. I would appreciate it if you would give us another. update say in December while continuing to use the Icon ratchets exclusively. Thank you .
I have the icon wrenches and the torx bits, 2 yrs so far and no issues.
I remember years ago a tech I worked with boldly stated that his tool box would only hold Snap-on tools when he showed me his large wrenches. Another tech said that he wouldn't spend hundreds on a Snap-on 2 3/4 open end wrench when he could go to Sears and buy a quality Craftsman wrench for a fraction of the cost of a Snap-on.
Cool review. Thanks for rocking icon daily in a professional environment and providing a true review.
I work as an aviation engineer and I will surprisingly say that ICON is the new King of tools. Now I can't stop buying at Harbor Freight.
King of tools lmao cheap crap
A good thing with Icon is the walk in warranty, but HF has a flaw in that you must call in to customer service to order a missing socket or wrench. At minimum, they should have them listed on the web sight so you don't need to call in. If they are back ordered it may be a couple weeks for you to get a tool you need that makes you money.
3 years beating the hell out of mine still looks new. Ask Aaron 🤣 always use the icons when working with him.
Thanks for the review and I don't think I will ever purchase any ICON tools, still using tools from Bonney. After decades of use, still holding up just fine.
I'm a DIY Chevy guy, thank you for an honest review of icon
I have the Metric reversible ratcheting wrench set use it frequenty in my small engine shop and I can't say enough about it-Zero issues great quality .
I have bought a few of the tools but have not put them through their pace. Thanx for the review.
One of my 3/8 drive swivel sockets broke first time I used it. Kind of disappointing but I did have it on a 1/2 drive impact.
Yeah just asked an online professional mechanic group if they were very good . So far the answers been yes 👍. Needed a very good Torx bit and I just bought the 12 piece Torx set for $30 .
The cool thing about those impact sockets which i i learned from Mr. Subaru is that theyre rebranded Cornwell sockets which are also really good from what i hear
Don't nobody listened to MRS SUBARU
@@FordBossMe he's no good?
icon tools are good tools and great tools for the price. If you break it just go to hf and get a brand new one
I had some snap on get stolen, and replaced it with icon. I noticed little to no difference. It's usually quicker to warranty too. No waiting a week, then maybe another week or two if it isn't in stock. I'm also in the industry, the chromes don't complain even during suspension and heavy torque
I really like the sockets and the double flex head wrenches, but i use my mac and Snap-On ratchets the most. I'm pretty impressed with the icon line.
Tekton, Gearwrench, Icon, and Pittsburg are pretty much my short list of go to, whomever has the more complete set for the best price. Some of the cheaper stuff works fine for my home use, I'm not in a shop beating them all day.
Now you will be very impressed with their latest ICON 2,100 Lumens under-hood LED flood light by Icon. Amazing quality and versatile with fast Type-C charging, magnetic handle that detached. Different modes, superb craftsmanship and more ... Better yet the price dropped down to $80 and im waiting for them to come out with their second LED light that will accommodate the unit sold separately to make the whole lighting unit a total of 4,200 Lumens perfect for working on engines!
Those Icon impact sockets look similar to Matco ADV impact sockets. Definitely worth looking into for SAE sizes rather than buying them off the truck or ordering Wright or Williams from Grainger.
I didn't know you used icon tools. I was thinking of buying a decent ratchet. I've been using the cheap ass low end harbor freight stuff for years. Mind you I just work on my own project cars and what not. I always thought the ratchets were fine since I didn't know any better.
Not long ago I found a husky 3/8th ratchet in a generator I was working on at work and I fell in love with how great it felt to use.
I'm thinking of buying a flex head 3/8 icon ratchet. Or maybe a gold one for the memes lol.
Hey Billy Bob, in my experience the best tools come from Germany, Australia, USA, Japan, and Taiwan. I picked up some Icon e-torx for a brake project. Only needed an E-11 but had to buy the kit unless I wanted to wait a week for one socket. This Icon kit is made in Taiwan.
Name is Rich
Great review my friend glad to see a pro using them
I use the hell out of Pittsburgh and Icon and probably use them in a manner they shouldn't be used. Only thing I have broke is a swivel, took it into harbor freight to get replaced, no questions asked. Took me 2 minutes. Good look on that with snap on and maatco.
This helps me out. had a fire this winter that destroyed my shop and tools and am looking to replace.
Was a craftsmen guy all my life but with them leaving usa again WHAT is the point of tryng to find a usa made tool when HARDLY any are made here.
I'm going to have to rethink things. I'm shade tree at best and haven't tried their Icon line - I have some Harbor Freight stuff and it's always been just adequate. You know your shit and if you say they're good .... then they're good. What a good deal for the young mechanic, much better than getting deep into debt to the Snap-On tool guy.
Absolutely
I am a Icon fan, I even bought the 24K gold plated ratchet which was less than half the price of a standard snap on ratchet. the Icon tool boxes are very nice quality.
Yeah friends don't let friends buy that stuff. Want to fight about it?
@@alexrogen3576 I'll be your Huckleberry
And you get Lifetime Warranty as well if they break.
When i got my expensive BMW i decided to use nothing but quality tools on it. Been using Icon torque wrenches and rachets ever since and love the precision results given by them special when torquing big precise bolts that need to be within specs, can't afford to mess up using cheap quality tools on it!
Take my money Icon anytime... 😁
HF sure pulled a wollup on the tool trucks business and, i have noticed since the Icon line is catching on strong, that even the auto stores have been trying to change their line of tools to more higher quality. Example. Diehard at advance auto. HF is going to be here a long time and when you can walk into any HF and instant warranty your tools.... That tough to beat!!
My Snapon ratchets from the 1980's have such a low tooth count that I don't really use them much anymore. Now they're asking for receipts if you want to warrantee them. Old Craftsman don't seem to be warranted ( parts number has to be current).
over the years and I did work for harbour frieght when they opened their new london CT location ages ago and I have used and really abused their sockets and tools and have yet to have any break and if they did just go in a swap out
What’s crazy too is ICON is starting come out with USA made tools like their prybar and quarter-turn snap ring pliers.
I bought every wrench set that icon made when they first came out. The only issue I have is the sae wrench set I got the tolerances on the open end are awful. I find them not fitting on fasteners smooth. U have to mess with it to get it on at times
I’ve been a heavy equipment mechanic 30 years. In my opinion there is no one harder on tools. Ive had tools of every brand and my conclusion is that i have no pure favorite. The big selling point with harbour freight is that there are three of them quite close to me. The no hassle exchange is the big selling point.
No joke, on black friday, i was visiting my mother and we went to the local harbor freight and she's like is there anything you need ??? got all ICON stuff, picked up a long 3/8 ratchet, 1/2 ratchet, 1/2 breaker bar, and some impact sockets, and my thoughts are, they are lifetime warranty, so if they break, i'll bring them in and get new ones. I too also have a matco 3/8 ratchet and i use my ICON more than the matco lol. I also have some MAtco 1/2 impact sockets and jmo, if i could have a re-do, i would have gone to Harbor Freight and bought the same stuff and saved money. I got to talking about tools one day with a customer and i was like, i picked up a lot of this stuff from Harbor Freight, and was like i'll use it till it breaks and then go back and replace them.. He's like well what happens if they break then your out a tool.. til you get it replaced.. I said ya, it's the same with Matco, if it breaks today, i still have to wait for the Matco guy to come back to the shop to replace it.. with stuff from HF, I can drive to the store after work and get it replaced. so it's no different
If you use ICONS everyday straight for 3 months then as a non aggressive DIY'er I say thats a year if not more. Thanks for the review!
Even longer now and not s single issue
Could you test the icon chrome sockets
I wish everything at Harbor Freight had the same quality as their ICON stuff
Great review, I like Icon . I like Snap on but there is a big cost difference
I work in the oilfields and honestly i use icon and the new Hercules ultra torque. After Milwaukee made that garbage m14 that broke in a few ugga duggas .... It was a never again for me. The ultra torque has been going hard and working just fine on all the quick VIC clamps , Diesel engine nuts and bolts , trailer lug nuts and axle bearing nuts , exhaust manifold bolts , you name it that ultra torque has beat it. Obviously nothing but good things to be said about icon. Harbor freight has tremendously stepped up big !
I still say that Harbor freight is the new Sears (hardware department). The place is still privately owned too!
Iv been buying just the rachet heads from my Matco guy. A 3/8 head is 29$ a 1/2” head is $38. Go to harbor freight buy a 1/2” comfort grip breaker bar and take the head out and put the Matco head on it. Same with the 3/8 breaker bars. The fact that you can buy a rachet head for $30-40 dollars but the complete rachet is $150-$250 is odd. Paying 120 for the handle lol. My Matco guy will still warranty just the head also
You don't like being in bed with the Mac Tool and Snap on guys? I wish that Craftsman was still made in the USA. I have a mix of them, harbor freight, SK, Gear wrench and a smattering of Snap On. I loose the stuff before I break it. Someone should sell bulk 10, 13 and 15mm sockets. Lol. Can't say enough good about the Harbor Freight deep impact sockets.
I have been a heavy equipment mechanic for over 35 years. Started out with crap-on tools when their prices went through the roof I went with craftsman USA brand and their tools went to shit and over priced I switched to icon…. I really beat the shit out of them every day!!! I have gotten good service out of them occasional i break them and have no problem taking the broken tool to hf and they replace them no questions asked! I will say this about their icon boxes…. Be nice if the drawers wet deeper
Great video, earned yourself a sub
Icon seems pretty good, haven’t tested their stuff yet. I have different tool brands and some stuff form harbor freight. Some people are just harbor freight haters man.
Order the oil not the grease from super lube. A lot of ratchet manufactures use super lube grease from the factory. Including Tekton and matco and snap on to name a few. However with the finer teeth you don’t want grease to interfere with them locking. So in all honesty with smaller ratchets like quarter inch or a fine tooth ratchets like these the oil is better than the grease. And the super lube oil is very very good for ratchets, it usually reduces the back drag down even finer.
By the way, you can buy super lube grease at Harbor Freight.
Working on forklifts I use the hell out of my 1/4 ratchet just because it's compact, teeth count and can handle some abuse. I literally broke a 3/8 titan ratchet that the 1/4 icon was able to handle it and break it loose.
The 13 is gone? Usually it's the 10!
It's one of four because I use them all the time
It depends on what kind of mechanics you do like me I do motorcycle mechanics and I hardly use a 10 I manly use 12-14-8-7-17 a lot though (I use Pittsburgh pro everything and love it) but obviously I use all sizes.
@@joshsevens9611 I do motorcycles too. It's like 10 doesn't exist
@@BeardedFordTech Hey man great to get a comment from another motorcycle mechanic! It's true 10mm is a unicorn in my box pretty much maybe once every 10 bikes I'll need a 10mm to remove a seat bolt or something but it usually a Hex socket in H4-7 that is holding a seat down over a 10mm haha.
His channel is Ford boss me so yeah 13 would be first to go
How are the wrenches?
Awesome video !
i just wish icon would start selling individual sockets. so that if you lose one, break one or need extras, you don't have to buy an entire new set. i understand the argument that it's cheaper to buy 10 icon sets than buying 1 snap on set, but i still wish they sold individual bits
I's sure it has been said... Icon was founded and\or designed by one of (if not the) original designed/engineer of Snap-On. I could be wrong because I find the article I read any longer but I would seem to make sense.
So I thought the same thing until I actually started listening to people talk about the history of the icon tool and they are actually designed from I think it's Proto and not from Snap-on so a lot of people think that it's a Snap-On design tool but it's actually not it's just very similar and there's actually podcast out and write-ups on Google that people have dug into this and find out the story about the Snap-on guy is not actually true it's just something that was made up and then people held onto it
Snap-On is a 100 year old company. No one who “originally designed “ their tools 100 years ago is working for HF, or alive for that matter. So I would say that Is a myth!
Rich, you also need to go to house sales and garage sales. You would be surprised at all of the great tools that you will find.
This guy sounds just like Johnny Depp! Good review!
How do you know they last you're doing a 3 month review
I bought ICON 1/2 dr sae impact swivel socket set used for 2 weeks & broke the 15/16 & the 1 1/8 got em warrantied out broke 1 1/8 a few days later I was using Milwaukee 2767 & ingersoll rand w7152 when they broke took whole set back got $ back & bought grey pneumatic same set 10 bucks more broke 3/ 4 15/16 & 1 1/8 sent set back & got refunded now I have sunex none broke yet in about 5 months but those 15/16 & 1 1/8 are badly worn & bind up constantly
None of mine have that issue
Maybe I'm lucky
I mean ther torques weren’t the best they work though. Probably just flavored bolts?
exact icon wrench with same part no on handles sold on Amazon as 2 rachet/ socket set under 40
But is it built the same your not going to see that in a picture...just saying
@@R26Roman same part no. and close visual comparison..maybe have projectfarm or torquetest channels go at them. I have a vintage clamshell 1/2" USA ratchet with high speed advance utilizing a miniature pull chain sprocket. Also have a self contained hydraulic vise grip with interchangeable jaw configurations
Icon tools are great! 🙂🐶👍🏼
Have been using some Icon sockets and a swivel head ratchet for a little while now, no complaints. If you want a good solid tool that's available LOCALLY, and won't require a home equity loan to afford, Pittsburgh Pro and Icon are the way to go. Tekton is right up there with em but limited to no local availability.
Thanks for the review FBM. What kind of toolboxes do you have there ?
A u.s. general roll cart and a husky top and bottom and a 72 in Mac maximizer