New Icon G2 Wrenches? (Not just Ratchets)

[Steel_Rain]

He claims Icon is coming out with G2 wrenches, not just more of the G2 ratchets, in April 2026:

Time will tell…I know he isn’t a GJ favorite, but he has been right about most of the HF leaks/releases in the past.

 

[Fedwrench]

It could happen. He's like a walking Harbor Freight infomercial. Icon has been out for a while now. It could be a supplier change. I'm more interested as to how they would improve upon the current wrench versions and how much their prices will increase.

 

[Hakeem]

What improvements are there to make? Not to say they’re perfect and cannot be improved upon, but there aren’t really obvious flaws.

 

[rooster59]

Probably ratcheting sets went G2

 

[Steel_Rain]

What improvements are there to make? Not to say they’re perfect and cannot be improved upon, but there aren’t really obvious flaws.

Probably ratcheting sets went G2

Reversing levers on all the ratcheting wrenches? Seems to be a popular thing instead of the flip method. Maybe more specialized stuff for automotive? Not sure. I own some ICON wrench sets and I don't really have any complaints.

 

[CoThG]

Since Icon copies everything Snap-On, they will probably come out with a copy of Flank Drive Plus.

 

[d.mcfarland]

What improvements are there to make? Not to say they’re perfect and cannot be improved upon, but there aren’t really obvious flaws.

Really shouldn't be any design issues. Snap-On did all the R&D.

 

[zendriver]

Maybe it's like when a new girl shows up to work at the **********.

They're still just ****.

 

[willf650]

I might be mentally deficient but how do you really improve on a combination wrench.

They can expand their line but I think I’m done buying anything that is a “set“ at Harbor Freight. They really need make it so you can purchase individual tools.

I‘ll say ”lifetime” warranty is BS for most of people. Especially those not working in a shop all the time. You‘ll be way more likely to lose a tool than break it if it is a decent tool. Not being able to purchase a replacement tool has become a major issue for me.

 

[M635_Guy]

I might be mentally deficient but how do you really improve on a combination wrench.

They can expand their line but I think I’m done buying anything that is a “set“ at Harbor Freight. They really need make it so you can purchase individual tools.

I‘ll say ”lifetime” warranty is BS for most of people. Especially those not working in a shop all the time. You‘ll be way more likely to lose a tool than break it if it is a decent tool. Not being able to purchase a replacement tool has become a major issue for me.

You can 100% buy replacement tools. I just did it when I lost a plate for my brake caliper kit. Four bucks including tax and free shipping.

They could make it easier (their website is pretty weak), but it's not hard.

 

[M635_Guy]

Since Icon copies everything Snap-On, they will probably come out with a copy of Flank Drive Plus.

I sorta doubt it - they're already within 6% or so of the FD+ with "their" design (Milwaukee and Carlyle use the same ODM, though the beam and/or length are different) in the latest round of TTC testing. That round didn't include Mac's RBRT, which was at the top of the previous rounds of testing with different methodology.

If I had a guess, they're likely to go more toward that than Snap On.

Either way, I'm unlikely to give up my current Icon AS set for anything new/updated.

I wouldn't mind having a 10" version of the 3/8" G2 ratchet though.

 

[willf650]

You can 100% buy replacement tools. I just did it when I lost a plate for my brake caliper kit. Four bucks including tax and free shipping.

They could make it easier (their website is pretty weak), but it's not hard.

No you can’t. I lost a screwdriver and contacted Harbor Freight only to be told their are no individual parts available to order.

 

[Hakeem]

Reversing levers on all the ratcheting wrenches? Seems to be a popular thing instead of the flip method. Maybe more specialized stuff for automotive? Not sure. I own some ICON wrench sets and I don't really have any complaints.

Maybe. Personally, I think the need for a reversing lever is overstated. I appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a one-way ratchet wrench and never had a problem where I absolutely needed a reverse switch but I seem to be in the minority.

No you can’t. I lost a screwdriver and contacted Harbor Freight only to be told their are no individual parts available to order.

You can indeed order individual replacement parts for most of their stuff but not everything is available. And some of the pricing is odd. I lost the 3/8” cold chisel from the icon punch & chisel set (which is excellent, by the way) and a replacement was like $58 for the one chisel.

 

[sparky 1971]

No you can’t. I lost a screwdriver and contacted Harbor Freight only to be told their are no individual parts available to order.

I didn't know it before I did a search about 3 minutes ago, but it looks like everything ICON is available individually for order, but not in store. Here's the metric combination wrenches as an example:

https://www.harborfreight.com/parts?pageType=parentProduct&sku=64709&category=1917&upc=792363647090&current=1

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I sorta doubt it - they're already within 6% or so of the FD+ with "their" design (Milwaukee and Carlyle use the same ODM, though the beam and/or length are different) in the latest round of TTC testing. That round didn't include Mac's RBRT, which was at the top of the previous rounds of testing with different methodology.

If I had a guess, they're likely to go more toward that than Snap On.

Either way, I'm unlikely to give up my current Icon AS set for anything new/updated.

I wouldn't mind having a 10" version of the 3/8" G2 ratchet though.

That would be my thought as well. The MAC/Facom/USAG/Craftsman wrenches have all tested well and have received really favorable reviews. Seeing as how HF seems to be trying to combine all the positive stuff into one tool, I’d imagine some kind of MAC clone would be their G2 wrench.

A few guys online have been suggesting that the Gen2 wrenches will all be foam and that’s the big change. Not necessarily the wrench changing.

I am surprised because their wrenches are probably the most hyped Icon tools and they actually perform very well. Seems crazy to change it but I guess that’s life.

 

[willf650]

I didn't know it before I did a search about 3 minutes ago, but it looks like everything ICON is available individually for order, but not in store. Here's the metric combination wrenches as an example:

https://www.harborfreight.com/parts?pageType=parentProduct&sku=64709&category=1917&upc=792363647090&current=1

I just looked again for the replacement screwdriver and no dice.

 

[mikey03]

I’m not sure if this is a “is den of tools a shill” thread or if it a snap on vs hf thread

but anyway I think I got just about all the wrenches I will ever need at this point and I’m surprised anyone who been posting here more than a year needs any more wrenches

 

[KnurledNut]

It could happen. He's like a walking Harbor Freight infomercial. Icon has been out for a while now. It could be a supplier change. I'm more interested as to how they would improve upon the current wrench versions and how much their prices will increase.

I hope they don't give Infar or Kabo the boot. Their wrenches were one of their better offerings. I hope its just revisions and not a supplier change.

 

[Callelle]

I just looked again for the replacement screwdriver and no dice.

Did you though?

 

[willf650]

Did you though?

Yes, I did. Still doesn’t come up for me nor the people on the other end of the chat for customer service when I contacted them.




I may be an ******* but I’m not a liar. Did the same for two other items and parts came up.

 

[M635_Guy]

That would be my thought as well. The MAC/Facom/USAG/Craftsman wrenches have all tested well and have received really favorable reviews. Seeing as how HF seems to be trying to combine all the positive stuff into one tool, I’d imagine some kind of MAC clone would be their G2 wrench.

Agree.

A few guys online have been suggesting that the Gen2 wrenches will all be foam and that’s the big change. Not necessarily the wrench changing.

That would be nice. I don't like or use their trays because they take up too much space. I'm not sure I'd use the foam either (too much space) but I guess it depends on configuration.

I am surprised because their wrenches are probably the most hyped Icon tools and they actually perform very well. Seems crazy to change it but I guess that’s life.

It's possible their ODM/contracted factory is moving on. Their A-S design is shared with Milwaukee and Carlyle. I'd be interested to know which of those sells more, but if the factory has to renew the dies or the other guys are shifting/discontinuing, it could be pulling HF/Icon with it.

I have Icon for my regular and A-S sets - I've used (and really like) the regular ones, but have to admit the A/S hasn't been needed that much. Given how well they've worked and tested out, there's zero chance I'm updating.

 

[Low Definition]

Yes, I did. Still doesn’t come up for me nor the people on the other end of the chat for customer service when I contacted them.

I had no idea about this either and also went looking. Apparently for the screwdrivers, the sku changed: https://www.harborfreight.com/parts?pageType=parentProduct&sku=56508&category=1924

Looks like quite a few are out of stock right now!

 

[ilitig8]

I may be an ******* but I’m not a liar. Did the same for two other items and parts came up.

I don't think the intention was to call you a liar, just being a little edgy in pointing out the mistake being made in finding the right spot to land. Either by knowledge or luck, he broke through a barrier. That barrier is understanding HF changes SKUs like I change underwear (at least once a month, whether I need to or not). The change often represents very small changes from packaging to minor cosmetic changes, up to total redesigns. My uneducated guess is that the issue rises from a legacy issue (reason) from before the time HF offered any replacement parts for sets. They used to only offer replacement parts of a larger whole. They required a specific SKU because a redesign in a air compressor might make an O-ring for one SKU completely incompatable for another. With a replacement part of a set, like a wrench, socket, or screwdriver, a small change is likely inconsequential. He did give you the information you needed in the different part number/SKU. The part number he used is 56508, which brings you to the replacement screwdrivers for the ICON set of slotted and Phillips. The current issue is that the 1/4" keystone stubby is the only one in stock. There is also a link on the page to submit a parts suggestion.

 

[Callelle]

The part number he used is 56508, which brings you to the replacement screwdrivers for the ICON set of slotted and Phillips.

I didn't even search by part number, I just went to the replacement parts page > Hand Tools > Screwdrivers / Nutdrivers > Screwdrivers / sets, and there it was. I don't really think I was trying to call him a liar, it's just been a week, I was up at 3am, and I was a little spicy.

 

[asm154]

Couple comments:

1. You can get some individual pieces directly from HF corporate, not all. Lost the 15mm low profile socket with ball detent from the USA made Icon serpentine belt tool kit and had to replace it with a Lisle as they do not offer individual pieces from that kit.

2. Their AS wrenches are 50% off right now, the non AS are not on sale. Wonder if they are clearing out inventory like they have been doing on their G1 ratchets.

On the G2 ratchets, I’d like to see a 12” 1/4” locking flex head and an 18” 3/8” locking flex head. Have Mac Axis, Snap On, and Matco in different lengths, as well as the Capri. Capri are ok but Icon G2’s in the same length would be far superior.

 

[mngundog]

Maybe. Personally, I think the need for a reversing lever is overstated. I appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a one-way ratchet wrench and never had a problem where I absolutely needed a reverse switch but I seem to be in the minority.

Do you prefer 0 percent off-set on your standard wrenches?

 

[liliysdad]

I went to Harbor Freight today, and walked out with a tarp. I realized that the last four times I’ve walked in, I’ve left with nothing I came for.

The cheap **** they used to be great for is cheaper elsewhere, and the “good” **** does nothing for me. Kinda odd.

 

[milky2k]

Yes, I did. Still doesn’t come up for me nor the people on the other end of the chat for customer service when I contacted them.




I may be an ******* but I’m not a liar. Did the same for two other items and parts came up.

I think you guys are talking about two different screwdriver sets. SKU 56508 is for the older set SD-8 that is no longer available and sku 70309 is for the current set ACSD-8 that added anti-cam out features. It seems that HF is not offering replacements for the newer anti-cam out screwdrivers.

 

[Callelle]

I think you guys are talking about two different screwdriver sets. SKU 56508 is for the older set SD-8 that is no longer available and sku 70309 is for the current set ACSD-8 that added anti-cam out features. It seems that HF is not offering replacements for the newer anti-cam out screwdrivers.

It's just an updated tool set. I'm willing to bet they warranty it the same.

 

[dchawk81]

It's just an updated tool set. I'm willing to bet they warranty it the same.

If I had the upgraded set I wouldn't want my oddball replacement to be the downgrade.

If it's the opposite where the replacement is an upgrade because the older was discontinued, whatever bro. But that's not what this is.

 

[Callelle]

If I had the upgraded set I wouldn't want my oddball replacement to be the downgrade.

If it's the opposite where the replacement is an upgrade because the older was discontinued, whatever bro. But that's not what this is.

That's just being nitt picky. It's like not wanting a socket warrantied because the font on the new one is different. Functionally they're the same. Visually, they're the same unless you're laser focused on the tips.

 

[dchawk81]

That's just being nitt picky. It's like not wanting a socket warrantied because the font on the new one is different. Functionally they're the same. Visually, they're the same unless you're laser focused on the tips.

Well according to milky2k the new ones have anti cam out features and the older ones do not. So in the socket comparison that's like buying flank drive plus and getting a plain replacement. Is it a socket? Yeah. Is it the same? No.

 

[Callelle]

Well according to milky2k the new ones have anti cam out features and the older ones do not. So in the socket comparison that's like buying flank drive plus and getting a plain replacement. Is it a socket? Yeah. Is it the same? No.

I'd say flank drive + to normal is a completely different animal than comparing some little laser etched groves in the tip of a screwdriver. The difference is so negligible it boggles my mind to think that anyone would even notice.

 

[dchawk81]

I'd say flank drive + to normal is a completely different animal than comparing some little laser etched groves in the tip of a screwdriver. The difference is so negligible it boggles my mind to think that anyone would even notice.

It's personal opinion. Some people might not give a hoot. Others might care a lot.

 

[willf650]

I'd say flank drive + to normal is a completely different animal than comparing some little laser etched groves in the tip of a screwdriver. The difference is so negligible it boggles my mind to think that anyone would even notice.

I don’t care at this point but I beg to differ, laser etching makes a substantial difference on a screwdriver. It is one of the main reasons I started buying Wera screwdrivers years ago.

The difference on cam out on a Phillips screw is tremendous.

All that being said the laser etching on the Icon screwdrivers are only on the Phillips and it’s not as good as the Wera.

 

[Brandon_oma#692]

Possibly thicker or thinner wrenches?

 

[Callelle]

I don’t care at this point but I beg to differ, laser etching makes a substantial difference on a screwdriver. It is one of the main reasons I started buying Wera screwdrivers years ago.

The difference on cam out on a Phillips screw is tremendous.

All that being said the laser etching on the Icon screwdrivers are only on the Phillips and it’s not as good as the Wera.

My point isn't whether or not the laser etching does anything for cam out, nor that it's better or worse than insert a brand. The point is that the difference is so negligible that no one would notice unless they are specifically looking for it.

 

[AEAdam]

Sorry, feeling extra cynical this evening: What could be the possible reason be for a GEN 2 (assuming) combination wrench from Icon?

As @Hakeem said early on, not perfect, but darned fine performing wrenches in the testing I know we all saw. Why would you possibly mess with that?

The cynic in me is saying it has something to do with the source. What if the source (supplier) bid for a 2 yr (5yr or whatever) contract and now wants more money to continue production? Or has HF had it with their supplier and are looking to trade the name for higher profits by bringing in cheaper Chinese wrenches under the Icon brand that we will all still buy thinking we are getting Snap on quality? The ole bait and switch?

Germany, Proto, on and on, made the same models of wrenches for decades. My guess is, this won't be a design improvement. I say, if you are eyeballing a set of FD+ Icon wrenches, maybe get them now and buy all you want because they may disappear. That's how this business model works and one of the reasons I won't support it. I can buy exact replacements of Snap On screwdrivers I bought 30 yrs ago.

 

[Callelle]

Sorry, feeling extra cynical this evening: What could be the possible reason be for a GEN 2 (assuming) combination wrench from Icon?

How else are they going to sell thousands of new product to ravenous fans that have to have the latest and greatest because reasons. If it's an improvement over their current design in some way, shape, or form, then the end consumer still wins (something). Really it all depends on whatever the ODM has for what's next.

 

[M635_Guy]

Sorry, feeling extra cynical this evening: What could be the possible reason be for a GEN 2 (assuming) combination wrench from Icon?

As @Hakeem said early on, not perfect, but darned fine performing wrenches in the testing I know we all saw. Why would you possibly mess with that?

The cynic in me is saying it has something to do with the source. What if the source (supplier) bid for a 2 yr (5yr or whatever) contract and now wants more money to continue production? Or has HF had it with their supplier and are looking to trade the name for higher profits by bringing in cheaper Chinese wrenches under the Icon brand that we will all still buy thinking we are getting Snap on quality? The ole bait and switch?

Germany, Proto, on and on, made the same models of wrenches for decades. My guess is, this won't be a design improvement. I say, if you are eyeballing a set of FD+ Icon wrenches, maybe get them now and buy all you want because they may disappear. That's how this business model works and one of the reasons I won't support it. I can buy exact replacements of Snap On screwdrivers I bought 30 yrs ago.

I think you might well be right that it's a supplier thing - that was my first guess as well.

Or maybe HF doesn't like having something so obviously from the same factory/supplier as Milwaukee and Carlyle. Their new ratchets (which I like fine but don't vibe with quite as well as the G1 for whatever reason though I'd like to try one in a 'regular' size) are not like anything else out there - not a SO knockoff, not quite a Matco/GearWrench copy, unique-to-them grip, etc. In other words, the G2 is more inherently "theirs" than the A/S wrenches.

I've got the current generation, and while I won't replace it with the new ones no matter what (don't use A/S enough to justify it), but I'd be surprised if they step backwards.