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HF going after pro-tools now with ICON line.

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SilverBulletZ06

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Jan 8, 2017
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http://www.iconprotools.com/

Should be an interesting year. I think they are debuting at SEMA and will make a real go at the tool truck guys. HF is also going to offer their own credit card.

I'm interested because the ICON torque wrench has been well received, but is it going to be Pitts, Pitts Pro, AND Icon? I noticed the Pro stuff is getting light at my local store.
 
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SuperCat

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I missed the first thread, this is interesting to me. I have a few HF hand tools, not much, but if the price and quality is right for the project at hand, I can go with HF to get the job done and move on. Thanks for the heads up, I'll have to check on that and see what the reviews look like. :thumbup:
 
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M_George

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Just hope some day they'll go all the way and signup with a US manufacture.
After all, they are a tool reseller with a massive distribution network.
 
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zendriver

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It's not breaking news that HF, Icon etc., have discovered that people love "brand names" and when people become attached,to one or more, they tend to stay with them.

For instance, It seem doubtful, that Snap On makes everything better,(or affordable) than everybody else, but will it's loyal brand followers, comparison shop anywhere else (if even for price)? Or, just get what they offer, because they are brand loyal (as well as busy) and are confident it will get the job done?

Maybe HF Icon etc. are doing the same.

If a young, poor wrench, starts with Pittsburgh and the tools get the job done, it's not hard to believe, he/she will continue to visit the store, to buy higher end "professional" tools, if they use them for their trade,later on.

It probably helps them , that people have discovered, that they can get a tool box, for a lot less than $18,000.
 
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xin

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Non-eventful will not be a 'sustainable' market they got their CHINA all star line up to keep with the glowing reviews.
 
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Wamsutta

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Reverse engineered tools. Problem is, even though they're reverse engineered using measuring instruments, there's still plenty manufacturing trade secrets they'll never know.
 
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Fedwrench

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Proto prices often make Snap on look more affordable :wtf:

A good sale though from an industrial supplier or a commercial account makes Proto more viable.

Back to Icon though, has the Icon Torque Wrench been well received?

When strolling through Harbor Freight, there's always a full stock available and might even be dusty. I've seen one You Tube video that wasn't exactly thrilled with his purchase. :dunno:

I'm interested to see the Icon pricing point and will get a few items to try out. I was impressed with their finish, feel, and look at SEMA.
 
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Negen

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The only items I shop for that I know proto has that are high priced are the USA made ratchet wrenches and the 90 tooth ratchets. But I bought 12 point 1/2" sae set with ratchet for 100$ and 10mm - 32 mm 1/2" sockets for 120$ their pliers are about 15-25$ a piece.

But the only tool truck in my area is either Mac or Cornwell. So I shop mainly fastenal since they deliver to my work within an hour or so. And match Zoro and grainger prices. But I also shop eBay a lot too.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
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65k10

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Negen said:
The only items I shop for that I know proto has that are high priced are the USA made ratchet wrenches and the 90 tooth ratchets. But I bought 12 point 1/2" sae set with ratchet for 100$ and 10mm - 32 mm 1/2" sockets for 120$ their pliers are about 15-25$ a piece.

But the only tool truck in my area is either Mac or Cornwell. So I shop mainly fastenal since they deliver to my work within an hour or so. And match Zoro and grainger prices. But I also shop eBay a lot too.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Click to expand...

Yeah. While not cheap, I thought pricing for Proto was actually pretty good if I bought through Zoro and used discount codes.
 
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kctyphoon

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Hate to mention the obvious, but if a company makes a decent tool - people will buy it. Most of the world is not hung up on who makes what brands, what store sells this or that, was it made in China or made by Chinese people Tiawan.
 
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Fedwrench

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kctyphoon said:
Hate to mention the obvious, but if a company makes a decent tool - people will buy it. Most of the world is not hung up on who makes what brands, what store sells this or that, was it made in China or made by Chinese people Tiawan.
Click to expand...

Now don't bring common sense into this.:wtf: a good tool is a good tool regardless of whose name is stamped on it or where it's made. This is garage journal where only certain tools from certain places are allowed to be good tools :lol: :beer:
 
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6PTsocket

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Milwaukee power tools are made in CHINA!!
We have members who bleed Milwaukee red but that does not seem to upset them. headscratch
Fedwrench said:
Now don't bring common sense into this.:wtf: a good tool is a good tool regardless of whose name is stamped on it or where it's made. This is garage journal where only certain tools from certain places are allowed to be good tools [emoji38] [emoji481]
Click to expand...

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
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Negen

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6PTsocket said:
Milwaukee power tools are made in CHINA!!
We have members who bleed Milwaukee red but that does not seem to upset them. headscratch

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Click to expand...
I think the difference is that Milwaukee power tools use their own intellectual property. Where as most their hand tools seem generic. Icon may be different. I do not have a problem with most harbor freight tools. My wife is Vietnamese so if a non Chinese alternative is an option then that is what is allowed to be bought.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
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guy48065

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Worst-case would be the quality is "pretty good" & the prices just "fair"(which I think describes Icon). Many DIYers will buy the cheap line and many pros will avoid it if there's no huge price advantage. With no clear market advantage the line is eventually discontinued and the Icons you break get exchanged even-up for Pittsburgh.

:wtf:
 
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bobcatdan

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How long until they have the full product line online. Doubt I'd buy anything from them, but still a good way to kill 10 minutes looking threw the offerings.
 
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coljar

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bpjr said:
Imagine this...HF starts tool truck routes with yellow trucks and takes discount coupons.
Click to expand...

I wonder what the inside of the truck would smell like? Having the truck locked up for lunch in the hot sun would be especially nice.:lol:
 
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rijndael

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It seems like more of you are down on this idea, but I don't share that sentiment. I'm anxious to see the tools they release under this brand. If they're mid-grade and mid priced, I'll definitely consider buying them. IME, Harbor Freight could replace what Sears was to many.
 
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Mr_B

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^
Pretty easy analyse alloys to exact properties, heat treatment not rocket science and they capable of rockets and more.
Only reason they produce **** is they like profit and like compete dirty via lowest prices and have a worker defect on natural QC issues ...
Basic quality hand tools are easily made by any country, making profit from making quality is harder achieve ...
 
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