Icon tools are coming spring/summer 2019

[platypus20]

I saw the Icon ratchets, in person this morning, they had just arrived (FedEx) about 15 minutes before I got there. I saw the whole line, they are a little less than I had anticipated, they seem to be nothing more than a slight upgrade to the Pittsburgh Pro line, with a few more models, at about twice the price.

I know the pawl operating design is different than the Pittsburgh, but they look very close to it. The chrome did look nice and they were smooth, but pricing seems on the high side. Maybe I just jaded by the Pittsburgh Pro pricing and performance.

So far the sockets seem to be the most realistically priced part of the products offered, with the wrench’s and ratchets, over priced about 20%.

 

[DSLTRK]

I stopped at my local HF tonight intending to pick up some Icon sockets. I ended up not getting them. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with them, but once I was looking at them I didn't feel like paying for them when I haven't had any problems with my current sockets. They were nice though, and I'll probably grab a set of 3/8 deeps if any better coupons come out.

I wasn't very impressed with the ratchets, however. I didn't like the selector switch and they all felt heavier than the previous ratchets, but not in a good way. I went there specifically for the Icon but I ended up getting a 1/4 inch flex head Pittsburgh Pro instead. Their long handle 3/8 has become my most used ratchet so I figured I'd grab the 1/4 while I was there. They had the 1/4 flex head Icon on display but the Pittsburgh actually felt better to me.

This ^^ is the problem HF has with their microeconomics, they essentially are competing with themselves, yet they think they are competing with Snap-On.

Service-wise, nothing differentiates the Icon from the Pittsburg Pro line. They both have no hassle lifetime warranty, they both require you to move your **** to the store for replacement and so far the PP line has shown to be a decent set of Taiwanese tools.

Don't get me wrong, I like most of the Icon tools, I agree most are overpriced as well.

 

[zendriver]

This ^^ is the problem HF has with their microeconomics, they essentially are competing with themselves, yet they think they are competing with Snap-On.

Service-wise, nothing differentiates the Icon from the Pittsburg Pro line. They both have no hassle lifetime warranty, they both require you to move your **** to the store for replacement and so far the PP line has shown to be a decent set of Taiwanese tools.

Don't get me wrong, I like most of the Icon tools, I agree most are overpriced as well.

??

Walmart doesn't sell a $10 toaster and one for $40?

Many will be fine with PP tools while others will be willing to spend more on Icon to feel "professional"

HF knows the "name game"better than anyone.

They will do just fine with this move, IMO. if not probably no big risk to them.


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[McFarmer]

I'm going to change my name to "smart mcfarmer".

If you can't be an icon by reputation, be one by name.

 

[DSLTRK]

??

Walmart doesn't sell a $10 toaster and one for $40?

Many will be fine with PP tools while others will be willing to spend more on Icon to feel "professional"

HF knows the "name game"better than anyone.

They will do just fine with this move, IMO. if not probably no big risk to them.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Toasters to tools is apples to oranges.

Does the $10 toaster have MOST of the features of the $40 toaster? Does it have the same warranty? Has it proven itself to be a decent, reliable toaster?

Anecdotal, I know, but talking to my local HF manager, they haven't moved much Icon, save for me buying that 3/8" ratchet and socket set to review.

If they either lower the price or offer significant super coupons, I simply don't see it as a big seller considering HF clientele.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[cjarvis]

I just managed to handle a 1/4 dr. Icon ratchet and the 3/8 stubby ratchet. They both felt gritty and the back drag was atrocious. Not interested.

 

[zendriver]

Toasters to tools is apples to oranges.

Does the $10 toaster have MOST of the features of the $40 toaster? Does it have the same warranty? Has it proven itself to be a decent, reliable toaster?

Anecdotal, I know, but talking to my local HF manager, they haven't moved much Icon, save for me buying that 3/8" ratchet and socket set to review.

If they either lower the price or offer significant super coupons, I simply don't see it as a big seller considering HF clientele.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

Well In the end - either way, you get two pieces of toasted bread.

But since we are comparing.

What the difference between the $10 PP click torque wrench and the $100 Icon? Not much other than the price. Accuracy is about the same. The warranty is exactly the same. The Icon finish looks slightly better.

One is "professional", the other is not, which is a big difference to many.

As far as "HF clientele", they seem to like good prices, but they also seem to be obsessed with brand names, just like everybody else.

HF is fully aware , which is why they have many upgraded products with upgraded prices to match.

IMO The "Icon" brand is for those too embarrassed to take the rest of the HF tools,boxes etc. to work, for fear of being dragged to the pillory.

 

[Fedwrench]

We can probably close this thread now because, most of the ICON tools released so far are on display in many Harbor Freights

I swung by a Harbor Freight close to work during lunch and they had a nice display. they had the sockets, ratchets and breaker bars displayed nicely on the socket aisle. The ICON wrenches were displayed across the aisle in the wrench section. I didn't know this but you can get the combination wrench sets with or without the anti slip open end. However, the stubbies are only available without the anti slip open end. They also had a shelf in each area with a selection of ratchets, sockets, and wrenches attached to cables that you could play with. The long 1/2 & 3/8 drive all metal handled flex head ratchets were quite nice. They also had a sign listing ICON Screwdrivers as coming soon.
This store wasn't an ICON designated store so, they didn't have the ICON tool wall on display but, they had a poster of it and you could order it if you were so inclined. At the end of the day, I don't think any one is going to sell off their current tools in order to switch to ICON However, they do have some nice looking sockets, ratchets and those extra long ratcheting wrenches are pretty sweet even if pricey that gives you another option. No open stock yet so, it's hard to be a professional tool line without open stock in my opinion though.
I still would like them to release an Icon tool cart though with a deep top till and 6 or 7 drawers in the 40" wide by 24"deep range.

 

[Mikeske]

Oh well the tools are out and on the market. I guess this picture is good now.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

They're here!

https://bit.ly/2o7bFD1

 

[Mr_B]

20% coupon code 13211439
Valid In-Store Expires 10/31/2019

Still spendy with 20% off, needs 30-33% be reasonable and compete to likes of exrreme, masterforce, homak .

Boxes look pretty good but prices too close to truck deals and I think it make easier get a deal off the truck if they try get the sale .

Personally i'd take 1 to 3K to the used market before buying new from anyone.
Over 35 years I never had issue finding good used deals, many times buying for sake of a deal and a resale later on . certainly no need get in debt even if 0% rate although could be handy for guy starting off and using it wisely .
Going be a few icon items worth having but it long way off iconic design and retail effort .

 

[Fedwrench]

Here's a thought, since many of you are complaining that the ICON box is too expensive, perhaps it will help a tech get a better deal from a tool truck driver. All the tech has to do is balk at the best deal his driver is offering and threaten to buy an ICON box instead.

 

[Revere Cycles]

Someone on here works at advanced and said they're reversing that decision and will just continue on with Gearwrench.

I don't doubt that at all, but I find it interesting given all the effort they put into clearing out GW to make way for TEQ. All my local Advance stores still carry TEQ at the moment, so I wonder when this rollout will take place. I'm also curious to know what Home Depot is doing right now since some stores have Gearwrench and others have Milwaukee as a hand tool line priced right above Husky.

 

[kythri]

Still spendy with 20% off, needs 30-33% be reasonable and compete to likes of exrreme, masterforce, homak .

It really doesn't.

While I'm quite happy with my Tool Vault, and I think it's short-sighted that the Icon doesn't come in 30" depths, it's still a heftier box than anything Extreme, Masterforce or Homak is putting out.

It's on a different level.

 

[AGuinn]

I don't doubt that at all, but I find it interesting given all the effort they put into clearing out GW to make way for TEQ. All my local Advance stores still carry TEQ at the moment, so I wonder when this rollout will take place.

Can't speak for your local stores, but we (CarQuest) did a TEQ stock lift in late-April/early-May and received fresh GW inventory. The Advance stores in my area are also back to stocking GW and the TEQ part numbers appear to have been removed from their system entirely(and have been for several months). Open-stock inventory for the Advance stores/DC's is nearly non-existent, but good on the CarQuest side, although we've always been geared more towards the commercial customer.

 

[Mr_B]

It really doesn't.

While I'm quite happy with my Tool Vault, and I think it's short-sighted that the Icon doesn't come in 30" depths, it's still a heftier box than anything Extreme, Masterforce or Homak is putting out.

It's on a different level.

The elite and better extreme models along with select masterforce (72" is a great value/spec box) and higher end Homak compete to the potential consumer and are less outlay.
Having touched the icon boxes I do agree they seem pretty good but no way I want pay that much when too close to trusted brand options .
Initial coupon needs be 30%+ get some sold and build up a reputation if they prove durable and parts easily supplied .
a better reduction also brings it closer to initial pricing release figures consumers had expected.

It needs be bit better value option to get some sold and build a brand name that then earns a higher price through being proven quality and long term warranty/spares support .

interesting see how they do and how many I see in a shop in next year or 2 ...
no concern to me as I not intending buy one and don't know anyone who is planning buy one currently .

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

All this talk, but is anyone actually plan on buying an ICON box? So far, I haven't seen anyone say they plan on buying one.

 

[LXCam]

All this talk, but is anyone actually plan on buying an ICON box? So far, I haven't seen anyone say they plan on buying one.

I’m considering two of the lockers....maybe. Does that count?

 

[DSLTRK]

All this talk, but is anyone actually plan on buying an ICON box? So far, I haven't seen anyone say they plan on buying one.

Neither have I.

 

[87FoRunner]

IMHO the Icon is the best option when you are wanting the top and lockers as in my experience, it could take months and possibly years to get a snap on matching top and locker in some cases. For me it will be quick and easy to build the wall without an act of Congress lol

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I’m considering two of the lockers....maybe. Does that count?

You thinking of using them as stand alone units?

 

[LXCam]

You thinking of using them as stand alone units?

No, bookending the lista bench. I’m out of lockable storage at the new shop.

 

[AS556]

IMHO the Icon is the best option when you are wanting the top and lockers as in my experience, it could take months and possibly years to get a snap on matching top and locker in some cases. For me it will be quick and easy to build the wall without an act of Congress lol

Your screen name. I see what you did there.

 

[1foxracing]

I was on a little motorcycle ride today and picked up just a few things I wanted to try out and that I was able to carry on board my bike back home.
All 1/4" stuff which I use the most and they make my favorite type of flex-head, no quick release, non-locking and no detents. I do thing they should have recessed the selector switch in the head some just so it doesn't sit so high above the head. Sockets look great and nothing for me to complain about there.

 

[1foxracing]

All this talk, but is anyone actually plan on buying an ICON box? So far, I haven't seen anyone say they plan on buying one.

If I was in the market for a new box I would definitely consider one. It's bent sheet metal, drawer slides, and powder coat... How bad could they screw it up?

The new Cornwell platinum series would be at the top of the list as well.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Our store now has the Icon line in. I fiddled with the ratchets as they had a whole tray of display models. Cant say I could find much wrong with them. Have a feeling I may he getting a 1/2" drive long flex in the future. I couldn't quite being myself to buy anything yet, but will probably get some stubby wrenches and maybe the deep sAE sockets.

 

[AS556]

I got a stubby 3/8 ratchet. I like it! I was able to find a 10% off coupon for it.

 

[javyLSU]

I was on a little motorcycle ride today and picked up just a few things I wanted to try out and that I was able to carry on board my bike back home.

All 1/4" stuff which I use the most and they make my favorite type of flex-head, no quick release, non-locking and no detents. I do thing they should have recessed the selector switch in the head some just so it doesn't sit so high above the head. Sockets look great and nothing for me to complain about there.

Mark, I think you’re gonna set the record for socket sets! You should do a video comparing your new sockets versus your Carlyle set.

 

[Legion Prime]

I was on a little motorcycle ride today and picked up just a few things I wanted to try out and that I was able to carry on board my bike back home.
All 1/4" stuff which I use the most and they make my favorite type of flex-head, no quick release, non-locking and no detents. I do thing they should have recessed the selector switch in the head some just so it doesn't sit so high above the head. Sockets look great and nothing for me to complain about there.

Wow, I am really liking those 1/4 sockets. Are they 6pt? If so I might possibly entertain putting my Williams USA set in the GIGANTIC box they come in up on CL as I have yet to figure out a good way to keep them in my box and 3/4 of them are inexplicably 12pt.

If I was in the market for a new box I would definitely consider one. It's bent sheet metal, drawer slides, and powder coat... How bad could they screw it up?

The new Cornwell platinum series would be at the top of the list as well.

Okay, those Cornwell boxes are really nice. I'm not sure I'm completely on board with that power station on top but still, really impressive.
In other news I finally gave up on the Icon wrenches as I found a Wright 750 set dropped to $105 on Amazon so . . . we'll see what they're like next week. Maybe the HF in town will have something other than Icon breaker bars tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath. Especially after all the shiny new USG boxes they got in on display last week.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

The 1/4" drive socket's tray and clear plastic cover looks alot like the tray and clear plastic cover the Pittsburgh pass through set came in.

 

[1foxracing]

Mark, I think you’re gonna set the record for socket sets! You should do a video comparing your new sockets versus your Carlyle set.

I've held them next to each other and they are definitely not the same. I have all these 1/4" drive metric socket sets as well I could compare......

 

[1foxracing]

Wow, I am really liking those 1/4 sockets. Are they 6pt?.

Yes they are 6 PT.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've held them next to each other and they are definitely not the same. I have all these 1/4" drive metric socket sets as well I could compare......[/IMG]

Only compare Taiwan made sets to Icon as there's no sense in mixing apples with oranges. The Icon set could come out of the same factory as another Taiwan set but, I don't think you could tell just by looking because, they were designed to emulate snap on sockets even down to the size markings being oriented for ratchet attachment.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I've held them next to each other and they are definitely not the same. I have all these 1/4" drive metric socket sets as well I could compare......

You're covered on 10mm for a few weeks

 

[1foxracing]

Only compare Taiwan made sets to Icon as there's no sense in mixing apples with oranges.

That's a good idea. I still think one of the best deals you could have got on Taiwan sockets was when dnschmidt was selling those TopTul sets for a really good price.

 

[Fedwrench]

That's a good idea. I still think one of the best deals you could have got on Taiwan sockets was when dnschmidt was selling those TopTul sets for a really good price.

You are 110% correct on that one. Since Dennis is local to my work, i have more than a couple of those sets. I really like the Toptul satin finish. I wish Toptul would establish a presence in the USA. I mean with have Teng Tools and Sonic Tools, not too mention Carlyle and other Taiwan sourced tools even on your favorite tool truck

 

[sgtgeo]

I grabbed an ICON 1/4” swivel head ratchet.

Came with a cleaning cloth. Lol. Is that a SO thing?

I have a bunch of SO ratchets but purchased them all used. Do they normally come in fancy boxes?

The ICON 1/4” swivel ratchet seems really nice no complaints.

 

[WittHay]

No, ratchets in real stores or on tool trucks do not come in packages or have the need for bar codes. Up here most are on tool boards. Even more common brands that are sold also in the US for diy use like Gearwrench have minimum packaging. Gray and Jet are in the pictures

Talking about the ole Hazard Fraud Tool Company, seems they gave another Icon box this time to Justin Dow

I was expecting Eric Smidt the owner of HF to come out and help with the setup and and check for freight damage, not sure if he did or not

Couldnt watch the video, too much HF lovin for me at the start, but every small businessman who sells a US made tool box sets up the box and guarantees it against freight damage

 

[Mikeske]

Talking about the ole Hazard Fraud Tool Company, seems they gave another Icon box this time to Justin Dow

I was expecting Eric Smidt the owner of HF to come out and help with the setup and and check for freight damage, not sure if he did or not

Couldnt watch the video, too much HF lovin for me at the start, but every small businessman who sells a US made tool box sets up the box and guarantees it against freight damage

Actually it makes pretty good marketing sense IMHO as they throw a few toolboxes out to those guys that youtube and get them into their hands and then have them test and use them in working situations. Sure the guys may not say anything bad but from a marketing sense having those folks who got the toolboxes will publish on Youtube. The younger folks who are entering the mechanical fields can and will be more open to different ways of marketing. The truck brands have for years gone on to the tech schools and sold there. I think that the way HF is marketing it is a way to get the tools to largest possible market. I will never consider the boxes as I can largely use what I have and that is a pair US General 44" boxes. I am receptive to some of the actual hand tools as I don't need to go in hock for a ratchet, wrenches as fillers in what I don't have already which is a set of Bonney full polish from the early 1980's

 

[eyeball]

I confess that I did not read this entire thread before posting...

I visited Harbor Freight today to buy some moving blankets. While I was there I checked out the Icon tools they had on the shelf. I played around with the 17mm reversible ratcheting wrench they had tethered to the display and noted a few things:

1. The ratcheting mechanism is smooth and had a bit more back drag than I would like but not bad.
   
   
2. The beam of the 17mm wrench I was able to handle seemed way too thin for comfort. It just didn't feel good in the hand.
   
   
3. Not that it would affect function in any way, but to my untrained eye, it seemed that they went to extra trouble to make their stamping and numbering scheme on the wrench look very "snap-on like"

If I was in the market, the only thing that would stop me from considering them would be the uncomfortable (to me) thin beam.