Pittsburgh vs. Icon Allen & Torx Sockets - Worth the difference?

[racinfarmer]

Anyone here know from experience if the Icon Allen & Torx sockets are worth essentially double the price of the comparable Pittsburgh ones?

Determined I need a couple sets, but since they don't do any Icon % off coopins anymore, I find myself at this crossroads.

 

[Zewnten]

Icon did have a 20% off coupon last month, any tool but sometimes their tool specific.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Anyone here know from experience if the Icon Allen & Torx sockets are worth essentially double the price of the comparable Pittsburgh ones?

Determined I need a couple sets, but since they don't do any Icon % off coopins anymore, I find myself at this crossroads.

Pittsburgh is Chinese, Icon is Taiwanese, so I feel like there is a quality difference between them. Probably not a double the price quality difference though. I actually have some Icon hex sockets and some long Pittsburgh hex sockets, so it’s not a 1-1 comparison, but the Icon doesn’t feel as cheap and lightweight in the hand as the Pittsburgh does. So far neither has rounded out a screw though.

 

[ZenkiS14]

You should look at the sale that capri tools is having right now.

Premium quality tools, half off their star and hex sockets. I bought one of each.

 

[ZenkiS14]

Check this thread and go to the link. Good quality stuff for less than icon and probably better quality.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=478742

 

[Ricky Joe]

I recently needed a tool I could modify for an unusual circumstance and bought Pittsburgh. The softest metal I have ever put a grinder to. It worked, but it’s probably good that it was a one-time use.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I recently needed a tool I could modify for an unusual circumstance and bought Pittsburgh. The softest metal I have ever put a grinder to. It worked, but it’s probably good that it was a one-time use.

The wrenches bend and weld into screwed up shapes nicely too.

 

[David0858]

The wrenches bend and weld into screwed up shapes nicely too.

I've never had a problem with Pittsburgh allen sockets or wrenches. Both are a few years old but I doubt they changed.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I've never had a problem with Pittsburgh allen sockets or wrenches. Both are a few years old but I doubt they changed.

I’d bet a snap on wrench heated cherry red and and hammered over in a vise would have the same fate lol, he just can’t bring himself to destroy stuff that nice for a one time/special use tool.

 

[racinfarmer]

Check this thread and go to the link. Good quality stuff for less than icon and probably better quality.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=478742

I plan on heading to the scumbags tomorrow, hence the question.

I'll have to look at those a little closer.

 

[lardy1]

I bought three sets of those Capri long bit socket sets. I haven't done much more than feel them out for fitment yet but for $25.00 a set, I think they are a very good bargain.

 

[Mr_B]

yeah milk the capri deal why can, very decent bit sockets and at like 2 bucks a piece and free shipping you can't go wrong.
They an above expectation product and total value at this price, one of those irems worth having backups of or getting long sets as likely use them at some point and so cheap it almost loosing you money not buying .
I have not used icon bit sockets but the range not great and without 15 to 20% off it not worth messing with unless perhaps you right next door to a store or got some offers as an inside track member to milk .

 

[toddmorr]

Compare the capri set with tekton at 32 bucks less 10%, but slightly better coverage. Both taiwan, likely similar quality

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[bwringer]

I've abused the spit out of Pittsburgh bit sockets (using them with impacts, long levers, etc.) with zero issues, other than the little set screw on some wants to loosen sometimes.

That said, the ones I have were purchased a few years back and were made in Taiwan, not China.

I also have a set of the Taiwanese Capri sockets, and they are indeed excellent quality for piffling money. That or Tekton is the way I'd go if the current Pittsburgh are Chinese.

 

[racinfarmer]

Think I'm going to give the Capri ones a try.

Was hoping for other answers since I'm on my way to the Hazard Fraught today. Probably pick up a set of Torx anyways since that is the immediate need.

Thanks for the line.

 

[nbpt100]

You all may laugh but i have gotten good use out of a Stanley hex bit set I bought about 20 years ago. I do not recall ever putting a long lever on them but they have been used on many brake jobs and various other tasks like removing a crank pulley on my VW.

My long hex bits are ball end Gearwrench and they have worked great.

Never used or seen Capri tools in person. I see them on line and have had(for some reason) the impression they were low end. Good to hear some positive feedback about them. After looking closer they look like a good quality brand. I like their offset box wrenches with the 75 degree off set. Most sets are 45 degrees.

 

[ZenkiS14]

You all may laugh but i have gotten good use out of a Stanley hex bit set I bought about 20 years ago. I do not recall ever putting a long lever on them but they have been used on many brake jobs and various other tasks like removing a crank pulley on my VW.

My long hex bits are ball end Gearwrench and they have worked great.

Never used or seen Capri tools in person. I see them on line and have had the impression they were low end. Good to hear some positive feedback about them.

Got mine the other day, solid stuff.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have not used icon bit sockets but the range not great and without 15 to 20% off it not worth messing with unless perhaps you right next door to a store or got some offers as an inside track member to milk .

That’s how I’ve bought every one of my icon tools. At full price I feel like you can find better options. On sale or with a coupon they’re a great deal.

 

[eyeball]

Pittsburgh vs. Icon Allen & Torx Sockets - Worth the difference?

I have no experience with Icon, or Capri torx bits but I have a lot of experience with Torx bolts and Jeeps.

The one thing I know is that a Torx bits are not something to skimp on. I have had good luck with older USA Craftsman but a less than stellar experience with Pittsburgh (twisted some of the larger ones).

Going off on a tangent... Through experience, I have found that one of the biggest issues in stripping out torx bolt heads and ruining the tips of the bits is failing to fully seat the driver in the bolt head. I try to make sure all the crud is cleaned out and give the driver a tap to make sure it is fully seated and that seems that seems to solve most problems.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Icon is way overpriced for Asian tools.. For a few dollars more get you a quality American or German set.. BTW Harbor Freight sell good toolboxes for the money..

 

[racinfarmer]

Icon is way overpriced for Asian tools.. For a few dollars more get you a quality American or German set.. BTW Harbor Freight sell good toolboxes for the money..

What is a good American or German (or Euro) Torx set for $20-25?

Everything I see from those COO is 3x the money.

 

[nbpt100]

What is a good American or German (or Euro) Torx set for $20-25?

Everything I see from those COO is 3x the money.

Yes, you are looking for a Unicorn to expect that price from those COO.

For example a good German set for under 3X that price:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032FOUPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ChevyEFI]

I thought about the Capri sets' current deal (thanks FW for the deal link) but it seems pretty comparable to Tekton in pricing, so didn't feel the need to rush.

Would I buy Icon flat out? No, I'd buy the Pittsburgh and fill in the blanks as-needed, when-needed. Too easy to pick up a single at Autozone if every hex bit and socket bit driver, and L-key in that size busted.

 

[measuredtwice]

Yes, you are looking for a Unicorn to expect that price from those COO.

For example a good German set for under 3X that price:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032FOUPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That Wiha set is made in Taiwan, not Germany.

But I do agree that you can get some great deals on American and German tools that are similar in price to cheap imports. Recently someone bought a China screwdriver set from a flea market for around the same price as I've bought German and American screwdrivers from retail stores. And I recall showing someone that he could have bought a Proto 2 foot breaker from Zoro for just a couple dollars difference with the Icon he paid top dollar for at Harbor Freight. Fyi, that was a while ago and Zoro's price has gone up. I shop deals but I'm often surprised how much more forum members spend on "cheap" stuff. Often, I've paid less for "expensive" stuff.

In this case, I don't have an example handy. Maybe check Ebay for brand new Proto or Williams USA (Williams Taiwan isn't made in the USA ). You'd be looking for a unicorn if you want to pay less than $25. You might also look at Blackhawk (from Proto) but you'll need to double check the COO since some stuff is USA and some stuff is Taiwan. The USA stuff is nice but the markings on Blackhawk aren't as good as the markings on Proto.

Apples and oranges but Proto does have $15 and $30 sets that include bits and a single (two in the $30 set) socket to swap the bits. Those prices are before coupon. The $30 set would be $24 after a 20% off coupon. Free shipping over $50 if you have a free account. It's free over $75 if for some unknown reason you refuse to set up a free account.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-11-piece-14-and-38-drive-torx-bit-set-j5239p/i/G7484093/
https://www.zoro.com/proto-torx-bit-set-pieces-7-j4739p/i/G7493936/

Similar sets were available from a lot of American companies and can commonly be found as new old stock on Ebay.

Here's an old expired deal for torx and hex made by Zephyr, an OEM that made/makes some of the bits for Snap-On. The set included 2 Bondhus holders. The set was a steal at $11 shipped.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7944271&postcount=1

Since you have to swap the bits, the set does lack the convenience of dedicated sockets. Zoro has extra Proto bit holders for around $4 before coupon.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-power-bit-holder-14-drive-j6925/i/G0828161/

If you are willing to use bits you can get a nice USA made Hex bit set at Menards for $10. It'll be even less with the 11% off rebate. You can use those bits with the Proto bit holders or a bit ratchet if you've got one. I use them with my Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver.

https://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=437221

You might also check the German stuff on Amazon Germany. It is sometimes cheaper than buying German stuff from sellers in the USA but Covid has temporarily (?) caused an increase in shipping costs due to mailing restrictions.

 

[lardy1]

Bit holders and bits are handy and relatively economical although there can be accessibility and size limitations. Good call.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Pittsburgh should be good enough. All of them eventually break, even the Snap on and Mac ones if you use them hard enough. If you want to spend the extra money on a Made in Taiwan set, I'd go with VIM, not Icon.

 

[racinfarmer]

Ordered 3 sets of the Capri stuff today. Hope it arrives in time for the weekend.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’d go with Capri they have great torx and hex bits. Harbor Freight Pittsburgh are junk they twist and bend very easily. I haven’t used the Icon ones yet.


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[Kscardsfan]

I’d go with Capri they have great torx and hex bits. Harbor Freight Pittsburgh are junk they twist and bend very easily. I haven’t used the Icon ones yet.


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The icon ones definitely feel better in the hand. The few projects I’ve gotten to use them for they felt solid in the screw and worked fine. But it was just assembly work for the baby’s new furniture.

 

[nbpt100]

Pittsburgh should be good enough. All of them eventually break, even the Snap on and Mac ones if you use them hard enough. If you want to spend the extra money on a Made in Taiwan set, I'd go with VIM, not Icon.

Yes, this is a tool that is more vulnerable to wear and breakage! But some fit the fastener better out of the box and you get better performance over the life of the tool. You want one that wont wear too fast or is made with tighter tolerances. Especially if you get the ball ends. Ease of warrantee is a factor. Some are not warrantied. Keep in mind a relative well respected tool company call Gearwrench does not warranty their hex bits. I'm not sure how many others have this fine print as well.

I have seem some Bhondas hex key wrenches twisted nearly 180 degrees to remove stubborn SHCS. They deflect quite a bit but spring back and get the job done. They can take a beating before they are done.

 

[lardy1]

My local Do-It-Best hardware has Channellock hex bit socket sets in both fractional and metric for ten bucks. I bought the fractionals and tried them. Going back for the metrics, S2 made in Taiwan.

It might be a local thing. It isn't on the Do-It-Best website.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

The icon ones definitely feel better in the hand. The few projects I’ve gotten to use them for they felt solid in the screw and worked fine. But it was just assembly work for the baby’s new furniture.

That’s good to know. My friend bought a set of them but hasn’t really got to use them yet so hopefully they will do good.


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[seagullplayer]

I got another 3/8 Pittsburgh set on sale for about $4.99. (Metric)
Used them at work today. Taiwan made, never had a problem.

It's all I have at home.

 

[nbpt100]

My local Do-It-Best hardware has Channellock hex bit socket sets in both fractional and metric for ten bucks. I bought the fractionals and tried them. Going back for the metrics, S2 made in Taiwan.

It might be a local thing. It isn't on the Do-It-Best website.

Must be a rebranding thing. Isn't Channellock a private company with USA plants?

I don't see hex bit sockets on their website. They sell mechanic tool kits which include sockets.

 

[NYresQ]

Not sure if Lowes still has Kobalt tools, or if they have moved everything over to Crapsman, but I have a set of 3/8 drive allen and torx bits from kobalt that I have abused for a few years now and havent managed to round off the ends yet.

Might be worth a look. They were 1/10 what snapon was, and my local store had them on the shelf...

 

[lardy1]

Must be a rebranding thing. Isn't Channellock a private company with USA plants?

I don't see hex bit sockets on their website. They sell mechanic tool kits which include sockets.

They're on their site.

https://www.doitbest.com/shop/hand-...6-point-hex-bit-socket-set-7-piece?SKU=372404

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I also have stanly and kobalt hex with no issues. Got a craftsman etorx, regular torx and hex and I broke a small tork trying to fix a Pittsburg pro flex head ratchet. I would look at husky and Carlyle to. Pretty much anything but hf in hex stuff. I have used cheap off brand Allen wrenchs and torx and they aren’t worth the scrap metal there made from

 

[nbpt100]

They're on their site.

https://www.doitbest.com/shop/hand-...6-point-hex-bit-socket-set-7-piece?SKU=372404

OK thanks....I meant they are not on the Channellock website. That set on the Do-It-Best website is now 21.49. At $10 that was a deal and a half. I like how they knurl the socket. Too bad they skip the 9mm. I know its not common but I have had to use a 9 once or twice. I think on a VW.

 

[nbpt100]

That Wiha set is made in Taiwan, not Germany.

.

OK, German engineering but over priced for Taiwan mfg. Thanks.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Must be a rebranding thing. Isn't Channellock a private company with USA plants?

The only things that they actually make themselves are pliers as a pliers specialist. And even then, certain pliers like the wire strippers may be farmed out. They are not going to take the risk of putting money into tooling when they are known for their pliers and are uncertain of how well their non pliers tools will sell in addition to the fact that they've got a lot of competitors who are better at making the other tools. The wrenches, sockets, and ratchets are made in Taiwan the last time I checked. In addition, their hard handled screwdrivers are made in USA and the soft handled ones are made in China.