Mountain or Icon for XL Ratcheting Wrenches

[Pontiac787]

I’ve been eying the Mountain XL ratcheting wrenches for a while. I was going to buy the Icon version for $200 to get the warranty but then I saw that Zoro has the Mountain version for a little over $100 (with 20% discount). I’m trying to gauge if the insurance is worth the extra $100. How likely are these things to break?

 

[M635_Guy]

If you're not hammering them, I doubt you'll break them. I've heard Mountain isn't perfect to deal with for warranty, but I wouldn't pay double for the Icon warranty. I got my Icon set on eBay for $120, but would have bought Mountain if that deal wasn't available.

 

[JeepYJ]

Buy 2 sets at $100 each so you’ll have a spare in each size.

 

[Mr_B]

They bust fairly easy if using a lot professionally and in time saving & making impossible possible scenarios .
If HF do a 20% coupon for icon it be a fair deal for easy warranty.
you could get thesefor under 160 using a coupon prior to price creep ...

 

[Ton ton]

Go for the ICON.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Mountain is a massive PITA for warranty, essentially they don't have one. I had a screwed up mountain out of the box, they refused to warranty it. Said I needed to have the vender handle it, which the vender said to call mountain. Infinite loop.

If they fail, you're buying a new Mountain wrench, they're $20-$25 roughly. Now, HF may discontinue Icon one day, and then your warranty is no better than the non-warranty mountain has. I've blown up one, plus one defect. I try to be gentle. Well, not the gentle, but I don't impact against them. So somewhat gentle. I don't use them a ton, mainly because they're spline drive and I live in rust-ville.

 

[Mr_B]

^
that exact reason I don't bother with warranty in general on basic hand tools as history has taught us they swap out the products for cheaper junk and change warranty conditions and not being too concerned over warranty opens the door to far more variety of tools and some incredibly low prices .
When ICON set could be had at 155 buck range it easy choice if you near a decent HF store. These long box ratchets do fail fair bit if pushing them hard and is sort of hand tool that warranty actually can pay off on .
You take a gamble with warranty but if price difference small and warranty terms known good at time of purchase it can be worth taking .
Best and only fully reliable warranty is always self warranty ... you just got balance up what best for your use based on current retail price options and your likely usage .

 

[bwringer]

If you're using the length for leverage, you WILL break them.

If you're using the length in order to reach the previously unreachable, you'll probably be fine.

Many, many people who buy this style of wrench do not understand this distinction and ***** and ***** and ***** and ***** when they predictably break their expensive wrenches. You usually have to break the fastener free in some other way before employing the ratcheting wrench.

FWIW, Northern Tool if there's one nearby has this style of wrench on the shelf in singles. It might be worth buying one in a size you use a lot to see how you like it.


A while back, Tekton sold a very nice 3/8" drive ratchet with an extra-long handle. Very useful in many situations, but in much the same way, quite a few buyers failed to understand the basic physics involved and the proper uses for such a tool, and twisted the square drive right off. No matter how good the steel is, there is a limit.


And yeah, Mountain essentially has no warranty, and there's some percentage of DOA wrenches, so caveat emptor. I have a limited tool budget, so I took a slight gamble on Mountain wrenches from Amazon, tested them all when they arrived, use them within their limits, and they've been great. But I don't even remember the last time I broke a tool; I'm just not that sort of mechanic.

If you regularly break stuff, then look inward and consider your options.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have both the Mountain and the ICON but I'm a hobbyist so I don't break stuff normally and I live in Arizona where SMA rust horror stories don't exist. The people that have this style of wrench truly right is Gearwrench. The reason they got it right is that one side of the wrench is a normal box wrench, that you use in gorilla mode, and the other end has the ratcheting box wrench which you use after going gorilla mode.

 

[Ton ton]

I use performance tool ratcheting wrenches. They're junk wrenches but I have fast local warranty support so far. The last wrench I broke the beam of the wrench not the ratcheting mechanism. Your mileage may vary.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have both the Mountain and the ICON but I'm a hobbyist so I don't break stuff normally and I live in Arizona where SMA rust horror stories don't exist. The people that have this style of wrench truly right is Gearwrench. The reason they got it right is that one side of the wrench is a normal box wrench, that you use in gorilla mode, and the other end has the ratcheting box wrench which you use after going gorilla mode.

There is an Icon set like that, but it isn't flex. They aren't as long as the flex set (the 19mm flex is 18" long, where the box/ratcheting is 15.625"), but should be able to handle more force. I occasionally think about grabbing a set...

I see a few new-in-box Icon flex sets on ebay for under $145 delivered

 

[visionguru]

I’ve been eying the Mountain XL ratcheting wrenches for a while. I was going to buy the Icon version for $200 to get the warranty but then I saw that Zoro has the Mountain version for a little over $100 (with 20% discount). I’m trying to gauge if the insurance is worth the extra $100. How likely are these things to break?

A couple of years ago, I did the whole suspension (struts, control arms, sway bars, links, bushings, ball joints...) of an old Honda Accord that had been living in Chicago for 12 years. The Mountain wrenches were extremely handy. Some bolts needed really good pull, none is broken so far after 5 years (DIY). Frankly, I think everyone who works on cars should get a set of these.

Never handled Icon equivalents, but based on pictures, the internals seem similar (if not the same or made by the same manufacturer). The likelihood of them broken should be similar.

 

[M635_Guy]

A couple of years ago, I did the whole suspension (struts, control arms, sway bars, links, bushings, ball joints...) of an old Honda Accord that had been living in Chicago for 12 years. The Mountain wrenches were extremely handy. Some bolts needed really good pull, none is broken so far after 5 years (DIY). Frankly, I think everyone who works on cars should get a set of these.

Never handled Icon equivalents, but based on pictures, the internals seem similar (if not the same or made by the same manufacturer). The likelihood of them broken should be similar.

From what I've heard, Mountain and Icon are made by the same ODM and are of same/similar quality.

Bigger companies tend to have performance penalties in their contracts that put benchmarks in place for things like DOA and failure rates, so it's possible that HF/Icon benefits a bit in terms of QC from something like that.

 

[visionguru]

From what I've heard, Mountain and Icon are made by the same ODM and are of same/similar quality.

Bigger companies tend to have performance penalties in their contracts that put benchmarks in place for things like DOA and failure rates, so it's possible that HF/Icon benefits a bit in terms of QC from something like that.

Good to know, thanks. Mountain used to be unique. Looks like Harbor Freight knows what is a good tool.

I looked at Snap On, Gearwrench, and others for this style of wrenches prior to purchasing Mountain set. Mountain is the only one who gets it right. The ability to be used as thin ratchet is a life saver sometimes. For example, I once used Mountain as serpentine belt tool. None of Snap On, Gearwrench, and everybody else would work in that situation.

 

[setfocus]

They're all made Kabo

Mountain, Icon, Matco, and the Platinum that I bought off my old Mac tools guy.

All my wrenches still work great but I don't stick an impact on the other end and try not to break nuts/bolts loose, if possible

 

[Doylee4693]

I’d go icon. They really do make decent tools! One of the best warranty’s in the industry.. won’t be worth anything when you sell them used tbh, but oh well..

 

[Ign]

I have both the Mountain and the ICON but I'm a hobbyist so I don't break stuff normally and I live in Arizona where SMA rust horror stories don't exist. The people that have this style of wrench truly right is Gearwrench. The reason they got it right is that one side of the wrench is a normal box wrench, that you use in gorilla mode, and the other end has the ratcheting box wrench which you use after going gorilla mode.

Actually I have the Cman-badged GW (used to be able to get them at phenomenal prices on the random Sears sales) and the beam is so thin that it a) cuts into your hands and b) flexes considerably when trying for aforementioned gorilla mode with the fixed box end. It's so thin even if you're pulling "straight down" the beam will start to deflect left/right because force is just taking the path of least resistance

 

[Ign]

And honestly I'd get the Tekton 6pt flex heads and just call it a day. Plus warranty support will be second only to a tool truck that will bring it to you.

I've also got the Carlyle flex heads and wished I never had. Not crazy about the spline drive, the reversing button always gets knocked, and some of them are quite rough. I warrantied my 16mm because of ridiculous backdrag and the replacement was nearly identical. Plus warranty thru NAPA is hit or miss and subject to the whims of the franchise owner if you're not near a corporate store. Also emailing napaonline is like dealing with an unprofessional 15-year-old

The one good thing w the Carlyles (Kabo, right??) is the "cap style" head which can reach into a recessed idler pulley bolt....but in other situations that Z-depth simply blocks access as it makes the head thicker

 

[Mr_B]

There is an Icon set like that, but it isn't flex. They aren't as long as the flex set (the 19mm flex is 18" long, where the box/ratcheting is 15.625"), but should be able to handle more force. I occasionally think about grabbing a set...

I see a few new-in-box Icon flex sets on ebay for under $145 delivered

is a good price delivered but you won't have any warranty without purchase history on HF computer system which makes mountain best option if going no worthwhile warranty route .
Annoying thing is was close to that price direct at HF less than year ago .

The one good thing w the Carlyles (Kabo, right??) is the "cap style" head which can reach into a recessed idler pulley bolt....but in other situations that Z-depth simply blocks access as it makes the head thicker

Yes it another Kabo, all this style switch mechanism are .
They a useful tool but not good for everything, joints can get sloppy and it pressed pin so not easy mess with .
Spline drive is other negative, not the worst spline fitment i come across but going be times you wishing for good old off corner 6 point .

 

[M635_Guy]

is a good price delivered but you won't have any warranty without purchase history on HF computer system which makes mountain best option if going no worthwhile warranty route.

I'd just say it was a gift. They'll cover it.

 

[bwringer]

...The last wrench I broke the beam of the wrench not the ratcheting mechanism. Your mileage may vary.

One way or the other, that's kinda impressive.

 

[dnschmidt]

KABO makes some of the coolest **** there is. When TOPTUL pissed me off I would have loved to have replaced it with KABO as their display at AAPEX was full of really interesting and innovative tools (don't get me wrong TOPTUL makes great tools but they are neither interesting nor innovative). Sadly, they turned me down as a distributor since I was a small fish up against NAPA and now Harbor Freight.

 

[javyLSU]

Good to know, thanks. Mountain used to be unique. Looks like Harbor Freight knows what is a good tool.

I looked at Snap On, Gearwrench, and others for this style of wrenches prior to purchasing Mountain set. Mountain is the only one who gets it right. The ability to be used as thin ratchet is a life saver sometimes. For example, I once used Mountain as serpentine belt tool. None of Snap On, Gearwrench, and everybody else would work in that situation.

I’ve used my Icon set for exactly that several times. These work beautifully on the tensioner and alternator pulleys of the transverse-mounted FCA 2.4L engines where there’s zero clearance.

 

[bwringer]

Yep, that "stickout" on one side of the Mountain wrenches is extraordinarily handy in many tight clearance situations where a fastener is flush or slightly recessed into a surface.

It does make the head a bit less slim, but overall I think this feature makes the tool more useful far more often than not. It's a genius detail.

I'm honestly not a fan of the spline drive, but it works.


FWIW, Harbor Freight sells a long double-ended slim flex ratchet (made in Taiwan, last time I checked) that is INCREDIBLY useful in a very similar way. Every mechanic needs one of these.

Pair it with 3/8" and 1/4" low-profile socket sets, and you have super powers...

1/4 in, 3/8 in. Drive Long-Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet

Amazing deals on this 1/4In, 3/8In Long Rch Dual Flex Head Ratchet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Wizzard]

I can't recommend Tekton in this wrench. The shafts/steel is not sturdy and half the beams had some degree of warping straight out of the box. They need to improve the manufacturing process on their long ratcheting wrenches. Not worth what they're charging.

Icon is better than Tekton in most tools from my experiences.

 

[will335i]

I was considering the Icon flex head ratcheting wrenches but then Zoro had a sale and I was able to get the Williams sets. I would recommend taking a look at the Williams ones. I am really happy with the quality and they sell no skip sets.

 

[Jlarson]

I've use a few versions of em, right now I have an Icon set in my rig. I might warranty one if it broke I might just get another set, depends how I feel that day lol, never been a big warranty person at least not on stuff we actually use.

The last wrench I broke the beam of the wrench not the ratcheting mechanism. Your mileage may vary.

That's quality work.

 

[Pontiac787]

I was considering the Icon flex head ratcheting wrenches but then Zoro had a sale and I was able to get the Williams sets. I would recommend taking a look at the Williams ones. I am really happy with the quality and they sell no skip sets.

Do you mind sharing the part numbers? Zoro’s search isn’t the best.

 

[andersen24]

^
that exact reason I don't bother with warranty in general on basic hand tools as history has taught us they swap out the products for cheaper junk and change warranty conditions and not being too concerned over warranty opens the door to far more variety of tools and some incredibly low prices .
When ICON set could be had at 155 buck range it easy choice if you near a decent HF store. These long box ratchets do fail fair bit if pushing them hard and is sort of hand tool that warranty actually can pay off on .
You take a gamble with warranty but if price difference small and warranty terms known good at time of purchase it can be worth taking .
Best and only fully reliable warranty is always self warranty ... you just got balance up what best for your use based on current retail price options and your likely usage .

THIS!

The key word in this is “if you’re near a decent HF store.” Still to this day a lot of the stores interpretation of their warranty is not what you read or what HF preaches. I liked the Icon line, but after taking three weeks and having to call corporate to get them to honor their warranty, I went another companies direction and have been more than happy. There are a couple other local HF stores around here (too far for me) that friends use and have had no problem whatsoever with their warranty exchange - that just hasn’t been my luck. BUT like @Mr_B says, if you have a good store, to me it would be a no brainer.

 

[M635_Guy]

The key word in this is “if you’re near a decent HF store.” Still to this day a lot of the stores interpretation of their warranty is not what you read or what HF preaches. I liked the Icon line, but after taking three weeks and having to call corporate to get them to honor their warranty, I went another companies direction and have been more than happy. There are a couple other local HF stores around here (too far for me) that friends use and have had no problem whatsoever with their warranty exchange - that just hasn’t been my luck. BUT like @Mr_B says, if you have a good store, to me it would be a no brainer.

The vast majority of stories I've heard about the HF warranty is "Walk in. Show dead tool. Told to go get a replacement. Left with replacement." I honestly don't think I'd have any trouble with warranty at any of the three HF locations within 25 min. of my house.

I will say the "set vs. singles" thing does bug me about HF. Not an issue for warranty (they just break the set) but I'm not likely to try to warranty something that is my fault.

 

[will335i]

Do you mind sharing the part numbers? Zoro’s search isn’t the best.

I usually go to https://protoolwarehouse.com/ to look up Williams tools and then search the part number I want on the other sites. That site makes it easy to search and look up COO too.

These are the sets I have so far
5/16" - 3/4" Flex Head Ratcheting - WS-1168RCF
8 - 19MM Flex Head Ratcheting - MWS-12RCF
6 - 24MM Ratcheting - MWS-1125NRC