gearwrench vs icon

[Mr.Nutcase]

I am looking to buy a set, I need help chosing options.
HF I can warranty alot easier, pros and cons on both?

GEARWRENCH 85988​

or

Extra Long Professional Metric Double Box Ratcheting Wrench, 10 Piece

Amazing deals on this 10 Pc Met Double Ratcheting Box-End Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Grokew]

Will Icon be there 10 years from now (not HF, but the tool line)? That's the only thing that I would worry about.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Will Icon be there 10 years from now (not HF, but the tool line)? That's the only thing that I would worry about.

There’s no guarantee with anything in that regard.

Icon probably will be. It’s doing quite well and HF is pretty good customer service wise.

Gearwrench probably will be also, just more difficult to warranty most likely. You may be able to get a better deal on the GW one (I got both the SAE and Metric set of those for the price of the Metric set, GW runs or used to run a lot of good BOGO deals)

 

[Mr_B]

gearwrench brand might be one that sticks around but the tools are constantly getting cost cutting and the warranty is a ballache at best and a middle finger for majority .
No idea on ICON longevity but HF likely be around a while so you likely get credit/closest matching options if brand or tool discontinued, you can't trust any warranty and it highly likely HF ICON warranty could become more stringent in time as it will prove costly to HF and manufacture/shiping costs are seriously increasing so they not the chump change HF had initially planned, also the tool line could get sourced elsewhere so even if get a replacement it may not be as nice as the Kabo ones you getting currently .
Personally I would wait for a 20% coupon or better and go ICON assuming you actually using these enough to actually benefit from some initial likely warranty, If not using much you could find cheaper and self warranty when and if needed ...
History pretty much shows you how most of these tool brands and warranties get burned out and no big benefit limiting your buying options because of an assumed magic warranty or fact you likely benefit from one .

 

[AJHD]

Not withstanding the post above (Mr_B), I would go the Icon route.
However the only Icon tool I own is their metric offset wrench set. Although I have nothing bad to say about those wrenches, as I've said before, I'm still not sold on Icon.

Ease of warranty with Icon is a plus. I assume Icon will be around for several years until HF eventually phases it out. But they continue to add to the brand lineup, so I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon.

I don't buy much Gearwrench these days. You don't always know what you're buying. Apex has moved a lot of production to China, so you might get something made in Taiwan or you might get something made in China. Hard to known. At least with Icon, you can see the box and physically hold the tools in your hand in store. Unless you have a local Gearwrench source, it's all online.

As Mr_B said, Apex has cut costs across the board and their quality has suffered with some of their brands/products as a result. The modern Gearwrench wrench for example is cheap Chinese junk compared to the originals. Yet at a higher cost. Most Gearwrench products on Amazon, for example, have sky rocketed in price compared to other brands. Icon has actually dropped some of their prices over time, despite the last 2+ years.

 

[General Geoff]

I would go Icon, if for no other reason than ease of warranty. I've been pretty pleased with all the Icon tools I've acquired so far.

 

[Davegvg]

Will Icon be there 10 years from now (not HF, but the tool line)? That's the only thing that I would worry about.

Will anyone be around in 10 years? Tough to say.

 

[Bockscar]

Will anyone be around in 10 years? Tough to say.

The only thing certain is that the future is uncertain

 

[dnschmidt]

Why do people worry about this. I'm not likely to be around in 10 years so who gives a ****. The better tool is ICON most of which are made by the best tool companies in Taiwan such as KABO and Infar. As far as warrantee which company is growing the fastest Gearwrench or Harbor Freight. If you said Harbor Freight you win the prize. Eric keeps improving the quality of the merchandise at Harbor Freight and Gearwrench keeps lowering theirs.

 

[charbar]

I bought those exact Icon wrenches on a whim about 6 months ago. I love them. I also have a bunch of Gearwrench stubby and normal length ratcheting wrenches. The Icons are light years ahead of any of the newer GW stuff. There is no comparison. The Icons are a legit nice tool. Only thing I can complain about with the Icons is that the sharper edges of the wrench can really dig into your hands when you are cranking on something.....to the point where I'll grab a rag or gloves or something to cushion the wrench. And I don't have little girly moisturized hands either . My regular GWs have a much more rounded body that I assume the long ones also have.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Just go with whatever is easier to warranty if the price gap isn't big. In many cases, the suppliers they use are the same. Icon is overpriced for what it is. I am not paying a premium for a brand that had to recall its ratchets just after launching the brand. GW tools can be cheaper if you know where to look. Prices at my local GW dealer are reasonable when the tools are on sale.

 

[autobon7]

When Apex decided to kill off Armstrong after 120 years of operation and go with Gearwrench instead I swore I’d never buy from any of the Apex tool groups ever again. I’ll stick with Stanley Black and Decker, Cornwell, etc. My vote goes to Icon if you are only looking at those 2 brands.

 

[Jtels85]

As a fan of older GearWrench… not this new **** in yellow… I will say their 90 tooth ratcheting wrenches leave a lot to be desired. The metal is too thick on the open ends. The quality isn’t as good as years past.

Go with the Icon.

 

[jonshonda]

I wouldn't consider long term warranty at all from either of those brands. Harbor Freight seems to create new and obsolete old at their free will, which is their right I guess. But that would make me concerned about the longevity of any brand and associate warranty on those brands.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have the Icon set, and think they're very nice. I'd totally recommend them.

I haven't been impressed with any GearWrench stuff I've looked at, and while I'm sure it's all entirely serviceable, that along with the stories of poor/challenging customer service make me less likely to ever buy any of their stuff unless it was a scorching deal...

 

[Alpine4x4]

I have the Icon set. I got them on ebay for around 35% off retail. Ease of warranty is nice if needed. I've only used them a handful of times but they're a quality tool. I think anytime you can find Icon at 20% off or better its going to be the best buy out there.

 

[Mr_B]

^
I would expect warranty for ICON bought off eBay could be more likely to be refused.
You got the option saying got it as a gift and that about it as no HF purchase history and they generally do check .
The T&C on ICON warranty states proof of purchase needed, they fairly friendly currently but it will change, always does on lifetime warranty lol .

 

[Alpine4x4]

^
I would expect warranty for ICON bought off eBay could be more likely to be refused.
You got the option saying got it as a gift and that about it as no HF purchase history and they generally do check .
The T&C on ICON warranty states proof of purchase needed, they fairly friendly currently but it will change, always does on lifetime warranty lol .

I've never had them check for any warranty returns. Ever. My local HF has been fantastic. HFs warranty explanation on the website doesnt require proof of purchase either.

Customer Service at Harbor Freight Tools - Returns and Exchanges

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Mr_B]

I've never had them check for any warranty returns. Ever. My local HF has been fantastic. HFs warranty explanation on the website doesnt require proof of purchase either.

Customer Service at Harbor Freight Tools - Returns and Exchanges

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

The below is from your link :

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty
We guarantee our Hand Tools to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. Limitations apply. Harbor Freight Tools will replace any hand tool that fails to properly work during the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the event an identical item is not available as a replacement: Harbor Freight Tools reserves the right to substitute a substantially similar item in its place.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase (e.g. in-store receipt or packing slip/invoice), date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.

 

[Mr_B]

While they been helpful and friendly in my ICON warranty replacement they did check in computer system for my original purchase on both ocassions I done ICON warranty .
It going vary store to store and it going vary in time and the terms state original owner and proof of purchase and for material/manufacture faults so they can follow the warranty terms strictly if so desire ...

 

[snickers muncher]

I haven't been to a Harbor Frieght in years and have never touched an ICON tool. My old Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches are nice but the last set I got was very low quality and the flare nut wrenches I got from GearWrench were junk. I'd take the chance on ICON only because I lack faith in the Gearwrench wrenches.

 

[M635_Guy]

While they been helpful and friendly in my ICON warranty replacement they did check in computer system for my original purchase on both ocassions I done ICON warranty .
It going vary store to store and it going vary in time and the terms state original owner and proof of purchase and for material/manufacture faults so they can follow the warranty terms strictly if so desire ...

He could just say they were a gift

I'd be very surprised if there was an issue...

 

[Mr_B]

He could just say they were a gift

I'd be very surprised if there was an issue...

I mentioned that in post #17
They pretty easy going at moment but I don't expect that to last many years . warranty terms allows them tighten up easily and with huge amount stock turning up cheap on eBay, tool sourcing and shipping getting costly and slow and ever growing warranty returns that someone going be putting in a spreadsheet always tends lead towards warranty and tool quality reduction .

 

[M635_Guy]

I mentioned that in post #17
They pretty easy going at moment but I don't expect that to last many years .

HF has had a lot of Pittsburgh tools w/ Lifetime warranty for many years. Have never heard of anyone being turned away.

It is a risk? I s'pose, but your speculation isn't in line with a fair number of stories told around here. It's equally likely (and probably more, if going on non-quantified history) that they'll be easygoing for many years.

 

[Mr_B]

HF has had a lot of Pittsburgh tools w/ Lifetime warranty for many years. Have never heard of anyone being turned away.

It is a risk? I s'pose, but your speculation isn't in line with a fair number of stories told around here. It's equally likely (and probably more, if going on non-quantified history) that they'll be easygoing for many years.

My speculation is on the future longevity of warranty not what happening now ...
I currently getting easy warranty and they checking purchase via account records and that seems the norm to what I seen heard and read ...
Pittsburgh line is dirt cheap procure and lot of markup and a less professional aimed marketing .
Tool sourcing and shipping costs isn't what HF calculated when started the ICON campaign thus room for markup becomes difficult without out pricing the brand to consumer base and it the markup that keeps easy warranty viable business.
Other issue is aiming to Pro users means warranty volume can become quite a burden (Myself and many pro tool users are cherry picking ICON for price to early warranty gain potential) .
I purchased Kabo and high-five ratcheting products as good usable tools and I know warranty useful on these tools when used daily, from experience I expected 5 to 7 years of easy warranty be enough get more than my moneys worth for daily pro use .
I be really surprised if they still doing easy warranty on ICON a decade down the road or that if are the replacement tool will be of quality/design match original purchased tool, hopefully they are but I wouldn't be buying them if you not using them enough to get some warranty return in early years .
Only got look at apex, tektons predecessor, Napa and other stores brands to see what happened to the tool sourcing, lifetime warranty hassles and brand demise to get some idea of possible warranty outcome potential in the long haul ...
Hopefully HF does better with ICON but experience tells me to never assume easy lifetime warranty will last a lifetime lol ...

 

[joey1320]

Nothing beats walking into HF with a broken tool and walking out a few minutes later with a new replacement. Dealing with the tool truck guys over the years, only one of them ever had anything I needed warrantied in stock (Matco), all the others, it was weeks before my tool made it back to me.

I don't see how GW is any better than ICON at this point. Go for the easier to replace one.

 

[M635_Guy]

Nothing beats walking into HF with a broken tool and walking out a few minutes later with a new replacement. Dealing with the tool truck guys over the years, only one of them ever had anything I needed warrantied in stock (Matco), all the others, it was weeks before my tool made it back to me.

I don't see how GW is any better than ICON at this point. Go for the easier to replace one.

I see GW as at least a step below Icon - it's a consumer brand with middling quality and challenging warranty/customer service.

My speculation is on the future longevity of warranty not what happening now ...
I currently getting easy warranty and they checking purchase via account records and that seems the norm to what I seen heard and read ...
Pittsburgh line is dirt cheap procure and lot of markup and a less professional aimed marketing .
Tool sourcing and shipping costs isn't what HF calculated when started the ICON campaign thus room for markup becomes difficult without out pricing the brand to consumer base and it the markup that keeps easy warranty viable business.
Other issue is aiming to Pro users means warranty volume can become quite a burden (Myself and many pro tool users are cherry picking ICON for price to early warranty gain potential) .
I purchased Kabo and high-five ratcheting products as good usable tools and I know warranty useful on these tools when used daily, from experience I expected 5 to 7 years of easy warranty be enough get more than my moneys worth for daily pro use .
I be really surprised if they still doing easy warranty on ICON a decade down the road or that if are the replacement tool will be of quality/design match original purchased tool, hopefully they are but I wouldn't be buying them if you not using them enough to get some warranty return in early years .
Only got look at apex, tektons predecessor, Napa and other stores brands to see what happened to the tool sourcing, lifetime warranty hassles and brand demise to get some idea of possible warranty outcome potential in the long haul ...
Hopefully HF does better with ICON but experience tells me to never assume easy lifetime warranty will last a lifetime lol ...

"Lifetime" warranties count on a certain amount of customer fatigue and progress in what people want that makes them replace things instead or warrantying them over the course of however many years.

The difference between Craftsman/Sears, NAPA, etc. is they weren't really tool stores, they were stores that sold tools. If Tekton or HF start going backward on their warranty, it's going to chop their customer base, especially in today's highly connected world.

I stopped thinking of Craftsman differently than any other retail/consumer tool brand over a decade ago because it was clear they were downgrading quality and making it harder to get warranty replacements. They became equivalent to other box-store brands and as result I mainly stopped buying them.

NAPA has different problems - mainly a highly irregular store experience that makes them just undependable enough to fall out of contention with most pros. Their pricing generally sits higher than Icon equivalents. There are a hell of a lot more stores, but they're not all on the same page in terms of stocking level of tools and handling of warranty replacements. Even across the 15 or so within 25 miles of me that are all owned by the same owner(s), the in-store experience is different. But ultimately it's an auto-parts store, not a tool store.

I don't think brands that make their money purely from tools (HF, Tekton, etc.) are going to shoot themselves in the foot by letting the bean counters edge in on something that foundational to their business. Twenty years from now there might not be an Icon line, but if I'm guessing HF will still honor that warranty with the closest equivalent they carry at the time, and be relatively no-hassle about it. I doubt they'd be harder than Snap On would be twenty years from now if I'm trying to warranty one of my ratchets. Who keeps receipts for 20 years? (you've probably got a different truck guy in that timeframe too)

 

[dnschmidt]

These arguments are amusing. Twenty years from now I expect to be dead at which time whether ICON exists or not will be the furthest thing from my mind. Buy what's the best deal TODAY. If tomorrow does come then worry about that tomorrow. Medieval scholars argued about how many ferries could dance on the end of a pin. These discussions aren't any more practical than that.

 

[Mr_B]

^
Well I got 30 to 40 years possibly so it got more relevance
I not particularly bothered on life warranty for basic tools and buy more on what I like using or consider good performing but if I paying for some advertised life warranty I would like to get some benefit from that part of my purchase. Professionally we will but for most lesser use you paying for something you won't use or when do find can't easily or the current sourced tools have declined to garbage you wouldn't want for free .

 

[Mr_B]

I see GW as at least a step below Icon - it's a consumer brand with middling quality and challenging warranty/customer service.

"Lifetime" warranties count on a certain amount of customer fatigue and progress in what people want that makes them replace things instead or warrantying them over the course of however many years.

The difference between Craftsman/Sears, NAPA, etc. is they weren't really tool stores, they were stores that sold tools. If Tekton or HF start going backward on their warranty, it's going to chop their customer base, especially in today's highly connected world.

I stopped thinking of Craftsman differently than any other retail/consumer tool brand over a decade ago because it was clear they were downgrading quality and making it harder to get warranty replacements. They became equivalent to other box-store brands and as result I mainly stopped buying them.

NAPA has different problems - mainly a highly irregular store experience that makes them just undependable enough to fall out of contention with most pros. Their pricing generally sits higher than Icon equivalents. There are a hell of a lot more stores, but they're not all on the same page in terms of stocking level of tools and handling of warranty replacements. Even across the 15 or so within 25 miles of me that are all owned by the same owner(s), the in-store experience is different. But ultimately it's an auto-parts store, not a tool store.

I don't think brands that make their money purely from tools (HF, Tekton, etc.) are going to shoot themselves in the foot by letting the bean counters edge in on something that foundational to their business. Twenty years from now there might not be an Icon line, but if I'm guessing HF will still honor that warranty with the closest equivalent they carry at the time, and be relatively no-hassle about it. I doubt they'd be harder than Snap On would be twenty years from now if I'm trying to warranty one of my ratchets. Who keeps receipts for 20 years? (you've probably got a different truck guy in that timeframe too)

Plenty brand that make money purely from tools shot themselves on purpose lol , Tekton previous brand and the 2 main tool groups slowly killed well established brands .
You will find quite a few brands around the world require account registration of tool to make lifetime warranty active & these days it not so much physical receipt but more a digital history of your purchase .
Many state only original purchaser (even snap-on), only time will tell on HF ICON but I be pretty impressed if they maintain warranty as easy as is currently and keep quality and price realistic. Hopefully they do but hard times are ahead for retail and consumer spending .

 

[M635_Guy]

Plenty brand that make money purely from tools shot themselves on purpose lol , Tekton previous brand and the 2 main tool groups slowly killed well established brands .
You will find quite a few brands around the world require account registration of tool to make lifetime warranty active & these days it not so much physical receipt but more a digital history of your purchase .
Many state only original purchaser (even snap-on), only time will tell on HF ICON but I be pretty impressed if they maintain warranty as easy as is currently and keep quality and price realistic. Hopefully they do but hard times are ahead for retail and consumer spending .

HF/Icon and SO both say receipt required, but in practice it's loosely enforced at best, which isn't new.

 

[Zewnten]

duplicate

 

[Zewnten]

I am looking to buy a set, I need help chosing options.
HF I can warranty alot easier, pros and cons on both?

GEARWRENCH 85988​

or

Extra Long Professional Metric Double Box Ratcheting Wrench, 10 Piece

Amazing deals on this 10 Pc Met Double Ratcheting Box-End Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

The Icon brand wrenches ratcheting mechanism is a lot smoother. Had both, sold the GW's and kept the Icon. GW's also broke easily in my opinion and I haven't had to warranty an Icon yet.

 

[Mr_B]

HF/Icon and SO both say receipt required, but in practice it's loosely enforced at best, which isn't new.

It news for some as they post the T&C link and still don't know the term details .
Snap-On is a good example of how much markup needed make loosely enforced policy for easy warranty long term viable business practice .
Back in 90's Snap-On was flawless on warranty handling, today not same experience especially newer contract truck dealers .
Lifetime warranty ease has never stayed same on any brand I have used & I very much doubt ICON be the exception ...

 

[Professional Tool User]

I see GW as at least a step below Icon - it's a consumer brand with middling quality and challenging warranty/customer service.

GW has at least been around for 20 or so years. Icon has only been around briefly and they've already recalled their ratchets. Icon is overpriced for what it is as a Harbor Freight store brand. I'd rank GW and Tekton higher than Icon.

 

[dstblj52]

GW has at least been around for 20 or so years. Icon has only been around briefly and they've already recalled their ratchets. Icon is overpriced for what it is as a Harbor Freight store brand. I'd rank GW and Tekton higher than Icon.

It's the cheapest way by far to get kabo and highfive/newtool ratcheting wrench and infar wrenches

 

[71firebird400]

Modern gearwrench is a far cry from even 5 year old gearwrench. I’d go Icon.

 

[M635_Guy]

GW has at least been around for 20 or so years. Icon has only been around briefly and they've already recalled their ratchets. Icon is overpriced for what it is as a Harbor Freight store brand. I'd rank GW and Tekton higher than Icon.

LoL - Icon is a HF brand. They'll do what HF does. Which has mainly centered around being easy.

I like my Tekton tools a lot, but their ratchets are definitely closer to GW. I own multiple ratchets from all three brands (used SO and Icon ratchets today on my old BMW in fact). When you look at the mechanism, Icon's is much beefier than Tekton's, and my 3/8 Icon ratchets feel very similar to my SO. I actually like my Icon 1/4" roto better than my SO one.

I have Tekton chrome sockets sets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2", but my "travel" set is an Icon 3/8" set. All of those have been perfect in-use, but I like the fact that Icon shares less blanks, so the smaller sizes are shorter and thus fit in tighter spaces.


I only have a few GW tools - my flex stubby wrench set is from them, and seems fine (used one of those today too). As I said earlier, the stories I hear around here about so-so quality and occasionally challenging warranty have kept me from buying much GW since Tekton and Icon have strong offerings and great customer service.

 

[Duster346]

Old Gearwrench Taiwan are great... the new Gearwrench Chinese are .

Icon for sure over the new Chinese Gearwrench...

 

[89MustangGX]

The below is from your link :

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty
We guarantee our Hand Tools to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. Limitations apply. Harbor Freight Tools will replace any hand tool that fails to properly work during the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the event an identical item is not available as a replacement: Harbor Freight Tools reserves the right to substitute a substantially similar item in its place.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase (e.g. in-store receipt or packing slip/invoice), date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.

It news for some as they post the T&C link and still don't know the term details .

I think you may be misreading the T&C. It's a little funny to me the way they listed the info, and probably would take a lawyer to really say for sure, but I think if you read everything in context it's a little different.

The Lifetime Warranty you quoted in your first paragraph has no such proof requirements, though it does say limitations apply. It is the Limited 90-day Warranty that includes the proof-of-purchase requirement. There are two different warranties and it specifically refers to "this" warranty, which seems to be the 90-day warranty vs. the Lifetime warranty. If it said "these" warranties, then I would say it applies to both. But, maybe *I* am not reading it right? Thoughts?

Here is the full context:

WARRANTY INFORMATION​

Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty​

We guarantee our Hand Tools to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. Limitations apply. Harbor Freight Tools will replace any hand tool that fails to properly work during the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the event an identical item is not available as a replacement: Harbor Freight Tools reserves the right to substitute a substantially similar item in its place. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

Limited 90-Day Warranty​

Harbor Freight Tools makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days beginning on the date of purchase or order.

This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental and contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase (e.g. in-store receipt or packing slip/invoice), date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.

If our inspection verifies the defect, we will replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.