Astro Vs ICON 3/8 Universal Impact Sockets

[Babou90]

First time poster here, with the HF parking lot sale coming up I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the Asto and ICON universal impact sockets. At the end of the day I think the HF warranty and convenience will force my hand, but I would love to hear from those with hands on experience with the sockets.

Regards,
Matt

 

[Fedwrench]

Welcome to the Journal!!!
I have the Astro pinless impact swivels in 3/8 & 1/2 drive. I don't think you can find a better set for the money if you shop around. I use mine regularly in a professional shop setting without issues.
Atro's warranty support is also great, email them a picture of the broken tool and they send you a replacement quickly.
Then there's that Torque Test Channel video where the Icon impact swivel socket kept failing.

 

[merkyworks]

Torque Test Channel did a review on a lot of popular brands, including Astro and Icon.

Edit: Vid is a good watch and would reccomend but for anyone who doesn't have the time to watch the full vid.



Icon broke during the durability test, with Astro nano doing much better all around.

 

[AJHD]

I had the Icon 3/8" and 1/2" metric sets. I never used them (except maybe the 10mm 3/8"), but eventually sold them. They feel really cheap to me. I just wasn't happy with them.

Which brings to me Astro, which I bought to replace the Icon. Both 3/8" and 1/2" sets. They are better in everyway. They are heavier and better constructed/designed in my opinion.

I've also owned full Snap On sets (updated design) in the past. Obviously the SO offering is arguably the best in the industry, but they come with a huge price tag. I have no regrets selling those too.

 

[Babou90]

Thanks for the replies, I'll just end up grabbing the Astro sets. I have had a little experience with their warranty process and it was easy and the lady I spoke with was awesome. Thanks again for the .02.

Regards,
Matt

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Thanks for the replies, I'll just end up grabbing the Astro sets. I have had a little experience with their warranty process and it was easy and the lady I spoke with was awesome. Thanks again for the .02.

Regards,
Matt

You can also just send me a PM here and I'll process the replacement usually within the day

 

[Steve_P]

I was surprised that Icon did so poorly in that test. I mean, when you're advertising Icon as supposedly a line of "professional" level tools and then you get beat by Powerbuilt in durability.... it shows you're probably not doing any comparison testing during development.

 

[AJHD]

I was surprised that Icon did so poorly in that test. I mean, when you're advertising Icon as supposedly a line of "professional" level tools and then you get beat by Powerbuilt in durability.... it shows you're probably not doing any comparison testing during development.

Not everything is a winner, regardless of the company.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Was there a comparison as I think they are both still made, between pinless and pinned impact wobbles?

 

[KnurledNut]

Was there a comparison as I think they are both still made, between pinless and pinned impact wobbles?

I am not completely sold on the relatively new pinless designs. I feel like they are overrated and many versions have been problematic.
Pinned have been around a long time and continue to stand the test of time. I have seen Grey Pneumatic and Snap-on beat on for years to the point the socket and drive are worn out, but the joint has not failed.
Without a doubt, they both have advantages and disadvantages.