HF Visit: Icon = Fail / Pittsburgh-Pro = Pass

[giants]

The GW 84 tooth ratchet internals are very similar to the icon ratchets. Some people have been complaining about lock ups for years. Harbor Freight clearly failed to learn from the mistakes of others. Quality and quality control wise, Icon is worse than Pittsburgh Pro at this point, let alone Gearwrench.

Please help me understand: by the Gearwrench 84 tooth ratchets lock up, do you mean that the ratcheting mechanism seizes such that the ratchet only works like an old-school wrench?

 

[giants]

Who wants a 6pt ratcheting wrench? A 12pt is more desirable as it will engage the fastener faster and allow quicker removal. It also will engage easier in tight locations. 6pt is great for breaking stuff loose, not something one is normally doing with a ratcheting wrench. If you feel the need for a 6pt ratcheting wrench you are probably using the wrong tool for the job. That being said, the Icon wrenches feel better in hand than my Bluepoints. They're decent wrenches. Love all the hate from people here, its uncanny.

I need a 6 point ratcheting wrench. I'm about to replace my Toyota's water pump for the first time* (a cheapie installed by prior owner is now leaking) and three of the bolts are hard to get to. I don't want to round off the heads, so I'm going to use my Tekton 6 point flex head ratcheting wrench. As a back-up, I have 1/4" drive sockets/ratchets ready.

However, I'm open to other ideas.

* I've done three others over the years on RWD Volvos, which have plenty of access space, unlike the FWD Toyota.

 

[Farmall450]

No one in their right mind would pay Gearwrench prices for Icon. No amount of apologizing will be sufficient for not testing your tools properly before releasing them at this price point and claiming to be professional quality. I was at least hoping the icon ratchets wouldn't lock up, but it can't even deliver that and had to be recalled. I'll stick to my Gearwrench ratchets and upgrade my Pittsburgh Pro ones to GW, Snap off, or Tekton.

^ This. GW is well established and known for good stuff at reasonable prices. RIP US KD, allen, etc and the affiliated crossovers, though.

 

[Spacey_G]

I think it’s strange that more than one person here is using the same “Icon is flying off the shelves!” line.

It's almost as if it's a well-known phrase in common usage...

Your OP and subsequent posts in this thread have just as much of an obvious agenda as you seem to think the alleged shills do.

Have you considered that maybe some people just spent a bunch of money on new tools and they want to share how much they like them? It's human nature to justify a purchase like that, not necessarily some coordinated marketing effort.

 

[giants]

I'm impressed at your ability to judge the tools from the display demo models cable tied to a shelf. That is what you did isn't it? I mean you can hardly see the tools themselves with the overkill anti theft packaging ICON uses.

I have a few ICON tools that I bought. As I've said before ICON probably won't inspire anyone to to replace their current selection of tools but, you may supplement what you have with some ICON stuff.

Here are my observations on your ICON opinions:

RATCHETS: Every one here knows there's a recall on the 3/8 flex heads. The jury is still out on what Harbor Freight's redesign will be. The semi hard soft grip needs work, there aren't any wings on the rat tail handle tang to retain it and it relies on a dollop of glue to secure it. However, i've found the all metal handles to be pretty comfortable. With the ICON fixed head ratchets, it seems that they either work real well or they're pretty stiff.

SOCKETS: I'm going to have to disagree with you on the sockets. However, i only own the ICON 1/4 metric shallow set and the set i have is nicely finished inside and out. To me the knurling on the socket's base is purely to identify it as a metric socket. If you want deep knurling Gearwrench, Sonic, OEM, and Carlyle have some excellent deep knurled bands on their chrome sockets.

Wrenches: To me ICON's non ratcheting combination wrenches are twins of Carlyle combination wrenches with the v throat anti slip open end and without it. As for the ratcheting combination wrenches, if you're looking for a six point fine toothed ratcheting wrench, look no further than Tekton or Carlyle. The two things I like best about my ICON metric ratcheting wrench set is that one, it's an actual 12 point ratcheting boxed end. Not spline which is very popular on other brands. Two, the wrench's long overall length. Yes, they might be too long in some situations but, I like the extra length with the 15 degree offset on the boxed end. I have plenty of other lengths of ratcheting wrenches to work in other applications. The anti slip open end on the long ratcheting wrenches is a copy of the version found on Taiwan made Proto chrome ratcheting wrenches and Dewalt ratcheting wrenches, might be the same supplier.

Another observation about the ICON tools flying off of store shelves. There weren't that many ICON tools on the shelf to begin with with. Take away all of the recalled 3/8 drive flex heads and the shelves are kind of bare.

My local stores started off with Several types of ratchets across three drive sizes, shallow and deep chrome sockets in metric or SAE across three drive sizes, combination wrenches in SAE or Metric, with or without anti slip open ends , stubby wrenches, stubby ratcheting wrenches, long ratcheting wrenches with or without anti slip open ends in both SAE or Metric. What are we talking about a three foot wide section of two shelf units facing each other? Add to that, i think most stores only got a few of each item The ICON stuff is a very small footprint compared to everything else in the store.

Lastly, no one is holding a gun to your head forcing you to read any ICON tool thread let alone, buy any ICON tools. Vote with your money by refusing to buy any ICON tools and don't even walk into a Harbor Freight store since the mere sight of an ICON tool may cause your blood to boil.

In the end, ICON tools are just another choice. I doubt if any one really thinks they're getting Snap on quality but, you never know. I know that time will settle most of the ICON debate because, the tools will either perform well or they won't

Thanks for your comment.

I looked up the Icon ratcheting wrenches and found this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-metric-professional-ratcheting-combination-wrench-set-64841.html

I can't tell, without your comment, that it was a boxed-end ratcheting wrench set.

Would you explain the difference of ratcheting wrenches in terms of boxed-end vs. spline, and how I can tell the difference?

In particular, which type are these Tektons:

https://www.tekton.com/ratcheting-combination-wrenches

https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-combination-wrenches

Thanks!

 

[Jtels85]

I own some tool truck brands: Snap-on and Matco as well as budget tools like Tekton. You know where I keep them? In my Harbor Freight U.S. General tool cabinet. So I don’t have a problem with HF or their marketing campaign. They’re in business to make money. I do have a problem with the GJ members who buy into a marketing gimmick, hook, line & sinker. We should know better.

I get what you’re saying, but I haven’t seen anyone here who has outwardly displayed falling for their marketing gimmick. I have already invested around $600 (a rough estimate) into the Icon tools I’ve purchased. No, I haven’t used all of them. I’d say maybe a dozen sockets, all four of my ratchets and three breaker bars. I started off with the breaker bars because that’s all that was available at the time. They worked great and were overall better than my Craftsman breaker bars which are uncomfortable and only go up to 18”. I was pleased with how well the 25” handled. Bought it with a rare coupon that they had issued some time back making the total $39.99. Once the sockets came out, I bought a couple sets to use on my vehicles to do some preventative maintenance before winter. They worked just as good as my Craftsman and SK’s. The Icon ratchets were also a pleasure to use and got the job done.

The point I’m making is that Harbor Freight didn’t reinvent the wheel with these tools. They’re certainly not “tool truck quality”, but they’re good tools for what they are... another Taiwanese made option that gets the job done. I’d put them at DIY level and maybe good for the occasional pro? Time will tell. I just don’t think the bashing they’re getting for how short of a time they’ve been on the market is fair. I also look at the negative Nancy’s who are bashing the brand as clueless dopes. Sorry, not sorry. Those guys opinions don’t mean squat to my wallet. I will personally never buy anything from Snap On because I don’t need it and I don’t work on stuff enough to justify spending an arm and a leg. I don’t turn wrenches for a living, I count pills. Icon’s copycat sockets do what I need them to do and if anyone has an issue with that... well, they can get bent.

 

[BrandoJames]

It's almost as if it's a well-known phrase in common usage....

I wonder what "well-known phrase" we're talking about. Could it possibly be...

"Icon is Flying off the Shelves"

Next time that's posted = Tequila Shot.

 

[Fedwrench]

Thanks for your comment.

I looked up the Icon ratcheting wrenches and found this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-metric-professional-ratcheting-combination-wrench-set-64841.html

I can't tell, without your comment, that it was a boxed-end ratcheting wrench set.

Would you explain the difference of ratcheting wrenches in terms of boxed-end vs. spline, and how I can tell the difference?

In particular, which type are these Tektons:

https://www.tekton.com/ratcheting-combination-wrenches

https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-combination-wrenches

Thanks!

The Tekton's have a 6 point ratcheting boxed end because it's six sided like the head of a bolt Spline looks like this: http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/product/view/id/11457/category/96/

If you read the link, spline can fit a variety of fasteners but, it can also be unforgiving and damage fasteners if you use the incorrect size. hopes this helps.

 

[sk farmer]

i don't know anything compared to brandojames...but the hf closest to me was 50 miles away. i was there on a monday and the shelves of icon tools where nearly empty. now in my part of the world depending on who you do business with and where the truck comes from your shipment may come on........well most any day of the week. so if the truck comes sunday night the shelves may be ful on monday but if the truck comes on thursday the shelves may not be full til friday.

anyhow, i actually bought some unlike many of the others and the stuff i bought looks and performs well. will it last long term? that remains to be seen but anyone who tells you otherwise without using or buying such tools? well use your own common sense .

 

[giants]

The Tekton's have a 6 point ratcheting boxed end because it's six sided like the head of a bolt Spline looks like this: http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/product/view/id/11457/category/96/

If you read the link, spline can fit a variety of fasteners but, it can also be unforgiving and damage fasteners if you use the incorrect size. hopes this helps.

I'm confused. So spline = 12 point and ratcheting boxed-end = 6 point?

 

[Spacey_G]

I'm confused. So spline = 12 point and ratcheting boxed-end = 6 point?

6 point, 12 point, and spline are all particular types of box ends you'll find on wrenches, both fixed and ratcheting.

6 point is a hex shape, 12 point is two hex shapes, and spline is a special curved shape that fits on hex fasteners.

 

[Yarpo]

I'm confused. So spline = 12 point and ratcheting boxed-end = 6 point?

You can have just about any kind of ratcheting box end you could want...

Spline, Etorx, 6 point, 12 point, etc

 

[Cheapskate]

It’s impossible to take every tool home.

You are mistaken my friend.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_E5sW6-kL8g" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[giants]

Here's an interesting review:

Icon is a similar design, but superior to Tekton in ratchets.

Carlyle is identical to Icon, down to the 4 teeth on each of the open ends, Bonney/v-shaped design, and thickness.

The reviewer claimed that the teeth reduce the risk of rounding off fasteners. I've never seen teeth on an open-end wrench and would think that they would increase the risk of rounding off. What do you think?

 

[CR888]

From what ICON tools I've seen so far, I think you can do better buying other high quality Taiwan tools. But often you needs to self warranty them & I imagine HF would be pretty good about warranty should you keep your receipts.

 

[Cheapskate]

I dropped in at my local Harbor Freight this morning to check out the Icon line. I’ve shopped at HF before, but not for ratchets/sockets/combo wrenches. Here’s what I found:

Ratchets: So all the Icon 3/8” flex head ratchets must be sold out. Oh, I forgot. All the 3/8” flex heads were recalled, lol. Let’s move on. I check the Icon 1/2” flex head soft grip (90 tooth). The first thing you notice is the hard plastic grip. Not comfortable in the hand, not a good start. The chrome shaft and flex head reminds me of my Williams 1/2” flex, they look a lot a like. The give away is Icon’s plastic selector, which reminds me that I’ve got a cheap ratchet in my hand.

I check the other HF ratchets. I must admit, the Pittsburgh-Pro 1/2” Flex soft handle is a nice budget ratchet. It has a black/red trim handle and it’s actually a soft grip. The shaft & flex head (72 tooth) seem pretty solid. Also a plastic selector, but the Pitt-Pro selector has way more resistance and seems quite a bit tighter when I toggle it. A much better ratchet at 10 bucks less.

Sockets: Jesus Christ, the Icon chrome sockets are pure junk. With the ratchet recall, I thought that would be Icon’s achilles heel. Nope—Icon chrome sockets are cover-your-eyes awful. The socket’s inner hex edge feels like cheap tin, like I could peel the inner wall back with my fingers. To be fair, all of the HF chrome sockets—whether Icon, Pitt-Pro or Quinn have the same cheap, flimsy construction. I walk around the aisle to the impact sets. No Icon impact sockets. The only socket set in the store I’d buy is the Pittsburgh-Pro “deep wall” impacts. That’s a credible socket set (despite a few skips). They’re solid in my hand and seem well made.

Wrenches: the combination wrench is where Icon’s “Snap-on fetish” is most evident. I have a few Snap-on combos, and the Icon is a shameless cosmetic copy. Icon’s ratcheting wrenches are all 12 point—I don’t find any 6 point Icon ratcheting wrenches in the store.

The HF Icon line is much worse than I thought. It’s not even the best tool line in the store. The Pittsburgh-Pro line was a pleasant surprise. It’s a credible budget line of tools with real value.

You seem to be making some contradictory posts on this forum. On one hand you claim you can judge a tools quality by handling them for a few minutes in a store without actually using them but in another thread posted on the same day you admit to being a DYIer that "in chrome sockets, I have very few." (and one can therefore assume) doesn't use chrome sockets enough to be an expert on the subject. In the other post you even admit "As a DIYer, I'm probably not the right person to advise you". To me these posts seem completely contradictory. So maybe you could clarify once and for all are you a DYIer that probably shouldn't be advising people about tools or are you an expert that can determine the quality of a tool just by handling it for a few minutes in a store?

I'm a DIYer: in chrome sockets, I have very few. My primary set is my old man's Craftsman USA 6 pt. I'm guessing that's Cr-V but not sure.

I primarily use impact sockets, even on hand tools. I really like Matco's ADV impact sockets, made in Taiwan and reasonably priced at $69 for a 13 pc Metric set. I only use 6 point sockets, whether it's impact or chrome. You're much less likely to strip a fastener with 6 pt sockets.

As an Auto Tech student, you'll put a lot more wear on all of your tools than I will. As a DIYer, I'm probably not the right person to advise you, but there are techs on this board who can. As a father, I'm going to tell you to avoid debt as much as you can. Good luck.

 

[woody6904]

When I picked up my SAE set Saturday nite there was not a metric set on the rack of either the regular or antislip ratchet wrenches. Did not look at the stock of other items.

Used the 9/16 and 3/4 today, no complaints. I do like the longer length, didn't even use a ratchet today. Granted eventually will run into situation being to long but that's what they make shorter and/or flex heads for. I don't see what all the complaining is about, the ratcheting is smooth and didn't notice the sharp edges on the beam as some have said. Will more than likely get the metric set in the future and maybe the stubbies.

Hold on better go make sure the doors are locked, I can already hear the lynch mob coming with their Snapon pitch forks...

 

[WittHay]

The GW 84 tooth ratchet internals are very similar to the icon ratchets. Some people have been complaining about lock ups for years. Harbor Freight clearly failed to learn from the mistakes of others. Quality and quality control wise, Icon is worse than Pittsburgh Pro at this point, let alone Gearwrench.

I think the consensus on Icon is that they are okay for their cost when on sale. Except for the ratcheting wrenches .The same can be said for about 50 other Taiwan brands.

Wasnt going to post in this thread but Justin Dow made a video on Icon sockets after using them for a month. He said the sockets are soft and HF needs to step up quality control

 

[Mikeske]

Hey martha get the popcorn and beer out a tool fight is about to start.....

 

[danski0224]

Just look at the savings you get, HF has clearly spelled out how much you save

I've always felt that this advertising practice is deceptive, and I'm surprised that they continue to be allowed to do it.

 

[BrandoJames]

You seem to be making some contradictory posts on this forum. On one hand you claim you can judge a tools quality by handling them for a few minutes in a store without actually using them but in another thread posted on the same day you admit to being a DYIer that "in chrome sockets, I have very few."

It’s no secret that I’m a DIYer—in fact I mention it quite often on this board. But I’ve been wrenching on cars for over 30 years. My chrome set is an old Craftsman U.S.A. set and it’s clearly much better quality than most of the chrome sets on store shelves today. I’m not the only one on this forum who thinks that. I usually use impacts, but ultimately a socket is a socket.

In the other post you even admit "As a DIYer, I'm probably not the right person to advise you". To me these posts seem completely contradictory. So maybe you could clarify once and for all are you a DYIer that probably shouldn't be advising people about tools or are you an expert

This is getting a bit tiresome. I never claimed to be an “expert”. I think this board is made up primarily of DIYers like me. We do have some techs on the board, and they typically use higher grade professional tools. The young man on the other thread is a student in an Auto Tech program. For someone entering that trade, I do think that someone else should advise him.

 

[DFB]

I was told once I must be an expert

When I first to moved to Maine I went to the local JD dealership as I had moved with my tractor and the old Mainer that owned the place said...

"Soo you an expert hey?"

I said "What?" Thinking to myself why IS this guy giving me ****

And he says to me in his best downeastern maine accent


"Well you from out of state and everytime theys a job opening they got to hire someone from away because...

THEYS AN EXPERT"

 

[BrandoJames]

Justin Dow made a video on Icon sockets after using them for a month. He said the sockets are soft and HF needs to step up quality control

Witt, thanks for that post. My God, that video is devastating. Justin Dow is a YouTube mechanic who’s been HF friendly in past videos. Here he puts the Icon sockets to work for a month and problems already. Interesting how Dow even addresses someone on the HF/Icon team by first name. I think Dow took a professional risk in making this video and deserves credit for that.

This is the second video I’ve seen by a professional tech who’s had problems with Icon sockets in a real shop setting. As “Tool Time” states on his YouTube Icon review:

“Real world icon socket review. Not even a month old. Being used in the diesel repair world. They won't last. They are not professional tools.”

 

[kythri]

Professional risk?

Yeah, Harbor Freight is going to go after his day job as a mechanic.

Just Dow, Client Graphics, Humble Mechanic, Redemption Garage, Den of Tools, all of the so-called "shills" (who I'd remind have been completely up-front that HF seeded them with Icon stuff - the opposite of shill behavior) have made more than a number of comments that HF has asked them to be honest about the tools - don't hold back criticism - and they haven't, with this video as yet another piece of evidence to that.

But, yeah, the Harbor Freight Mafia is going to shut down Justin Dow's business, and his YouTube channel - I wonder if they'll make him sleep with the fishes?!

Yup, lots of risk taking. The only "risk" is that, if HF hasn't been up front with these You Tubers, is that maybe they won't send him free tools anymore. Since the guy has been on You Tube for over a couple years now, I'm sure Don Eric will go easy on him.

 

[DSLTRK]

Witt, thanks for that post. My God, that video is devastating. Justin Dow is a YouTube mechanic who’s been HF friendly in past videos. Here he puts the Icon sockets to work for a month and problems already. Interesting how Dow even addresses someone on the HF/Icon team by first name. I think Dow took a professional risk in making this video and deserves credit for that.

This is the second video I’ve seen by a professional tech who’s had problems with Icon sockets in a real shop setting. As “Tool Time” states on his YouTube Icon review:

“Real world icon socket review. Not even a month old. Being used in the diesel repair world. They won't last. They are not professional tools.”

Oh boy, how many heads are going to roll about this? I thought these were "tool truck quality"?

Professional risk?

Yeah, Harbor Freight is going to go after his day job as a mechanic.

Just Dow, Client Graphics, Humble Mechanic, Redemption Garage, Den of Tools, all of the so-called "shills" (who I'd remind have been completely up-front that HF seeded them with Icon stuff - the opposite of shill behavior) have made more than a number of comments that HF has asked them to be honest about the tools - don't hold back criticism - and they haven't, with this video as yet another piece of evidence to that.

But, yeah, the Harbor Freight Mafia is going to shut down Justin Dow's business, and his YouTube channel - I wonder if they'll make him sleep with the fishes?!

Yup, lots of risk taking. The only "risk" is that, if HF hasn't been up front with these You Tubers, is that maybe they won't send him free tools anymore. Since the guy has been on You Tube for over a couple years now, I'm sure Don Eric will go easy on him.

I certainly see no risk he's experiencing. I mean he already schmoozed HF enough to get all the available ICON tools, PLUS the toolbox, so why continue? What are they gonna do, sue him?

 

[Jtels85]

I’ve followed Justin Dow for awhile now and after watching this video last night, I’m disappointed to say the least. At first, I thought everyone was being overly-critical or full of ****, but not anymore. So I’m going to change my tune...

What are those of us who have already purchased most of these sockets supposed to do? I guess they do work. Mine have worked fine. It’s just disheartening to know they’ll wear out so prematurely. Can’t say I’ll be buying anymore Icon stuff after this. Kinda pissed.

 

[rijndael]

What are those of us who have already purchased most of these sockets supposed to do?

They have a 90 day refund/return policy. Use it.

 

[Spacey_G]

I’ve followed Justin Dow for awhile now and after watching this video last night, I’m disappointed to say the least. At first, I thought everyone was being overly-critical or full of ****, but not anymore. So I’m going to change my tune...

What are those of us who have already purchased most of these sockets supposed to do? I guess they do work. Mine have worked fine. It’s just disheartening to know they’ll wear out so prematurely. Can’t say I’ll be buying anymore Icon stuff after this. Kinda pissed.

It's possible their processes are not well-controlled and some lots have poor heat treatment and others don't. A couple of people getting soft sockets doesn't mean they're all soft.

Its not an excuse for the tool line in general, but it's certainly possible your tools are fine.

 

[Bighead38]

I’m just sad we don’t have a local harbor freight. Would be nice to grab cheap supplies.

 

[kythri]

I’ve followed Justin Dow for awhile now and after watching this video last night, I’m disappointed to say the least. At first, I thought everyone was being overly-critical or full of ****, but not anymore. So I’m going to change my tune...

Well, a lot of the HF haters ARE overly critical and/or full of ****, so you're not completely wrong on that front.

What are those of us who have already purchased most of these sockets supposed to do? I guess they do work. Mine have worked fine. It’s just disheartening to know they’ll wear out so prematurely. Can’t say I’ll be buying anymore Icon stuff after this. Kinda pissed.

I personally wouldn't commit seppuku quite yet, but if you're super worried, return them for a refund, and buy something else.

As has already been mentioned, it's possible that Dow got part of a bad batch - bad heat treat, or whatever.

The sockets in the video look identical to the recently mentioned USA-made Williams that someone recently posted, and people aren't flipping out to rid themselves of anything Williams-branded.

Stuff misses QC all the time, on every brand.

If the issues in the Justin Dow video are indicative of an systemic problem, more people will report it, and there will be a lot more video/photographic evidence of the issue - and ultimately, it'll get fixed.

HF didn't position their "premium" tool brand to fail, or to be a lesser quality than their other offerings. They'll be quite interested in resolving issues with the Icon line.

As others, certainly not excusing the issue, but I don't see the sky falling, either. These are supposedly lifetime warrantied, yeah?

 

[ssdave]

The point I’m making is that Harbor Freight didn’t reinvent the wheel with these tools. They’re certainly not “tool truck quality”, but they’re good tools for what they are... another Taiwanese made option that gets the job done. I’d put them at DIY level and maybe good for the occasional pro? Time will tell. I just don’t think the bashing they’re getting for how short of a time they’ve been on the market is fair. I also look at the negative Nancy’s who are bashing the brand as clueless dopes. Sorry, not sorry. Those guys opinions don’t mean squat to my wallet. I will personally never buy anything from Snap On because I don’t need it and I don’t work on stuff enough to justify spending an arm and a leg. I don’t turn wrenches for a living, I count pills. Icon’s copycat sockets do what I need them to do and if anyone has an issue with that... well, they can get bent.

What are those of us who have already purchased most of these sockets supposed to do? I guess they do work. Mine have worked fine. It’s just disheartening to know they’ll wear out so prematurely. Can’t say I’ll be buying anymore Icon stuff after this. Kinda pissed.

You do bipolar much?

So, you bought some cheap tools. Because you're a DIY pharmacist, not a pro. You read GJ, but discount what a lot of guys that have been through this before have learned; those that have learned by hard experience are clueless dopes. As you pointed out in an earlier post, you're different, and smarter, and have managed to avoid the trap of actually paying serious money for better tools by going to H.F. You trust the marketing hype the biggest purveyor of the lowest quality tools widely available in the US puts out there. Then, just because you see one video on youtube that says the tools won't stand up to diesel mechanic use, you decide they're junk.

How about just using the tools you were so proud of yesterday, and be happy in the savings in cost that you were so defensive of yesterday? Those tools are the same as they were yesterday, you still have all the savings from buying them in your pocket or bank account, and you still own them and can use them. There's a range of experiences and needs and requirements for tools among all of us. We don't need to do the same as everybody else, or do what the pro's do, or buy what the most demanding among us need. If you wear out these tools, or they don't perform, do some research and buy something a bit better.

Maybe you don't need Snap-on, or maybe you do. But, HF and Snap-on aren't the only games in town. There's a whole range of tools out there that fall between those extremes, that meet a lot of intermediate needs. One of the things I would do is avoid the highly promoted and hyped up tools (HF is the poster child for this). If the tools won't sell themselves by their quality and usability, then the retailer has to go overboard in marketing them. (When I was studying advertising and marketing in college, one of the axioms is to take the products biggest weakness and market how great it is in that area). People will believe that hype over their own perceptions; they will see the "Professional" on HF tools, and believe that over what they see in the actual tool design.

How about using the tools you bought for a couple of years, and post updates on how they do. You might be surprised, and they will meet your needs well.

 

[DSLTRK]

I’ve followed Justin Dow for awhile now and after watching this video last night, I’m disappointed to say the least. At first, I thought everyone was being overly-critical or full of ****, but not anymore. So I’m going to change my tune...

What are those of us who have already purchased most of these sockets supposed to do? I guess they do work. Mine have worked fine. It’s just disheartening to know they’ll wear out so prematurely. Can’t say I’ll be buying anymore Icon stuff after this. Kinda pissed.

You could probably do yourself a service by listening to others on GJ, instead of lambasting them and insinuating they're Snap-On fanboys. I find it funny that you think the professional mechanic's opinion is s***, but anything Justin says is gospel.

There are many here that tell it like it is and actually use tools everyday. If there is an issue, it will be brought up. Most here are not given anything for 'free' or expect anything in return. One of the many reasons I still like the forum.

It's possible their processes are not well-controlled and some lots have poor heat treatment and others don't. A couple of people getting soft sockets doesn't mean they're all soft.

Its not an excuse for the tool line in general, but it's certainly possible your tools are fine.

Let's try not to make excuses. It takes money to make sockets with a tough resilient steel. More complex tempering cycles, more expensive steel alloys.

Socket sets that sell for $20 bucks RETAIL are not going to have the highest wear-ability or best alloy.

Same deal when my Williams USA sockets were deforming, people started to jump in questioning a bad batch, saying they never had issues, etc, NO. They've been purposely made that way in the past, present and most likely the future. They're also a much cheaper alternative as well.

 

[Mr_B]

^^
hahaha
I had noticed that
trouble is most people don't know **** from clay and got no idea how choose wisely or deal with bad purchases.
In this case he in luck due to 90 day return .
USE the 90 day warranty, don't keep the **** sockets, you can get better for same or less money no bother and better design . GW are better socket, oem are better sockeks, infar are better sockets, toptul are better sockets, even tekton are a better socket .
I used sockets and ratchets daily for over 3 decades and can tell you without dought the icon sockets and ratchets are a poor option and easy buy better for same or less cost .
Ratchet wrenches only good item they got currently ...

 

[M6erfan]

Not sure if this has been posted already, but here's another not so great review of the sockets...

 

[dnschmidt]

"No one in his right mind would pay Gearwrench prices for ICON." Apparently there are a huge number of crazy people living here in Arizona as my local HF can't put them on the shelves fast enough to keep the merchandisers full.

I myself, Mr. TOPTUL, bought the half price coupon ICON SAE deep wells as TOPTUL doesn't make a six point SAE deep well set so I couldn't order one when I was in the business. These ICON sockets seem fine to me. I'm not going to put them on an Impact and I'm not going to use them with cheater bars I'm just going to use them for the purpose for which they were designed: (THAT'S TO LOOSEN AND TIGHTEN NUTS AND BOLTS) I'm quite certain they will do that satisfactorily. In the final analysis who gives a ****?

 

[kythri]

Not sure if this has been posted already, but here's another not so great review of the sockets...

This is the video of the goon who beat on his sockets with a sledge.

 

[montanafordman]

I don't understand how people are so disappointed if the sockets/tools don't perform under harsh and professional circumstances like some of the high end tools. What did you expect from a $20 socket set? Sure the truck brands cost an exorbitant amount due to the overhead of running a truck, and you pay for the name, - but they're also engineered and manufactured to a much higher standard. I don't think that can even be debated.

The Icon tools look nice, sure. And if you need to change out the carburetor on your lawn mower, or change the occasional fuel or water pump on your car or pickup they will likely do the job just fine for the average HF shopper. I'm sure they will even hold up fine for farm use getting beat on some but every day use in a flat rate diesel shop? Lets limit our expectations some. This is a consumer grade tool that should be considered a consumable I don't care what their marketing says. Expect to replace some sockets or wrenches from time to time, and much more often then you would a truck tool. You can't expect truck tool durability and longevity for such low cost when the iron ore has to be mined, milled, forged into sockets, heat treated/tempered, plated, packaged and shipped halfway around the world for such a low cost.

 

[M6erfan]

This is the video of the goon who beat on his sockets with a sledge.

Oh, lol

 

[lardy1]

In the final analysis who gives a ****?

After suffering through three seemingly endless Icon threads, the voice of reason.

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

I will FREELY admit, one of the Youtube reviewers is hard to watch because of his dirty ***, crusty teeth! He should spend some of his loot on a Braun toothbrush instead of more sockets! Sheesh!!!