Icon 3/8" split beam torque wrench

[AJHD]

Does anyone out there actually own an Icon 3/8" split beam torque wrench?
Have you used it? What's your opinion? Construction, function, accuracy?

I'd like to pick up a 3/8" torque wrench and for my needs and preferences, a split beam will work.
I've had a Snap On 1/2" split beam since 2017.

Oddly enough, at least for this product, Icon seems cheaper than the competition at $100 (without a coupon/discount).

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-20-100-ft-lb-professional-split-beam-torque-wrench-59108.html

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I'm planning to pick one up soon. HF is having a buy 4 or more Icon Hand tools get 25% off everything coupon that just started.

I need a 3/8 torque wrench, actually need, not like the 3/4" drive sockets or slugging wrenches I keep thinking and talking about. My only two torque measurement tools are a Wheeler bit driver and a 1/2" drive 50 to 250 ft pounds torque wrench.

I forget the specific manufacturer of these torque wrenches but I recall reading they are a great value for the price, and Tekton uses them too. The Tekton ones are $120 compared to HF Icon $100, for what appears to be exactly the same torque wrench.

3/8 Inch Drive 72-Tooth Split Beam Torque Wrench (ft-lb) | TEKTON

3/8 inch drive split beam torque wrench. Range from 20-100 ft/lb. TRQ62103.

www.tekton.com

Tekton seems to be fairly priced, and HF constantly offers 25% off coupons. Tekton gives 10% rewards, so the Tekton is $108 whereas the Icon is $75.

I'm not sure if Tekton is over inflating their profit margin on these, or if HF is selling them at cost or even a loss leader. Or if Tekton has to pay more due to buying fewer than HF does from the manufacturer.

Just because the same manufacturer makes the same tool for two places doesnt mean it's exactly the same, but in the case of a Torque Wrench, it's probably exactly the same.

 

[AJHD]

I'm planning to pick one up soon. HF is having a buy 4 or more Icon Hand tools get 25% off everything coupon that just started.

I need a 3/8 torque wrench, actually need, not like the 3/4" drive sockets or slugging wrenches I keep thinking and talking about. My only two torque measurement tools are a Wheeler bit driver and a 1/2" drive 50 to 250 ft pounds torque wrench.

That's partly what has me interested too. I wasn't looking to spend that much right now but honestly; I don't buy anything from HF without a coupon or discount.

I also only have a 1/2" torque wrench. It's used almost exclusively for lug nuts, and I don't have anything for 3/8" without using an adapter. I do have a nifty 1/2" to 3/8" extension from Snap On though. That doesn't solve lower torque measurements, however.

 

[Madjik Man]

The Tekton split beams come with calibration certificates. Icon does not.

Icon comes in a nicer case.

If that means anything.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

What interests me is I dont have any torque wrench for 3/8 and in between ranges. I have the wheeler for very small stuff and the 1/2" drive micrometer style for bigger stuff 50 ftpounds and higher.

I think once I get more into car stuff, I probably want a micrometer style for 3/8 but the good ones are a lot more expensive than the $75 (After coupon) this HF one is, and I think it's reasonable to have two 3/8 torque wrenches.

The split beam is supposed to be a more durable design than the micrometer, that doesn't get out of calibration as easily. And having two torque wrenches of the same range means you can use one to test the other. So it seems worthwhile to get this HF one as a first one and it will still have uses even if I get a nicer one later.

 

[AJHD]

The Tekton split beams come with calibration certificates. Icon does not.

Icon comes in a nicer case.

If that means anything.

Actually, it does come with a cal cert... At least per HF's website and it's also printed on the retail box.

This high-accuracy torque wrench comes with a factory certificate of calibration and can be recalibrated. Like all ICON® hand tools, this torque wrench is backed by a hassle-free, manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-20-100-ft-lb-professional-split-beam-torque-wrench-59108.html

 

[Madjik Man]

Actually, it does come with a cal cert... At least per HF's website and it's also printed on the retail box.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-20-100-ft-lb-professional-split-beam-torque-wrench-59108.html

Interesting. I know when they first came out that was one of the bigger concerns.

Nice that they made the change.

 

[Callelle]

Actually, it does come with a cal cert... At least per HF's website and it's also printed on the retail box.

I was gonna say, I just got the in/lb 3/8 Icon torque wrench a few weeks ago and mine had a cert.

 

[bigredcornhead]

I am considering this as well but would like the 3/8 get lower range as well 5-20 foot lbs, considering electronic Quinn, also wondering if HF Icon will get a digital version of 3/8th flex head torque, or if the Quinn is it?

 

[bcradio]

I love my 1/2 and 3/8 icon split beams

 

[M635_Guy]

I have the 3/8" and the 1/2" Icon split beams. I like how much flex angle they have. The adjustment/setting is very easy. It feels beefy and well-made. The case is great, though the one for the 1/2" is unnecessarily wide/long and required an angle in the drawer of my Full Bank:

(I've since upgraded to a 56" box, so no longer an issue).

Tools Tested channel did his 1000-cycle test on both of these, and they both won his shootout. Surprisingly, the Tekton 3/8" didn't fare very well.

I'd definitely recommend it.

 

[FigN⋅m]

I have the 3/8" and the 1/2" Icon split beams.

Tools Tested channel did his 1000-cycle test on both of these, and they both won his shootout. Surprisingly, the Tekton 3/8" didn't fare very well.

I'd definitely recommend it.

Not a fanboy by any means, but I recall the Tekton tested was the old style that has since been revamped.
I feel they are all fairly on par with each other at this point and I would trust just about any of them.

 

[bcradio]

I ended up throwing my cases away as they were so big. My toolbox is my case now. Was initially nervous to throw them out, but I do not miss them

 

[M635_Guy]

Not a fanboy by any means, but I recall the Tekton tested was the old style that has since been revamped.
I feel they are all fairly on par with each other at this point and I would trust just about any of them.

He tested the updated ones, and they were better, but not better than Icon.
(I know people think I'm a fanboi for Icon/HF, but I'm really not. If they sucked I'd be putting that out there for sure)

I've got a fair bit of Tekton, and zero beef with them at all. I was surprised to see them stumble with this one, but while he can't say he's got a sample size that proves anything, the information he does have would have pushed me to Icon anyway ( I don't think Tekton had a 3/8" when I got mine)

 

[Hakeem]

I have it and love it. Much nicer to use than the micrometer style. 90t flex head lets you use it in tight areas, click is easy to hear and feel even at lower torque settings.

I bought the Tekton to compare but as far as I could tell, they are the exact same wrench except for the ratchet head - the icon has a smaller, higher tooth count ratchet. Otherwise in my light usage they handled and worked indistinguishably from another.



Nicer case on the Icon:


Mine came with a calibration certificate. I haven’t had it tested for accuracy, nor do I have many other points of comparison, but I love it. Easy and satisfying to use. I don’t even use a 1/2”, all the cars I work on top out at 90ftlbs so this is all i need (1/4” notwithstanding).

THAT SAID …. If I was to do it again I would maybe considering spending the extra for the Precision Instruments 3/8” split beam just for the all metal design:



What a gorgeous looking tool and “only” $170 on Amazon right now …….

 

[oldschoolcraft]

THAT SAID …. If I was to do it again I would maybe considering spending the extra for the Precision Instruments 3/8” split beam just for the all metal design:



What a gorgeous looking tool and “only” $170 on Amazon right now …….

Looks pretty! The Icon is $75 after the 25% off coupons though, so this would be more than 2x the cost.

I always thought that these split beams are supposed to be cheaper, otherwise if you want to spend money drop $250 or so on a Proto Micrometer style handle

 

[Wamsutta]

Looks pretty! The Icon is $75 after the 25% off coupons though, so this would be more than 2x the cost.

The only thing is, the Icon might not be serviceable if that means anything to you.

 

[Hakeem]

Looks pretty! The Icon is $75 after the 25% off coupons though, so this would be more than 2x the cost.

I always thought that these split beams are supposed to be cheaper, otherwise if you want to spend money drop $250 or so on a Proto Micrometer style handle

Right, it would be an indulgence for sure.

I’m no expert but what I’ve seen is the micrometer style offer 1-2% greater accuracy and higher resolution of torque. While the 20-100ftlb split beam wrenches offer 2ftlb resolution, the 50-250ftlb wrenches only have 5ftlb resolution.

The only thing is, the Icon might not be serviceable if that means anything to you.

Fear not, they included this magnet:

 

[oldschoolcraft]

The only thing is, the Icon might not be serviceable if that means anything to you.

How much is the cost of service of the $170 version? I'd guess it's $50 to $100 when you add in shipping both ways?

If I could get another new Icon one for $75 instead of paying $50 to service the $170 one, then it would be a few lifetimes before it was cheaper to get the $170 one.

Of course, if the $170 one is better, requires service less often, maybe it only requires service every 5 years where the Icon needs to be replaced every one year, then it would be in favor of the nicer one.

Do these things go bad over time? Or is it a number of times used thing? Because I won't be using it that much.

 

[Wamsutta]

How much is the cost of service of the $170 version? I'd guess it's $50 to $100 when you add in shipping both ways?

If I could get another new Icon one for $75 instead of paying $50 to service the $170 one, then it would be a few lifetimes before it was cheaper to get the $170 one.

Of course, if the $170 one is better, requires service less often, maybe it only requires service every 5 years where the Icon needs to be replaced every one year, then it would be in favor of the nicer one.

Do these things go bad over time? Or is it a number of times used thing? Because I won't be using it that much.

You might consider calling one of the torque calibration labs before purchasing the ICON.

They might be able to tell you whether they can calibrate it and how long that specific wrench is expected to stay in calibration.

TEAM TORQUE

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Picked up my HF Icon Torque Wrench today for $75 with the coupon. It feels cheaper than I hoped, the handle feels like a cheap plastic and isn't secured as cleanly as I'd like BUT for $75, I think it's well worth it. It did come with a calibration paper.

I'm a bit surprised that it's not exactly the same as the Tekton, it looks like the head is slightly different. I thought for sure it was exactly the same but I guess it isn't. Probably made in the same factory though the font and everything looks identical on the torque measuring part.

 

[AJHD]

Picked up my HF Icon Torque Wrench today for $75 with the coupon. It feels cheaper than I hoped, the handle feels like a cheap plastic and isn't secured as cleanly as I'd like BUT for $75, I think it's well worth it. It did come with a calibration paper.

What coupon? Are you taking about the "buy 4 tools get 25% off" coupon?

As for the handle, I wonder how it compares to the Snap On version. I've had my 1/2" Snap On since 2017, it's been used in professional shops and never had an issue with the plastic or rubber. It definitely doesn't feel cheap. But just from looking at it, the Icon handle definitely looks cheaper. I wish I could actually handle it.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

What coupon? Are you taking about the "buy 4 tools get 25% off" coupon?

Yes

 

[M635_Guy]

Picked up my HF Icon Torque Wrench today for $75 with the coupon. It feels cheaper than I hoped, the handle feels like a cheap plastic and isn't secured as cleanly as I'd like BUT for $75, I think it's well worth it. It did come with a calibration paper.

I'm a bit surprised that it's not exactly the same as the Tekton, it looks like the head is slightly different. I thought for sure it was exactly the same but I guess it isn't. Probably made in the same factory though the font and everything looks identical on the torque measuring part.

It also has more angle than the Tekton (15° vs 10°), and more teeth too (90 vs. 72).

I'm not sure why anyone thinks they're the same. They look similar, but not close to the same.

 

[M635_Guy]

You might consider calling one of the torque calibration labs before purchasing the ICON.

They might be able to tell you whether they can calibrate it and how long that specific wrench is expected to stay in calibration.

TEAM TORQUE

LoL - of course they can calibrate it.

For what the OP is doing, the likely need for calibration is probably "never". My old SO 3/8" hasn't been calibrated in the dozen years I've owned it, but is still just fine. My other torque wrenches are made in England or Taiwan (3 from Icon and a Tekton), and the ones that have been used are all... just fine (my shop has a tester, and they've checked 'em when I asked). The Quinn Digital I have was nearly perfect on their tester the one time I had them check it.

If I ever get to the point where I'm rebuilding a motor I'll have them all looked at again I guess. But over 3 or 4 videos where he puts torque wrenches through 1000 cycles and tests before and after, the guy at Tools Tested has given me enough confidence in the Icon torque wrenches. They've won every time (he's not happy about that ). Since the sample size is small it isn't Data, but it's directionally-solid information, and enough for me.

 

[seber]

My split beams are over ten years old and have never been calibrated. But just out of curiosity I checked them with a bending beam. Both are spot on. There is no reason for a split beam to ever lose accuracy short of damage.

 

[Madjik Man]

I was gonna say, I just got the in/lb 3/8 Icon torque wrench a few weeks ago and mine had a cert.

Out of curiosity is it serial number specific like Tekton's certs?

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Out of curiosity is it serial number specific like Tekton's certs?

There is a serial number, yes. On the Icon 3/8 split beam I bought yesterday.

 

[Madjik Man]

There is a serial number, yes. On the Icon 3/8 split beam I bought yesterday.

Does the calibration cert have that same serial number on it?

Tekton's:

 

[AJHD]

Does the calibration cert have that same serial number on it?

That would be ******* stupid to include a calibration certificate but not tie it to a specific serial number.

 

[no704]

I’ve bought lots of cheap instruments that come with a cal cert paper, sometimes multiple of the same. Cal certs are identical.

 

[FigN⋅m]

Mine just said S.W.A.K.

 

[Madjik Man]

That would be ******* stupid to include a calibration certificate but not tie it to a specific serial number.

I agree.

But this is Harbor Freight we’re talking about. It’s worth the ask.

 

[Callelle]

Out of curiosity is it serial number specific like Tekton's certs?

Yeah, I have a cert with a serial number that's also laser etched onto the torque wrench.

 

[KSJeff]

Grabbed one today and tested it at 60lbs against some known 60lb bolts (beam supports against my basement walls that are tightened to 60lbs) and they were spot on.

Not an official calibration by any means, but it matches my matco 1/2" drive wrench @60lbs.

Thanks for posting this up. I never got this coupon and grabbed this, two pairs of pliers and the scraper today. Thanks OP!

 

[General Geoff]

The case is great, though the one for the 1/2" is unnecessarily wide/long and required an angle in the drawer of my Full Bank:

I got my dad that same wrench and it wouldn't fit anywhere in his HF roller cabinet so we hung it on the wall right above. The fancy case with plastic window panel is just too much lol

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have the 1/2" version just for lug nuts and nothing critical. The handle is a little short and the lock off tab is spline so the knob has to be turned just right for it to fold completely down. I do like the flex part and the high tooth ratchet.

I own a 3/8 PI and don't have a problem flipping the switch up but it's a low tooth ratchet. For the money and warranty, the Icon seems like a good buy.

 

[Theronswanson]

The Tekton split beams come with calibration certificates. Icon does not.

Icon comes in a nicer case.

If that means anything.

They definitely come with a calibration certificate.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

They definitely come with a calibration certificate.

Peter certified mine, too! We are Calibration Eskimo Brothers!

 

[Theronswanson]

Peter certified mine, too! We are Calibration Eskimo Brother!