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Icon offset wrench set

AJHD

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While I'm not personally sold on the Icon brand, and I actually think they are overpriced/over hyped for what they are (imported tools), I just wanted to share my initial impressions (pseudo-unboxing of sorts) of this Icon metric 10mm-19mm 60 degree offset double box end wrench set.

I've not used them yet, as I said this is my initial impressions, so opinions could change with time and use. I also only own one other Icon tool, a 1/2" ratchet I've actually never used, but also never got around to returning (too late for that now).

Having said all of that, I like these wrenches so much I had to post about them. There also isn't much out there about these. I only found 1 or 2 videos. In general it's difficult to find honest Icon tool reviews from the non-HF shills that HF recruited (gave free tools to) when Icon was released. But anyway...

I have to say these are damn nice wrenches for $60. A bit more than I was wanting to spend, but I think they are a good alternative to the cheaper (Sunex, Geardrive, Duratech, etc.) or the more expensive (Capri, Dewalt, Tekton, etc.) sets out there. There just isn't much to choose from in the offset wrench world.

It's not a crucial hard use tool for me, but I've wanted a set. I wasn't about to pay tool truck prices for them. And let me be clear, these are NOT Snap On wrenches. A good copy perhaps, but I won't be comparing the two brands otherwise.

Overall, they feel good in my hand, they don't feel cheap or like holding a brick. The chrome is nice. I posted a picture comparing them to a few other wrenches. Not the best pictures, especially with the glare. The chrome is so reflective, it's like a mirror. I found no burrs or rough/sharp edges anywhere. The broaching seems even, smooth and centered. I didn't measure them, but the 60 degree offset is nice and not as "extreme" as the 75 degree variety, but more than 15 degree or 40 degree. While I don't plan to use it, the set did come in a nice hard plastic "organizer". I also feel like they didn't have to compensate for terrible quality by making the beams or ends overly thick (or cheap out by making them too thin for that matter).

 
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Fedwrench

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Nice looking wrench set :thumbup:

I haven't fully embraced the Icon brand but, I like the few Icon items I've picked up on sale. Please let us know how they work out for after using them for awhile.

I think Harbor Freight would be better off if they lightened up on the snap on comparison/competition, and focused on just marketing the merits of the particular Icon tool.
 
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AJHD

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Nice looking wrench set :thumbup:

I haven't fully embraced the Icon brand but, I like the few Icon items I've picked up on sale. Please let us know how they work out for after using them for awhile.

I think Harbor Freight would be better off if they lightened up on the snap on comparison/competition, and focused on just marketing the merits of the particular Icon tool.

I've got some more work to do on my car, so I'll try and use them for that or anything else that comes up in the near future.

As I said, I'm not sold on the Icon brand either. But there are a few things I'd like to buy and see if they are really any good.
I just wish HF would put Icon on sale more often or have more Icon coupons. I'm sure they're selling just fine, but it may help to encourage more people to buy them, and consequently be more likely to buy more in the future. It's amazing what a 10%+ off coupon can do.
 

M635_Guy

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I've managed to wind up with a number of Icon tools and I've been very happy with all of it :dunno:

I have their screwdriver set, the long double box-end flex ratcheting wrenches, the double box ratcheting set, two roto and one pear-head ratchets and a set of 3/8" sockets, and they're all excellent tools IMHO.
 
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AJHD

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A couple months ago Amazon was selling Stahlwille deep offset DBE wrench sets for $67.

20170209130605-77ea794f-xx.jpg



Those Icons look great if you prefer the polished chrome finish though.

If that deal comes up again, honestly I would still jump on it. It was a great deal and I'm kicking myself for not buying them. But at normal price it's approaching tool truck prices. I also don't need the additional sizes.
 

qqzj

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You know why they are cheaper? These wrenches are much shorter than similar double box end deep offset wrenches. Those are typically huge wrenches. Way longer than the ordinary wrenches used in your comparison. That is why the price seems lower. But if you just want a short set, they look great.
 

lardy1

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I bought a 5 piece set of DeWalt in SAE. Very similar looking. The Icon was on my radar but I live around 35 miles from a Harbor Freight store. I hope they work out well for you. They sure are pretty.
 

drtyler

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You know why they are cheaper? These wrenches are much shorter than similar double box end deep offset wrenches. Those are typically huge wrenches. Way longer than the ordinary wrenches used in your comparison. That is why the price seems lower. But if you just want a short set, they look great.

Incorrect.

Using the Snap-on 60 degree offset and the Stahlwille 20 series as comparisons with the ICON, the lengths are close. On average, the Snap-on are the shortest, but all measures are close.

The zero degree offset double box wrenches are typically longer.
 

Black300zx

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I bought the same set early last year for a suspension project which had some recessed blind fasteners where deep-offset DBE wrenches are really helpful. I chose the ICON over other similarly priced options for a couple reasons:
1 - I have several HFs within a 20 minute radius, with another under construction. Easy returns if needed
2 - The Craftsman option wasn't stocked at any Lowes remotely close to me, and I wanted something I could pick up same day
3 - (most satisfying IMO) The set pairs 17/19 on the same wrench and 13/15 on the same wrench. On my Z, all suspension bolts are 17 or 19, so I can just grab one wrench and crawl under my car. Likewise my F150 has a lot of 13/15, so again I can grab one wrench and do a lot of work.

I've been happy with them, and I'd buy them again if needed.
 
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AJHD

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You know why they are cheaper? These wrenches are much shorter than similar double box end deep offset wrenches. Those are typically huge wrenches. Way longer than the ordinary wrenches used in your comparison. That is why the price seems lower. But if you just want a short set, they look great.

I too also have to disagree, at least generally speaking... I don't own any other wrenches of this type to compare the Icon to, but thankfully manufactures do list dimensions...

So comparing the largest wrench in most of these sets, say a 17mm x 19mm;

Icon 60 degree = 10.5" overall
Snap On 60 degree = 10.23" overall
Capri 75 degree = 11.75" overall
Tekton 40 degree = 9.7" overall
Proto 40 degree? = 11.3" overall
Stahlwille 75 degree = 10.9" overall

Duratech/Geardrive 75 degree (18mm x 19mm) = 10.6" overall

Sunex 45 degree = Could not find specs
Dewalt 75 degree (18mm x 19mm) = Could not find specs

As another comparison, a standard handle length flank drive plus 19mm combination wrench from Snap On is approximately 10.9" overall.

In summary, the size difference is negotiable and for 99.99% of situations should not matter. I also don't see overall length affecting price as much as other factors.
 

Alpine4x4

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I have the 0* offset ratcheting double boxes on the way currently. Found them on Ebay for 30% off. If HF started doing more 25% off sales on Icon I would definitely look harder at some of their offerings. You're correct, there is very little info out there about them other than the paid reviewers, I cant imagine them to be that bad of quality at the price and warranty exchange is easy for me.
 
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AJHD

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I have the 0* offset ratcheting double boxes on the way currently. Found them on Ebay for 30% off. If HF started doing more 25% off sales on Icon I would definitely look harder at some of their offerings. You're correct, there is very little info out there about them other than the paid reviewers, I cant imagine them to be that bad of quality at the price and warranty exchange is easy for me.

That's actually one of the Icon tools I'd like to buy in the future. I like the idea of having a non-ratcheting side to break the bolt loose and a ratcheting side to finish the job.

It's just a bit expensive to drop $200 on a Taiwan wrench set. But I would personally buy the Icon version over the Gearwrench version if for no other reason the ease of local warranty (or return).

I already have the Mountain double ratcheting set (which I'd also replace with the Icon version if I was buying them again), and a few individual Snap On non-ratcheting zero degree wrenches. I like having several different style/size wrenches because they all come in handy eventually.
 

dstblj52

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I bought a 5 piece set of DeWalt in SAE. Very similar looking. The Icon was on my radar but I live around 35 miles from a Harbor Freight store. I hope they work out well for you. They sure are pretty.
wouldnt shock me the dewalt ratcheting wrenches and the icon are both newtool/hi-five oemed tools
 

Alpine4x4

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That's actually one of the Icon tools I'd like to buy in the future. I like the idea of having a non-ratcheting side to break the bolt loose and a ratcheting side to finish the job.

It's just a bit expensive to drop $200 on a Taiwan wrench set. But I would personally buy the Icon version over the Gearwrench version if for no other reason the ease of local warranty (or return).

I already have the Mountain double ratcheting set (which I'd also replace with the Icon version if I was buying them again), and a few individual Snap On non-ratcheting zero degree wrenches. I like having several different style/size wrenches because they all come in handy eventually.
Thats exactly why I bought them. Long with a static end to break loose, then ratchet the rest of the way. I looked at Mountain and Gear Wrench as well. I paid $129.99 on ebay for my Icon set, definitely worthwhile. I may get the snappy non ratcheting offsets in the future, but I can buy a lot of Icon for the same price. I too just keep buying different tools as its really nice to have the exact right tool for the job. Certain scenarios these will be better than a standard box end. Not necessary, but very handy.
 

Old Donn

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Picked up a standard and metric set of Craftsman offsets on sale back when. Don't think I've ever used them, but if the need arises,,,,,
 
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AJHD

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Thats exactly why I bought them. Long with a static end to break loose, then ratchet the rest of the way. I looked at Mountain and Gear Wrench as well. I paid $129.99 on ebay for my Icon set, definitely worthwhile. I may get the snappy non ratcheting offsets in the future, but I can buy a lot of Icon for the same price. I too just keep buying different tools as its really nice to have the exact right tool for the job. Certain scenarios these will be better than a standard box end. Not necessary, but very handy.

Just for fun I looked on eBay. There is a metric set for $140 w/ free shipping. Not buying it right now, but that is $40 cheaper than retail.
 

Alpine4x4

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Just for fun I looked on eBay. There is a metric set for $140 w/ free shipping. Not buying it right now, but that is $40 cheaper than retail.
I paid 21 cents less than that for my set from Ebay. Solid price.
 

gmcgeo

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While I'm not personally sold on the Icon brand, and I actually think they are overpriced/over hyped for what they are (imported tools), I just wanted to share my initial impressions (pseudo-unboxing of sorts) of this Icon metric 10mm-19mm 60 degree offset double box end wrench set.
I purchased the Icon snap ring plier set....... then returned them.... very disappointed.

The box said icon, but the pliers did not have one label on them saying icon?
I do not see the quality like my craftsman snap ring pliers.

Now i do have a stubby Icon 3/8 ratchet. I love that thing.
 
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