Icon Ratchets vs. Gearwrench 90t

[The Critic]

Looking to purchase a set of flex-head ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2") for a mobile tool kit. I prefer soft-grip ratchets.

I am considering the GW 81298t kit, but noticed that Icon has similar ratchets at the same price point.



I haven't been following the ratchet scene in recent years, so would appreciate any feedback from the group.

Thanks!

 

[BrandonV]

GW for sure. Feels better to me and the chrome on the Icon seems worse in terms of durability.

 

[bowtie57]

For what it's worth. My favorite 1/4" drive flex head ratchet is the GW 120xp. I have an ICON 3/8" drive flex head that I really like. I'm sure you'll be satisfied either way.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

No opinions or experience with either but Icon Ratchets are on sale for 40% off in August, per a leaked flyer that made it's way around Reddit, so I would wait for that.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a bunch of the Gearwrench 90T and really like them, especially for the price. Project Farm has done multiple ratchet tests, so you can see how GW compares to Icon. GW has a huge selection, basically second to Snap On and Matco, which I'll call in a tie for first to avoid counting.

 

[Citation]

If you find a deal on the Husky pair head ratchets keep in mind that they are the same design as GW but with a few less teeth. If they are cheaper when you want to buy for what you want to buy don't overlook them.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

They keep pumping up tooth counts, but has backdrag improved at all on these modern >72T designs?

 

[Steve_P]

They keep pumping up tooth counts, but has backdrag improved at all on these modern >72T designs?

Yes. Do you not own a modern ratchet? The GW 90T ratchet probably has 30% the backdrag of the ancient Snap On and Williams 30ish tooth designs. Absolutely night and day difference. And before you say those old ones are stronger, most of the "name brand" new designs fail by shearing the anvil, not by shearing teeth.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

Did die hard ratchets from advance Auto are really nice I bought the quarter inch one and it's fantastic. You can buy all three in a set online and get 20% off so that's another good option.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Yes. Do you not own a modern ratchet? The GW 90T ratchet probably has 30% the backdrag of the ancient Snap On and Williams 30ish tooth designs. Absolutely night and day difference. And before you say those old ones are stronger, most of the "name brand" new designs fail by shearing the anvil, not by shearing teeth.

I said greater than 72T, 72T includes most modern ratchets. Being less than the Snap On isn't exactly an accomplishment considering how bad those were compared to other designs of that era.

 

[Citation]

Yes. Do you not own a modern ratchet? The GW 90T ratchet probably has 30% the backdrag of the ancient Snap On and Williams 30ish tooth designs. Absolutely night and day difference. And before you say those old ones are stronger, most of the "name brand" new designs fail by shearing the anvil, not by shearing teeth.

As far as I can tell the 72T GW became a 90T. Basically they are using somewhat finer teeth but not radically so.

 

[M635_Guy]

Personally, I have not liked GearWrench ratchets, and I really like my Icon stuff.

It's a no-lose choice.

 

[Callelle]

Glossing over the fact that I avoid GW (Apex) like the plague on sheer principle, the Icon ratchets are great. Even using a GW90, I'd still take an Icon over it. The only advantage the GW has in my eyes is that it's a locking flex head, and Capri is supposed to be coming out with their 90t locking flex heads in a few months.

 

[Wamsutta]

.

 

[charbar]

I can only compare the 1/4" drive ones but to me the Gearwrench is miles ahead of the Icon. I lost a standard length Snappy so I decided to try an Icon....used it for a few days and I think I gave it away. It just felt like dogsh!t to me and if I remember correctly it was fairly bulky. Got a 90t Gearwrench to replace that and it feels a million times better and has a pretty thin head as well. I even grab the GW before my 72t Snap Ons because they feel smoother, less back drag, and a thinner head.

I have a longer flex head 1/2" drive Icon as well and I've been fairly impressed with it for lighter duty work but after a year of average use it is starting to lock up with any decent pressure. Not a big deal since it was just a spare to my Snap Ons for service calls where I get worried about losing things. I'll warranty it and continue to use it while being mindful of its limitations. No experience with the GW ratchets in that size.