Icon Ratchets?

[Mr_B]

Gearwrench early 80 tooth and the roto heads of same era which used a snapon style pawl design were proper good, I still got some of those kicking about, Had matco 88 tooth kits in couple of GW80 bodies .
The tooth count craze of 90 and 120 tooth products produced some janky ratchets.reality is 72tooth made with tight tolerance tends outperform high tooth count when ignore mathematical arc angle and include real world mechanism lash and janky backdrag/engagement issues .
Some other great sensible cost ratchet made in taiwan is super ten head design from high-five (found on some carlyle, premier ratchets for examples) and the compact head Facoms are nice, extending handle flex heads being a great tool made proper in taiwan for facom and was very affordable up to 2022 times .
Matco do some great ratchets too .
ICON ratchets with 40% off is all they really worth retail in first place as totally over hyped, hopefully replacements be better as if doing warranty in future that what you going be getting !

 

[mrjaw14]

I went for the 1/4 bit ratchet. Bought the last one they had. It's a slightly shorter version of the VIM RFB400K. I wanted a 1/4 roto ratchet but missed out on it

 

[hobie18]

I went for the 1/4 bit ratchet. Bought the last one they had. It's a slightly shorter version of the VIM RFB400K. I wanted a 1/4 roto ratchet but missed out on it

I got there after you.

 

[TxSteve]

I bought a Kobalt one many years ago and it's my go to. Last year I got one of the Carlyle 1/2. It's nice, but no where as handy (too big) as a long 3/8 flex.

I bought the long handled 3/8 version(last one on the rack) in y interested to see how often I reach for it. It seems like a nice tool

 

[Rabid Badger]

I bought a 1/4 roto and it's going back. The extra teeth vs my Pittsburg roto are completely canceled out by excessive backlash.

I do like the small head KTC roto ratchets though.

You made me open an Amazon Japan account...

 

[kettch]

For what people want for rusted out used tool truck ratchets, I'll take the 40% off ratchets and enjoy not needing to hold my pinky out when I use them.

 

[Houdini5150]

I saw they extended the sale... Home user so they work for me when I use them here and there. I have plenty of Ratchets and I don't need any for now. I could use a longer 1/2 inch for when I am putting on my lug nuts without using ugga duggas before I torque them down

 

[FigN⋅m]

I saw they extended the sale... Home user so they work for me when I use them here and there. I have plenty of Ratchets and I don't need any for now. I could use a longer 1/2 inch for when I am putting on my lug nuts without using ugga duggas before I torque them down

But, isn't that what the torque wrench is for?
Granted, I tighten lugs down with a cordless impact on lowest setting, then just go to TW.
Regardless, I think it would still be $39 well spent if you go for it.

 

[Houdini5150]

Yeah I Could do that I just feel some kinda way using the TW to tighten them down from loose. Maybe it is bc I am using a cheapo Harbor Frank's one and I feel like with the TW I am turning it too much before I get to torque them up.... maybe I will try low setting on my impact as well I just worry to over do it...

 

[liliysdad]

I used my new Icon 1/4" Roto-Head last night for the first time. Its a nice ratchet for the $21 I paid for it. I don't think I would pay more, and its definitely not a Snap-On or Matco, but it will do.

 

[jdl25]

I was thinking about snagging a 3/8 flex head. It does seem get bad reviews in this thread.

I would be comparing this to a 3/8 tekton flex head which I love.

Should I just spend the extra $10 and get another tekton?

 

[Ohio Andy]

I was thinking about snagging a 3/8 flex head. It does seem get bad reviews in this thread.

I would be comparing this to a 3/8 tekton flex head which I love.

Should I just spend the extra $10 and get another tekton?

Yes

 

[Fedwrench]

I was thinking about snagging a 3/8 flex head. It does seem get bad reviews in this thread.

I would be comparing this to a 3/8 tekton flex head which I love.

Should I just spend the extra $10 and get another tekton?

I think the only thing you gain over the current 90 tooth Tekton flex head 3/8 drive ratchet when you buy an Icon version is a little length. The Tekton is about 12 inches long overall while the Icon comes in at 14 inches long. I think the current Tekton is a better ratchet but, that's just me

 

[jdl25]

I think the only thing you gain over the current 90 tooth Tekton flex head 3/8 drive ratchet when you buy an Icon version is a little length. The Tekton is about 12 inches long overall while the Icon comes in at 14 inches long. I think the current Tekton is a better ratchet but, that's just me

Interesting, thank you for the opinions.

 

[KnurledNut]

I was thinking about snagging a 3/8 flex head. It does seem get bad reviews in this thread.

I would be comparing this to a 3/8 tekton flex head which I love.

Should I just spend the extra $10 and get another tekton?

The ICON also comes in a 10" flex, which I have and find to be a very user-friendly length. Tekton offers 8" and 12", ICON 10" and 14". Really comes down to your length preference. Tekton also come in quick release versions if that's a consideration.

 

[Mr_B]

I used my new Icon 1/4" Roto-Head last night for the first time. Its a nice ratchet for the $21 I paid for it. I don't think I would pay more, and its definitely not a Snap-On or Matco, but it will do.

+1
The roto can be better if tweak the spring reduce drag and lightly oil with atf or similar, it not the worst buy roto of that base design .
None of the ICON ratchets are that amazing (either of the 2 factory/manufacture versions) when look at what other ratchets on market in the same full retail price and reality is the low price is all the ICONs are worth . The usual youtube shills got behind ICON ratchets, aka clowns like Koon Trucking .

 

[liliysdad]

Little update...been using the 1/4 roto-head ratchet quite a bit the last few days. Its a pretty decent ratchet, and seems to be getting smoother every day. I fell for that trucking goober on Youtube and bought a VIM 3/8 roto while back, its a giant pile of steaming feces in comparison. Its still no SnapOn or Matco, but for what I paid, I'm impressed. I may wind up replacing my VIM turd with another one in 3.8 at some point.

 

[Callelle]

Little update...been using the 1/4 roto-head ratchet quite a bit the last few days. Its a pretty decent ratchet, and seems to be getting smoother every day. I fell for that trucking goober on Youtube and bought a VIM 3/8 roto while back, its a giant pile of steaming feces in comparison. Its still no SnapOn or Matco, but for what I paid, I'm impressed. I may wind up replacing my VIM turd with another one in 3.8 at some point.

To add to that, a co-worker of mine has one of the VIM straight ratchets with the screwdriver handle, and the thing has basically fallen apart. He's warrantied and/or put it back together numerous times, I think he's gotten sick of it because I only see him with Snappy and Milwaukee ratchets now.

 

[Mr_B]

Little update...been using the 1/4 roto-head ratchet quite a bit the last few days. Its a pretty decent ratchet, and seems to be getting smoother every day. I fell for that trucking goober on Youtube and bought a VIM 3/8 roto while back, its a giant pile of steaming feces in comparison. Its still no SnapOn or Matco, but for what I paid, I'm impressed. I may wind up replacing my VIM turd with another one in 3.8 at some point.

Yeh the ICON roto at a sale/clearance price is a pretty good deal, With the ICON grip they about an inch+ longer than most other in the price bracket plus being non locking you can strip the head for light oiling and tweak the heart spring a little reduce back-drag further .
Grab a 3/8 on sale/clearance while you likely can, don't bother with the pear-heads though

 

[richfinn]

We don't have HF in the UK but I have the Facom version of the 1/4" hex bit driver set and it's a great little kit

 

[AEAdam]

For what people want for rusted out used tool truck ratchets, I'll take the 40% off ratchets and enjoy not needing to hold my pinky out when I use them.

FWIW: I've bought a bunch of Snap On ratchets on eBay and never got a rusted out one. All the modern versions have sealed heads. The thing about ratchets is, the parts that really define the quality of the tool are cheap and replaceable.

I recently wanted to add a basic 3/8" ratchet to a second tool box (my roll cart). I searched until I found the cheapest SO F80 I could find on eBay. It looked a little dull, but not rusty or scratched. I paid a little over $50 for it, shipping included. I think they are around $100 MSRP. I had every intention of replacing the innards with new and I actually had a replacement kit on hand.

I never got around to replacing its gear. It was clearly worn, but it ran VERY smoothly, and had less back drag than my other Dual80s. This is probably what the pros are talking about when they are "broken in". I disassembled it, cleaned, re-greased it, and now it's one of my favorite SO ratchets.

You may have been kidding about buying used and paying a lot and getting rusted ****. I could see not wanting worn out sockets or wrenches and paying too much for them just because of the brand name. As long as the head replacement kits are available, second hand ratchets are really smart buys.

 

[CGarage]

Does anyone think that Harbor Freight is clearing out Icon ratchets at 40% off this parking lot sale because, they're changing suppliers or perhaps a design change? Just curious

I asked. They are changing the packaging.
No longer plastic blister packs.
All tools will be in cardboard boxes.

 

[AEAdam]

I asked. They are changing the packaging.
No longer plastic blister packs.
All tools will be in cardboard boxes.

That sounds much more eco friendly. Now if we can only do something about the transpacific container ship.

 

[mikey03]

Little update...been using the 1/4 roto-head ratchet quite a bit the last few days. Its a pretty decent ratchet, and seems to be getting smoother every day. I fell for that trucking goober on Youtube and bought a VIM 3/8 roto while back, its a giant pile of steaming feces in comparison. Its still no SnapOn or Matco, but for what I paid, I'm impressed. I may wind up replacing my VIM turd with another one in 3.8 at some point.

Oh I like that guy his voice reminds me of Richard Cristy from Howard Stern. And I like the vim tools I got, mostly some low profile socket bits but I never used their ratchets.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I'm the opposite. I like most of my Gearwrench ratchets from the old 60 tooth models to their current 90 tooth and smaller head 120XP versions. I own several Ko-Ken 36 & 72 tooth Zeal series ratchets. I find them to be meh. The low back drag is outstanding but, it pretty much ends there for me. I find the Ko-Ken ratchet heads to be on the thick side and the comfort grip handles to be too short. Then again, I don't understand the hoopla over Nepros ratchets either I do like the small head KTC roto ratchets though.

More about the KTC rotoheads? Thoughts on these? I also have several Koken's, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the KTC's roto's, seems like everyone loves them.

 

[Fedwrench]

More about the KTC rotoheads? Thoughts on these? I also have several Koken's, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the KTC's roto's, seems like everyone loves them.

They're really nice. Smaller but rugged ratchet head. Nice handle shape with a band of knurling. Although on the long handled version, I'd like to be slightly longer.

KTC 3/8" 72-Tooth Swivel Ratchet, Long (BRSW3L)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

 

[Steel_Rain]

They're really nice. Smaller but rugged ratchet head. Nice handle shape with a band of knurling. Although on the long handled version, I'd like to be slightly longer.

KTC 3/8" 72-Tooth Swivel Ratchet, Long (BRSW3L)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Good to know. Quality looks top notch for a roto. Made in Japan never hurts.

 

[mikey03]

Good to know. Quality looks top notch for a roto. Made in Japan never hurts.

I never used one but I heard the got a backwards lever for all of the Japan brands nepro ktc and koken which kind of turned me off to them tbh

 

[Steel_Rain]

I never used one but I heard the got a backwards lever for all of the Japan brands nepro ktc and koken which kind of turned me off to them tbh

Valid point. I’m a weirdo, but I usually swap out my ratchets monthly. I’ll stick with one switch direction for a few months using the Japanese stuff then swap it for something American and so on.

 

[CGarage]

I never bought the Icon Roto Ratchets as I own the KTC and Tone Rotos…..the Japanese seem to do it better.

 

[Fedwrench]

I never bought the Icon Roto Ratchets as I own the KTC and Tone Rotos…..the Japanese seem to do it better.

Probably but, the old classic SK3870 3/8 drive roto ratchet from like 45-50 years ago is still going strong today in many people's boxes

 

[CGarage]

I never knew what the big deal with SK was.
The socket broaching I have seen has left a lot to be desired and never found a SK ratchet that impressed me compared to the Japanese and European and even Taiwanese offerings.

 

[liliysdad]

I never knew what the big deal with SK was.
The socket broaching I have seen has left a lot to be desired and never found a SK ratchet that impressed me compared to the Japanese and European and even Taiwanese offerings.

My dad swore by them, and I thought they were great because of that. It didn’t take long to figure out they aren’t that impressive. I don’t care for round heads of any kind, to be honest.

I think the attraction to them for my father was the fact that they were better than Craftsman while being cheaper and easier to find than tool truck brands.

 

[CGarage]

How times have changed. Amazing what 50 years, patent expirations, and global trade will do for progress.

 

[Fedwrench]

I never knew what the big deal with SK was.
The socket broaching I have seen has left a lot to be desired and never found a SK ratchet that impressed me compared to the Japanese and European and even Taiwanese offerings.

The SK of my youth was a much better company. As a kid growing up outside of San Diego, just about all of the auto parts stores sold SK. One, JARCO sold at a pretty good discount. The Aero Drive in on Sunday's swap meet had a few vendors selling new SK along with used everything at decent prices back in the day. I think when FACOM owned SK, we had the best of both worlds with a tool selection from both sides of the Atlantic. Later when SK offered G Pro ratcheting wrenches, they introduced us to Kabo made tools. It was kind of downhill from there though. Quality control issues, labor issues, distribution challenges, offshore competition, etc. They had a great run, and I probably view them more with nostalgia from my misspent youth. The current Great Star owned SK doesn't do anything for me and you are absolutely correct in there being better tools currently available from Taiwan, Japan, and Europe. I still have a bunch SK that I hang on to just for the memories.

 

[CGarage]

I like the SK “made in China” ratcheting wrenches that I bought at Lowe’s for $50 US per set. No complaints! I donated all of my SK ratchets and only have a few 1/4” sockets from them now.

 

[KnurledNut]

Since this thread jumped track to SK, Great Star should release the 1/4 roto ratchet Ideal promised but never fulfilled. And bring back the 3/8 too!

 

[M635_Guy]

Picked up one of the 1/4 Roto-Head comfort grips today. Figured for $21 it would be decent.

That roto is one of my favorite ratchets overall. I don't like its 3/8" brother as much for some reason, but I've used it a ton. I also have the SO 1/4" roto, and while it is smaller and has less backdrag, I still reach for the Icon first most of the time... (to be clear, I really love the SO version as well - the size and low backdrag have come in very handy. Can't really say why I prefer the Icon by a smidge - maybe the smaller size makes it slightly less comfortable, or just that the Icon came first)

 

[CGarage]

Icon 1/4” Roto is smaller form factor than Snap-On ???

 

[M635_Guy]

Icon 1/4” Roto is smaller form factor than Snap-On ???

No - SO is smaller than Icon. (shallower)