Icon Sockets: Yes or No?

[Silver Lexus]

Ahead of the 40% off sale on August 11th, I am wondering what the consensus here is on Icon sockets…? I have seen video from Justin Dow suggesting the metal is too soft.

I am a DIYer but want top quality tools and I am looking to get something better than the Husky set I have.

Do I take advantage of the Icon sale or do I go Snap-On, Tekton, GearWrench, or some other brand?

 

[Hohn]

Chrome or Impact?

Been using their Chrome since they came out. Warranteed an early set for peeling chrome, but never had any issues with them being soft.
Impact, they might indeed be too soft, I couldn't tell you as my only HF impacts are the Pittburghs...

I buy only Wright impact sockets now.


I say go for the sale. With such a discount, any deficiency in the ICONS is small enough that it's not worth skipping the sale. I've personally had great luck with Tekton and Gearwrench and whole hose of others. So instead of thinking of "best brands" I just try to avoid the worst.

Personally, I'd say if it's Taiwanese made it's probably just fine and reasonably priced. Pick the design you prefer.

 

[Silver Lexus]

Chrome or Impact?

Been using their Chrome since they came out. Warranteed an early set for peeling chrome, but never had any issues with them being soft.
Impact, they might indeed be too soft, I couldn't tell you as my only HF impacts are the Pittburghs...

I buy only Wright impact sockets now.


I say go for the sale. With such a discount, any deficiency in the ICONS is small enough that it's not worth skipping the sale. I've personally had great luck with Tekton and Gearwrench and whole hose of others. So instead of thinking of "best brands" I just try to avoid the worst.

Personally, I'd say if it's Taiwanese made it's probably just fine and reasonably priced. Pick the design you prefer.

Great question. Chrome.

 

[tak1313]

I don't know what the Icon impacts are made of (CR-V or Cr-Mo - all my impacts are Tekton (Cr-Mo) with a few Sunex (Cr-Mo)), but the general consensus is Cr-Mo is better for impact sockets because of its superior ductility.

To call one socket "softer" than another (assuming the same material) is kind of dubious unless a tester is used to actually measure it.

 

[Silver Lexus]

I don't know what the Icon impacts are made of (CR-V or Cr-Mo - all my impacts are Tekton (Cr-Mo) with a few Sunex (Cr-Mo)), but the general consensus is Cr-Mo is better for impact sockets because of its superior ductility.

To call one socket "softer" than another (assuming the same material) is kind of dubious unless a tester is used to actually measure it.

Good point. I'm not sure what material either.

 

[Pinne]

The Icon stuff, at 40% off, is crazy cheap. You can get every metric chrome 6pt set they offer, all 3 drive sizes in multiple depths, for $175. I've never used Icon, but it's probably fine - the reality is most sockets are more than fine for home use. I don't think Tekton or Gearwrench would be appreciably different from Icon.

Don't get me wrong, I like Snap-on and it's most of what I own in terms of sockets - but even used it'll cost far more than Icon. If you want American made for a bit less I'd look at CAT. It'll still be 3x the cost of Icon, at least, but the sockets are made by Snap-on and carry a lifetime warranty.

 

[liliysdad]

I have some ICON sockets as fillers until I stumble across the right Snap-On/Williams/CAT deal, and they are OK. They really aren't obviously better than the GearWrench filler pieces I have.

I guess the "benefit" is they look just like SnapOn from, so the kids still think I am cool until they look closer.

 

[dnschmidt]

No brainer here. At this point in human evolution a workable socket is within any developing country's wheelhouse. Taiwan is far beyond a developing country as every high end semiconductor in the world comes out of that island. It's pretty damn hard to find any sockets that **** anymore and furthermore when did Justin Dow become a metallurgist. Did he test them with a Rockwell tester or did he just "feel" that they were softer. Anybody can "feel" anything, show me the data. Additionally, NOBODY (and that includes Snap-On as you've got to wait for the truck to show up, has a better warrantee than Harbor Freight.

 

[Silver Lexus]

The Icon stuff, at 40% off, is crazy cheap. You can get every metric chrome 6pt set they offer, all 3 drive sizes in multiple depths, for $175. I've never used Icon, but it's probably fine - the reality is most sockets are more than fine for home use. I don't think Tekton or Gearwrench would be appreciably different from Icon.

Don't get me wrong, I like Snap-on and it's most of what I own in terms of sockets - but even used it'll cost far more than Icon. If you want American made for a bit less I'd look at CAT. It'll still be 3x the cost of Icon, at least, but the sockets are made by Snap-on and carry a lifetime warranty.

I had not considered CAT. I will definitely look into it.

 

[merkyworks]

I feel like a lot of the CAT stuff is 12 point sockest. I didnt see a lot of 6 point sets, but then agian I wasnt looking that hard.

 

[baldy343]

I feel like a lot of the CAT stuff is 12 point sockest. I didnt see a lot of 6 point sets, but then agian I wasnt looking that hard.

CAT has all of the 6pt stuff, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, swivel, chrome, impact. Checkout their catalog.

 

[ecotec]

I feel like a lot of the CAT stuff is 12 point sockest. I didnt see a lot of 6 point sets, but then agian I wasnt looking that hard.

Every CAT set that I bought is 6pt.

I will only buy 12pt at pennies on the dollar.

 

[Hohn]

I don't know what the Icon impacts are made of (CR-V or Cr-Mo - all my impacts are Tekton (Cr-Mo) with a few Sunex (Cr-Mo)), but the general consensus is Cr-Mo is better for impact sockets because of its superior ductility.

To call one socket "softer" than another (assuming the same material) is kind of dubious unless a tester is used to actually measure it.

Being softer is sort of the reason we even have impact sockets. Although in truth, it's not softness per se, it's the ductility. If you can make them from steel that's still ductile at HRC 50, go for it.

The advantage of higher hardness with ductility is that you get more durability. Most impact socket will hog out the square drive as the first part that wears out. That also happens to be the primary way in which a premium impact socket distinguishes itself. In hard use, you will certainly notice the Wright doesn't hog out the square drive hole the way cheaper impacts often do.

 

[sightbike]

I question whether ICON is better than the Pittsburg option for DIY.. Recognize that view may ruffle some feathers.

While my preference is Williams USA, I have used Craftsman, Pittsburg, Easco, ICON and no name brands over the years. At the end of the day, they all work when used properly. Too many get caught up in the “tool truck quality” and “that’s a rip off for x reason” shenanigans. Buy what you like and/or think is a good value to you.

 

[seber]

No brainer here. At this point in human evolution a workable socket is within any developing country's wheelhouse. Taiwan is far beyond a developing country as every high end semiconductor in the world comes out of that island. It's pretty damn hard to find any sockets that **** anymore and furthermore when did Justin Dow become a metallurgist. Did he test them with a Rockwell tester or did he just "feel" that they were softer. Anybody can "feel" anything, show me the data. Additionally, NOBODY (and that includes Snap-On as you've got to wait for the truck to show up, has a better warrantee than Harbor Freight.

For me, the HF warranty is inferior to Snap-on. HF is a thirty mile drive one way that I have no other reason to make. Snap-on stops within walking distance every Friday. I know the time and he is regular as clockwork. My dealer is great.

 

[Rinspeed]

I don't have any Icon tools but at 40% off I would buy those sockets and happily use them.

 

[zendriver]

I'm going to get a set of 3/8" Deep wells.

Not really worried about being "soft"

$400 for the equivalent Snap On set? Yah, ok.

 

[shoggoth80]

Of course the answer is: it depends. If you have a HF close, it's kinda a no brainer. Icon is turning out some decent gear at comparatively modest prices. On sale is even better. Home use, just about any name brand socket would serve. For that matter, there's probably no name Amazon specials that would probably work fine I think it's harder these days to find an unusable socket than not. Icon would be an acceptably good option with a very solid warranty, and on sale would present quite a value.

Personally I own the 1/4 drive deeps, and haven't had any issues. I paid normal retail for them and don't feel bad about it. Lol. If I wasn't well off in pretty much other drives and types, I'd buy more without hesitation.

 

[rpcraft]

Sure if you need the no skip sizes and what not and want to pay the price. I can't speak as to if it is a good price (other than amazing compared to the tool truck stuff) That said I inherited my dad's craftsman that have been taking a beating since the late 60's and maybe you can compare prices to what they have out now with their V series stuff as well. I doubt the new craftsman regular sockets are made quite the same and not sure how the V series stack up overall. The Icon stuff looks pretty good overall, I just don't like how you have to warranty the whole set if one sockets has an issue unless that has changed recently. If you are going for impact sockets I would just either buy a kit from northern tool or harbor freight bottom of their cheapest brand and fill in any missing sizes from northern tool since they sell individual sockets.

 

[dnschmidt]

For me, the HF warranty is inferior to Snap-on. HF is a thirty mile drive one way that I have no other reason to make. Snap-on stops within walking distance every Friday. I know the time and he is regular as clockwork. My dealer is great.

I live a mile and a half from my HF and it's in the same shopping center as my L. A. Fitness which I go to everyday. That changes things.

 

[Professor Gascan]

I'd open my wallet if they offered a set of mid depth metric sockets in 1/4 inch drive.

 

[rpcraft]

I'd open my wallet if they offered a set of mid depth metric sockets in 1/4 inch drive.

The only problem I noticed others pointed out on their deep sockets, is there are no 12 point options and that the depth on some of the smaller sizes is OK for the fastener but sometimes the shaft sizes in the well do not cooperate with the actual size of the stud or bolt. Seems like an oversight but maybe they have made revisions since being first released.

 

[rpcraft]

I live a mile and a half from my HF and it's in the same shopping center as my L. A. Fitness which I go to everyday. That changes things.

Mine's next to a planet fitness and all I can ever hear my brain saying is screw the workout and see what i can fitness tool box today.

 

[rpcraft]

The only problem I noticed others pointed out on their deep sockets, is there are no 12 point options and that the depth on some of the smaller sizes is OK for the fastener but sometimes the shaft sizes in the well do not cooperate with the actual size of the stud or bolt. Seems like an oversight but maybe they have made revisions since being first released.

I took a closer look at some pictures and now I remember what it was with the deep sockets. It has to do with the fact that the socket only has a nut well at the front portion of the socket instead of going all the way down the inside of the socket like most deep well sockets do. Not a deal breaker but I could see how in certain situations that would kind of make a situation annoying when it comes to tight spots or double length nuts and what not.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ahead of the 40% off sale on August 11th, I am wondering what the consensus here is on Icon sockets…? I have seen video from Justin Dow suggesting the metal is too soft.

I am a DIYer but want top quality tools and I am looking to get something better than the Husky set I have.

Do I take advantage of the Icon sale or do I go Snap-On, Tekton, GearWrench, or some other brand?

I don't have a lot of confidence in most of the Youtube influencers.
Are ICON sockets top quality? No. Are they junk? No.
If you want all your sockets one brand, I would personally consider other options.
But if a variety of brands is okay, this would be a good time to grab the less common options like 3/8 semi-deeps, 1/4 chrome swivel sockets, long bit sockets, and 1/2 six point deep sockets to name a few.
I feel like just about every brand has something beneficial to offer, but few do everything best.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I have chrome sockets from Husky that goes back to the days when my grandfather had his garage (1920's, long before it became a Home Depot brand). SK from some stuff that same age range, to the 50's when my father bought his first tools (and left his SK's with his father in law while in the army). Misc Challenger, proto, Craftsman (what I mostly bought for 6 point Chrome and metric when I worked in a garage), etc. etc.
The low end Pittsburgh deep impact, are cr-v instead of cr-mo and are noticeably bigger then cr-mo impact sockets. In impact I have Wright, Craftsman, Pittsburgh, Snap on (specialty and 12 point for things like Ford driveshafts), Grey, and a few others. Impact can be a bit bigger then chrome, but if I was starting over, I would go for impact first, with today's battery powered tools. You might get the chrome sets on the christmas list and whatever you end up with, I expect your going to get different ratchets based on personal preference/feel, more then anything.

 

[Hohn]

I took a closer look at some pictures and now I remember what it was with the deep sockets. It has to do with the fact that the socket only has a nut well at the front portion of the socket instead of going all the way down the inside of the socket like most deep well sockets do. Not a deal breaker but I could see how in certain situations that would kind of make a situation annoying when it comes to tight spots or double length nuts and what not.

I know many people who prefer this shallow broaching, there's a reason Snap On does this also.

 

[merkyworks]

I took a closer look at some pictures and now I remember what it was with the deep sockets. It has to do with the fact that the socket only has a nut well at the front portion of the socket instead of going all the way down the inside of the socket like most deep well sockets do. Not a deal breaker but I could see how in certain situations that would kind of make a situation annoying when it comes to tight spots or double length nuts and what not.

They call that the "nut broaching". Depending on your use case shallow broaching can be a good or bad thing.

 

[Mr_B]

With decent discount the ICON chrome sockets worth having .
Semi deep set is a big win.
They decent design and quality for what can be chump change per socket .
Usable current warranty also good bonus .

 

[KnurledNut]

I took a closer look at some pictures and now I remember what it was with the deep sockets. It has to do with the fact that the socket only has a nut well at the front portion of the socket instead of going all the way down the inside of the socket like most deep well sockets do. Not a deal breaker but I could see how in certain situations that would kind of make a situation annoying when it comes to tight spots or double length nuts and what not.

At least in 3/8” deep the broach is closer to mid. Its deeper than Snap-on.

 

[zendriver]

I took a closer look at some pictures and now I remember what it was with the deep sockets. It has to do with the fact that the socket only has a nut well at the front portion of the socket instead of going all the way down the inside of the socket like most deep well sockets do. Not a deal breaker but I could see how in certain situations that would kind of make a situation annoying when it comes to tight spots or double length nuts and what not.

Wouldn't that make the deep well socket stronger?

 

[Hohn]

Wouldn't that make the deep well socket stronger?

I’m think it makes *part* of it stronger, but has the effect of just moving the failure location while keeping the same failure stress value.

So it’s not stronger in terms of torque capability. Nor does it need to be since the square drive is the weak point.

 

[CGarage]

If a HF store is close to your location, I think this is a hard deal to pass up.

HF usually has all of these sockets in inventory.

The same cannot be said with Snap-On, who has suffered from product availability issues over the last few years, resulting in some items having months long lead times.

 

[zendriver]

I’m think it makes *part* of it stronger, but has the effect of just moving the failure location while keeping the same failure stress value.

So it’s not stronger in terms of torque capability. Nor does it need to be since the square drive is the weak point.

I disagree

If much of the shaft is broached to the fastener size, the whole socket would be weaker.

Might be why it appears even Snap On didn't do it.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

For me, the HF warranty is inferior to Snap-on. HF is a thirty mile drive one way that I have no other reason to make. Snap-on stops within walking distance every Friday. I know the time and he is regular as clockwork. My dealer is great.

I am opposite here. My snap on rep told me he won't stop at my shop until I have 3 techs. I see him drive past me 2x a week, I don't understand why a 5 minute stop would be so difficult... Matco, Mac, and Cornwell also drive by my shop weekly and has never bothered to stop. I guess they make to much money and don't need new accounts. I buy HF tools as a pro because its on my way to work but I have never broken any of their hand tools.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have the mid lengths in both SAE and metric and have no problems with them, they are kinda nice. If I needed sockets, I'd be all over the 40% off deal, but since I have plenty 'o sockets in the drawer, don't feel the need to buy more, and I'm not sure if it would really be an upgrade if I did other than the cool font that looks like SO.

 

[drmarkr]

Mine's next to a planet fitness and all I can ever hear my brain saying is screw the workout and see what i can fitness tool box today.

You win....

 

[merkyworks]

I’m think it makes *part* of it stronger, but has the effect of just moving the failure location while keeping the same failure stress value.

So it’s not stronger in terms of torque capability. Nor does it need to be since the square drive is the weak point.

Square drive weak point or shear plane will be on the male part (ratchet anvil) and not the female part (socket).

As for the rest of the socket the unbroached section is the strongest and has the best rigidity. With the broached section being the weakest and flexes the most, which is also why cracks tend to happen here.

In theory sockets with a shallow broached area are stronger than sockets with a deep/full broached area.

 

[Fedwrench]

I say maybe. First off, there's no way you're getting Snap on quality in an Icon tool so, let's remove that marketing from the equation. I feel Icon has a limited range of sizes since they only do a few sets. Now, if you need some sets because of whatever the reason and there's a 40% off sale then, yea get some Icon if you want. The 1/4 drive set I have are nicely finished, seem to fit well when I used them, and on sale, a possible bargain.
The lack of readily available Icon open stock is a deterrent to me though. Enter Tekton, you'd be hard pressed to find a wider range of sizes across three drive sizes (four if you bring 3/4 drive into the mix). Tekton would probably be more expensive than a 40% Icon sale but, to me the availability of open stock, a wider range of sizes, excellent customer service, and 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash on future orders makes Tekton my choice. However, it doesn't matter what I choose. It's about what you like and want to use.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I say maybe. First off, there's no way you're getting Snap on quality in an Icon tool so, let's remove that marketing from the equation. I feel Icon has a limited range of sizes since they only do a few sets. Now, if you need some sets because of whatever the reason and there's a 40% off sale then, yea get some Icon if you want. The 1/4 drive set I have are nicely finished, seem to fit well when I used them, and on sale, a possible bargain.
The lack of readily available Icon open stock is a deterrent to me though. Enter Tekton, you'd be hard pressed to find a wider range of sizes across three drive sizes (four if you bring 3/4 drive into the mix). Tekton would probably be more expensive than a 40% Icon sale but, to me the availability of open stock, a wider range of sizes, excellent customer service, and 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash on future orders makes Tekton my choice. However, it doesn't matter what I choose. It's about what you like and want to use.

The trick to HF is the internet. If you have purchased the set your proof of purchase is saved with your account. If for some reason you lose a socket you can order the individual socket via the website. For example here is a screenshot of a 3/8 drive deep metric set.