Icon tools are coming spring/summer 2019

[Jtels85]

I watched a video on YouTube from a guy who reviewed some Icon 3/8” Drive sockets. The chrome was “bubbling” and the drive end was marred. He claimed that he didn’t use it on an impact.

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I’ve already used the 10, 13, 15, 17, 18 and 19mm sockets from the set to do brake jobs on two vehicles (one with a frozen rear caliper) and replace a control arm. I had them things on breakers bars and ratchet, pulling until I gave up. Dropped on the concrete and everything... mine are doing just fine.

I don’t see anyone else complaining but that one guy. Dude needs a better camera to film his videos. You could barely see what he was complaining about. I call ********.

And so f’n what if a few ratchets were recalled? At least they caught the problem and offered a reasonable solution... and they’re fixing it. Icon is still too new to give real world reviews/comparisons on, sorry. It just appears to me that the Snap On fan boys don’t like Harbor Freights marketing tactics and will stop at nothing to protect the brand. That’s fine, but most of us see right through your ******** just like you see through Harbor Freight’s.

There isn’t a damn thing wrong with those sockets.

 

[Cheapskate]

I watched a video on YouTube from a guy who reviewed some Icon 3/8” Drive sockets. The chrome was “bubbling” and the drive end was marred. He claimed that he didn’t use it on an impact.

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I’ve already used the 10, 13, 15, 17, 18 and 19mm sockets from the set to do brake jobs on two vehicles (one with a frozen rear caliper) and replace a control arm. I had them things on breakers bars and ratchet, pulling until I gave up. Dropped on the concrete and everything... mine are doing just fine.

I don’t see anyone else complaining but that one guy. Dude needs a better camera to film his videos. You could barely see what he was complaining about. I call ********.

And so f’n what if a few ratchets were recalled? At least they caught the problem and offered a reasonable solution... and they’re fixing it. Icon is still too new to give real world reviews/comparisons on, sorry. It just appears to me that the Snap On fan boys don’t like Harbor Freights marketing tactics and will stop at nothing to protect the brand. That’s fine, but most of us see right through your ******** just like you see through Harbor Freight’s.

There isn’t a damn thing wrong with those sockets.

Is this the video you're referring to?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/amrrB6KpV1Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[CafeTools]

I got a bunch of icon tools. They are all pristine. Pretty good stuff. Definitely nicer than anything else such as Pittsburgh pro, Craftsman, husky, kobalt. And not just nicer but more innovative such as anti slip grooves on the open end, they are well made. Also the packaging is top notch which is actually worth quite a bit in my eyes. The wrench trays are very nice because you will never find a wrench tray with the exact number of slots needed. Thus reducing wasted space. All these things along with a competitive price and a good warranty and we have come to witness a pretty good tool brand come into light.

 

[Jtels85]

Is this the video you're referring to?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/amrrB6KpV1Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yep.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I got a bunch of icon tools. They are all pristine. Pretty good stuff. Definitely nicer than anything else such as Pittsburgh pro, Craftsman, husky, kobalt. And not just nicer but more innovative such as anti slip grooves on the open end, they are well made. Also the packaging is top notch which is actually worth quite a bit in my eyes. The wrench trays are very nice because you will never find a wrench tray with the exact number of slots needed. Thus reducing wasted space. All these things along with a competitive price and a good warranty and we have come to witness a pretty good tool brand come into light.

So why are you selling the 3/8" drive set?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433197

 

[kctyphoon]

I hope everyone realizes that if someone claimed that HF Icon was as good as Mac or Matco, nobody would give a ****..

It's only cause they compared it snap on that people lose their minds .
What follows is countless videos and posts from die hard Snap On guys inadvertently promoting the Icon Label and driving sales to people who refuse to waste money on just a name.

Marketing Genius....
You might as well have put a parental advisory sticker on the thing, and sold them with a free Eminem album In the 90's.

 

[Yarpo]

Icon is still too new to give real world reviews/comparisons on, sorry. .

Exactly. So how did this forum and a bunch of users come to the conclusion its the best new tool brand that's going to demolition the competition?

 

[Mikeske]

I watched a video on YouTube from a guy who reviewed some Icon 3/8” Drive sockets. The chrome was “bubbling” and the drive end was marred. He claimed that he didn’t use it on an impact.

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I’ve already used the 10, 13, 15, 17, 18 and 19mm sockets from the set to do brake jobs on two vehicles (one with a frozen rear caliper) and replace a control arm. I had them things on breakers bars and ratchet, pulling until I gave up. Dropped on the concrete and everything... mine are doing just fine.

I don’t see anyone else complaining but that one guy. Dude needs a better camera to film his videos. You could barely see what he was complaining about. I call ********.

And so f’n what if a few ratchets were recalled? At least they caught the problem and offered a reasonable solution... and they’re fixing it. Icon is still too new to give real world reviews/comparisons on, sorry. It just appears to me that the Snap On fan boys don’t like Harbor Freights marketing tactics and will stop at nothing to protect the brand. That’s fine, but most of us see right through your ******** just like you see through Harbor Freight’s.

There isn’t a damn thing wrong with those sockets.

then there is another guy that all he does is swear and call Icon trash. He has not even gone to Harbor Freight but nuthing is butter then his Strap-on. I have a wide variety of tools and prefer a dead brand that held up well to over 35 years of abuse. I am still of a open mind and have bought filler ins that either were not made when I originally bought my tools or in the case of the flex head ratchets I liked them. The o each his own.

 

[DSLTRK]

So why are you selling the 3/8" drive set?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433197

Don't seem to have much resale value, no?

C'mon people, somebody bite, even the super coupons can't touch that price.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

then there is another guy that all he does is swear and call Icon trash. He has not even gone to Harbor Freight but nuthing is butter then his Strap-on.

Is that the Southern guy that weighs about 400lbs? If so, his videos were worthless rambling.

 

[DSLTRK]

____________________________

 

[ChrisLS8]

then there is another guy that all he does is swear and call Icon trash. He has not even gone to Harbor Freight but nuthing is butter then his Strap-on. I have a wide variety of tools and prefer a dead brand that held up well to over 35 years of abuse. I am still of a open mind and have bought filler ins that either were not made when I originally bought my tools or in the case of the flex head ratchets I liked them. The o each his own.

link?

 

[Mikeske]

link?

WARNING NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY. This guy SWEARS as every other word out of his mouth is a swear word.

 

[Cheapskate]

WARNING NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY. This guy SWEARS as every other word out of his mouth is a swear word.

Holy **** the guy literally set his face on fire with gasoline.
I think if I had a video out detailing how I set my face on fire I wouldn't make so many videos calling other people dumb-asses.
Video doesn't show him actually setting himself on fire just the aftermath.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I got a bunch of icon tools. They are all pristine. Pretty good stuff. Definitely nicer than anything else such as Pittsburgh pro, Craftsman, husky, kobalt. And not just nicer but more innovative such as anti slip grooves on the open end, they are well made. Also the packaging is top notch which is actually worth quite a bit in my eyes. The wrench trays are very nice because you will never find a wrench tray with the exact number of slots needed. Thus reducing wasted space. All these things along with a competitive price and a good warranty and we have come to witness a pretty good tool brand come into light.

You keep using words like "innovative" and "cutting edge" to describe these tools and their seller. Exactly what is it they're doing that's reinventing the wheel here? Importing middle-of-the-road tools from Taiwan is nothing new.

I'm not picking on you; I'm genuinely curious--maybe I'm missing something awesome.

 

[CafeTools]

Just the new tool boxes and packaging are leaps and bounds ahead of husky and Lowe's. The stuff there is stagnant and the Husky tool boxes are terrible. It's nice to see a local store up the tool game. Can you even dissagree ?

 

[techieman33]

And so f’n what if a few ratchets were recalled? At least they caught the problem and offered a reasonable solution... and they’re fixing it. Icon is still too new to give real world reviews/comparisons on, sorry. It just appears to me that the Snap On fan boys don’t like Harbor Freights marketing tactics and will stop at nothing to protect the brand. That’s fine, but most of us see right through your ******** just like you see through Harbor Freight’s.

There isn’t a damn thing wrong with those sockets.

It's not like they had a run of bad parts and did a recall to fix that. This thing was poorly designed from the beginning. That tells me that either they weren't doing any real testing of these things before they started producing and shipping them. Or the factory changed something when they went into production and HF wasn't paying enough attention to catch it. Someone dropped the ball. And this is at the launch of their product line when it's probably under the most scrutiny both from within the company and the general public. What's the QC going to be like in a couple years when everything they do isn't being put under a microscope?

Just the new tool boxes and packaging are leaps and bounds ahead of husky and Lowe's. The stuff there is stagnant and the Husky tool boxes are terrible. It's nice to see a local store up the tool game. Can you even dissagree ?

So copying someone else's packaging and fonts makes them innovative? Some people may like the packaging, but others will hate it for all the room it wastes. And of course the Icon tool boxes are nicer than Husky. It's not hard to make a nicer box when your charging 6x the price. And of course things like sockets, wrenches, and tool boxes are stagnant, especially at lower price points. It's not like there is a whole lot left you can to do reinvent the wheel there. There are maybe slight tweaks to be made here or there, and quite often those tweaks will be a gimmick or cosmetic.

 

[WittHay]

I dont see anything wrong with the Tool Time video. Gonna have to watch more of his videos, diesel repair guy with a service truck. He gave a honest review on a set of Icon sockets, The 13/16" has marks on the side and is wallowing out on the drive end. All he is saying is that Icon is a perfectly good diy brand and the USA tools that he owns wear better than the Icon for heavy duty truck and trailer repair

Justin Sturgill Trucking is a fleet of Peterbilt dump trucks. Not quite as big as the setups around here but still impressive. The owner prefers to use US made Snap-on tools to fix his US made trucks. Nothing wrong with that. I thought his Youtube channel was the "Snap-on Junkie"

The Koon Trucking guy with all the Snap-on and Matco tools did a favorable review on a Icon ratchet. Calling it a good ratchet for the price. I agree

Will have to head south and pick up a Icon shorter length 1/2 flex ratchet some day. The Tool Time guy also has one and seems to like it. If the Icon ratchet matches Kobalt quality, I will be happy

 

[mr.lemons]

Exactly. So how did this forum and a bunch of users come to the conclusion its the best new tool brand that's going to demolition the competition?

Same happened with Tekton. Toptul as well but to a lesser degree.

 

[Fedwrench]

Exactly. So how did this forum and a bunch of users come to the conclusion its the best new tool brand that's going to demolition the competition?

I don't think anyone nominated ICON as the best new tool brand and most people in this thread complained that it's over priced so, i'm not sure it will demolish the competition.
ICON tools haven't been out in use long enough to see how they perform long term. I think the only thing ICON has going for itself is that they exist as another option. Despite their set back with their 3/8 drive flex head ratchets, which they seem determined to make right, time will tell if they're a viable option or not. It's not like SK or any other US made non truck brand is releasing a slew of new products for people to purchase
I think ICON's competition is Tekton, Carlyle, OEM, Gearwrench, SK, and not any truck brand but, that's just me. If you purely shop by price then, Tekton would probably clean house aside from them not offering a 13 inch long or so 3/8 drive flex head ratchet without an offset handle or an 18 inch long or so 1/2 drive flex head ratchet straight handle. Time will tell whether ICON is durable and viable. Out of the gate, ICON has had a rocky start. I do like their really long reversible combination ratcheting wrenches though.

 

[Jtels85]

WARNING NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY. This guy SWEARS as every other word out of his mouth is a swear word.

I got about half way through his rambling ******** and ended the video. Nobody thinks you’re cool because you drop the F bomb every other word and come off angry. Oh, Mr. Tough guy is upset about his Harbor Freight sockets. Dude is a certified cuckold.

 

[jgromada]

WARNING NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY. This guy SWEARS as every other word out of his mouth is a swear word.

that was a waste of time, didn't make it through half of it and basically thought i don't give a sht what opinion this guy has on anything.

 

[Jtels85]

that was a waste of time, didn't make it through half of it and basically thought i don't give a sht what opinion this guy has on anything.

The context of the video was just one angry, nonsensical rant. Nobody cares about the occasional f-bomb, but the guy comes off as an ignorant douche. Proof that anyone can have a YouTube channel I guess.

Nobody thinks he’s cool or edgy. A douche maybe, but nothing more, nothing less. There are so many other tool reviewers who produce better content and provide real world reviews without bitching like a 13 year old on her period.

 

[jgromada]

The context of the video was just one angry, nonsensical rant. Nobody cares about the occasional f-bomb, but the guy comes off as an ignorant douche. Proof that anyone can have a YouTube channel I guess.

Nobody thinks he’s cool or edgy. A douche maybe, but nothing more, nothing less. There are so many other tool reviewers who produce better content and provide real world reviews without bitching like a 13 year old on her period.

you are very correct. One person who does decent reviews including on Icon is Catus Maximus. He actually seems like he has used the tools he reviews, takes them apart and explains what makes them good or bad. Not a fanboy type of HF or SO either so his reviews have been very fair.

 

[Tonyuk]

I cant believe how much people will argue over shaped pieces of chromed metal.......

 

[ChrisLS8]

The context of the video was just one angry, nonsensical rant. Nobody cares about the occasional f-bomb, but the guy comes off as an ignorant douche. Proof that anyone can have a YouTube channel I guess.

Nobody thinks he’s cool or edgy. A douche maybe, but nothing more, nothing less. There are so many other tool reviewers who produce better content and provide real world reviews without bitching like a 13 year old on her period.

I lost brain cells watching that. Rednecks with computers for you

 

[Jtels85]

you are very correct. One person who does decent reviews including on Icon is Catus Maximus. He actually seems like he has used the tools he reviews, takes them apart and explains what makes them good or bad. Not a fanboy type of HF or SO either so his reviews have been very fair.

Yes, I agree. I enjoy watching Catus Maximus. He’s no nonsense and breaks it down for the viewer.

 

[WittHay]

I cant believe how much people will argue over shaped pieces of chromed metal.......

Harbor Freight is just entertainment, not to be taken too seriously.

There will always be a dividing line between the people you buy at HF and the people you own or fix the heavy equipment and vehicles that are required to bring all those Asian goods from Taiwan/China to the US

Fast growing truckingand railway business is inter-modal transport. 200 double stacked car length trains that transport 400 40' containers at one time. Everyday a CN train brings Asian goodness from Canada to the midwest of the US. No HF tools involved.

Next time somebody shops at HF, thank all the "rednecks" and the US made tools they use. With out them Harbor Freight would not be in business

 

[DSLTRK]

I don't think anyone nominated ICON as the best new tool brand and most people in this thread complained that it's over priced so, i'm not sure it will demolish the competition.
ICON tools haven't been out in use long enough to see how they perform long term. I think the only thing ICON has going for itself is that they exist as another option. Despite their set back with their 3/8 drive flex head ratchets, which they seem determined to make right, time will tell if they're a viable option or not. It's not like SK or any other US made non truck brand is releasing a slew of new products for people to purchase
I think ICON's competition is Tekton, Carlyle, OEM, Gearwrench, SK, and not any truck brand but, that's just me. If you purely shop by price then, Tekton would probably clean house aside from them not offering a 13 inch long or so 3/8 drive flex head ratchet without an offset handle or an 18 inch long or so 1/2 drive flex head ratchet straight handle. Time will tell whether ICON is durable and viable. Out of the gate, ICON has had a rocky start. I do like their really long reversible combination ratcheting wrenches though.

I agree, it isn't so much that the direct claim is 'ICON is better than S/O', it's the false equivalence of comparing the two tool brands. That is the issue I've seen.

Many on here keep trying to compare ICON to Snap-On, for what reason? They aren't directly comparable. Is Snap-On expensive? Hell yes, and for many reasons too.

As you typed, the comparison should be with more mid-range tools like Carlyle, Tekton Husky or SK. That is a better argument.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

From my recently bought S-K, I would put the S-K in with Proto.

 

[ptgarcia]

Many on here keep trying to compare ICON to Snap-On, for what reason? They aren't directly comparable. Is Snap-On expensive? Hell yes, and for many reasons too.

As you typed, the comparison should be with more mid-range tools like Carlyle, Tekton Husky or SK. That is a better argument.

I don't get this argument. Why aren't they directly comparable? Because of the price difference? Design? That's the whole point in comparing things, to contrast and compare, including price, design, strength, etc. I sure as hell compare them when I make a purchase.

 

[M6erfan]

In fairness, Icon started comparing their tools to S-o. GJ members didn't start that comparison, but are running (hard) with it.

So far from what I've seen ICON hand tools are mostly 'meh'. I feel the same way about some S-o tools too.

 

[kctyphoon]

You don't know that as fact. I would contest it because unlike MAC, and Matco, Icon doesn't offer the convenient service. It's just another self service, import store brand. Very few minds are going to be changed one way or the other based on what I've read in the YT comments. Actually, the over shilling of the brand turned me off of it. I bought some and when they were no better than Tekton, ( and of course not even close to Snap-On, as shilled to be) I wasn't impressed with the price or value. The price has gone UP as well.

And the Snap-On fanbois actually give reasons why they bought the brand, not just "PRICE CHEAP, 90 TOOTH, SHINY".




I don't know really, probably too much Denotools bear **** videos, or Justin Dow, or RedemptionGar or Client, or shill #5....

HF, forum members, and YouTube sellouts are not comparing service videos. They are comparing tools. For the 98% of Americans who’s only door to door tool truck is either the post office, UPS, and amazon vans - nobody cares about the existence of a snap on truck that will never show to their home and that ‘service’ they will never receive - yet pay for regardless of how or where they buy that brand.

Ive said this at least 100 times on this forum - if the folklore about how SO sockets were FAR superior to everything else on earth - this forum would be FLOODED with pictures of “i had to ....... and only my snap on sockets would work”

Lastly - whats the real reasons other than subjective assumptions or opinions the SO guys give? - American co, American jobs, this gear is bigger so therefore it must be better...”. All from the same people who will stone someone on the forum with “well you should have used of breaker bar for that” and “you NEVER use chrome sockets on an impact”..

Ever notice how when someone breaks a SO ratchet, the comments are always - they guy misused the tool, but if i hf ratchet breaks - people run it to call it a POS and say you get what you pay for?

 

[bubinga]

Don't seem to have much resale value, no?

C'mon people, somebody bite, even the super coupons can't touch that price.

Would HF exchange it without the receipt?

 

[kngelv]

Even though I am unimpressed so far I do appreciate having another tool option that is in a physical store. That said, I don't think they are much different from Gearwrench or Carlyle. Comparing them to Snap-On is just marketing hype and should not be taken seriously.

James

 

[ChrisLS8]

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-pc-38-in-drive-metric-professional-socket-set-64792.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QQ3L6BC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NICEW6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Gearwrench set has 2 more pieces, the Tekton set is about 10 dollars cheaper. Both of these companies and lines have been around for quite awhile longer than ICON.


https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-professional-flex-head-ratchet-64704.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2Q2CNN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXPNU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Again, both are cheaper, been around longer, tried and tested, and in this case the Gearwrench is significantly longer. I've got a hard time seeing Icon just push out a new import line and throwing out Snap On Comparisons while jacking the price up and above its real competitors (GW/Tekton/etc) with really no additional qualities other than...I guess they include a polishing cloth?



Exactly. They just slapped on a new label on some Taiwan made tools and threw a bunch of money at a marketing campaign. Pretty amazing its that easy.



Cost of ownership should absoultly be considered, but I think people again are overestimating what it costs to own one of these cars. Bosch parts are pretty cheap and are easily avaliable, as well as most other basic wear items (Gaskets etc)

As far as needing to know German, I've never had issue finding English wiring diagrams. Check this site out and note how well its setup. Looks like somebody got their hands on dealership service sheets and repair documents. You can get tightening torques, everything.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/...ission-control-8hptu/shift-paddles/1VnYfWMqJW

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/...r-supply-fem-front-electronic-module/GJ2nnLIK

Can't compare the 120xp, the thickest highest backdrag pile of **** I ever owned. It's probably in a landfill somewhere after I tossed it out of frustration

 

[dnschmidt]

Well, I've bought none of the ICON tools at my local Harbor Freight but somebody sure as hell has. Two weeks ago the ICON displays at my local HF (32nd Street and Bell Road here in Phoenix) were filled to the brim. Now they're damn near empty. So love them or hate them they certainly are selling. That can't be making Snap-On dealers happy.

 

[DSLTRK]

___________________________

 

[kctyphoon]

So what you're saying is the argument is fallacious.

Why buy a Ferrari? The Daewoo has 4wheels, a seat and has motive power. Same argument you agree with.

Maybe it's to make one feel like the cheaper brand is a better deal? If these people are soooo concerned about price and function only, where's Tekton in all this? I mean it's much cheaper, so by default it 'beats' Icon. Where's Pittsburgh Pro? Gearwrench? Insert generic import tool name here?


I don't see many posts lambasting non- Snap-On users, it seems to be the other way around. You just did it again in the quoted post above.

I've already given my reasons why Snap On is more expensive. The tool attributes you listed are a very small effect on cost.

Now not every single tool is exempt from comparison, Snap-On has the China rebranded jack with a lesser warranty than the HF. I'd easily say that HF wins that comparison.

The hand tools and toolboxes are a different story...

The car thing is a total false equivalency.
If people are gonna start ranking socket brands - why do the SO guys ALWAYS leap to HF stuff to ‘drive their point home’? Make the same argument with sockets against sk, Porto, Carlyle, ect.. Dismantle and reassemble an entire car, do a frame up restoration and demonstrate how the SO sockets outperformed Gearwrench while giving the gearwrench the same level of care. Actually - just use both without walking on eggshells - and show me the pile of cracked sockets and rounded off bolts afterwards..

Now listen - i am not saying that ‘no’ difference will exist anywhere. What I’m saying is - defend the REAL practical reason of spending 10x the cost, between 2 brands that will work identically 99.9% of the time in real world use - without using the ‘one nightmare bolt story’ that everyone has as the reason to why you ‘need’ SO.

Ive never owned a SO socket in my life. Every bolt ive ever needed to turn has been turned.

If i read one more thread that starts “I’m 35 years old, still dont own a socket set - but I’m buying my first house and want a basic tool set” - that gets a response of “you should be SMART and buy a quality socket set from an American company like snap on, BECAUSE : American Company, will never break, will never round a bolt, and you can pass it down to your children” - I’m gonna puke. THAT GUY - wont even know where that snap on set is, when he finally decides to try and use it.

Here’s the thing - just let those people be honest and say - ‘ i bought them cause i wanted them, not cause i needed THAT brand’ - and there would be no debate whatsoever.

 

[Steve_P]

Well, I've bought none of the ICON tools at my local Harbor Freight but somebody sure as hell has. Two weeks ago the ICON displays at my local HF (32nd Street and Bell Road here in Phoenix) were filled to the brim. Now they're damn near empty. So love them or hate them they certainly are selling. That can't be making Snap-On dealers happy.

my store has had the same full hook of icon $50 breaker bars for months next to the $20 Pittsburg bars which are moving. And I'm no SO fan but I doubt their dealers are noticing. They somehow have survived decades of Craftsman, SK, and 20 yrs of the internet just fine.