Icon tools are coming spring/summer 2019

[Wamsutta]

what’s the point in paying a premium for tools if you can’t get service?

The shape and size of the tool. For some reason, premium brands feel better in my hands and function better.

Do you think I'd buy Harbor Freight tools if the guy came to my front door? Service don't mean anything to me.

 

[davethorik]

I sure do. I’ve purchased a few SK tool sets recently. They’re affordable and excellent quality. I find the prices to be justified for what you’re getting, unlike Snap On. Just finished swapping motors in an ‘89 Formula this past weekend and used some of my SK acquisitions. I’m still in need in of better ratchets as I don’t care for the round heads. I have read complaints regarding the new LP90’s, so I have been holding off to see what the Icon’s look/feel like. Judging by the unboxing video on YouTube, I am very interested. If they are as nice as they appear to be, I’ll jump on them when they hit retail. If I don’t like them, I’ll buy the SK’s. I also have Icon breaker bars that so far seem to be excellent quality. I haven’t used the 3/8” drive yet, but the 1/2” has taken a beating.

Regardless of what tools I own, I am very pleased to see Harbor Freight taking on the big players. I don’t particularly like the tool truck business model. I never have. I have formed my own judgement by the stories I’ve read from customers and former franchise owners themselves. Harbor Freight is simply giving these people another option to buy the tools they need, that do the job, that puts food on the table, without leaving them in massive amounts of debt or wondering when the **** van is going to show up again to exchange a warranty.

I find the tool truck brands to be out-of-line with their pricing. Please tell me why other USA made brands such as Wright and SK are far less expensive on most things? In my opinion, there’s nothing that justifies the outrageous cost of the truck brand tools. They know people don’t have much of a choice so they can charge whatever they want. Well, pretty soon those people may have a choice... hell, I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.

I’m sorry if any of you get **** hurt over me trash talking your precious Snap On. Am I dramatic? Yeah. I won’t deny that. Some people just want to watch the world burn and I’m one of them.

So wait, why is it you dislike Snap-on again?

 

[Yarpo]

Regardless of what tools I own, I am very pleased to see Harbor Freight taking on the big players. I don’t particularly like the tool truck business model. I never have. I have formed my own judgement by the stories I’ve read from customers and former franchise owners themselves. Harbor Freight is simply giving these people another option to buy the tools they need, that do the job, that puts food on the table, without leaving them in massive amounts of debt or wondering when the **** van is going to show up again to exchange a warranty.

Thousands of people own Snap On tools with no debt, and no care in the world when the **** van is going to show up. Myself included. You can warranty them straight through Snap On, same way you can warranty through tekton, via email. It's crazy ****, I know.

They know people don’t have much of a choice so they can charge whatever they want. Well, pretty soon those people may have a choice... hell, I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.

...who has no choice? You're in a thread and the last three pages mention tool companies such as Tekton, Gearwrench, Harbor Freight, SK tools, Wright, and on and on. Nobody forces anyone to buy a Snap On tool, but I do love the whole "predatory" schtick that gets pushed, as if they are forced to walk on the truck and forced to succumb to their snap on dealers desires. People lack self control, stop blaming the vendor for supplying tools. Their prices are high and on a few tools astronomically so, but everyone has a choice.

 

[sk farmer]

The shape and size of the tool. For some reason, premium brands feel better in my hands and function better.

Do you think I'd buy Harbor Freight tools if the guy came to my front door? Service don't mean anything to me.

devils advocate merk........

just what if they are a premium tool at a decent price?

everybody jumps up and down and sings praises to no end over tekton. hf is top shelf compared to mother mit

 

[ex-x-fire]

That's big man! Right man? I mean, MAN....

It would have been funny if he said "Can I get a hallelujah!" He sure was rambling.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I sure do. I’ve purchased a few SK tool sets recently. They’re affordable and excellent quality. I find the prices to be justified for what you’re getting, unlike Snap On. Just finished swapping motors in an ‘89 Formula this past weekend and used some of my SK acquisitions. I’m still in need in of better ratchets as I don’t care for the round heads. I have read complaints regarding the new LP90’s, so I have been holding off to see what the Icon’s look/feel like. Judging by the unboxing video on YouTube, I am very interested. If they are as nice as they appear to be, I’ll jump on them when they hit retail. If I don’t like them, I’ll buy the SK’s. I also have Icon breaker bars that so far seem to be excellent quality. I haven’t used the 3/8” drive yet, but the 1/2” has taken a beating.

Regardless of what tools I own, I am very pleased to see Harbor Freight taking on the big players. I don’t particularly like the tool truck business model. I never have. I have formed my own judgement by the stories I’ve read from customers and former franchise owners themselves. Harbor Freight is simply giving these people another option to buy the tools they need, that do the job, that puts food on the table, without leaving them in massive amounts of debt or wondering when the **** van is going to show up again to exchange a warranty.

I find the tool truck brands to be out-of-line with their pricing. Please tell me why other USA made brands such as Wright and SK are far less expensive on most things? In my opinion, there’s nothing that justifies the outrageous cost of the truck brand tools. They know people don’t have much of a choice so they can charge whatever they want. Well, pretty soon those people may have a choice... hell, I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.

I’m sorry if any of you get **** hurt over me trash talking your precious Snap On. Am I dramatic? Yeah. I won’t deny that. Some people just want to watch the world burn and I’m one of them.

I notice you didn't include Proto in the "far less expensive" dept. It's cheaper than truck tools sure, but it can be very pricey.


I make a living with my tools, do you? Serious question, because that's related to the "trucks are overpriced, especially snap-on" discussion. Some stuff you have to swallow up and pay for, like 1/4 drive universals and wobble extensions. I have both from SK, the snap on are vastly superior. Being that I use them to make a living, the difference matters to me. Some tools are not readily available outside of trucks (or were not in years past). 12 inch long 1/4 drive ratchets were once a truck only sort of item, if you wanted fine teeth and a flex head. Mine cost a lot, but I've made so much more off of it. Most people focus on hand tools, but what about specialty tools? How about a scanner with a lab-scope built in? Or a guided component tester on the 2004-ish circa gen-1 modis? Nobody could touch that at the time.

I'm far from a snap-on fan boy, but there's a time and a place. I have tons of SK, Proto, Williams, Wright as well, they have a place too. I prefer wright grip to flank drive plus, personally.




--------------------------------------

Back on topic - I hope Icon are great tools. The more quality import tools available at cheap prices, the better. Helps people new to the industry tool-up, and help DIY Joe work easier.

 

[dnschmidt]

Does any of this have anything whatsoever to do with ICON tools are coming? I don't think so.

 

[tarbellb]

Does any of this have anything whatsoever to do with ICON tools are coming? I don't think so.

Yeah, its scaring the beejuzus out of the fanboys!

 

[Andres26tnt]

reviews of Icon tools are already hitting youtube. my first impressions, they are just nicer chrome versions of reliable established Taiwanese designs.

 

[measuredtwice]

Looks like the innards of the ratchet are different than the Pittsburgh ratchet.

What's dumber than Harbor Freight fanboys bouncing with happiness that foreign competition threatens American manufacturing, is thinking that it is something new. Look up the Tariff Act in a history book.

 

[Tallpilot]

I was just going to post this myself. I was excited for Icon until I saw the rumored pricing for the toolboxes. I just looked at my screen like

If the pricing is up there close to other options that better fit my wants/needs, you can bet I won't be buying at HF just to save 10%.

Especially won't be buying if they are same/similar price point as Carlyle.

That's been my guess since the beginning: Non-sale Carlyle pricing, which quite frankly is not a good value for most of the offerings. Sale pricing on the other hand is usually excellent value but Carlyle sale pricing is often over 50% off. HF coupons usually vary between 15-20% off for the lines not covered by the soi-disant "super coupons".

I think volume is going to be much lower than they expect unless they change their pricing strategy. But we'll know in 6 months or so.

The ratchet internals look identical to Tekton and any other Taiwan 90t.

 

[Legion Prime]

reviews of Icon tools are already hitting youtube. my first impressions, they are just nicer chrome versions of reliable established Taiwanese designs.

Tweeker Tool Reviews? LOL
Well, they look pretty. They got pretty boxes, but apparently we still can't buy them. It isn't looking like they're bringing much more impressive than decent tools in pretty boxes thus far. If, you know, they ever make it to the stores that is.

 

[measuredtwice]

So after 13 pages is the conclusion that the ratchet is like a Tekton ratchet but costs more?

 

[Tallpilot]

So after 13 pages is the conclusion that the ratchet is like a Tekton ratchet but costs more?

Don't forget the comfort grip option. That's worth double right?

Psst Tekton : Comfort grips, locking flex and long 1/4" please.

 

[measuredtwice]

Don't forget the comfort grip option. That's worth double right?

My comfort is important.

Psst Tekton : Comfort grips, locking flex and long 1/4" please.

I'd guess that isn't far off.

 

[techieman33]

If the tools are priced like the toolbox seems to be then I doubt they're much of a threat to anyone. Someone sent Justin Sturgill Trucking some pics with prices on it.

 

[WittHay]

That blow will be very location dependent IMHO. If a guy happens to have a HF on his route to work it’s easy to stop in before or after a shift. If the closest one is even just a half hour out of the way that becomes a major inconvenience and Tekton wins.

That may be less true in the Western provinces where delivery services are not as fast and reliable. But I haven’t seen a HF in Edmonton yet.

You cant compare tool buying between Canada and the US. Locally you can walk into a store and have a full selection of GearWrench,,Klein, Knipex and a large selection of Proto, Rigid and others.

I am under the impression in the majority of areas in the US its HF or online shopping. There are no real tool stores that you can go in and look at SK, Wright even GearWrench. I assume Carylyle is hit and miss at Napa sores.

If Harbor Freight has room in its stores to have a large selection of Icon, that means open stock and the pricing is right. They might be a good local choice for people wanting fancier Taiwan tools and find that SK, Wright, Williams or Proto is too expensive

 

[WittHay]

Tool truck shopping cant be that much different between Canada and the US. You walk 100 feet out of your shop, give the dealer a token payment and walk away with a good quality made in USA ratchet.

If you dont like that business model, you can hope that you like a SK 90T rachet and order online. Maybe buy a Tekton 90 tooth ratchet sight unseen or now sometime in the coming months truck down to your local Harbor Freight. lift up and look at the Icon 90 tooth and possibly buy it.

Nothing to do with HF vs. Snap-on. Just another tool choice in the US

 

[Tallpilot]

You cant compare tool buying between Canada and the US. Locally you can walk into a store and have a full selection of GearWrench,,Klein, Knipex and a large selection of Proto, Rigid and others.

I am under the impression in the majority of areas in the US its HF or online shopping. There are no real tool stores that you can go in and look at SK, Wright even GearWrench. I assume Carylyle is hit and miss at Napa sores.

If Harbor Freight has room in its stores to have a large selection of Icon, that means open stock and the pricing is right. They might be a good local choice for people wanting fancier Taiwan tools and find that SK, Wright, Williams or Proto is too expensive

I’d agree with that assessment. A few industrial supply houses might stock a little Wright or Proto but prices would be insane without a big account to purchase under. Knipex and Klein can be found a little more easily but mostly it’s Asian everywhere you look. If you want better it’s online.

Zoro (Grainger in disguise) will ship you Proto quite reasonably though if you use a 25% off coupon. Most of my bit sockets are Proto since Williams only makes theirs in Taiwan.

That’s nice your local stores haven’t raced to the bottom like ours. If it weren’t for this board I wouldn’t know Wright, Proto or Williams existed.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Depending on discount these will be an option for me. Our snap-on franchisee quit and no one has picked up his route. I only bought items on promo as full price is outrageous. There is nothing local to me other than the standard big box stores, HF, and Napa. I have yet to have our local Napa successfully bring any advertised sale Carlyle tool in, nada. That leaves online and HF and honestly, its way easier to exchange my tool on a Sunday when I need it at HF than mail it and wait on a replacement.

 

[Fedwrench]

It appears that ICON tools have arrived at least in Nebraska

You Tuber ClientGraphics did a live stream tonight covering an outstanding ICON tool haul from his local Harbor Freight Store. Although he was down right giddy at times over his purchases (I can't blame him), he was calm for the most part and delivered a very informative first look at ratchets, chrome metric sockets, combination wrenches, and some very nice looking long panel ratcheting wrenches. If you're interested in the new ICON line, i strongly recommend watching his video. Pricing seemed pretty reasonable (at least to me). The tool packaging seems geared towards anti theft and I'm sure adds some cost to the end item. Wamsutta (Merk) will be happy to hear that ICON ratchets come with a little ICON polishing cloth
Anyway, I'd look for more in depth ICON tool videos from ClientGraphics in the near future. His stream tonight was very informative and entertaining.

 

[Yarpo]

It appears that ICON tools have arrived at least in Nebraska

You Tuber ClientGraphics did a live stream tonight covering an outstanding ICON tool haul from his local Harbor Freight Store. Although he was down right giddy at times over his purchases (I can't blame him), he was calm for the most part and delivered a very informative first look at ratchets, chrome metric sockets, combination wrenches, and some very nice looking long panel ratcheting wrenches. If you're interested in the new ICON line, i strongly recommend watching his video. Pricing seemed pretty reasonable (at least to me). The tool packaging seems geared towards anti theft and I'm sure adds some cost to the end item. Wamsutta (Merk) will be happy to hear that ICON ratchets come with a little ICON polishing cloth
Anyway, I'd look for more in depth ICON tool videos from ClientGraphics in the near future. His stream tonight was very informative and entertaining.

Fully necked down sockets, knurled too...kind of. Yay

Oh, and I love that they're following the trend of organizers similar to Snap Ons. I don't own many Snap on sockets/wrenches but I love the trays, I know they're space wasting but I prefer them.

Most of the stuff looks good, but just looks like another company importing stuff from Taiwan with their name on it, right? Nothing revolutionary.

PS; He states this stuff still isn't out. Seriously....zzzz

 

[Fedwrench]

Oh, and I love that they're following the trend of organizers similar to Snap Ons. I don't own many Snap on sockets/wrenches but I love the trays, I know they're space wasting but I prefer them.
Most of the stuff looks good, but just looks like another company importing stuff from Taiwan with their name on it, right? Nothing revolutionary.

I don't really care for the plastic trays. I toss my snap on trays. I prefer rails but, that's just me. As for the tools not being revolutionary, i think ICON is offering items that Tekton, Capri, Sonic, Teng, and Carlyle aren't. Specifically, the long pattern ratcheting combination wrenches and a larger variety of 90 tooth ratchets too include models with all metal handles. I wish ICON would have extended the range on the 1/4 drive socket set to 15mm. Time will tell how good ICON will be but, at least it's another option that won't break the bank, and might be available in a real store close by.

 

[Tallpilot]

I don't really care for the plastic trays. I toss my snap on trays. I prefer rails but, that's just me. As for the tools not being revolutionary, i think ICON is offering items that Tekton, Capri, Sonic, Teng, and Carlyle aren't. Specifically, the long pattern ratcheting combination wrenches and a larger variety of 90 tooth ratchets too include models with all metal handles. I wish ICON would have extended the range on the 1/4 drive socket set to 15mm. Time will tell how good ICON will be but, at least it's another option that won't break the bank, and might be available in a real store close by.

The prices he was referencing seemed quite reasonable. I liked the reversible stubby wrench set. I don't really understand their inventory roll out system. The new cabinets are at a couple stores (at least according to YouTube). Some random store in Nebraska gets a truck of Icon but nobody else. They aren't in the catalog.

 

[kythri]

PS; He states this stuff still isn't out. Seriously....zzzz

September 30th, is what I've been hearing as the official release date.

 

[techieman33]

The prices he was referencing seemed quite reasonable. I liked the reversible stubby wrench set. I don't really understand their inventory roll out system. The new cabinets are at a couple stores (at least according to YouTube). Some random store in Nebraska gets a truck of Icon but nobody else. They aren't in the catalog.

My take is that this is all part of the marketing campaign.

 

[Sloper0204]

My take is that this is all part of the marketing campaign.

They are doing a damn good job building the hype. Causing people to drive hours out of their way based on a rumor that tools were available at a specific location, and then post two hour videos with only about 5 minutes of actual information in them.

 

[xin]

They are doing a damn good job building the hype. Causing people to drive hours out of their way based on a rumor that tools were available at a specific location, and then post two hour videos with only about 5 minutes of actual information in them.

All to view a Chinese tool box.


-- at a Union Made in USA price

 

[2000-cvpi]

They are doing a damn good job building the hype. Causing people to drive hours out of their way based on a rumor that tools were available at a specific location, and then post two hour videos with only about 5 minutes of actual information in them.

Does anyone want to share the pricing since most of the working world doesn’t have 2.5 hours to watch a guy string out a five minute video to an unbelievable long video.

 

[may0naise]

They are doing a damn good job building the hype. Causing people to drive hours out of their way based on a rumor that tools were available at a specific location, and then post two hour videos with only about 5 minutes of actual information in them.

Also why would they choose THIS channel with only 4k subscribers for their hype roll out? He may not be the greatest vids but the tool bear guy seems to be HF's unofficial youtube channel and has 10 times as many subs. there are also TONS of bigger tool review youtubers that they could have done this with.

 

[Yarpo]

I don't really care for the plastic trays. I toss my snap on trays. I prefer rails but, that's just me. As for the tools not being revolutionary, i think ICON is offering items that Tekton, Capri, Sonic, Teng, and Carlyle aren't. Specifically, the long pattern ratcheting combination wrenches and a larger variety of 90 tooth ratchets too include models with all metal handles. I wish ICON would have extended the range on the 1/4 drive socket set to 15mm. Time will tell how good ICON will be but, at least it's another option that won't break the bank, and might be available in a real store close by.

If you get any more trays I'd be happy to pay for shipping and put them to use.

Between Tekton/Carlyle and companies like Titan or power torque (all 90T stuff?) the ratchets are not really unique. It does seem like the ratcheting wrenches are currently however. I'm happy to pickup some of the these things and try them out, mostly for the trays tho. I dont think they will be any better or worse than any other Taiwanese made tool tho.

Does anyone want to share the pricing since most of the working world doesn’t have 2.5 hours to watch a guy string out a five minute video to an unbelievable long video.

10-19mm long (they appear long) ratcheting wrench set

109 dollars, which was the most expensive thing he got.

The 14" 3/8 drive ratchet was 49.99 and was binding up out of the box

Not sure on the other prices, I just skimmed through the video.

 

[Nineeightyone]

If you get any more trays I'd be happy to pay for shipping and put them to use.

Between Tekton/Carlyle and companies like Titan or power torque (all 90T stuff?) the ratchets are not really unique. It does seem like the ratcheting wrenches are currently however. I'm happy to pickup some of the these things and try them out, mostly for the trays tho. I dont think they will be any better or worse than any other Taiwanese made tool tho.



10-19mm long (they appear long) ratcheting wrench set

109 dollars, which was the most expensive thing he got.

That's not an awful price, all things considered. If they're actually long pattern, I might have to pick up a set. For regular length, I wound up with the OEM reversible ratcheting wrenches and I'm pretty satisfied.

 

[Polski-Chevy]

All to view a Chinese tool box.


-- at a Union Made in USA price

HF did get name right

I Con

 

[DSLTRK]

I take anything Harbor Freight claims with a grain of salt. Especially the comparisons.

The Doyle pliers **** quality wise and are nowhere near Kleins.

I will know these 'Icon' are not "equivalent to Snap On" as well.

These tools are nothing special or revolutionary. Just another
lot of contracted Taiwanese companies.

 

[RV8guy]

Without seeing the ICON tool boxes I kinda think that they are over priced. I'm OK with it being a step above US General but that is a huge gap.

 

[Andres26tnt]

ICON Ratchets
1/4 Low Profile 90t 7" long $29.99
1/4" Swivel head 90 Tooth 6 5/8" long $32.99
1/4" Flex head 7" long $34.99
3/8" Low Profile 9 7/16" long $34.99
3/8" Flex head 10" long $39.99
3/8" Swivel Head 10 1/4" long $37.99
3/8" Flex Head 14" long $49.99
1/2" Flex head 12" long $49.99
1/2" Swivel head 13 1/4" long $42.99

ICON Wrenches
14 pc Metric Combination Wrench Set $99.99
10pc Metric Stubby Ratcheting Wrench Set $99.99
10pc Metric Ratcheting Wrench Set $109.99

ICON Sockets
1/4" Shallow Sockets $24.99
1/4" Deep Sockets $29.99
3/8" Shallow Sockets $34.99
3/8" Deep Sockets $39.99
1/2" Shallow Sockets $44.99
1/2" Deep Sockets $49.99

 

[rmsg0040]

I take anything Harbor Freight claims with a grain of salt. Especially the comparisons.

The Doyle pliers **** quality wise and are nowhere near Kleins.

I will know these 'Icon' are not "equivalent to Snap On" as well.

These tools are nothing special or revolutionary. Just another
lot of contracted Taiwanese companies.

Yes, you are correct, this is just another Taiwan special. Seems like everybody and their mother can overseas and drum up a contract.

I am from Canada, when I go down to HF I am looking for cheap and I am always using a coupon to save more. I am not looking to pay top dollar from HF.

 

[Yarpo]

Yes, you are correct, this is just another Taiwan special. Seems like everybody and their mother can overseas and drum up a contract.

Seriously we here at garage journal could get someone in Taiwan, drum up a contract, pool our capital and be "SlyCon" n less than 6 months I imagine. Anyone in?

 

[xin]

I take anything Harbor Freight claims with a grain of salt. Especially the comparisons.

The Doyle pliers **** quality wise and are nowhere near Kleins.

I will know these 'Icon' are not "equivalent to Snap On" as well.

These tools are nothing special or revolutionary. Just another
lot of contracted Taiwanese companies.

I will stick to tried and true fail to see a point of $8,000-$10,000 for a CHINESE tool box people are drooling over.

I am the same way grain of salt and nothing to write home about.

 

[xin]

Seriously we here at garage journal could get someone in Taiwan, drum up a contract, pool our capital and be "SlyCon" n less than 6 months I imagine. Anyone in?

Slycon that is a good one!!!