Icon tools are coming spring/summer 2019

[davethorik]

I think it’s time we just face the facts, the Snap On guys are all right, we are wrong and move on.

I’m selling all of my tools and going to spend time chasing down the Snap On truck so I can pay full price for every set of sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.. that I need. As a DIY’er that works in pharmaceuticals and who only uses his tools maybe once again per week, I need Snap On. Cry once, right? I’m just not good enough or worthy enough without owning/using Snap On tools. My nuts and bolts won’t turn without Snap On. I can’t believe what an idiot I am for buying tools from Harbor Freight. I just want to be cool and fit in like everyone else.

Did Snap-on kill your parents or something?
You realize this level of animosity just makes you seem crazy, right? I mean this thread turned into the predictable shitfest we all knew it was gonna be, but your comments tho.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

I really don't understand the hype surrounding ICON. I get "brand loyalty" when that brand has been around for decades and has a proven track record with someone who has used those tools long term.

But I'll give ICON credit for a great marketing campaign.

Makes me wonder why Sears Craftsman could never get much sales volume with Craftsman Professional.

 

[Hiball]

I think it’s time we just face the facts, the Snap On guys are all right, we are wrong and move on.

Just so we are clear... There is No “Brand of the Year” trophy handed out at the end of the year. The insecurity that runs rampant that fuels these threads is unbelievable..

Oh... and that goes for both sides of the table before someone cries foul.

 

[CafeTools]

I don't think anyone is arguing in this thread. I think there's a lot of misunderstanding. NOBODY is saying Icon tools are the holy Grail.

 

[Mr_John]

I returned my three ICON 3/8 drive flex head ratchets today. Initially the clerk didn't know about the recall until I showed him the letter. He had to have a manager approve the refund since it was over $25. the manager and the other two salespeople knew about the recall. The refund went smoothly. Hopefully they'll figure out how to fix their flex head design.
Which got me to thinking, there have been issues with other brands of 90 tooth flex head ratchets. Carlyle stopped offering the 90 tooth flex head ratchet in the US. MAC redesigned their axis ratchets after issues with the thin red gasket. SK still hasn't released their 90 tooth flex head ratchets. I'm noticing a trend here. Time will tell how this ends up.

I know this is an older post now, but Matco has an 88 tooth locking flex head that has had no issues. Gearwrench has their 120 XPs that work great as well, but those are dual alternating pawls that lock in different positions on a 60 tooth cog. That's also leaving out Nepros, which has a 90 tooth mech, and I believe Hazet uses 90 teeth, as well.

 

[Mr_John]

Not the point of this discussion but...

The brand is now Genesis, much like Lexus, Acura, Infiniti and BMW. We don’t say Toyota Lexus. Yes, they started as Hyundai Genesis so I get the comparison and why you might say that. That being said, the Genesis doesn’t have the same brand status as BMW, but if you told me I had to choose between the Genesis or BMW today...easy choice, Genesis 10 out of 10 times.

It will take Harbor Freight a long time to build that brand image to the point where people will take them as any remote threat to Snap-on. At this point, their 1000 store footprint is their best chance at success. Tekton is every bit as good from what I’ve seen hand tool wise, and they get better every day. Tekton offers combo wrenches from 8mm to 50mm with no skips! That’s what Icon needs to offer to play on that level.

I wanted to follow up. Question - where is your "Genesis" going to be maintenanced at (if you were to need or want the dealer - and most premium vehicle owners use the dealers)? If your answer is that you'd bet it maintained at a Hyundai dealership, then your Genesis is still a Hyundai. BMW and Lexus have their own dealerships and service areas. The same goes for Infinity as well. I'm not a Genesis hater, but BMW has a lot more brand cache than Hyundai, or Genesis, if you really want to call that a true separate brand.

The above said, I was in a Rural King this weekend, and RK now has a HUGE Tekton display. There was some nice stuff there - I didn't buy anything Tekton, but looked for a little while, at least.

Finally, seems HF is having some issues with the ICON brand, already. I just bought a set of Gearwrench 6 points from Advanced Auto this past week, btw. They had a 25% coupon on a 3/8 6 point rail of sockets (and 6 point in 3/8 are surprisingly hard to find). A 14 piece lifetime warranty mirror finish 6 point set for $15 after coupon (that I picked up at an AA right next to me) is a far better deal than ICON. Also, I did look at HF first, and realized that the 3/8 6 points were not sold AT ALL in their normal chrome sockets... it appears that they only sell the 6 points under the ICON brand... which is far more expensive, and was not on sale, and the 20% coupon does not apply, either.

Gear Wrench 14-Piece 3/8" Drive 6-Point Standard Socket Set (Metric)
LIMITED LIFETIME REPLACEMENT
Part # 80552
Contents: 6-Point Sockets- 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 mm

 

[snooter]

Here's my 'tool truck quality' ratchet after two weeks of use.

Where's that extra inch of steel HF?

My $20 Duralast comfort grip ratchet kills this brand easily, both in value and durability. At least the handle extends all the way down.

You just had to go and do it.....there impact sockets do hold up well...being impacts dont care what brand...they all go to **** quickly enuff...but you just had to go ahead and do it and you even went further with a picture that aint blurry...splodin heads are surely occuring as i type this

 

[kythri]

Tekton is watching you all. Looks like they made a special monitor account a year ago to do so.

 

[Hiball]

Tekton is watching you all. Looks like they made a special monitor account a year ago to do so.

I’d say it’s pretty common practice amongst today’s manufacturers, at least they have the stones to identify themselves for the sake of market research/customer service.

 

[kctyphoon]

I wonder if they will get SO 3/8 flex ratchets...so they don’t have to wait...

Who knows.. or they can walk across the street and warranty their Icon stuff if they need to - without having to wait for a truck to show up

 

[jgromada]

Sounds like a great idea for Tekton to be doing that. They can see people are talking about and maybe tailor their product line accordingly.

 

[1982fxr]

Who knows.. or they can walk across the street and warranty their Icon stuff if they need to - without having to wait for a truck to show up

That works especiallyy well in rural areas.

 

[1982fxr]

Breaking news!

Was just at hf and saw the new Icon boxes etc. NOT impressed by the toolboxes. Random drawers were locked, it's not all that sturdy drawer and slide wise.

They are out of their minds with those prices even with interest free credit, sales and coupons. They are not comparable to the truck boxes, period, the end. Anyone who thinks that has never touched a truck box.

I did like the side locker with drawers but not at anywhere $2,000. I asked the clerk how they were selling and he replied that they had a couple open box discounted in back with no keys. Why would they not just get replacement keys?

I thought the Icon wrench sets were priced too high for what they are but the ratcheting sets are good offerings.

 

[CafeTools]

That is too bad. I always figured those box prices were too high. They should be at most two times a harbor freight box price.

The rat getting wrenches and regular wewnches are very nice. I think the ratchets are ok for someone buying new ratchets but there not worth it as an upgrade. Probably
ratchets are better than husky and kobalt for sure bi like my Craftsman ratchets with the video quick release vIonder what other tools will be hits and misses.

 

[Fedwrench]

Here's my 'tool truck quality' ratchet after two weeks of use.

Where's that extra inch of steel HF?

My $20 Duralast comfort grip ratchet kills this brand easily, both in value and durability. At least the handle extends all the way down.

I'm confused by your photo. The comfort grip handle appears intact but, the rat tail tang is damaged. Please explain. Additionally, I don't think any brands' rat tail tang extends all the way to the end of the handle.

 

[Fedwrench]

Tekton is watching you all. Looks like they made a special monitor account a year ago to do so.

There are many manufacturers lurking here. Although when I've talked to reps at trade shows, they seem to think many of you are crazy.

Sometimes, I agree with them.

 

[Yarpo]

Finally, seems HF is having some issues with the ICON brand, already. I just bought a set of Gearwrench 6 points from Advanced Auto this past week, btw. They had a 25% coupon on a 3/8 6 point rail of sockets (and 6 point in 3/8 are surprisingly hard to find). A 14 piece lifetime warranty mirror finish 6 point set for $15 after coupon (that I picked up at an AA right next to me) is a far better deal than ICON. Also, I did look at HF first, and realized that the 3/8 6 points were not sold AT ALL in their normal chrome sockets... it appears that they only sell the 6 points under the ICON brand... which is far more expensive, and was not on sale, and the 20% coupon does not apply, either.

Those chrome sets are killer when discounted, I've bought almost two of everything when advanced has a deal on them, planning on using those the rest of my career. As you pointed out, quite a bit cheaper than Icon, and have been around much longer.

 

[Hiball]

I'm confused by your photo. The comfort grip handle appears intact but, the rat tail tang is damaged. Please explain. Additionally, I don't think any brands' rat tail tang extends all the way to the end of the handle.

Looks like the remnants of some sort of epoxy versus actual handle damage.

 

[Jtels85]

Did Snap-on kill your parents or something?
You realize this level of animosity just makes you seem crazy, right? I mean this thread turned into the predictable shitfest we all knew it was gonna be, but your comments tho.

Me, crazy? Ya don’t say. I’m a very petty individual. All I’m doing is dishing it out because I get real bad Forrest Whitaker eye whenever someone suggestions EVERYONE should just go buy Snap On.

FYI, I’m Petty LaBelle.

 

[Fedwrench]

Looks like the remnants of some sort of epoxy versus actual handle damage.

I guess it's time for new glasses

No wings on the rat tail tang, and only a glop of stickum, not impressed.

 

[WittHay]

Nothing has changed on HF's website regarding Icon and it still states "professional tools for the master technician" The only guy i know like that is the 'Flat Rate Master" Youtube mechanic. He is good, the rest of us still manage to get things up and running though.

I was wondering those mechanics who buy the Icon sockets and use them in service trucks or other high loss jobs. What brand would you use to replace lost Icon sockets since HF does not sell individuals? Like if I special order a SK set, Snap-on would be used to replace any missing sockets from that set

I use Napa UltraPro, come in metal trays that can be packed together in a road chest. Any lost sockets can be bought from the local Napa. Also in large sizes its nice to buy singles like 30mm dont need 28 or 29mm in a set. UltraPro 6-point and a Snap-on 12-point 30mm

Regarding comfort grip flex heads, really like the Mac Axis has a harder grip than Snap-on. Had a couple of Snap-on comfort grips but didn't care for them. Also Mac has a different head design than Snap-on or Icon in the flex heads that I prefer.

Everybody seems to agree that the long Icon ratcheting wrenches are good quality and something that Mac doesnt offer, Not sure about Snap-on. Similar to the 1/2 Icon flex ratchet, no tool truck has that particular size

It would be interesting to have regular tool truck customers or mechanics show their Icon purchases and give a review and reason why they bought them. Besides they were cheap. That Icon comfort grip that DSLTRK showed doesn't look promising

 

[vssjim]

I don't have any Harbor Freight tools but them adding the Taiwan made ICON stuff is a good idea even with the increased cost if they can get the bugs worked out. I think the 3/8 ratchet deal is a stand up move in the right direction. I have all brands of tools and everybody has good stuff and junky stuff. The newer Taiwan stuff is pretty good the Vim, Carlyle, Teng and Toptul stuff I have is well made and works and holds up great. I can see lots of starting out people going this route because of cost and as the Sears replacement for things like gift stuff that would have been craftsman in years past. We will see but I think them upgrading the stuff they sell is a good move, if you want cheapy or if you want good they have both. I don't look at Snap-on's reports but I have seen they moved in to information sales fairly hard as the tool truck thing may have a dealer or not but everybody needs subscription info these days which is guaranteed future for sure.

 

[WittHay]

Just buy Snap On, Mac, Matco, Cornwell and be done. Buy once Cry Once. I don't understand this ICON hype.

Hype is the right word. We are very low key in Canada when it comes to tools.

We have industrial tool stores and the usual tool trucks. Mac guy is always complaining that he is too busy and need another truck in the area. The local import tool company Jet Tools slogan is " Comprehensive and reliable products for the industrial, MTO and automotive markets" They have 7500 products in their line.

The local heavy duty parts place around here are huge. One has 10 parts people and the other has 18 at the counters and desks.

There is a pile of tool catalogs at these places. One called Viper Heavy Duty is 320 pages. Taiwan brands in that catalog are GearWrench, Sunex, Vim, CTA, S +G Tool Aid, Schley, ATD, V8 and others. The interesting part is that in the heavy duty or industrial tool market up here COO is important. In the Viper catalog there are little flags that designate COO made in Japan, Germany, USA, Canada, UK and France

So there are Canadian Tires and Princess Autos for the diy or Sunday crowd. and this huge other tool and parts sources for the Monday to Friday guys. They are all what is called "friendly competition" No comparing or beating, You Tube videos or huge marketing campaigns

The point is HF should eat a little crow and back peddle about Icon be a premium quality professional brand plus lose the weird Snap-on obsession and just concentrate on having good products that can sell themselves. Snap-on is only one piece of a big puzzle regarding tools available to commercial mechanics

 

[L.Cheapo]

I guess it's time for new glasses

No wings on the rat tail tang, and only a glop of stickum, not impressed.

ICON BEATS Snap-on (in quantity of mystery glue used to sort-of retain ratchet handles).

 

[Ton ton]

The snap on truck comes within about 2 1/2 miles of my work place. Harbor freight is 30 miles away.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

WittHay, Just a WAG, but wouldn't the real money be in the tool boxes, not the hardline. So maybe that's Harbor Freight's market aim.

I thought CBS Parts was truck parts ?

 

[Mr_John]

Not too get too off track, but I’d go to the Genesis dealer near me. If you choose to google search as well you’ll see photos of said dealerships. Interestingly enough I get my Acura serviced at Honda when necessary (rare).

https://www.genesisofnoblesville.com/

Well, I think you know my point regarding ICON vs a Matco, MAC, or Snap On - or even SK and Proto, or Ko-ken and KTC/Nepros. That said, that's the first Genesis dealer I've ever seen... I wasn't aware that the sales were good enough (or product line big enough) to support a stand-alone dealer. Most people purchasing a Genesis, though, would likely be buying it through a Hyundai dealership. Lexus folk tend to not want to mingle with Toyota Corolla owners, and Audi owners would prefer to have a dedicated dealer vs just going to the local VW service center.

The above said, I do like the look and reviews of the G70, Motor Trend's 2018 COTY, but, again, it is a lot of money for a Korean brand with no history, poor secondary/used resale prices, and a lack of brand "cache." There's something about saying I just bought a BMW or Mercedes.. and Porsche is definitely in a overall different category vs saying I bought a Genesis. I think if you're a pro mechanic, or own your own shop, while ICON are nice looking, it's just not the same as owning a Matco, MAC, or Snap On tool chest... although, as the new kid on the block, there is interest in the "something different" factor of ICON vs the well-known premium US tool truck brands.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

In a round about way, you might be on to something. Like the Acura Honda thing.

 

[CafeTools]

I will have to see an icon toolbox in person for myself to see how nice they are. I don't think they will be anywhere near as nice as a Snap-On or Matco box. But what separates the icon box is that it is locally sold and has local customer support without having to flag down a tool truck when there's a problem or even to purchase. Unfortunately I think the icon boxes are just way overpriced they should be about 2 times the price as a Harbor Freight box.

 

[dnschmidt]

Not to belabor a point but that handle can be easily glued back onto the ratchet although of course that shouldn't be necessary. TOPTUL makes an extendable ratchet that's really nice except for the fact that the plastic handle almost always comes off since they don't glue them on. (?????) Scuff the area of the steel that the handle goes onto with a piece of sandpaper and get some J B Weld Quick and smear in onto the handle and the inside of the grip with a popcicle stick and slide it back on. The epoxy is an excellent lubricant. It will never come back off. Problem solved although of course there never should have been a problem to begin with.

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

Not to further derail an already derailed thread, but some Acura models are assembled at Honda plants in Ohio and Alabama.

 

[2000-cvpi]

Well, I think you know my point regarding ICON vs a Matco, MAC, or Snap On - or even SK and Proto, or Ko-ken and KTC/Nepros. That said, that's the first Genesis dealer I've ever seen... I wasn't aware that the sales were good enough (or product line big enough) to support a stand-alone dealer. Most people purchasing a Genesis, though, would likely be buying it through a Hyundai dealership. Lexus folk tend to not want to mingle with Toyota Corolla owners, and Audi owners would prefer to have a dedicated dealer vs just going to the local VW service center.

The above said, I do like the look and reviews of the G70, Motor Trend's 2018 COTY, but, again, it is a lot of money for a Korean brand with no history, poor secondary/used resale prices, and a lack of brand "cache." There's something about saying I just bought a BMW or Mercedes.. and Porsche is definitely in a overall different category vs saying I bought a Genesis. I think if you're a pro mechanic, or own your own shop, while ICON are nice looking, it's just not the same as owning a Matco, MAC, or Snap On tool chest... although, as the new kid on the block, there is interest in the "something different" factor of ICON vs the well-known premium US tool truck brands.

Not be be a ****, but there’s a lot of stand alone Genesis dealerships in the USA staffed and owned by Americans that pay taxes. A quick google would have proven that. Further, since the first Genesis to now, the cache isn’t as bad as you think. Another 15-20 years and they will be thought of just like BMW, Mercedes, et al.

I mean really, all this over guys making payments on tools trying to defend their not great financial decisions.

 

[WittHay]

WittHay, Just a WAG, but wouldn't the real money be in the tool boxes, not the hardline. So maybe that's Harbor Freight's market aim.

I thought CBS Parts was truck parts ?

I think HF aims is to sell less Pitteburg, Pittsburg Pro, Quinn and a lot more Icon to whomever they can

CBS is a Tiger Tools dealer and they have some Lang, OTC and other brands required to replace or adjust truck brakes. They have this large catalog that you can order Sunex, GP, GearWrench or whatever and they will deliver it out on your parts order. Lordco and my regular parts supplier have a similar catalog.

I though large tool boxes were a shrinking market for car dealerships. Most new dealerships in the area have those custom built work areas by Rousseau and others

This reply is for others, just for fun walk into a Genesis, Lexus or just plain Toyota service department and ask them what brands they use and why. Ask any mechanic at your local car dealership if they are consider buying any Icon tools

 

[Farmall450]

This reply is for others, just for fun walk into a Genesis, Lexus or just plain Toyota service department and ask them what brands they use and why. Ask any mechanic at your local car dealership if they are consider buying any Icon tools

I doubt they've even heard of them.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

That would make sense, if you can up market, your profit margin should be greater than on a low priced line, where price is the driver.

My local Lordco, an auto parts chain store, has a wall of JET. It's long wall, the store was once a supermarket. I can get my discount on them.

 

[zekgb64]

Count me as a Prosumer level buyer that has bought his share of HF stuff who was extremely excited for the Icon ratchets to replace my random CM pieces and ended up being underwhelmed when they finally showed up on the shelves. Hard to put into words everything that went into that reaction, but the one thing that stood out was the wide variance in feel of the ratchet mechanisms between models. I didn't get the sense that tolerances and/or quality control were anywhere near what you'd expect out of a premium product. Some felt well lubricated, others extremely dry and gritty while the pawl springs on a couple of the models felt extremely strong with a corresponding stiff action where others were much less so. Not sure which is better in the long run but the lack of consistency is disturbing, and yeah the Lifetime Warranty is nice but god knows what will be on HF's shelf with the Icon name in a few years time so that seems like a bit of a crapshoot.

Anyway I've realized my budget vs expectations ratio is too far off to buy new so I'm in the process of buying used Snap-On via Ebay (T72, TL72 and GF80 already purchased for a total of $110) and will probably supplement with Tekton for more exotic items like a bent handled flex head that will be perfect for the upcoming brake caliper refurbishment I'm tackling on the 928.

 

[Mr_John]

Not be be a ****, but there’s a lot of stand alone Genesis dealerships in the USA staffed and owned by Americans that pay taxes. A quick google would have proven that. Further, since the first Genesis to now, the cache isn’t as bad as you think. Another 15-20 years and they will be thought of just like BMW, Mercedes, et al.

I mean really, all this over guys making payments on tools trying to defend their not great financial decisions.

Just a general FYI, when you write "not to be a ****," usually what follows is something ****-ish. I digress, though. Let me ask you, while anyone can do a google search, did you actually happen to look at your supposed "Genesis Dealer" search results? I'm betting that most of your results are not stand-alone Genesis dealers, but Hyundai dealers. So, for ex, I just randomly picked a big city - Atlanta. I googled "Genesis of Atlanta." Do you know what picture came up when I looked at the search results? -- Jim Ellis Hyundai (in Atlanta). It's the equivalent of calling your local Harbor Freight the ICON tool depot... just so happens to have the same address as Harbor Freight, where you can buy an entire ratchet set, with sockets and case, for $5. So how many $5K ICON tool chests can I write you down for...?

Also, tell one family member "I just bought a new BMW" and tell another that "I just bought a new Genesis." The first reaction would be something like - oh my, did you get a promotion? The second might be more like, oh great, you got a new car - what's a "Genesis?" And I like the Genesis G70... but I'm being honest with you. It ain't the same thing... and won't likely be the same thing 10 years from now, either. ICON won't be lusted after like Snap On either. Doubt me, sell a second hand ICON ratchet on eBay and then sell a second hand Snap On on eBay...

Also, I don't agree with this trashing mechanics for buying American Made tool chests, like Snap On and Matco. I like bicycles, and have a carbon fiber road bike that costs thousands of dollars... somebody that buys their bike at Walmart may never understand why my clipless pedals cost more than their entire bike... but it's what I like. If you spend 8 -10 hours a day, 5 days a week turning wrenches, then a mechanic might stare at his tool chest more than he stares at his wife or girlfriend. So, owning a Snap On tool chest is a bit of a status symbol in that trade... and I get it. They should avoid mortgaging their home for a tool chest, but there's no need to trash them for their decisions.

 

[Skin]

One could argue there are very real tangible differences between your bike and one from a big box stores while basic hand tools have been pretty well figured out and there is no difference between an import or a truck socket that costs 10x as much.

 

[mrjaw14]

Basic tools are definitely produced to varying quality levels. The base tool steel, the tolerances of the broaching, the heat treat consistency, and thickness of chrome or other finish all play a part.

 

[javyLSU]

One could argue there are very real tangible differences between your bike and one from a big box stores while basic hand tools have been pretty well figured out and there is no difference between an import or a truck socket that costs 10x as much.

^For a professional mechanic, there is, but it has nothing to do with where the socket comes from. I'm not a mechanic anymore, but part of the way I paid my way through college was working as a mechanic until I graduated. As a professional, I traded my time, knowledge, and skill, for money. Every minute you spend not working on a vehicle is money you're losing. The cost of tools is simply not material to the equation - but the time you spend not using your tools (acquiring/fixing/warranteeing etc) is. This is where the average Joe doesn't understand that paying $150 for a ratchet that is delivered to and serviced at my place of employment is actually worth it in the long run. The tool trucks are selling service WITH the tools, so the tech can spend his time making money, instead of spending time (i.e. money) driving to stores during/after work, or surfing the internet shopping for tools, or packing tools for shipment to return for warrantee service... All of these obstacles and time ***** practically disappear when a professional tech buys from a tool truck.

I very well could be wrong, but I think a lot of the hate that is being directed at tool trucks (especially Snap-on) is coming from people that don't and have never been in the trade. If you're not a professional tech at shop that gets regular visits from a tool truck, then it's galactically stupid to buy tool truck tools, because you're not getting the service that's included with the price. I think this where complaints about having to "chase down a tool truck" come from. My Snap-on guy will (and has) come to my house to deliver and service tools. Granted, since I'm not a mechanic anymore, I respect his time and don't waste it with little stuff, because I know how he makes his living. I use the website for that stuff now.