Icon tools are coming spring/summer 2019

[Mr_John]

Because, like some dipshit who made a comment on an Instagram post yesterday, “Icon tools are for the tool polishers who can’t afford Snap On”.

What is with this mentality? It’s like they’re tool shaming people to make up for a lack of something else...

Just like those guys who tailgate you in big, jacked up 4X4 trucks. They’re just in a hurry to get home and kiss their dad on the lips.

Well, HF hasn't really established the ICON brand, yet, so this is to be expected. In addition, HF loves to compare everything ICON vs Snap-on. Well, they're kinda asking for it from people that spent triple the money on Snap-on. ICON is more of a GearWrench competitor due to COI (country of origin), but even comparing to GearWrench, that is owned by a REAL tool conglomerate, Apex Tools, with an actual history (and their own tool trucks) is asking a lot.

Also, I too hate large pickups that not only ride people's arses, but many of them also seem to forget that the highbeam stalk control doesn't always have to be in the ON position. Few things worse than an elevated truck with HID high beams riding your ****, esp if you're in a car...

 

[dnschmidt]

Harry, it ain't going to happen. Eric O. has been pushing me for years to do that. In case you didn't know TOPTUL does have tool trucks in Taiwan. As Mr. T would say, "I pity the fool that would try that" considering the amount of ******** that ran me through.

 

[Parrothead]

Sooo...I’m standing in front of the ICON wrench section, and only the SAE combination wrenches have “anti-slip grip”! What the ?!?!!!

Seriously, there’s absolutely no reason to purchase them over Tekton at half the price and they sell individual wrenches should you ever lose one.

 

[CafeTools]

The metric ones have it. They are just not in stock.

 

[matlok]

Returned the 1/4” Flex Head (R1FG) yesterday for a refund. It was locking up in the same manner as they say the 3/8s were. Almost no use either, definitely not abused, lubed w/Super Lube. I’m actually a tiny bit disappointed as I liked it much better than my GW 120XP. Better finish, handle feel, flex joint, ratchet action, etc... right up to the point it started locking up. I’m a hobby/car guy so I definitely don’t NEED anything nice, but now I’m considering just treating myself to a new THLF72 or THLFD72x. For a non-tech (no shop association) is my only route the website at full price or would I be able to get one off a truck somewhere slightly cheaper? (I’ve got a few friends that are techs at dealers so they may be able to get me on their guy’s truck, but I haven’t asked yet)

 

[WittHay]

Redemption Garage has a video on the Icon flex ratchet recall. Compares the Icon fixed and flex to a Snap-on and Matco along with a Tekton

Seems the Icon fixed is similar to a Tekton ratchet design and the Icon flex have significantly smaller components with more movement in them when changing directions

Something about the pawl catching on the ratchet body

 

[Mr_John]

Returned the 1/4” Flex Head (R1FG) yesterday for a refund. It was locking up in the same manner as they say the 3/8s were. Almost no use either, definitely not abused, lubed w/Super Lube. I’m actually a tiny bit disappointed as I liked it much better than my GW 120XP. Better finish, handle feel, flex joint, ratchet action, etc... right up to the point it started locking up. I’m a hobby/car guy so I definitely don’t NEED anything nice, but now I’m considering just treating myself to a new THLF72 or THLFD72x. For a non-tech (no shop association) is my only route the website at full price or would I be able to get one off a truck somewhere slightly cheaper? (I’ve got a few friends that are techs at dealers so they may be able to get me on their guy’s truck, but I haven’t asked yet)

Take a look if you like it in green - some eBay seller in Alabama with an almost 100% satisfaction rating on over 35K sales, has 2 of them at $91, shipped free:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Snap-o...MYAAOSwVCldETuO:sc:USPSFirstClass!15227!US!-1

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Returned the 1/4” Flex Head (R1FG) yesterday for a refund. It was locking up in the same manner as they say the 3/8s were. Almost no use either, definitely not abused, lubed w/Super Lube. I’m actually a tiny bit disappointed as I liked it much better than my GW 120XP. Better finish, handle feel, flex joint, ratchet action, etc... right up to the point it started locking up. I’m a hobby/car guy so I definitely don’t NEED anything nice, but now I’m considering just treating myself to a new THLF72 or THLFD72x. For a non-tech (no shop association) is my only route the website at full price or would I be able to get one off a truck somewhere slightly cheaper? (I’ve got a few friends that are techs at dealers so they may be able to get me on their guy’s truck, but I haven’t asked yet)

Experiences like this are why a lot of us encourage people to pony up the cash for high end ratchets. By the time you bought the GW 120xp, the ICON, and now a 3rd ratchet, you could've just gone for known quality from the get go. I don't own many SnapOn tools, but I own A LOT of Dual 80 ratchets. In fact, my SnapOn ratchets live in HF boxes. I don't know that Dual 80's are the best (they are the best I've used), but they flat out work and are well supported. At this point in life I will never have to buy another ratchet as I've already paid for the best (in my experience) up front. FWIW, I bought all of my ratchets on Ebay significantly cheaper than MSRP.

 

[Parrothead]

Sooo...I’m standing in front of the ICON wrench section, and only the SAE combination wrenches have “anti-slip grip”! What the ?!?!!! .

The metric ones have it. They are just not in stock.

100% Wrong. The ICON wrenches were there, in stock and I could have purchased them if I so desired. I’m talking about the standard combination wrench set. I examined them, felt the inside of them and nope no anti-slip grip. The sample tied to the display was metric too. Again, no “anti-slip grip. On top of all that, the SAE box was right next to the metric and it did have the “anti-slip grip” on the front of the package. The metric set did now. This is my own eyes examining in stock product.

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-pc-metric-professional-combination-wrench-set-64709.html

Look at the last three pictures in that link, and it’s EXACTLY what I saw in person.

 

[kythri]

There's two different sets.

The set you linked is not the anti-slip set.

You linked the 67409 SKU. 67412 is the anti-slip set:

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-pc...ion-wrench-set-with-anti-slip-grip-64712.html

 

[jgromada]

There's two different sets.

The set you linked is not the anti-slip set.

You linked the 67409 SKU. 67412 is the anti-slip set:

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-pc...ion-wrench-set-with-anti-slip-grip-64712.html

Is the anti-slip surfaces unique to the Icon line or is this offered on any of the Pittsburgh lines?

To me this seems like a nice advantage. None of the wrenches i have now offer this.

 

[ChrisLS8]

It's surprising to me that Home Depot (at least here locally) doesn't stock any of the Milwaukee hand tools, just power tools. I think Milwaukee hand tools would sell. Unlike Icon, Milwaukee is an established brand with a proven track record. I'd feel quite comfortable walking into a Home Depot and buying Milwaukee hand tools. The price point would be higher than Husky and whatever other hand tools they sell, but I can see serious DIYers and maybe techs willing to pay that.

They are NOT established in mechanic segment of hand tools. They literally dropped wrench, socket and ratchet sets within the last year or so

 

[bubinga]

Fixed it to apply to Ohio Valley...............LOL

Because, like some dipshit who made a comment on an Instagram post yesterday, “Icon tools are for the tool polishers who can’t afford Snap On”.

What is with this mentality? It’s like they’re tool shaming people to make up for a lack of something else...

Just like those guys who tailgate you in big, jacked up 4X4 trucks, from Out of State. They’re just in a hurry To get to the next light two or three cars behind me.
(That's the way they are around here) .

 

[bubinga]

A more expensive chinesium tool that would take sales from their husky house brand? Can't even see that as a viable plan. I wouldn't be in for either one but the weekend diy guy is mostly shopping on price. So taking up the valuable shelve space with a high priced item(that probably has a lower mark up) isn't on a marketing person from hd radar.

I will give this icon brand a look on my next swing through at hf. I don't usually even go down the hand tool isle. I'm not really an offshore tool buyer. Though I have been contemplating retiring the usa craftsman in my travel bags and boxes so they don't get lost or stolen. Those tools have 30-35 yrs of use so they have paid for themselves. As pointed out above a metal socket holder with a bail on it would definitely be nice or at least a decent quality rail. Not everyone works out of a rolling box/cart.

My next big purchase will be a set or two of the usa made Tekton 15*/30* angle wrenches. Unfortunately, every time I manage to surf through they are out of stock.

Maybe the icon will have some of these to see, but I doubt with offshore mfg I will pull the trigger on em.

Either way, competition helps the consumer in most cases. And with the economy booming and money being no problem, times are good.

Those are said to BE NICE!!

 

[bubinga]

Well, HF hasn't really established the ICON brand, yet, so this is to be expected. In addition, HF loves to compare everything ICON vs Snap-on. Well, they're kinda asking for it from people that spent triple the money on Snap-on. ICON is more of a GearWrench competitor due to COI (country of origin), but even comparing to GearWrench, that is owned by a REAL tool conglomerate, Apex Tools, with an actual history (and their own tool trucks) is asking a lot.

Also, I too hate large pickups that not only ride people's arses, but many of them also seem to forget that the highbeam stalk control doesn't always have to be in the ON position. Few things worse than an elevated truck with HID high beams riding your ****, esp if you're in a car...

I know one that's worse, when You're on a Sh(% pothole curvy road, and they pull that ****, and I'm on the bike!
These people don't use there Dam heads, cept for a hat rack,
what If I go down, J/off would run me right over!!!

 

[mc4life27]

Well so far I don’t get what people are so hyped about the icon stuff. I got two 1/4 ratchets. One flex head and the one with the red Handel. I’m not a fan personally. I still like my snappy and I think the newer craftsman 1/4 is even better I just hate the release button. Plus the straight handlers one already broke and locked up and will not ratchet. Plus they seem way to long and way to heavy or at least not balanced and all the weight is in the Handel. Not a fan plus i feel like the new 90 tooth husky is even better.
Plus I saw their supposedly high
End box with hitch and everything. Not impressed at all. I personally thought it’s felt like ****, looked nice but the drawers felt like **** the door on the hutch felt like I would bend the door if I tried to close it with one have, it seemed like the gas struts were way to stiff or something. They looked like they were out
In correctly but something had to have been bad because if that is how they all are I don’t see how anyone would buy one period. I have seen so many other nicer boxes for less money, **** even their old
Red ones back when they only offered the red 5 drawer cart was so much nice. It seems like the old ones were a Benz or bmw or Audi and the new icons were like A **** box yugo or a shinny boat anchor.

Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[measuredtwice]

My problem is that HF stands for anti small business and anti US manufacturing.

Wasn’t aware that you cared about US manufacturing. That’s great.

^I have no problems with the You Tube guys, thats their job, get free stuff. promote it and bash the competition….

On Garage Journal the HF vs. the tool trucks is like politics. Some people have strong opinions either way, Others could care less. I dont think anybody is a shill on GJ. Nobody gets free stuff or are paid to promote a brand

Some Youtubers are members of Garage Journal. I think they would disagree or at least deny “their job” is to “get free stuff. promote it and bash the competition.” All Youtubers aren’t shills. Some Youtubers definitely are shills. Being a Garage Journal member doesn’t mean that you aren’t a shill. And there are shills who aren’t Youtubers.

Much like you deny that there are shills on Garage Journal, there are folks who believe the Harbor Freight shill Youtubers aren’t shills. Garage Journal is an open forum and has to deal with the same issues as any other place on the internet.

Did Cafe ever reply to the question about why he is selling? I wonder why he didn’t just return to Harbor Freight. If he got them for free, then he couldn’t return them. If he bought them, then he has 90 days.

I might have been wrong with my other comment. Maybe its BS on the first part and agree with the second part when the tool trucks are Mac and Snap-on

Either way I am just calling BS on Harbor Freight's slogan "Tool Truck Quality, Unbeatable Prices"


The prices are more expensive than GearWrench or Toptul and the quality is not as good as US made Mac or Snap-on

I don't worry much about marketing claims from manufacturers. But it is unfortunate that the propaganda is also flooding social media.

 

[mc4life27]

I don't understand why anyone cares what brand of tools I buy or how much I pay for them. All that seems to me like my own personal business.

We all have our own personal idea of what constitutes value. I see nothing wrong with preferring one brand over another. But I fail to understand why anyone else would give a rats *** about anyone else's preference unless they are forced to pay for it.

Agreed who gives a **** what someone else likes better. Plus if the tool is making you use what you like. But hey there’s a reason why there are so many different kinds . Everyone is different and like different things.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Parrothead]

There's two different sets.

The set you linked is not the anti-slip set.

You linked the 67409 SKU. 67412 is the anti-slip set:

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-pc...ion-wrench-set-with-anti-slip-grip-64712.html

Ah Ha! That certainly explains it! Thanks. There’s two different 14 pc metric combo wrenches. Not sure why, but not the same sku makes more sense.

 

[Mikeske]

I don’t know about everyone else but the only time I ever have used the open end of a wrench in the last 45 plus years of turning wrenches was when I had limited access. The rest of the time I have always used the box end. In my opinion I could give a rip whether it is anti slip or not I actually would be more concerned whether the jaws spread under extreme circumstances. Anti slip or not does not matter.

 

[Parrothead]

I don’t know about everyone else but the only time I ever have used the open end of a wrench in the last 45 plus years of turning wrenches was when I had limited access. The rest of the time I have always used the box end. In my opinion I could give a rip whether it is anti slip or not I actually would be more concerned whether the jaws spread under extreme circumstances. Anti slip or not does not matter.

It’s funny you mention that as I was doing something on my car that I HAD to
Use the open end. Can’t remember why now either, but I do remember doing it because I thought, when was the last time I needed an open end of the wrench?

 

[1982fxr]

I don’t know about everyone else but the only time I ever have used the open end of a wrench in the last 45 plus years of turning wrenches was when I had limited access. The rest of the time I have always used the box end. In my opinion I could give a rip whether it is anti slip or not I actually would be more concerned whether the jaws spread under extreme circumstances. Anti slip or not does not matter.

My Wrightgrips came in handy for car suspension.

I'd like to see those hf wrenches on that bolt test that someone did on YouTube when Wrightgrips first came out. The teeth on them look kinda janky.

 

[DSLTRK]

My Wrightgrips came in handy for car suspension.

I'd like to see those hf wrenches on that bolt test that someone did on YouTube when Wrightgrips first came out. The teeth on them look kinda janky.

They are standard Infar forged wrenches same as Carlyle and the steel is not as tough as the Wright grip or Snap- On. I watched a YouTube video where the guy tested the round off of a grade 8 bolt and it wrecked the teeth on the Carlyle. Snap On had no damage, but the flank drive plus has smaller teeth. Initially the Carlyle bit down hard but lost teeth as it slipped off.

Not really an issue though unless you have limited access and a very difficult fastener.

 

[bubinga]

I don’t know about everyone else but the only time I ever have used the open end of a wrench in the last 45 plus years of turning wrenches was when I had limited access. The rest of the time I have always used the box end. In my opinion I could give a rip whether it is anti slip or not I actually would be more concerned whether the jaws spread under extreme circumstances. Anti slip or not does not matter.

To me, the Anti slip "Sounds good" But IDK??
Cant recall if I ever had something hard to get at, that needed an Open end?
You know, and was so tight, it (the wrench) was slipping.
And if I ever did, (I CRS any more these days...LOL)
I guess I had to figure something else out.

 

[CafeTools]

It's been very common for me. Having the anti slip is a must.

 

[78C-10]

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.

Now you got it!

 

[bubinga]

It’s funny you mention that as I was doing something on my car that I HAD to
Use the open end. Can’t remember why now either, but I do remember doing it because I thought, when was the last time I needed an open end of the wrench?

LMAO..........
But you got Lucky, and it came loose OK though Right?
It's Funny in a way too, when I was younger, I used to enjoy "Horsing around" working on cars, It was enjoyable.
Now I only do something if I HAVE TO!!!!

 

[Mikeske]

To me, the Anti slip "Sounds good" But IDK??
Cant recall if I ever had something hard to get at, that needed an Open end?
You know, and was so tight, it (the wrench) was slipping.
And if I ever did, (I CRS any more these days...LOL)
I guess I had to figure something else out.

Big Honking Vise Grips or flame wrench

 

[Fedwrench]

Hey look, Capri Tools released Flex head ratchets...

https://capritools.com/

 

[snickers muncher]

Hey look, Capri Tools released Flex head ratchets...

https://capritools.com/

We've been waiting for how long for Tekton to release some straight long handled flex? I might just have to go with Capri again.

 

[kctyphoon]

LMAO..........
But you got Lucky, and it came loose OK though Right?
It's Funny in a way too, when I was younger, I used to enjoy "Horsing around" working on cars, It was enjoyable.
Now I only do something if I HAVE TO!!!!

I went from wanting to pull an engine, transmission, rear end, in my teens/twenties - to driving with a fog light out in my honda for over a year in my 40’s.

Ive been fixing up my old truck ‘this year’ for about 5 years..


Without seeing them, I’d say theres a good chance Icon and the new Capri are coming from the same place.

 

[WittHay]

Somebody mention open end wrenches. Non toothed open ends are a must have on hydraulic lines, hoses and fittings.

Sometimes angle wrenches are required, and there would be a market for good quality Taiwan Snap-on angle wrench copies with the wrench thickness of Proto or Mac

 

[Mikeske]

Somebody mention open end wrenches. Non toothed open ends are a must have on hydraulic lines, hoses and fittings.

Sometimes angle wrenches are required, and there would be a market for good quality Taiwan Snap-on angle wrench copies with the wrench thickness of Proto or Mac

That is where these wrenches come in to play an good quality flare wrench sets. The 2 sets in the red pouches I have had since 1983 and the blue pouch I bought off eBay last year.

 

[WittHay]

Interesting Mike, was wondering how you worked on airplane hydraulics without using open ends much. No experience with aviation myself

All i have ever used on hose setups like the below picture is just open end combination or angle wrenches. A lot of times the hose is a bigger diameter than the nut opposite of tube fittings where the nut is always bigger than the tube

Thats another thing, there would be a big diy demand for high quality flare nut wrenches available in a local store

 

[Mikeske]

Interesting Mike, was wondering how you worked on airplane hydraulics without using open ends much. No experience with aviation myself

All i have ever used on hose setups like the below picture is just open end combination or angle wrenches. A lot of times the hose is a bigger diameter than the nut opposite of tube fittings where the nut is always bigger than the tube

Thats another thing, there would be a big diy demand for high quality flare nut wrenches available in a local store

We had company provided wrench from the tool room that was a speciality wrench that had the jaws pivot open then snapped close around the fitting. These were also a torque wrench and had a preset value and would click when specified torque was attained. Most of the fittings we did also required a backup wrench hence the standard flare wrenches I had. If the fitting was larger then my flare wrenches the toolroom provided the flare wrench needed. Some hydraulic were much larger then what I had. On oxygen lines the tools had to cleaned of all contaminates and were provided by the toolroom and were issued with all the wrenches provided in a sealed plastic bag, those wrenches were a one time use, torque all the fittings then return the wrenches to the toolroom to be cleaned and reissued. One thing about the oxygen lines also was we were required by our certifications to wash our hands before working these lines and we MUST wear white cotton gloves and turn off any fans in the area to lower the chance of contaminants getting inside the oxygen line. These oxygen lines run pure oxygen and any contamination will cause the oxygen to immediately catch on fire. Most of the times when ever I did oxygen lines I would work through breaks and lunches so I limited the number of folks in the plane and having no fans on. Most water lines did not require anything special as they used flared lines and a clamp or a o-ring and a special double sided clamp. Since the majority of my work was on the interior of the plane my last 20 years years I did not deal with many hydraulic lines but man I sure did deal with a lot of the passenger oxygen lines. I was sure glad when we started to move towards most aircraft having oxygen generators replaced all the oxygen hard lines.

 

[KevinF]

a toptul truck!!

I would love to have that option available to me

 

[dnschmidt]

There's your chance Fed. You know that you've always wanted to visit Sidney.

 

[Fedwrench]

There's your chance Fed. You know that you've always wanted to visit Sidney.

Yeah, but i hear their sales tax is on the high side

 

[DSLTRK]

I'd be wayyyy more excited over a SK truck.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'd be wayyyy more excited over a SK truck.

Why? there wouldn't be anything new on it except for maybe once every five years or so.

I have everything I want in SK. However, SK has received lots of great ideas for new products in the pages of the Journal but, they seem to fall on deaf ears.
I'll recap a few: 90 tooth long fixed and flex head ratchets, zero offset extra long X Frame boxed end wrenches, flex head x frame wrenches, Reversible X Frame wrenches, take the anti slip open end from the X Frame wrench and put it on regular long pattern combination wrenches, revive the old Craftsman Professional Screwdriver series (the all black ones) and make them with SK Green handles. there, that should give SK at least a decade of work