Icon tools are coming spring/summer 2019

[NSXRguy]

anybody here going to SEMA?

please report back on new offerings

 

[87FoRunner]

Who else is offering long pattern ratcheting wrenches, with anti-slip open ends?

Carlyle.

 

[woody6904]

Carlyle.

Anybody got a part number on the Carlyle SAE set?

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think Carlyle offers long pattern combination ratcheting wrenches with anti slip open ends.

They offer non ratcheting long pattern combination wrenches with anti slip open ends but, i haven't seen a long ratcheting version from Carlyle.

The long ICON ratcheting wrenches are some of the longest ratcheting combination wrenches I've seen anywhere.

I like my metric set. Some people have complained that the ICON beam is too thin. I haven't found that to be an issue.

I don't think anyone has broken one yet but, most of the people complaining about ICON tools in this thread, don't own any.

 

[Mr_B]

Anybody got a part number on the Carlyle SAE set?

You won't as been given wrong info

Carlyle don't do it, they use infar and ICON ratchet wrenches look be high-five or kabo

only thing unique to date is the long ratchet wrenches and the oem good on these, they worth the money and useful tool have easy warranty .

 

[WittHay]

Nice looking ratcheting wrench but not sure whatt the purpose is. Those long box/ratcheting wrenches would make more sense to me. Break fastener loose with the box and tighten or loosen with the ratchet end. Picture borrowed from the show off your Icon thread.

reason I commented on that thread is that Snap-on was mentioned 3 times in a few posts in. Some people get annoyed with all this USA I mean Snap-on talk but it cant be helped. HF compares just about every Icon tool to Snap-on. How many times is the word Snap-on mentioned on HF website?. HF and Snap-on are basically joined at the hip. They cant be separated.

A crappy picture of 1/2 drive socket sets showing 5 Taiwan tool brands. From a no name $10 US socket set at the top to GearWrench. I like the Case IH brand the best. Honest enough like Kobalt to stamp Taiwan on the sockets

 

[Mr_B]

Only tool I like icon released is the long combo ratchet wrenches, they made well and not too thick around the ratchet ring .
Very useful for tight fastener and tight spot wrench work and seem handle high torque fine plus I happy use the warranty if don't .
rest of hand tools nothing special and hard to class as a top professional option let alone compare to top tool manufacturers, HF got some front lol , totally take the piss out of consumers and competing brands with the marketing trash comparisons ...

 

[ChrisLS8]

My favorite thing is to see the same people say the same thing multiple times in multiple threads. Move along

 

[UglyViking]

New poster (literally my first post) this thread has been, interesting to read. Figured I'd start with a little background first. I'm 31 and wrench as a hobby/DIY guy for house work. I don't, nor have I ever, wrenched for a living. I've wrenched on my own vehicles for everything basic (replacing shocks, alternator, brakes, water pump, installing a lift, etc.)

When I was growing up my pops was all about Craftsman, and I was about it as well, thinking it was a quality setup for less than Snap-On. Well Craftsman as seemingly gone to ****, although still demanding a premium price. I've been following this somewhat colsely in recent years as my mechanics set has had a few issues (bolts getting rounded off with little torque, had a socket split in half oddly, worst being the torque wrench I bought with the plastic handle that doesn't stay locked).

I was looking to upgrade my crappy bottle jack with a better "real" jack now that I have a house and a bit more room to store dedicated tools like that and came across the rave reviews of the HF Daytona model. After seeing those reviews I also saw the reviews of the Icon tools, which were totally new to me. I purchased the torque wrench and am beyond stoked with the quality of the thing. It's night and day over my old Craftsman model.

I've been wanting to upgrade my little Craftsman box/setup with some better wrenches and a proper toolchest and saw some great reviews on the US general boxes so that's prob my next big purchase. This all lead me to Icon. To me, it seems like they are a solid option for quality vs cost at a location close to me. I frankly knew nothing about the rave reviews of some of the other Taiwanese brands until reading this thread and I may have to look into them. That said, I loathe having to ask any generic part store employee for anything as they are generally clueless and NEVER have anything in stock, and when they do its the most cheap POS stuff ever.

I'm surprised by all the hate on a new line of tools that started before the tools were even out. I mean, I'm not going to jump on some bandwagon and say they are the most awesome things since sliced bread but they seem quality. I honestly am pretty impressed with where HF is at the moment. 5-10 years ago their entire store was absolute garbage it seemed like, and now they seem to have a lot of quality stuff. Sure a ton is knock off but after being screwed over by Craftsman, Husky and even some Kobalt stuff I've become weary of any of the big brands.

I can't afford Snap-On, or well I refuse to pay $115 for a ratchet, but $50 seems like a fair price, and $35 is even better. The thing I like about HF is that I can go to my local one, which isn't far. If the quality actually translates to better stuff, and not just more expensive garbage, I'm more than happy to give my cash to HF over HD or Lowes. I'm not gonna spend the cash on top notch brands like Mac or Snap-On and I don't really want to run all over the place trying to find some place that stocks X brand in Y kit.

Sure, I could buy stuff online, but frankly I like having a store around that I can drop in and buy something last minute, and there is the fear that if you don't shop there it will disappear.

I don't have too much to add to this conversation except to share the perspective of a new guy who is just here for knowledge. Truth be told I really joined so that I can learn more about a garage build that I plan to start in 2-3 years. This thread just caught my eye and boy was it something.I'd be very interested to know of everyones experience with the tools after a number of months using them, years even. I think they will have to get a little cheaper to really have any sort of meaningful market penetration, they are getting bought up because they are new right now, but time will tell if I'm wrong.

 

[1982fxr]

How is the torque wrench night and day better? Is it a different style that you like better, or is the old one messed up somehow?

Are they not warranting the old cman stuff now?

 

[1982fxr]

Has anyone tried to warranty an Icon single yet?
Do they want to exchange the whole set only, or rip open a fresh pack to get the single for you?

 

[Jtels85]

How is the torque wrench night and day better? Is it a different style that you like better, or is the old one messed up somehow?

Are they not warranting the old cman stuff now?

As one who owned a Craftsman 1/2” torque wrench that I purchased from Sears in 2016, I can give you honest feedback. The round head click style torque wrenches from Sears/Craftsman are terrible. I had one lock up during its first use. I was within the 90 day or whatever warranty and returned it for a replacement. I was given another new torque wrench that lasted maybe 6 months and the same thing happened to it. Took that one back and the manager who knew me was kind enough to give me another one (even though I was out of the warranty period) and in the first use, that one broke. I went through 3 of those pieces of **** and finally gave up. I have an older NAPA 1/2 torque wrench I found on eBay from seller Sellular216 (or whatever his name is) and that has been working like a boss for the past couple of years. So I can totally see where the Icon torque wrenches are probably “night and day better”. Hell, my dad has had the cheap Pittsburgh torque wrench for probably the better part of a decade and he’s never had a problem. I’m a Craftsman fan through and through, but their torque wrenches are utter garbage.

 

[1982fxr]

As one who owned a Craftsman 1/2” torque wrench that I purchased from Sears in 2016, I can give you honest feedback. The round head click style torque wrenches from Sears/Craftsman are terrible. I had one lock up during its first use. I was within the 90 day or whatever warranty and returned it for a replacement. I was given another new torque wrench that lasted maybe 6 months and the same thing happened to it. Took that one back and the manager who knew me was kind enough to give me another one (even though I was out of the warranty period) and in the first use, that one broke. I went through 3 of those pieces of **** and finally gave up. I have an older NAPA 1/2 torque wrench I found on eBay from seller Sellular216 (or whatever his name is) and that has been working like a boss for the past couple of years. So I can totally see where the Icon torque wrenches are probably “night and day better”. Hell, my dad has had the cheap Pittsburgh torque wrench for probably the better part of a decade and he’s never had a problem. I’m a Craftsman fan through and through, but their torque wrenches are utter garbage.

Doesn't surprise me at all for 2016 cman. I was under the impression that his cman was older but maybe not?

If I was buying an import torque wrench I would buy almost anything other than current Craftsman.

 

[UglyViking]

How is the torque wrench night and day better? Is it a different style that you like better, or is the old one messed up somehow?

Are they not warranting the old cman stuff now?

Well the fit and finish seems better, but that may be just because it's new and shiny. I like the fact the grip is metal and knurled as opposed to the plastic handle on the Craftsman. The Craftsman handle doesn't actually lock to any of the options since the handle somehow broke at some point. I also seriously dislike whatever the mechanism is called for operating the on/off (clockwise/counter-clockwise) mechanism. It's seriously confusing to me and I can never tell what it's set to without testing it first.

I tried to return it at the last Sears by me, they wouldn't take it. I tried at Lowes and was told that "if it wasn't purchased at Lowes, you can't return it to Lowes". I dug into the warranty and it's not clear to me if the torque wrenches are even covered beyond 90 days anyway (and to be fair I've had the thing 3 or so years) but the fact that it was a plastic handle and it broke really irked me.

Your milage may vary, not trying to cause a ruckus here, just sharing my experience. So far, having only used the Icon torque wrench once (for a brake job) it's pretty impressive. I love the positive click the handle gives when you're selecting your torque setting.

EDIT: I just saw your updated post 1982fxr, I bought it 3-4 years ago? So it's not an oldschool Craftsman tool. It's a "modern" one.

 

[krux]

Has anyone tried to warranty an Icon single yet?

Do they want to exchange the whole set only, or rip open a fresh pack to get the single for you?

No one has broken one yet from what I gather.

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

 

[Mikeske]

Now is the time to get your Any of the Icon lineup with a 20% off coupon. You gut to git em now. http://widgets.harborfreight.com/ws...925c0a68d4878ad78bb2114ee341ffde9109db3f2c245

 

[supertooljunkie]

I bought a set each of 3/8" deep well sockets using a coupon in October sale catalog for $19.99 per set. I haven't opened packaging yet to use them. I have to say, they do look nice. I can't see a purpose for all the fancy packaging myself.

I played with various Icon ratchets and for money didn't think they were all "that." especially with problems they are having with them. I have Pittsburgh Pro ratchets that feel much better than those for 1/2 the money. Can't see making a purchase at this time.

Like most here I don't wrench for a living, but do like nice tools. As I have a few ratchets to pick from i will do without for a bit longer.

The ratcheting wrenches do look nice, but I will hold out until there are a few more reviews from pro users.

The regular combo wrenches look nice, but I have way to many various sets to spend that kind of money on those.

For now though I will sit back with my bowl of popcorn and watch the battles rage on.....

Carry on, Gentlemen.

 

[Mikeske]

The ratcheting wrenches do look nice, but I will hold out until there are a few more reviews from pro users.

The regular combo wrenches look nice, but I have way to many various sets to spend that kind of money on those.

For now though I will sit back with my bowl of popcorn and watch the battles rage on.....

Carry on, Gentlemen.

I have way more ratchets then I can possibly use but I did get the 1/4" and 1/2" flex head Icon ratchets (those were not made by Bonney back when I bought my stuff in the early 1980's) and also the Icon ratcheting long reach wrenches (also not made when I bought my tools in the early 1980s). The ratcheting wrenches have already been my go to wrenches when I need for a wrench as they are really that good. I never found any other brand that with the reach and the ability to really reach in a ways. I have standard long and short reach Bonney wrenches and for the most part the Icons are really close to the early 1980's Bonney wrenches in feel and quality. Since I never had a truck brand that was consistent with where I was working almost all the mechanics in aviation I worked with had a variety of brands some good and some not so good.

I am retired now and I did also get the 3/8" flex head Icon ratchet and continuous issues of locking up and took it back in on the recall and returned it and got a fixed head 3/8" ratchet and it is really better then even my late 1970's pawn shop find Snap-on 3/8" ratchet. Is it up to the quality of the current ratchets there is no way to tell as I cannot judge something that is obtainable to retired mechanic.

 

[CafeTools]

The icon wrenches and the sockets are a definite GO! High quality finish on both. I have the icon long reach ratcheting reversible with anti slip, and also ratcheting stubby. I also have the full icon set of no sizing skip 5mm to 19mm with anti slip. This full set is nice because it doesn't skip sizes and comes with a nice tray. That will be the last set of wrenches I should need for hopefully my lifetime.

 

[parks31]

I bought the metric deeps for 20$ and will be buying the SAE probably this weekend.

 

[Nineeightyone]

Looks like there's a coupon out, if I had a need I'd pick some up but right now I have bigger fish to fry.

Hopefully the coupons will continue, as the price point seems to be an issue for many.

 

[kythri]

Hopefully the coupons will continue, as the price point seems to be an issue for many.

Despite all the caterwauling from the naysayers, anyone reasonable has to figure that this was the plan from the start. HF selling something, and NOT putting out coupons for it? The thought is ludicrous.

I figure you'll see a regular/semi-regular 20% off coupon for the tools, and an occasional 25% off, or specific item coupons with a better percentage off (like we've already seen on some socket sets).

 

[m6z]

Any user feedback on the flex head 1/2 drive ratchets?

I picked up a fixed head 3/8 drive and one of the 25" breaker bars over the weekend and they both seem like quality products and a solid value with the current 20% off coupon.

Edit: After watching this video I'll be passing on the Icon 1/2 drive ratchets.

 

[yrly]

Well our slow HF finally got some more stuff in than just the breaker bar... a smaller breaker bar, two socket wrenches, and some regular wrenches. I really do not see what the hype is about. The ratchets weren’t anything special. Seems like a lot of hype for not much.

 

[Cheapskate]

Harbor Freight just added some impact sockets to the website. They show up when you search for ICON tools but when you click on the link it's dead.

*And they're comparing them to MATCO this time not snap-on.

 

[Cheapskate]

Are these new? They don't have any reviews yet.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in...-profile-ratchet-with-comfort-grip-56341.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-professional-low-profile-ratchet-56340.html

 

[Fedwrench]

Don't know, I thought they released comfort grip and all metal handle versions in three drive sizes initially

I wonder how they're coming on the 3/8 drive flex head ratchet fix?

As long as Harbor Freight is comparing MATCO ADV impact sockets to ICON impact sockets, that's probably more realistic. One Taiwan brand to another Taiwan sourced product.

 

[rijndael]

Don't know, I thought they released comfort grip and all metal handle versions in three drive sizes initially

They did, but the ones he linked to are low-profile heads.

 

[Batscat]

Don't know, I thought they released comfort grip and all metal handle versions in three drive sizes initially



I wonder how they're coming on the 3/8 drive flex head ratchet fix?



As long as Harbor Freight is comparing MATCO ADV impact sockets to ICON impact sockets, that's probably more realistic. One Taiwan brand to another Taiwan sourced product.

And they skip sizes on the 1/2 sockets no 24mm??
That is a pretty common size to use. Like every dodge truck uses it.

 

[Fedwrench]

And they skip sizes on the 1/2 sockets no 24mm??
That is a pretty common size to use. Like every dodge truck uses it.

Yeah, a 24 mm socket would probably much more useful than the 26 mm they include in the 1/2 drive set Personally, I don't understand why (and HF isn't the only brand to do this) start a 1/2 drive impact socket set at 10 mm. Does anyone really use a 1/2 impact on any size below say 13 mm?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yeah, a 24 mm socket would probably much more useful than the 26 mm they include in the 1/2 drive set Personally, I don't understand why (and HF isn't the only brand to do this) start a 1/2 drive impact socket set at 10 mm. Does anyone really use a 1/2 impact on any size below say 13 mm?

I changed a battery once using a 1/2 impact and a 10mm. It was the closest thing and I was in a hurry. Hold-down bar bolts and the terminal bolts were 10mm.

Agreed, 10mm is likely not a required 1/2 drive size. Although it's relevant what 1/2 tools you're using. I recall a coworker being all pissed off trying to remove a caliper bracket bolt. "1/2 won't even break it free". Well, when your 1/2 ratchet is a 10 inch long craftsman raised panel, I'd agree 1/2 drive will probably not break it free. A correctly sized 1/2 ratchet (24") broke it free easily.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Are these new? They don't have any reviews yet.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in...-profile-ratchet-with-comfort-grip-56341.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-professional-low-profile-ratchet-56340.html

1 - The lever sticking out
2 - The price of Carlyle ratchets

Two good reasons - for me - to ignore the Icon ratchets. Last 4-5 times I've been to HF I've tried to talk myself into buying one...Nah!

 

[woody6904]

Yeah, a 24 mm socket would probably much more useful than the 26 mm they include in the 1/2 drive set Personally, I don't understand why (and HF isn't the only brand to do this) start a 1/2 drive impact socket set at 10 mm. Does anyone really use a 1/2 impact on any size below say 13 mm?

Just running 1/4 and 1/2 inch drive on the service truck, a 1/2 drive 10mm on a compact 1/2 ratchet is very useful.

 

[81turbota]

As a somewhat of a tool snob I wouldn’t be caught dead with Icon tools.

Until I saw this little number for $20. Decided to give it a try.

 

[krux]

I hit my Icon 1/4 flex head ratchet with a rubber mallet freeing caliper bolts today that were jammed in good. Perfectly fine. Only pain is the sockets get stuck in which a flat head screw driver is needed from time to time.

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

 

[fordgasm]

I’ve been to HF a bunch of times and fondled the Icon ratchets. Thought about buying one but then realize my Tekton 90 tooth are just as good if not better and cheaper too.

 

[Fedwrench]

I’ve been to HF a bunch of times and fondled the Icon ratchets. Thought about buying one but then realize my Tekton 90 tooth are just as good if not better and cheaper too.

I think the Tekton 90 tooth ratchets are much better than the ICONs. From the recessed direction switch, to a more even crisper ratcheting action, to no wasteful antitheft packaging, Tekton is a winner-winner-chicken dinner. However, I have said this since Tekton first released the 90 tooth ratchet series, they need to offer a 12-13 inch long 3/8 drive flex head ratchet with a straight handle, and a 15-18 inch long 1/2 drive flex head ratchet with a straight handle. These two additions to their ratchet offerings are a no brainer and should sell well.

 

[CafeTools]

I have the snap ring Icon pliers set that comes in the plastic case. It's a nice set, I used it today no issues, plus I like the fact that if one ever breaks I can walk into a harbor freight and warranty it easily.

 

[MSPoirier]

I bought 3 icon 1/4" ratchets and 1 icon 3/8" ratchet to try and most of them felt nice and work nice but the 1/4 drive stubby locked up both directions on the first use. That one will be going back and maybe enough to keep me from keep trying icon potentially. I was excited when they came out but I think I'll buy more Tekton instead

- Sam

New England Region

 

[VTSR5]

”...It's typical business. When us young guys get old we will remember harbor freight like old guys of yesteryear remember Sears and Roebucks...”

Probably not. I don’t recall Craftsman tools being manufactured by communists, at least not when I bought my 152 piece set back in 1980.