I know this is always a hot topic, but what icon tools are true quality for price. Im a mechanic i have pittsburgh, lowes, and every tool truck brand, but no icon. I need a larger wrench set (20-24) and im ocd and want the same brand for all my combination wrenches, and i cant find a larger kobalt wrench set nor do i want to buy more kobalt in particular. Icon has a set i like but they are like $130 for the 8-19 set plus the ~$50 for the larger set. Is it worth it? Or is their a better option. I also need 1/4 deep sockets and 3/8 extensions. What are your thoughts on those?
Icon Tools
- Thread starter TJCowher
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mreisner
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I have the I believe 20 to 24 icon ratcheting wrenches and I've been real happy with them.
BlakeTheCarGuy
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In my opinion the Icon stuff is alright some of it seems a little bit high on price though. They are definitely better than your Kobalt wrenches though. I like Kobalt tools but the wrenches are awful. A guy at work uses the Icon wrenches daily and has the 20-24 set and his only complaint is the chrome peels on them after a bit but they will warranty it he just hasn’t had a chance to bring them in. For wrenches I personally get Snap-on or Carlyle or Tekton and sometimes Capri too. I got my Snap-on 10-19 and 20-24 for like $580 about 4 years ago so if you don’t want to spend that much I’d honestly look into Tekton, Capri or Carlyle. The Carlyle are overpriced a bit too and the manufacturer of them just switched so I’m not sure how good they will be now.
For extensions and sockets Capri and Tekton are great values. If you order from their website you get rewards points for future purchases.
For extensions and sockets Capri and Tekton are great values. If you order from their website you get rewards points for future purchases.
1Bad55Chevy
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I am a mechanic and I have been buying some Icon stuff lately. I got some impact sockets, wrenches, and a few pliers and love all of them (not all my stuff is Icon). HF is a block out of my way on the way to work so warranty if needed would be a breeze. I dropped Gearwrench because warranty was to hard.
1Bad55Chevy
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Man I have a set of Kobalt professional wrenches I bought back in like 2011 that I have beat the absolute hell out of! Like adding cheaters and everything! No chrome has ever peeled or anything just scratches. I wouldn't think the wrenches they sell today would be of the same quality......
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Back in the day they were great. Nowadays they are made in India and the quality just isn’t there anymore. I’ve bent pretty much every modern Kobalt wrench I’ve had at least of the ones made in India.
B_Bimmer
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You get what you pay for.
drokihazan
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I like a lot of Icon tools, but have no experience with their wrenches. All of my wrenches that *aren't* Snap-On, Wright, or Williams are Capri and I'm a huge huge fan, I recommend them to everyone. Capri wrenches are awesome, fit tight, have excellent chrome that hasn't peeled on me, come in complete sets that don't skip sizes, and most of their sets can come in foam. They have a grippy tooth option, thin wrenches, 4-ways, bleeder wrenches, all kinds of good stuff. I like their thin wrenches a whole lot.
If you want ratcheting wrenches though, my metric set is Williams MWS-1126NRC. 6-32MM, no skips. These are my default "combination wrenches," honestly. These are the wrenches I take out every single time I walk into the garage. One of the first big tool purchases I ever shelled out for, and probably the best tool investment I've ever made.
I'd steer away from Kobalt hand tools. Their power tools are surprisingly good, but the hand tools are... not the best stuff I've ever touched. I like their razor knife even more than the Milwaukee one, but could pass on the entire rest of the lineup.
If you want ratcheting wrenches though, my metric set is Williams MWS-1126NRC. 6-32MM, no skips. These are my default "combination wrenches," honestly. These are the wrenches I take out every single time I walk into the garage. One of the first big tool purchases I ever shelled out for, and probably the best tool investment I've ever made.
I'd steer away from Kobalt hand tools. Their power tools are surprisingly good, but the hand tools are... not the best stuff I've ever touched. I like their razor knife even more than the Milwaukee one, but could pass on the entire rest of the lineup.
Theronswanson
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IMO Icon tools are what Craftsman used to be. Harbor Freight has really stepped up their game in the last few years.
Not many wrenches that in cheaper range that any good for long term pro use, more so if expect them do magic on abused/rusted fasteners .
Icon combo wrenches are basically infar at fairly high price.
The long conbo ratchet wrencg set by highfive is/was a good buy (was silly cheap few years back)
Chrome sockets and extensions not too bad and usable warranty on sockets and the extensions could be handy .
For wrench set I would look at snapon williams or mac on used market, I had snapon and mac sets in tidy order for sensible coin, kind of got throw decent money at wrenches if want anything long term durable and actually useful in daily pro use minimal ballache/drama from a better wrench .
Icon combo wrenches are basically infar at fairly high price.
The long conbo ratchet wrencg set by highfive is/was a good buy (was silly cheap few years back)
Chrome sockets and extensions not too bad and usable warranty on sockets and the extensions could be handy .
For wrench set I would look at snapon williams or mac on used market, I had snapon and mac sets in tidy order for sensible coin, kind of got throw decent money at wrenches if want anything long term durable and actually useful in daily pro use minimal ballache/drama from a better wrench .
woody 73
Well-known member
I like icon very much and don't get me wrong they are very nice, but I try as hard as I can to buy tools that are still made in the USA in order to support those companies from disappearing like the dodo bird. Trust me it is happening, so I try and buy wright tools that are made in my home state of "Ahia".
I get it cheaper labor is killing off made in the USA. At least Icon is the new craftsman and if the op buys them, they should serve him well.
I get it cheaper labor is killing off made in the USA. At least Icon is the new craftsman and if the op buys them, they should serve him well.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I think the Icon stuff is a fair deal when on sale, but not worth full ticket.
For wrenches, I'd go with with a Wright #958 set (7mm to 24mm). With a 20% off code, I got this set in January for $246.
For wrenches, I'd go with with a Wright #958 set (7mm to 24mm). With a 20% off code, I got this set in January for $246.
1Bad55Chevy
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Stupid question that doesn't align with the original question....
I see everyone on here constantly recommending Williams but never Proto. Why do people not like the Proto tools? It's the industrial line for Stanley and I believe they make all the Mac tools here in the the Dallas factory.
I see everyone on here constantly recommending Williams but never Proto. Why do people not like the Proto tools? It's the industrial line for Stanley and I believe they make all the Mac tools here in the the Dallas factory.
neophyte
Well-known member
Proto Tools aren’t really cheap, the price is usually just way better than Snap-On.
Also, Stanley Tools seems to annoy people.
I go to the harbor freight subreddit on occasion and this week someone posted their jacked up hand that needed surgery because the new icon ball joint press cracked in half while he was using it. Commenters said this wasn’t the first time this happened and it’s a pretty new tool.
i would be careful with their tools tbh I own some but with tariffs they going to be under pressure to reduce quality to keep prices down. Rather than just raise prices equal to the tariff I think they going to raise prices a little, do less coupons, take a little less profit and cut quality a little.
i would be careful with their tools tbh I own some but with tariffs they going to be under pressure to reduce quality to keep prices down. Rather than just raise prices equal to the tariff I think they going to raise prices a little, do less coupons, take a little less profit and cut quality a little.
Non-sense. **** happens and tools break.
I've seen a Matco USA universal impact (wobble) socket explode and implant part of itself into the hand of the tech using it.
I snapped a 3/4" to 1/2" socket adapter under a truck tightening spring shackle bolts to 600ft lbs. No injuries, but narrowly avoided, it snapped with the pressure of 3 guys pushing/pulling on the torque wrench.
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1Bad55Chevy
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Damn! Usually when something like that let's go someone ends up with a messed up back! My bet is someone was pretty sore in the morning but was to tough to mention it!
I bet they were using that BJ tool on a solid axle 4wd that was rusted in place. When I deal with that I use my buddies Matco press that leverages force. No ball joint can survive that Matco tool!
seber
Well-known member
Snap-on recommends no more than 330 ft/lb for 1/2" drive. A very good tool might get to 500. Trying to get 600 is just not going to happen.
mrjaw14
Well-known member
One of my biggest complaints with Icon is that at my local hazard fraught stores they don’t have good stock. If I break something I may not be able to get warranty. It seems at best they may have one set of any given item. So if someone buys it you’re SOL until they get more stock.
That Icon set has 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 for $90.
Menards has a large set containing, 23, 24, 26, 27 & 30 for $60 Add in 20mm for $7, 21mm for $7, 22mm for $8 and you're at $82 If the 11% rebate is going on you'll get about $9 back to put towards another wrench.
Menards also carries 25, 32 & 36 for futureproofing.
Not a bash on Icon but I tend to look for something decent and try to get more for my $$.
Menards has a large set containing, 23, 24, 26, 27 & 30 for $60 Add in 20mm for $7, 21mm for $7, 22mm for $8 and you're at $82 If the 11% rebate is going on you'll get about $9 back to put towards another wrench.
Menards also carries 25, 32 & 36 for futureproofing.
Not a bash on Icon but I tend to look for something decent and try to get more for my $$.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If I was starting over/out, I'd run with Tekton or Ebay used. Tekton never has a sale but, you do get 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash on future orders from Tekton.com They also have excellent customer service and warranty support. I do wish their flex head ratchets and combination wrenches were longer though.
www.tekton.com
www.tekton.com
www.tekton.com
www.tekton.com
My only beef with Icon is that they spend too much time trying to clone Snap on
I've been happy with my Icon purchases aside from the issues they had initially with the Gen 1 3/8 flex head ratchets. I try to use coupons/sales to reduce costs. the lack of open stock availability is another issue with Icon. Overall, Harbor Freight seems to use excellent suppliers for their Icon Tools. That may change in the future but, for now, good stuff
19-Piece Combination Wrench Set (6-24 mm) - Rack | TEKTON
Includes: 6-24 mm (Metric) 12 point standard-length combination wrenches with rack storage. No skipped sizes. WCB91202.
14-Piece 1/4 Inch Drive Deep 6-Point Socket Set | TEKTON
Set includes 4–15 mm (metric) 6-point deep sockets. Comes with organization rail. No skipped sizes. SHD90113.
3/8 Inch Hand Drive 4-Piece Extension Set | SHA91011 | TEKTON
Includes: 1, 3, 6 and 10 inch chrome hand drive socket extensions in 3/8 inch drive. SHA91011.
3/8 Inch Hand Drive 2-Piece Extension Set | SHA91012 | TEKTON
Includes: 18 and 24 inch chrome hand drive socket extensions in 3/8 inch drive. SHA91012.
My only beef with Icon is that they spend too much time trying to clone Snap on
I've been happy with my Icon purchases aside from the issues they had initially with the Gen 1 3/8 flex head ratchets. I try to use coupons/sales to reduce costs. the lack of open stock availability is another issue with Icon. Overall, Harbor Freight seems to use excellent suppliers for their Icon Tools. That may change in the future but, for now, good stuff
cody1325
Well-known member
Seem to recall to begin with, Kobalt began as some sort of deal Lowe's made with Snap-On/Williams to compete with Home Depot having recently acquired Husky from Stanley--and even after that deal ended, quite a few tools were sourced from Danaher and US made.
I've got some of the "cheaper" Kobalt tools I bought in middle school as among the first tools I bought myself. Still going strong. Seems a good chunk of the newer Kobalt items are a step down from what already were cheap tools to begin with.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Great Question. I think it's a combination of things. First, Proto is popular in the industrial world and Government/Military but, you don't see them on display at many places. Online industrial sales definitely but, not around the automotive world much which is sad given Proto's relationship with Indy Car Racing many years ago. Second issue is pricing. Depending on where you get your Proto, they're not exactly cheap. I accuse Proto of price fixing their precision 90 series ratchets all the time because, if I can get the MAC version cheaper off the truck then what the Proto version runs, something's wrong.
There's a lot of hate in these pages for SBD. Some warranted, some out of spite, some unwarranted. Lastly, with Williams, many people feel they're buying Snap on when purchasing a Williams made in the USA tool. I'm happy that Proto gets a mention once in a while but, there isn't great interest in it because, I can then find Proto and it does not cost me as much if was more popular. I love Proto.I don't think most MAC tools are made in the Dallas factory. SBD is a global brand with many branches to the family tree so, you'll see foreign made items branded MAC. I think the MAC knuckle saver wrenches and US made sockets come from Texas though. Everything else is a crapshoot
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yes they did. I have a few of those older Kobalt tools and they look identical to Snap-on like the font and everything. The new stuff just ain’t the same. Especially of the last few years. The stuff of 10+ years ago is great though and the sockets are still good. Most of the other stuff isn’t too good though.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
Picked up a couple sets of ICON mid depth sockets the other day for another workstation....$39/set IIRC. They perform every bit as good as Snap-On. They are chrome but get used with a battery impact, so we'll see how they hold up. So far, can't beat it for the price. They also have a shallow hex broach, just like the snap-on, which is one of my requirement in a socket
Can you share where they recommend max torque for different tools? I wanted to print out a reference
seber
Well-known member
I found it on a chart in my dealer's truck. Try searching the Snap-on site.
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Dude, just buy the Icon and find out for yourself. You're going to get every opinion under the sun on this topic, 80% of them from guys who have never used Icon.
HomeTheaterMan
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None of them imo. There are a few places where Snap On is worth the premium. Wrenches are one of those categories. You can often pick up used sets for about 50% off which usually gets them in the ball park of Icon. I'd much rather have a set of used Snap On wrenches than I would new Icon.
Screwdrivers, ratchets, and bit sockets are the other places I really find SO to be worth the money.
Screwdrivers, ratchets, and bit sockets are the other places I really find SO to be worth the money.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Those who own them and use them like them.
Most of the rest of us cannot afford them.
Theronswanson
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I dont know the last time you looked at prices of Snap-on, but 1/2 off for used still wouldn't even come close to the price of Icon.
four.cycle
Well-known member
"Kobalt" as a brand was originally a U.S. made product.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Nobody has yet mentioned the Facom 440 line yet? Or what appears to be the equivalent to the Facom: the "Craftsman V series"?
Because you guys don't ever look at the Facom thread. (scroll up a bit from Dave's post there to get some more info from the guys who are using these right now - primarily Dave and @Squankum.)(see HERE)
Worth a look. If I had to do it all over again, this might well be what I'd go for.
Because you guys don't ever look at the Facom thread. (scroll up a bit from Dave's post there to get some more info from the guys who are using these right now - primarily Dave and @Squankum.)(see HERE)
Worth a look. If I had to do it all over again, this might well be what I'd go for.
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Theronswanson
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I have no experience with the SBD line of tools, other than craftsman. That being said, I feel like a lot of people stay away from them is the warranty process. You have to send pictures, email shipping etc. Where as an Icon, Craftsman etc you just go to the store and in most cases, you have it the same day.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ Well... I don't own any Proto wrenches... only sockets and drive tools.... and it's ALL top-shelf stuff.
I can't speak to their wrenches other than knowing that the price point drives off a lot of prospective buyers.
and
I really kind of doubt that there's any real collective "hate" for SBD out in the real world. Maybe here on GJ, but the crowd here is a tiny niche market in the larger picture.
I can't speak to their wrenches other than knowing that the price point drives off a lot of prospective buyers.
and
I really kind of doubt that there's any real collective "hate" for SBD out in the real world. Maybe here on GJ, but the crowd here is a tiny niche market in the larger picture.
I think Icon stuff is solid, I haven’t had any issues. I think their stuff holds its own against the other midrange tool brands like Gearwrench, Tekton, etc. The main benefit over them is easy in-person warranty & support—if you have a store close by. I have one 5 minutes away so it’s super convenient. If it was 45 minutes, not as much.
Full price on their stuff is a little high, ideally you can wait for a sale but if you need it now, consider it the “convenience price”. Still I appreciate having a store I can walk into and get something right then when I need it, instead of waiting for mail order.
Just recently I got this creeper. I really like it, it’s comfortable, feels solid and rolls around on crunchy terrain easily. $90 on sale + $9 for extended warranty. I probably could have found it for less online, but I didn’t want to roll the dice on something that I couldn’t test beforehand, nevermind support down the road. Paying a little extra for a brick-and-mortar presence is worth it for me.
Full price on their stuff is a little high, ideally you can wait for a sale but if you need it now, consider it the “convenience price”. Still I appreciate having a store I can walk into and get something right then when I need it, instead of waiting for mail order.
Just recently I got this creeper. I really like it, it’s comfortable, feels solid and rolls around on crunchy terrain easily. $90 on sale + $9 for extended warranty. I probably could have found it for less online, but I didn’t want to roll the dice on something that I couldn’t test beforehand, nevermind support down the road. Paying a little extra for a brick-and-mortar presence is worth it for me.
I love Proto stuff, but the pricing can be a bit outrageous. Warranty support is mixed, and personally I feel like they have become just another brand in the SBD conglomerate. It seems like they target the industrial/commercial market exclusively, with little thought given to private consumers.
Not really the point. You do what you have to do to get the job done. I wasn't mad, I didn't blame the tool and I warrantied it a few days later. But plenty of people out there abuse tools or push them beyond their rated or recommended limits, and then blame the tool when it fails.
That said, the adapter actually worked great. When it broke, thankfully we were on the last nut and on the last push/pull (final torque sequence). It was a dual axle International 4k water truck, there were 4 sping shackles and 8 nuts.
I'd have to dig for it, but I posted about it somewhere on here after it happened.
That’s a dangerous thread my tool addict sponsor warned me against clicking on it