Icon vs. matco flex head ratchet wrenches.

[1 Tooth Ratchet]

So, I was looking at flex head ratchet wrenches from several brands and saw horrible freight came out with a set on their Icon line. After looking at them I noticed they looked exactly like a set I saw on matco's site. Both sets go from 8mm to 19mm and are 72 tooth. They even have the little brass looking plugs in the side of the ratchet mechanisms like the matco ones do. That leads me to believe they're made out of the same factory, if they're both taiwanese. I figure if they are the same, the quality is there and at half the price of matco ones with the 20% discount, they'd be worth it (maybe?). I've got a set of gearwrench at work but want something better than those without spending an arm and a leg. What do you guys think? They look really similar to me. I'm just weighing my options.

https://www.harborfreight.com/Metric-Professional-Flex-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-12-Pc-56427.html

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/S7GRFM12/12-PIECE-72-TOOTH-FLEX-COMBINATION-METRIC-SET/

 

[Fedwrench]

The sealed brass screw on the ratcheting boxed end has traditionally meant the wrench was made by Kabo. If so, the Icon set could be a bargain sleeper set.

 

[dnschmidt]

If they're KABO they're at the top of the food chain.

 

[Brownsfan]

Looks the same to me. On my shopping list now.

 

[1 Tooth Ratchet]

On another note, both sets part/model numbers end with RFM12. Surely that can't be a coincidence.

 

[Skin]

On another note, both sets part/model numbers end with RFM12. Surely that can't be a coincidence.

They're both just abbreviating what the product is.

Ratcheting Flex Metric 12pc

 

[1 Tooth Ratchet]

They're both just abbreviating what the product is.

Ratcheting Flex Metric 12pc

yeah, just found it funny they ended with the same abbreviations in the exact same order from two different companies. Maybe I'm reading too much into it.

 

[Mr_B]

I certainly wouldn't be buying from matco lol, total wallet **** for import tools .
with 20% off coupon it worth trying from HF, certainly looks like decent taiwan effort.
The reversible ratchet wrenches are decent and easy warranty handy on ratchet wrenches so you likely get your moneys worth ...

 

[demarpaint]

I certainly wouldn't be buying from matco lol, total wallet **** for import tools .
with 20% off coupon it worth trying from HF, certainly looks like decent taiwan effort.
The reversible ratchet wrenches are decent and easy warranty handy on ratchet wrenches so you likely get your moneys worth ...

I'd pass on the Matco set too.

 

[Tallpilot]

If they would start selling singles I might pick one up if I happen to break one of my old Gearwrench.

 

[dsaabm]

I have the Cornwell version of these and used them professionally for 3-4 years, if the ICON is made to the same standard, they are well worth the money.

http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products/CRW12MSFA-%252d-12-Piece-Met--Flex-Ratcheting--Comb--Box-Wrench-Set-8MM-to-19MM.html#

 

[71firebird400]

Well I had some giftcard money kicking around from the "settlement" a year or two ago, so I have the metric sent on order. We shall see if they are good!

 

[Da Beast]

Not the same. If you notice matco goes big to small while HF is small to large.

Stop posting good deals, my wife is going to hate me when I show up with these.

I'm kidding. Keep the deals coming. I have a secret credit card for situations just like this =)

 

[Jacobson]

Not the same wrenches.
Matco looks like it has teeth
And the angle of the open ended is more slanted

 

[Skin]

Not the same wrenches.
Matco looks like it has teeth
And the angle of the open ended is more slanted

They're the same. Same manufacturer, same machines running them off the line. Only difference is in the roll stamping. Only the Matco 9 series has modified open ends and those you can actually get through Carlyle with 6pt box ends.

Matco use to have a bit of a stranglehold and a bunch of unique styles when Armstrong was supplying but when they switched everything to Kabo the prices just got stupid. The 9 series I mentioned is nearly $600 ($125 when on sale at Napa).

 

[1foxracing]

Carlyle and Matco definitely use the same suppliers for some wrenches, Matco just has some people brainwashed into thinking their name stamped into the exact same tool is worth 4 times as much.

 

[Tallpilot]

Carlyle and Matco definitely use the same suppliers for some wrenches, Matco just has some people brainwashed into thinking their name stamped into the exact same tool is worth 4 times as much.

That's awesome. Carlyle switching to Kabo and putting these things in the real deals flyer was one of the best things that ever happened to ratcheting wrenches. If HF really is using them too; that's one more great option.

It's hard to understand what Matco is thinking. Obviously these things are going to get warrantied more often than most tools; but that markup is indefensible.

 

[M635_Guy]

Carlyle and Matco definitely use the same suppliers for some wrenches, Matco just has some people brainwashed into thinking their name stamped into the exact same tool is worth 4 times as much.

Same supplier doesn't necessarily mean they're the exact same make-up/tolerances/etc., even if the mechanisms are interchangeable. But it could be it's just different branding for the trucks.

I try not to be too hung up on comparing truck-brand pricing. Their model has to account for the cost of the truck, driving around, etc. Sitting on a shelf at NAPA as a small piece of a bigger business means different pricing...

 

[Mr_B]

Same supplier doesn't necessarily mean they're the exact same make-up/tolerances/etc., even if the mechanisms are interchangeable. But it could be it's just different branding for the trucks.

I try not to be too hung up on comparing truck-brand pricing. Their model has to account for the cost of the truck, driving around, etc. Sitting on a shelf at NAPA as a small piece of a bigger business means different pricing...

If it a tool out of the oem catalogue it be same besides options you choose such as open end type, finish and plating type etc.
Only time it be major difference is if have special forgings and specific designs and supplied materials to the oem .

 

[1 Tooth Ratchet]

Just to give a little update, I went ahead a bought a metric set. First impressions were good. The tray they come seems pretty sturdy, the chrome is good and the ratchet mechanism feels great. Overall I'm happy with the package. Time will tell if they perform as good as they look.

A coworker of mine had a Matco version in 13mm, so I attached a couple pictures comparing the two.

 

[M635_Guy]

Why the heck did I click on this? I didn't see it I didn't see it

 

[ForrestT]

I need a set of flexhead ratcheting wrenches in metric. What do you all recommend? Carlyle, icon, tekton? Those are the 3 I’ve been looking at.


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[Skin]

The Carlyle ones are 90 tooth spline with modified open ends so a little nicer than the HF in my opinion. When they go on sale you can get the set for $125 but Napa has been super stingy with their quarterly Carlyle deals for about a year now.

Personally I think they're all a little short. If its your first set of flex i'd go for the longer double box like

https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-sets?unit=metric

or

https://www.tekton.com/long-flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-sets?unit=metric

 

[ForrestT]

The Carlyle ones are 90 tooth spline with modified open ends so a little nicer than the HF in my opinion. When they go on sale you can get the set for $125 but Napa has been super stingy with their quarterly Carlyle deals for about a year now.

Personally I think they're all a little short. If its your first set of flex i'd go for the longer double box like

https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-sets?unit=metric

or

https://www.tekton.com/long-flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-sets?unit=metric

Thank you, sir. I was leaning toward the tekton dbe wrenches as I already have a set of regular metric combo wrenches. Just wanted to add flex head capability to my box especially as metric is used on more and more stuff.


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[VinceG]

I have the Matco metric reversible ones. they work great. I have had them for several years. used them daily till I changed job. I bought the Matco because I have been dealing with the same Matco Dealer for 20 years and he is easy to deal and will even come to my house

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I think this info needs to be added to the tool truck equivalent thread.

 

[Wamsutta]

Do you guys ever use the open end of a ratcheting combination wrench?

 

[OneDollarSaab]

Do you guys ever use the open end of a ratcheting combination wrench?

I do if it has an anti-slip design of some kind. When I make house calls, a good open end means I don't have to carry as many tools with me.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Do you guys ever use the open end of a ratcheting combination wrench?

Sure. I have SRXM10 through 19.

 

[pontoon]

Are any other icon wrench sets made by kabo? I know some seem to be made by kabo and some are made by Infar.

 

[msbytes]

Are any other icon wrench sets made by kabo? I know some seem to be made by kabo and some are made by Infar.

I believe these are made by Kabo too. https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/wrenches/professional-double-box-flex-ratcheting-wrench-5-pc-56694.html

They look the same as the Matco, Cornwell and Mountain wrenches.

 

[Mr_B]

Are any other icon wrench sets made by kabo? I know some seem to be made by kabo and some are made by Infar.

ratchet wrenches are kabo and high-five, non ratchet are infar .
the ratchet wrenches are very decent products at current prices with coupon and current easy warranty .

I believe these are made by Kabo too. https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/wrenches/professional-double-box-flex-ratcheting-wrench-5-pc-56694.html

They look the same as the Matco, Cornwell and Mountain wrenches.

Same as any with that button selector. they also seem likely to produce the stahlwille reversible combo wrenches .

 

[pontoon]

ratchet wrenches are kabo and high-five, non ratchet are infar .
the ratchet wrenches are very decent products at current prices with coupon and current easy warranty .




Same as any with that button selector. they also seem likely to produce the stahlwille reversible combo wrenches .

Thanks for the help. It seems like Harbor Freight raised the price on the flex ratchet metric set to $200 and there are no coupons. I think the Stahlwille and Proto (Blackhawk and non-Blackhawk) sets are better values right now. Do you know who sells the cheapest 10+ piece set of flex and non-flex kabo ratcheting wrenches by chance?

 

[Kscardsfan]

Are the ratcheting stubby sets Kabo as well? I’ve been kicking around a set of those for the box.

 

[Mr_B]

Are the ratcheting stubby sets Kabo as well? I’ve been kicking around a set of those for the box.

ratcheting stubby and long pattern combo reversible are high-five .
I really like the long pattern and use them in a daily auto shop setting .

 

[Mr_B]

Thanks for the help. It seems like Harbor Freight raised the price on the flex ratchet metric set to $200 and there are no coupons. I think the Stahlwille and Proto (Blackhawk and non-Blackhawk) sets are better values right now. Do you know who sells the cheapest 10+ piece set of flex and non-flex kabo ratcheting wrenches by chance?

200bucks is bit silly, I don't think kabo best option really, also may find not all the flex head are kabo as some icon marketing images appear different so may have another source,
I would be checking the items closely in store before buying and again before leaving parking lot but that standard practise at HF I guess lol .
Facom/USAG do some of best compact head flex ratchet wrenches at reasonable prices and the icon high-five ratchet wrenches about only good deal along with the Kabo double box for icon branded, obviously 20% icon voucher was a big plus and expect will get a voucher at some point .

 

[Kscardsfan]

ratcheting stubby and long pattern combo reversible are high-five .
I really like the long pattern and use them in a daily auto shop setting .

I’ve actually got the long pattern ratcheting set in SAE and metric already and I’ve been very pleased with them so far as a shade tree guy. But I could see stubby combos being super useful in a lot of situations.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Never used the Icon ones have heard mixed things on them same with the Matco.


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[Mr_B]

^
only icon ratchet wrenches I wouldn't recommend is the flex head combos .
The anti-slip open end due to obiding to patent laws also not the best so most be better with standard open jaw sets .
high-five anti-slip is better than infar so high-five anti-slip ratchet wrenches not bad choice if don't own any better anti-slip wrenches and high-five ratchet mechanism and ring sizes seems as good to me as many other better tier offerings, certainly at price point and with usable warranty,
warranty not that important on most basic hand tools and never worth paying 5 times price for warranty on basic socket screwdriver or wrench but anything with a ratchet mechanism and pro use the warranty can work out bucks to your favour .

 

[Mr_B]

I’ve actually got the long pattern ratcheting set in SAE and metric already and I’ve been very pleased with them so far as a shade tree guy. But I could see stubby combos being super useful in a lot of situations.

Yeah the long pattern sets are really nice tool and very sensible cost, I put a lot of hours on them for close to a year now and no issues or complaints .
they better or no worse than williams, bluepoint, matco, GW, tekton, capri etc .
Stubby set worth having for sensible money,I would source boxed 'new' via eBay .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Icon-WRSTM-10-Metric-10PC-Stubby-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-NEW/133642425953
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Icon-WRSTM-10-Metric-10PC-Stubby-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-NEW/133642425953
If you want real nice stubbies then Facom/USAG hard beat for real world use .
I got the Facom but bought icon sets via eBay for monthly tool gift partly as he needed some and partly as wanted try them out, they okay but facom got the edge in real tight scenarios, would not pay HF full price for both set of 220 bucks, I got both sae metric same seller eBay so combined shipping for 120bucks which sensible money, could be an issue down the road with warranty if they tighten up but stubby don't see abuse like long pattern and out the box or first few month failures likely get exchanged with current friendly warranty .
Main thing take note of is icon products may change manufacturer so replacements may become **** you don't want and warranty terms may tighten up making it ballache & huge time/effort scenario.
Only worth picking the icon tool gems as most of the line not that special .