ICON wrench open end measurement

[SanJosetoolguy]

Hi guys,

Does anyone have the non-flex ratcheting wrench set (antislip), or the antislip combination wrench set? If so, would you please be willing to measure the open end on a couple wrenches? I’m interested in seeing the tolerances. I have the icon flex ratcheting wrench sets and the tolerances are amazing. I’m seeing at most 0.1mm over.

I just purchased a milwaukee maxbite combination wrench set but was disapppointed when their tolerances are looser than the icons. Generally 0.2mm over. So, they’ll probably be returned. I was expecting more from them. I know I’m ****! But I cant afford Snap-on!

I really dont want to purchase the sets and return them if they arent great. It just feels wrong. Thanks for your help!

 

[Ton ton]

Did you ever hear of adjustable wrenches?

 

[Oil leak]

I think your being a little crazy about tolerances. I just checked my Icon reversing ratchet wrenches (sae pattern), and they are .006 to .012 oversize. In metric that is .16-.27. In comparison my Snap on flank drive plus metric combination wrenches are .2 to .24. Your over thinking this.

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

Did you ever hear of adjustable wrenches?

Ok dude

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

I think your being a little crazy about tolerances. I just checked my Icon reversing ratchet wrenches (sae pattern), and they are .006 to .012 oversize. In metric that is .16-.27. In comparison my Snap on flank drive plus metric combination wrenches are .2 to .24. Your over thinking this.

I appreciate that you took the time to measure. Thanks

I think snap ons can run a little looser because the open end doesnt flex when under torque. Great metal. Ive seen taiwanese open end wrenches flex a little... just enough to round off bolts if tolerances are loose. Thats why I’d want the tightest open end as possible with taiwanese wrenches

Ive had a bad experience with a rounded off fastener. It was a nightmare. Couldnt get a socket or box end on it because of its position.

 

[larry_g]

https://rtstools.com/the-best-hand-tool-sockets-in-the-world/

google iso 691 and you will find charts like the above, that is the standard. Having people measure their wrenches is un reliable at best. Look up the standards that your wrench was built to meet and see if it does. Then look up the standards for the fastener your applying the wrench to. You may be surprised at how wide the tolerances are.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[GrantCee]

I think snap ons can run a little looser because the open end doesnt flex when under torque. Great metal. Ive seen taiwanese open end wrenches flex a little... just enough to round off bolts if tolerances are loose. Thats why I’d want the tightest open end as possible with taiwanese wrenches.

I don't get this. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out which Taiwanese wrenches are "best" based on dubious criteria, how about spending just a little more* than HF wants for the Icon product for a set of Wright wrenches — you'll get the tight tolerances you feel you need, along with Wright's renowned strength and open end grip.

Don't like Wright? Proto is probably in the same neighborhood. Either way, they'll likely be better than anything you can buy at HF.

*(14pc Icon metric combo set — $99.99; Wright 15pc metric combo set — $167.05 at Epstein's.)

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

I don't get this. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out which Taiwanese wrenches are "best" based on dubious criteria, how about spending just a little more* than HF wants for the Icon product for a set of Wright wrenches — you'll get the tight tolerances you feel you need, along with Wright's renowned strength and open end grip.

Don't like Wright? Proto is probably in the same neighborhood. Either way, they'll likely be better than anything you can buy at HF.

*(14pc Icon metric combo set — $99.99; Wright 15pc metric combo set — $167.05 at Epstein's.)

Is that really a “little” more? Seems like 67% more expensive.

Why is it dubious? If a wrench has a 0.1mm tolerance, thats a fact. To me, theres nothing dubious about it.

Thanks for the suggestion on Wright

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

google iso 691 and you will find charts like the above, that is the standard. Having people measure their wrenches is un reliable at best. Look up the standards that your wrench was built to meet and see if it does. Then look up the standards for the fastener your applying the wrench to. You may be surprised at how wide the tolerances are.

lg
no neat sig line

Thanks, Larry. Will investigate

 

[Oil leak]

I don't get this. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out which Taiwanese wrenches are "best" based on dubious criteria, how about spending just a little more* than HF wants for the Icon product for a set of Wright wrenches — you'll get the tight tolerances you feel you need, along with Wright's renowned strength and open end grip.

Don't like Wright? Proto is probably in the same neighborhood. Either way, they'll likely be better than anything you can buy at HF.

*(14pc Icon metric combo set — $99.99; Wright 15pc metric combo set — $167.05 at Epstein's.)

My Wright grip2.0 13mm wrench has looser tolerances than my Snap on

 

[PelicanPines]

Before you worry about your wrench tolerances... measure your NUT tolerance. It will drive you NUTs trying to get exact sized NUTs when your wrench is exact.

 

[Ton ton]

San jose tool guy, I was trying to be funny. Welcome to garage journal.

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

San jose tool guy, I was trying to be funny. Welcome to garage journal.

Sorry I couldnt tell over text.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'd be interested to see if the Icon open end is different than the Milwaukee set you have since, both wrench sets are made by Infar. Infar also makes the Carlyle versions and the economical channellock version along with others.

 

[dnschmidt]

This is in fact a double edged sword. I've provided Eric O of South Main Auto many TOPTUL wrenches (made in Taiwan) and Eric loves them but from time to time he does have a problem with them in that TOPTUL builds their wrenches to very tight tolerances. Since he works primarily on rust belt garbage cars often the nuts and heads of bolts have swelled due to rusting and he can't fit the TOPTUL wrenches on to them. His Mac's on the other hand which are looser do fit. So be careful what you ask for as you might just get it.

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

I'd be interested to see if the Icon open end is different than the Milwaukee set you have since, both wrench sets are made by Infar. Infar also makes the Carlyle versions and the economical channellock version along with others.

I have the icon flex ratchet wrenches which dont have an antislip open end. Just a regular open end. The tolerances are really good. Impressive really.

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

This is in fact a double edged sword. I've provided Eric O of South Main Auto many TOPTUL wrenches (made in Taiwan) and Eric loves them but from time to time he does have a problem with them in that TOPTUL builds their wrenches to very tight tolerances. Since he works primarily on rust belt garbage cars often the nuts and heads of bolts have swelled due to rusting and he can't fit the TOPTUL wrenches on to them. His Mac's on the other hand which are looser do fit. So be careful what you ask for as you might just get it.

Good point

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the icon flex ratchet wrenches which dont have an antislip open end. Just a regular open end. The tolerances are really good. Impressive really.

I believe the Icon flex head ratcheting wrenches are made by Kabo though. Is the a sealed brass screw on the edge of the ratcheting boxed end?

 

[cherrybomb]

I believe that you might also check the bolt heads and nuts for their tolerance.Sometimes the fasteners are the problem,out of tolerance. Us guys in the rust belt,have another problem.You'd be surprised sometimes how you have to substitute different brands to get the feel you desire.

 

[RedneckWelder]

And yes using a too tight wrench is going to be extremely aggravating when you have to beat it on and off fasteners

 

[SanJosetoolguy]

I believe the Icon flex head ratcheting wrenches are made by Kabo though. Is the a sealed brass screw on the edge of the ratcheting boxed end?

Yup. Its brass

 

[Wakefield]

I don't get this. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out which Taiwanese wrenches are "best" based on dubious criteria, how about spending just a little more* than HF wants for the Icon product for a set of Wright wrenches — you'll get the tight tolerances you feel you need, along with Wright's renowned strength and open end grip.

Don't like Wright? Proto is probably in the same neighborhood. Either way, they'll likely be better than anything you can buy at HF.

*(14pc Icon metric combo set — $99.99; Wright 15pc metric combo set — $167.05 at Epstein's.)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I would think the Wright a good choice and cheaper than Snap On and probably better than the wrenches at H.F.
Anyone have any opinion as to the new Wright Grip (antislip open end) vs. the older one?

 

[Cgw1984]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I would think the Wright a good choice and cheaper than Snap On and probably better than the wrenches at H.F.
Anyone have any opinion as to the new Wright Grip (antislip open end) vs. the older one?

Almost 1 and 3/4 times the cost isnt a "little" more, as noted. Wrights are great tools, but perhaps out of his budget. Idk that id recommend the icon either though. The wrenches arent getting amazing reviews.