Really liking Icon sockets

[Magnum440d100]

I put this engine in my friends truck last year. It blew a head gasket (or both), so I’m tearing it down to check/fix.

I have my craftsman set, and some miscellaneous craftsman in my road box, but want to be more organized and uniform.

I decided to pick up the 3/8” drive metric and SAE shallow sockets (already have the metric deep).

So far, I haven’t had any issues as far as slippage or rounding off. I did encounter one bolt that had worn edges/corners, but it the socket gripped it and it came right out.

Not trying to be a fanboy, but for $40 a set, I’m thinking of getting the rest of the sets (1/2” drive, deeps/shallows, etc etc) to have in my road box. I would be able to have a bit more organization, and if they continue to perform decently, I might be able to depend on them in an emergency.

Awaiting the harmonic dampener puller to arrive from Amazon, and I ran out of time today (working 7 days a week right now), otherwise the heads would be removed already.

 

[Blind1]

An alternative:

Better price and packaging. Same/same made in Taiwan quality:

46-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 5/16-3/4 inch (SAE), 8-19 mm (Metric) 6-point chrome socket with large stamped markings, 90-tooth ratchet, extension, universal joint, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT15301.

www.tekton.com

Same in 1/2” drive:

83-Piece 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Set includes 3/8–1-5/16 inch (SAE), 10–32 mm (metric) 6-point standard and deep length sockets, 90-tooth ratchet, breaker bar, and accessories. No skipped sizes. SKT25302.

www.tekton.com

And really, “depend on them in an emergency?” That’s the most pretentious thing I’ve heard in a while.

 

[lardy1]

I bought a set of Icon deep sockets for my travel box. I'm not an auto mechanic and am not a metallurgist but compared to my other imported sockets, I find them pretty unimpressive for the price. I'd recommend Tekton over them as well.

 

[Magnum440d100]

An alternative:

Better price and packaging. Same/same made in Taiwan quality:

46-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 5/16-3/4 inch (SAE), 8-19 mm (Metric) 6-point chrome socket with large stamped markings, 90-tooth ratchet, extension, universal joint, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT15301.

www.tekton.com

Same in 1/2” drive:

83-Piece 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Set includes 3/8–1-5/16 inch (SAE), 10–32 mm (metric) 6-point standard and deep length sockets, 90-tooth ratchet, breaker bar, and accessories. No skipped sizes. SKT25302.

www.tekton.com

And really, “depend on them in an emergency?” That’s the most pretentious thing I’ve heard in a while.

What? Moi? Pretentious???

By saying “depend on them in an emergency” I mean exactly that. I do a LOT of cross country driving, in a 20 year old diesel. Break downs WILL/do/have happened. I don’t want tools in my road box that will prevent me from performing a repair so I can keep going. And if they happen to break, or otherwise get damaged/worn out, I know that there’s going to be a harbor freight in the next major city I eventually roll into.

Those sets are nice, I won’t lie. But they’re in cases. To have the tools I need for my road box, I would be buying a set and a set and a set and a set, etc etc. and still not have everything (not gonna buy a set of 2”-3” 3/4” drive sockets just for the 2 5/16 for the hub/spindle nuts, for example)

My road box is a 526 Kennedy machinist box. That is the square footage I am limited to, as that 526 gets dropped into an in-bed under rail tool box and locked up. It doesn’t have ANY tools I don’t need for the Cummins (except maybe spark plug sockets??) And weight is a factor when trying to stay weight legal. Why have tools I don’t need in sets. I already haul VERY close to the limit lol.

And for everyone saying to just get towed while broken down, have you ever called a tow truck while in the middle of nowhere?? I broke down in Bakersfield Ca, but limped it to just north of fort Tejon CA on the 5 freeway at the tejon outlets. At that time, I was on a time limit to get back to San Diego. My brother called a tow truck, and they said it would be a couple hours. Couple hours went by, called back and it would be another couple hours (it was about 10pm at this point). So I said eff it, and started tearing my truck apart to fix it. THAT’S when the tow truck FINALLY showed up. I had my truck almost fixed, but decided for a tow anyway because I would have had to go through the tejon pass, and I was overheating BAD, and if I were to have gone and overheated, the next available tow truck would have been at 6am. I ended up having the truck towed to Riverside instead of San Diego.

If I were not on a time limit, I would have taken the defective parts off, camped there overnight until an auto parts place opened, gotten my parts, fixed my truck, and been on my way. ****** way to do it, but when a tow truck is unavailable, what else are you going to do??

 

[Blind1]

If I broke down in Bakersfield I’d just walk home.

Tekton offers their sets on individual rails as well, including individual sockets AND smaller sets of 3/4” drive stuff. Like I said - worth at least checking out, because from a quality perspective there really isn’t all that much difference amongst the Taiwan made brands.

 

[sk farmer]

ah yes the generic rule of the day. the answer to every question is "tekton........." even though nobody asked the question.

really? the op just said he had good luck and liked his icon sockets. wasn't asking for advice or other options but low and behold the first response is "tekton"

why, just why? why do they need to inject "tekton" into every conversation? it happens daily and then those that do it have the nerve to call others pretentious.

it's almost like they need to validate their purchase by forcing their opinion on others. even when not asked for.

 

[lardy1]

Maybe the same reason some people can't accept that Tekton has moved beyond MIT selling crappy tools in banquet halls and need to remind everyone of that from time to time?

 

[ex-x-fire]

I've been been using the Icon swivel impacts sockets for a year now in an indy shop, haven't had any issues. I like that the set was big, not 12-19 like most of the starter sets, 12-24 in the Icon set.

 

[930dreamer]

I have a metric 3/8" short set with no issues.

 

[sk farmer]

Maybe the same reason some people can't accept that Tekton has moved beyond MIT selling crappy tools in banquet halls and need to remind everyone of that from time to time?

i think you will have a very hard time finding an example of me injecting my thoughts on tekton into a converstion not involving tekton. my post in this conversation said nothing about mit or crappy tools. i also don't go into threads about snap-on or icon or any other brand giving an opinion on tekton. my comments on them stay in topics about tekton.

the difference is that tekton was or gets inserted into the conversation where there was not a need or a want for it. the op was only commenting on his experience with icon and yet somehow by the "first" response there is a link to tekton sets as a better altenative.

if people can't see the difference then i don't know what to say.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

What about Sunex brand? Good/bad/or…?
Serious question.

 

[dstblj52]

An alternative:

Better price and packaging. Same/same made in Taiwan quality:

46-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 5/16-3/4 inch (SAE), 8-19 mm (Metric) 6-point chrome socket with large stamped markings, 90-tooth ratchet, extension, universal joint, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT15301.

www.tekton.com

Same in 1/2” drive:

83-Piece 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Set includes 3/8–1-5/16 inch (SAE), 10–32 mm (metric) 6-point standard and deep length sockets, 90-tooth ratchet, breaker bar, and accessories. No skipped sizes. SKT25302.

www.tekton.com

And really, “depend on them in an emergency?” That’s the most pretentious thing I’ve heard in a while.

so i could by marked up pittsburgh? yeah no thanks

 

[Magnum440d100]

What about Sunex brand? Good/bad/or…?
Serious question.

I’ve read a lot of good about them, but I have not personally used any of their tools. I do believe I see them at my local Oreillys though(?)

 

[Fedwrench]

Are are your ICON sockets the newly released ones made out of chrome moly or the older versions made out of chrome vanadium? I asked because some people complained the original ones were on the soft side. Good to hear you're happy with them!!!

 

[Odd-job]

Hoping Icon makes some odd ball stuff like low profile 1/4 e torx ala snap on. Hopefully they really want to copy snap on there, hint hint. Also would be nice to have more semi deep and extra deep options.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Hoping Icon makes some odd ball stuff like low profile 1/4 e torx ala snap on. Hopefully they really want to copy snap on there, hint hint. Also would be nice to have more semi deep and extra deep options.

IMO this is how companies who want to "compare to snap on" need to do so..

 

[Blind1]

ah yes the generic rule of the day. the answer to every question is "tekton........." even though nobody asked the question.

really? the op just said he had good luck and liked his icon sockets. wasn't asking for advice or other options but low and behold the first response is "tekton"

why, just why? why do they need to inject "tekton" into every conversation? it happens daily and then those that do it have the nerve to call others pretentious.

it's almost like they need to validate their purchase by forcing their opinion on others. even when not asked for.

Womp womp.

 

[Fly YX]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned Snap On yet. I have not purchased any Icon tools yet. They look nice in the store. Just have not been going to hf like I did.

 

[Magnum440d100]

Are are your ICON sockets the newly released ones made out of chrome moly or the older versions made out of chrome vanadium? I asked because some people complained the original ones were on the soft side. Good to hear you're happy with them!!!

I’m not sure. I believe they’re the newer ones, though I do have a set of the older ones as well.

When I get home from work, I’ll take a look.

 

[FMB4]

Chrome Moly is typically used in impact sockets, while Chrome Vanadium is typically used in non impact sockets. That said, use what you like.

 

[jrbpit1]

Kind of hard to beat the Icon stuff for your road box. If they get lost or stolen, you are not out a bunch of $. And you are correct you break one of them out on the road, when you roll into the next town, you can warranty no problem.
My road box is a mix of older Craftsman stuff, Sk, Wright, Tekton and others.

 

[Ronson25]

Havent tried icon but i have a few sets of regular impact sockets from harbor freight and their hard to beat for price

 

[Ton ton]

Great to hear a positive Icon review.

 

[FMB4]

How does the lifetime warranty work? The HF stores in my area do not offer Icon, etc, single sockets for sale. So, does HF have Icon warranty replacement tools in the backroom? Or are such warranty claims fulfilled through the mail?

 

[javyLSU]

How does the lifetime warranty work? The HF stores in my area do not offer Icon, etc, single sockets for sale. So, does HF have Icon warranty replacement tools in the backroom? Or are such warranty claims fulfilled through the mail?

You can go into a store, and they'll open a set, warranty exchange the single you need, and put the rest of the set on the clearance shelf. Alternatively you can call the 800 number and get a warranty replacement through the mail. Depending on your proximity to a HF store, the mail option might take significantly longer.

 

[javyLSU]

I put this engine in my friends truck last year. It blew a head gasket (or both), so I’m tearing it down to check/fix.

I have my craftsman set, and some miscellaneous craftsman in my road box, but want to be more organized and uniform.

I decided to pick up the 3/8” drive metric and SAE shallow sockets (already have the metric deep).

So far, I haven’t had any issues as far as slippage or rounding off. I did encounter one bolt that had worn edges/corners, but it the socket gripped it and it came right out.

Not trying to be a fanboy, but for $40 a set, I’m thinking of getting the rest of the sets (1/2” drive, deeps/shallows, etc etc) to have in my road box. I would be able to have a bit more organization, and if they continue to perform decently, I might be able to depend on them in an emergency.

Awaiting the harmonic dampener puller to arrive from Amazon, and I ran out of time today (working 7 days a week right now), otherwise the heads would be removed already.

Good feedback... If I didn't already have a box full of all the Gearwrench sockets I need, I would absolutely buy the Icon sockets. They are missing a few things others offer (mid-length sockets are a must for me) and they don't quite match Gearwrench, Tekton, or Snap-on's breath of offerings (I have a 3/8" in. drive 24mm socket for differential plugs, for example). Hopefully they continue to expand and come out with new stuff - the few Icon tools that I have I've been very happy with.

 

[nbpt100]

How does the lifetime warranty work? The HF stores in my area do not offer Icon, etc, single sockets for sale. So, does HF have Icon warranty replacement tools in the backroom? Or are such warranty claims fulfilled through the mail?

Excellent question. In my limited experience I have seen the manager take one item out of a set for a warranty and then put the set on the marked down clearance rack. Hard to think they will do that with Icon. Pittsburgh brands?,,,,sure no problem.

If I broke down in Bakersfield I’d just walk home.

Tekton offers their sets on individual rails as well, including individual sockets AND smaller sets of 3/4” drive stuff. Like I said - worth at least checking out, because from a quality perspective there really isn’t all that much difference amongst the Taiwan made brands.

So you are saying all Taiwan made stuff is essentially the same quality. Quality includes design quality as well as manufacturing quality. Are you still sure you want to say that?

Hoping Icon makes some odd ball stuff like low profile 1/4 e torx ala snap on. Hopefully they really want to copy snap on there, hint hint. Also would be nice to have more semi deep and extra deep options.

Icon has been slow to roll out new products.......I am sure there is alot that goes into making it happen. Also, Does anyone think the HF management listens much to what the folks here on GJ say? IDK but On a whole they get bashed almost daily.

Chrome Moly is typically used in impact sockets, while Chrome Vanadium is typically used in non impact sockets. That said, use what you like.

Good point. But not all Chrome Moly is identical as well as chrome Vanadium. There must be a lot of room inside of that classification.

Kind of hard to beat the Icon stuff for your road box. If they get lost or stolen, you are not out a bunch of $. And you are correct you break one of them out on the road, when you roll into the next town, you can warranty no problem.
My road box is a mix of older Craftsman stuff, Sk, Wright, Tekton and others.

Good points, That is the calculation when putting together a road box. Everyone has different needs and absorbs losses differently. One mans Icon is another mans Pittsburgh.

 

[dstblj52]

Excellent question. In my limited experience I have seen the manager take one item out of a set for a warranty and then put the set on the marked down clearance rack. Hard to think they will do that with Icon. Pittsburgh brands?,,,,sure no problem.


So you are saying all Taiwan made stuff is essentially the same quality. Quality includes design quality as well as manufacturing quality. Are you still sure you want to say that?

Icon has been slow to roll out new products.......I am sure there is alot that goes into making it happen. Also, Does anyone think the HF management listens much to what the folks here on GJ say? IDK but On a whole they get bashed almost daily.

Good point. But not all Chrome Moly is identical as well as chrome Vanadium. There must be a lot of room inside of that classification.

Good points, That is the calculation when putting together a road box. Everyone has different needs and absorbs losses differently. One mans Icon is another mans Pittsburgh.

They sort of did that for me with icon they opened a pack gave me one then put the box in the back and order a individual one to the store

 

[M635_Guy]

I have all three brands in 3/8" - Tekton, Icon and Sunex.

All of them are 100% fine. Tekton shares more blanks within their size run so there are some that are longer than they have to be. Icon graduates each size and doesn't appear to share any blanks except maybe 8mm and 9mm.


If I'm working in tight spaces, I tend to grab the Icon. Other than that I use them pretty equally and have liked both.

Sunex is my household/general-purpose chrome set (came in a travel-box with 1/2",3/8",1/4" ratchets - which are terrible - and extensions), and has done everything I've asked of it. I can't say exactly why, but I'm slightly less-impressed with my chrome Sunex sockets than my impact set (which I love). If the chrome set got stolen, I'd probably replace it with another Tekton or Icon set (I'd 100% re-buy Sunex if my impacts went missing). That's not to say anything negative about the chrome (except the ratchets - they're garbage. And yes, I'm bitter about them - lol). The sockets work fine and I like Sunex as a company.

Between Icon and Tekton, I'd give a slight edge to the Icon, mainly for the shorter lengths until you hit 17mm or so (where tight spaces aren't as likely a problem). I like the knurling too, but I'd rate it as mainly decorative.

I also have put together an SK set that immediately seemed beefier than any of the others I have, but haven't really compared them for size, weight, blank-sharing etc.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

Your picture is great. I generally would prefer sockets that are only as long as are needed, even if they cost more.

 

[FMB4]

Thank you javyLSU and nbpt.

 

[bradpac]

I have all three brands in 3/8" - Tekton, Icon and Sunex.

All of them are 100% fine. Tekton shares more blanks within their size run so there are some that are longer than they have to be. Icon graduates each size and doesn't appear to share any blanks except maybe 8mm and 9mm.

That picture right there makes icon the winner in this fight.

 

[Mr_B]

stepped sizing and quite small dimensions main plus with icon .
they pretty much a visual copy of snapon .
I can see why people would buy them, moulded trays can be a bonus, potential easy warranty and being able buy and warranty in a physical store is nice .
With 20% of they were pretty cheap too ...
If HF start looking at stahlwille, hazet, facom and koken for inovation and ergonomics rather than the obsession with snapon and increase range significantly they could make some serious progress .

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Good information on this thread, looking to upgrade 3/8 deep metric socket set chrome will look at ICON next visit to HF - attractive price at $50. CM V drive set made in South Carolina is $65, and SO is $333 per website. Texton is $37 per Amazon, Gearwrench at HD 6 to 19 at $47.

 

[boom10ful]

I have all three brands in 3/8" - Tekton, Icon and Sunex.

All of them are 100% fine. Tekton shares more blanks within their size run so there are some that are longer than they have to be. Icon graduates each size and doesn't appear to share any blanks except maybe 8mm and 9mm.


If I'm working in tight spaces, I tend to grab the Icon. Other than that I use them pretty equally and have liked both.

Sunex is my general-purpose chrome set (came in a travel-box with 1/2",3/8",1/4" ratchets - which are terrible - and an extensions), and has done everything I've asked of it. I can't say exactly why, but I'm slightly less-impress with my chrome Sunex sockets than my impact set (which I love). If the chrome set got stolen, I'd probably replace it with another Tekton or Icon set (I'd 100% re-buy Sunex if my impacts went missing). That's not to say anything negative about the chrome (except the ratchets - they're garbage. And yes, I'm bitter about them - lol). The sockets work fine and I like Sunex as a company.

Between Icon and Tekton, I'd give a slight edge to the Icon, mainly for the shorter lengths until you hit 17mm or so (where tight spaces aren't as likely a problem). I like the knurling too, but I'd rate it as mainly decorative.

I also have put together an SK set that immediately seemed beefier than any of the others I have, but haven't really compared them for size, weight, blank-sharing etc.

I've only had experience with their weatherhead sockets and their impact sockets. Their impact stuff is way better than Tekton, Icon, Pittsburgh or even SK. I own all of them and the only one that hasn't deformed at the drive end was Sunex.

 

[FMB4]

I'm a fan of Sunex as well. Their crowfoot line wrenches are pretty darn tough imo.

 

[UglyViking]

Icon def seems like the direction to go if you need to drop into a HF to get something replaced. That said, I'd question how many tools you actually break on the road, assuming proper-ish use. At $26 for the tekton sockets vs $40 for the Icons, you're saving $14 and getting a rail, which I think would be better for truck storage. You can always drop into any auto parts store and buy a single if you somehow manage to wreck one on the road. I am just trying to play devils advocate a little here, I have no issue with Icon, in fact not long ago I was looking at buying a bunch of their tools.

I do like the "properly sized" heights of the Icon sockets, so agreements there. I think if you could get a 20% off coupon it would be a much closer call and the convenience factor may be worth the premium all things considered. That said, assuming you buy a few sets and some wrenches you're gonna be out quite a bit extra and could easily keep that in your pocket or "tool budget" if it was an issue.

I've gotta say, the thing I really like about Icon, is that I can take a 20 min drive and pick something up, vs having to order online and wait a week for it to show. That's about the only downside I see with Tekton at the moment.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Is it me, or do they not have Icon deep chrome sockets? Not seeing any on their site.

 

[M635_Guy]

Is it me, or do they not have Icon deep chrome sockets? Not seeing any on their site.

I'm not sure - I could swear I saw them in the store when I was there ordering my Full Bank cart, but if it's not on the site I'm probably wrong.

 

[drtyler]

3/8 metric deep: https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-metric-professional-deep-socket-12-pc-57956.html