About 5 years ago, I started checking out more and more HF tools and equipment and I can honestly say how impressed I am. Their quality has come up 10 fold over the years.
Totally makes sense! I was in LOVE today what I got my breaker bar ratchet with grip! Even the box was like unboxing my iPhones but better. Even came with a cleaning rag. Beautiful tools and now my favorites. Going back tomorrow for the 1/2” socket set.
If you fill the back of those trays with expanding foam it makes them very strong and ridge they will hold the wrenches and sockets for years and not break , Pete M
I'm definitely not a tool snob, after finishing one career, I started working in an independent car shop. The company trainer gave me some good advice, "all tools can break, buy the best tools you can afford". Harbor Freight it was...I've only broken two tools. One was a Pittsburgh Pro double-ended flex head ratchet, I think it was a quality control issue. The other was a Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" breaker bar. I was using a 3' extension, supporting my 170lbs on it and bouncing to try and turn a bolt. After 15 minutes of this the anvil finally broke. Never bought anything off the tool truck, probably never will.
@@JustinTBraun you said in the video they seem like snap on quality. After you got to use them for over a year would you still say they are on par with snap-on?
I’ve been using mostly ICON everyday for the past year and I haven’t had anything bend, break, or wear too significantly. For the price, they are phenomenal. They will honor the guarantee, my dad broke a screw driver and no questions asked it was replaced, but that’s my only example because nothing else has broken.
@@cgrizzly33 I’ve been using them for about a year doing lift kits and off road builds and even been punishing a chrome 19mm on a big impact and I haven’t got anything to break or even mess up a little bit. I love tools, so I own a lot of different brands, and I’d consider them top notch
I like harbor freight tools because they what Sears used to be !! walk in with a broken tool walk out with a replacement tool with no hassle that why I've been buying my all my tools at harbor freight 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I only returned a Craftsman tool once, a screwdriver (okay maybe Someone used it as a chisel), This was 40 years ago, and the sales guy said this looks abused. I pointed to the sign over his head that said "Satisfaction Guaranteed" He got me the new screwdriver and cussed under his breath. Only ONE HF return, and no questions asked... Yes, The new Sears... you hit it spot on..
i went to HF with 2 broken racheting breaker bars, some broken torx sockets, and a broken extension (went he-man on some bolts on a rusty truck LOL). told the cashier the breaker bars had stripped teeth. the cashier said ok and in 5 minutes I walked out with new breaker bars and sockets. when I was 19, I bought some craftsman tools to work on my car and couldnt exchange some torx t handle wrenches with twisted tips and a phillips drivers with a cracked tip because "they were abused". last new craftsman tools I bought. everything since was from home depot (husky or milwaukee) or harbor freight.
Being able to swap your broken tools is key I don't know if its just the Snap-off dealer I have but that dude will never replace a tool with a tool that's rite there on his truck he will order it and make you wait for it and if you tell him you can't wait cuz you need it for every day use like every mechanic out there he just said well if you need it that bad then buy a new one thats when I told him that I won't buy tools from him anymore and I only use him for replacement now I love my Snap-on tools but can not stand the shit head Snap-on dealer that I have in my town
@@hulksmash5-625 He probably does it that way so he can claim all the replacements on paper or something. There's probably some convoluted proxe involved. Sorry to hear that man!
I love the two 44" US General setup that you have. I was considering getting the 56" but I may just get two of these instead. I like the option of them being more mobile than the 56" since it's smaller and lighter.
I’ve been an auto mechanic for 30 years. The last 15 I owned my own shop. I’ve spent a king’s ransom in just damn toolboxes alone and it dawned on me that a toolbox has never made me one penny. The tools inside have enabled me to make money but those big fancy ass boxes ain’t never made me one cent. It’s too late for me but a young man would do well to leave those huge ass boxes on the tool truck. When I was a young tech it didn’t take much for me to tell a Stealership to kiss my ass. I kept a rollback busy for a few years. eBay is full of those huge boxes that ain’t worth 1/2 what they guy paid for them. Spend your money on things that appreciate in value like land, gold, etc. Tools are NOT an investment. They are an expense to do business . I’ve seen the Icon line. They are made in the same factory as NAPA Carlyle hand tools. The same factory makes Sunex impact sockets. Sunex makes the toughest impact socket you can buy. They also are making Milwaukee wrenches too.
@@prevost8686 spot on buddy! When i came home from the army i needed something to keep busy, so i did automotive analysis and repair at the community college. Worked at autozone full time and school full time. After school i got a job at a Honda dealership. I hated the untruthfulness there. When my first child was born i ended up staying home full time. I bought 80% harbor freight tools to start with, and the rest was craftsman (also some duralast brand) but i had a cheaper older mac box. I learned right quick that the debt of tools to the income in a dealership was just not right. I sometimes wish i would have done different things with all the money i spent. Land or flip houses.
Twas just a joke, im not too fond of 12 points and if i need a 12 point, I usually go for a wrench. I know there's definitely a place for 12 point sockets like diff yokes and such.
Can't wait to see how they hold up to the other top brands. Definitely will be watching your videos to see. I believe they will be a lot of people wanting to know if they are going to be worth investing in. Great video.
As a retired aviation technician, specializing in UH 60 Black Hawk helicopters, I really liked my Snap On tools. Don't get me wrong, in the Army we had lowest bidder tools left over from Vietnam in the late 1980's and into about mid 1990's when they switched over to a different style tool box that was a block of foam for shadowing.
I was in H.F. 2 weeks ago, as they were still loading their racks with the new Icon tools. I asked if the 20% coupon can be used on Icon tools, and she said "NO". Don't it figure, you can't use it on the expensive high quality stuff.
I work on heavy equipment and I have a lot of HF tools. The Pittsburgh extendable ratchets have no issues their 4 ton jack lifts skid loader with ease. I have icon and Pittsburgh sockets work great. Also their impact the earthquake is amazing compared to our snap on we have. Low setting torques lug nut just fine and put a breaker bar to see if would turn more and they wouldn’t unless you want to go ape nuts on it. I also have the same tool box he has in the video but blue and love it.
I give all my old tools that I’ve replaced to the local High School, giving back to the future generation is a good thing not to mention a tax write off! Love your videos
I would almost pay half, because I'd be buying all metric sizes. I'd only ever buy SAE if absolutely necessary. So thankful for Harbor Freight making tools more accessible to the common man. The Lifetime warranty is the cherry on top.
I wasn't aware of the Icon tool line until I noticed the big ass toolbox display a couple of weeks ago. The ratchet quality felt good, along with the ratcheting wrenches. I purchased an Icon TORX bit set, tried to use the coupon....no go. Icon tools are exempt from the coupon.
Looks good. Curious how they handle. I know craftsman had a crazy deal back in the day for all sockets you would ever need wpild love to see hf do the same with these or even package deals for students and apprentices.
I bought it. The Craftsman set of like every socket they ever made. Don't quote me on this but I think it was like 300 dollars?? Anyway. It was the only super super complete socket set I could find. 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, in 6 point and 12 point in like every size. I would have considered other brands but no one else sold such a complete set. I bought it two years ago and since then all Sears stores in my area have closed including the Mall of America location which was only 15 minutes from me. Not sure how warranty will be but I have not broken any yet.
1) Icon is the tool truck quality brand at HF 2) HF actually stands behind their warranty, and doesn't really ask questions. 3) At least for the 1/2" breaker bar, save your money and get the Pittsburgh. $20, goes on sale for ~$15, still has a lifetime, and has been tested against the big tool truck branded competitors... and beat all of them. Look up Real Tool Reviews.
Lowes picked up the craftsman line and they do sell individual sockets and wrenches which is nice for those of us that started with craftsman and were left stranded when Sears shut down.
Harbor Freight is my favorite store in Lewiston as well. I have saved a killing with Harbor Freight over Snap-On, not only in Lewiston but also when I was living in Seattle for 20 years. I have never been able to break any of the Pittsburgh tools and I beat on those things hard, even using an 8' long cheater pipe on a 1-1/2" end wrench.
The Icon line appears to be close to similar items in the Gearwrench line with the exception that the gearwrench ratchets are slightly stronger. They are not on par with Snap On but they are a good value considering the relative cost.
I remember when harbor freight used to come to the fire house to sell tools, before they had stores. Some stuff is good Some bad. They have come a long way.
Just bought a wrench set. They are a copy of snap-on flank drive 2. They are a little sharp on box end like they needed to tumble another hour. So far I'm impressed. Tray is nice. Did you notice if you flip the bolt down piece over it's a wrench wrack too or would work for one $1800 isnt bad. That covers my 1/4" drive snap-on stuff. Wish they would come out with semi-deep sockets.
Harbor freight tools are great. Easy ony the wallet and do the same job as a snapon and what not. Im a mobile mechanic for CNG vehicles and hardly ever see a tool truck. And when i do see the snapon truck they guy wont exchange my wobble 15/16 socket because im not from that shop. Harborfreight doesn't ask questions.
When I was younger and wrenched I was sucked into the Snap-On Mac hype. My Mac tool box alone cost $3,500.00 and that was 25 years ago. Harbor Freight tools have come along way and if I were to do it again I would stay out of the Tool Trucks that came by.
I can honestly say that if I would ever go back to work as a mechanic and had to buy all tools over again I would buy those Icon tools and would fill up my toolbox for 2500 to 3k completely compared to over 10 to 12k from snapon
In the U.K. we have Screwfix, but they don’t stock a quarter of the lines Habour Freight do and it’s a catalogue shop which you can’t walk round. I know a lot of Americans seem to be dismissive of HB, but I’m green with envy.
After spending 20 years in the tool business I am seriously impressed. NEVER EVER thought I would say that about Harbor Freight! Tool trucks are in for it!
Overtime Garage Of course they will play it down. What else can they do? The truck pricing has created this opening for HF and they have taken full advantage of it. Perfect timing on their part I would say!
@@craigjorgensen4637 for sure! Its crazy how expensive the tool trucks have got over the years. I mean some of those tool prices are just way out there...
@@craigjorgensen4637 nahh I disagree most guys working on cars tell the tool man to get them what they want and the tool trucks have all the special tools sizes that icon does not thin wall on sockets and wrench boxes which you will find comes in handy in crucial times of clearance different length and style of wrenches racheting also and financing on truck most guys I've worked with had bad credit so they won't get hf to finance them and the tool trucks already have their lower lines that compete with this stuff already that isn't much more expensive at all cornwell blue power 3/8 drive chrome deep and shallow sae and metric with a cornwell ratchet 200 bucks it's damn near the same as the icon sockets with a ratchet and you can get it in 12 point aswell and the cornwell guy will take 30 a week till you pay it off and warranty it so that's where I disagree
Victor Van Etten I agree about the financing. The tool truck guys give credit to people with no credit or horrible credit that no financial institution would touch. They get burned too! I think HF may have no idea just how bad some of these applicants are going to be. Still, this isn’t going to make the trucks go out of business but they are going to be affected big time. Some on the edge may not survive.
I remember when I used to be a tool snob. It had to be American made and high end....but then I found harbor freight and now I’ve repented my snobbish ways
Knowing the reputation of harbor freight tools. As a poor induindustrial mechanic it was all I could afford starting off. That was 5 yrs ago and my Pittsburgh wrenches and sockets have stood the test of time.
Take a silver sharpie or a white paint marker and run across the raised letters on the trays. Makes them much easier to read and doesn't take long to do.
My gear wrench chrome is wearing off with non-daily use. I do like the longer length (that's what she said) and full set (11, 16, 19, 20) of the Icon. Total price was cheaper than I expected. And I do love the in hand feel of the handles on the ratchets. And the name Icon is not as cheesy as their other brands. Overall I am definitely enticed.
SK tools. Just as good as Snap on, if not better. Lifetime warranty (even on tools over 60 years). Made in USA (Sycamore, Illinois) with USA steel (Boulder Forge, Colorado). I have a +70yr old ratchet with the chrome still intact.
@@my11badkids78 its also cheaper to get 2 44s and you end up with more storage space. I went with the 44s cause I like the detent drawers and they way they are layed out.
Needing a toolset at a different location. Also I robbed those husky tools from my wheeling vehicle so eventually I'd like them to make there way back to there lol.
I’ve got a triple bank snap on with top and locker full of almost all snap on, Mac and matco. Icon wasn’t around when I was acquiring my tools but man I would’ve saved thousands and thousands.
My Pittsburg 3/8 rachet soft grip handle broke today, I've had that thing for 2 years. I swear it's best 40$ I've ever spent on a rachet. Now it's time to buy an icon and see how it holds up.
I appreciate your straight forward approach. I must admit I remain heavily biased towards Snap-On despite having had my good share of disappointments with them. They way I see it, in the end of the day Snap-On tools will retain their value, because Snap-On prices steadily rise every year. As a result used, but nicely kept Snap-On hand tools easily sell for about 60-70% of their new prices of the present day. So should someone want to sell their older Snap-Ons, then they will likely still get most of their paid money out of it, given they kept them in nice condition.
I was with was a diesel mechanic for many years had to sell my tools because I became disabled since then I re-bought a lot of tools Snapon Mac Cornwell they all go for $.25 on a dollar you cannot get what you’re saying out of them I had them for sale for a long time before I could get almost anything out of them and they were all in perfect condition still on the box lotta kits
It's usually sets that come with metric and standard that skip sizes because "standard equivalent" which I HATE, or sets like gear wrenches where they only give you the most commonly used sizes, which also drives me friggin crazy...
When these are around for 20 yrs, and will have replacements. That is proof. I've bought huskey, craftsman, Kobalt and they want you to bring the whole set /don't have a replacement. I have probably 15k worth of Snap-on, bought on ebay for less then 50% retail. 36 inch extensions, deep swivel sockets, crows foot sockets and on and on.. Are what sets professional tools apart from homegamer specials. Craftsman was the only place that offered a full set at a brick and mortar store.
That $1852. Wouldn’t have gotten them even half of snap-on or mac’s complete set of quarter inch drive sockets lol. And they are probably cast and milled In the same China plant...
That's a good deal. I'm needing more tools as always.. I wish they had torque wrenches in there for that 2k, but this may be my go to to halfway fill up my tool box for cheap. Nice video
I can agree brands like gear wrench are decent. Main product I use from them are my 90 tooth locking flex head ratchets. There are definitely tools by snap on for example that are good. Ratchets, screw drivers, pliers stuff like that. Not fair to say that snap on is useless or it’s expensive. Higher quality higher price.
weirdest thing ive ever encountered on youtube. first time ive actually recognized where someone is filming. i used to live in the valley! recognized it because of the kmart and wendys in the parking lot.
I literally only buy Pittsburgh. Been a mechanic for 2 year and hasn’t failed me yet. Actually one thing was my dual head extendable. 1/4drive just snapped the other day and is now stuck inside an adapter lol. That’s only cuz I really needed to use it in a pinch to tighten my shock bolt. Also a dude at my work hates HF and says anything you get there breaks immediately the first time you use it. What a dope
I have seen a lot of videos about icon tools. I wrench for a living, and honestly, I don’t spend my money on chrome sockets anymore. All I use is my impacts. Let us know how those ratchets hold up over time, they seem well made.
Honestly, I work on heavy equipment and ohw trucks for a living and have for a long time… I was a Snap On and Matco guy…. I have not bought anything besides Icon for the last couple years, I love these tools, the cost, quality, and ol Harbor freight is right there to replace them… and (PLUS) Harbor Freight will discount Icon tools when the kits are ravaged to replace specific items.. so just go on a haul and get them. (Double) ended ratcheting box wrenches are fkn awesome!!!!
I just stumbled upon this. Great video. I have about $400 worth of icon stuff so far and I went to Home Depot today to grab one thing and walked out with 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive husky 144 tooth ratchets and I have to say I like the husky ratchets so far. Spent more than I should have today 😂
@@JustinTBraun Taiwan made tools are superior to china i have kobalt and channel lock brand sockets, ratchets, and breaker bars and they have held up really well all made in taiwan.
I keep a cheap set of Harbor Freight sockets in the truck for road side repairs. I've had a 10mm break and they replaced the whole set no questions asked. In other words they honor their warranty. The cheap tools come as a set so I had to replace the whole set and couldn't just replace the one broken socket.
I bought my first set of impact socket 1/2 in chrome vanadiaum approx 23 years ago from Harbor freight tools..up to this date not a single one has broken..snap on sockets i've replace 2 impact sockets sockets twice.
Saw a comment on a video the other day: buy the cheapest tools, if you end up breaking it, you use it enough to warrant buying a higher end one so start with Pittsburg or Quinn tools from harbor freight and if you break them then maybe step up to icon or even higher quality (if you broke it while using it properly)
Just started as a mechanic for myself been working on cars for friends and family and flipping, I have been using the cheap craftsman tools and stuff like that from harbor freight and I only broke 1 breaker bar when I had a 4 ft pipe on it trying to break lug nuts off a 65 GMC Van and I've shaken my truck on the jacks before trying to break bolts loose they don't beak.
Using the right tool for the job is what keeps your tools in good shape. When people take ratchets to break nuts and bolts loose that are super tight, instead of a breaker bar. Then they wonder why the teeth on the ratchet strip out. Or using 12pt chrome sockets on impact wrenches, and can't figure out why they round nuts off or split their socket. I see people constantly rounding out hex bolts by simply not using the right size hex key or socket. I am not saying this is the reason why all tools break or the job takes longer than usual to complete, but the majority of time people are too lazy to go back to their box or to buy/borrow the right tool for the job. I have learned the hard way as well a few times and have broken snap-on, Matco an Mac tools before. I have used a Pittsburgh tool set from HF on deployments in Afghanistan and not broken one tool.
I love harbor freight stuff man. For a shadetree and shop tinkerer like me they are perfect. And I know this video is old, but just wanted to say.... Congrats for one. And for two - that is a lot at one time but think about how good that is. You could do just a few odd repair jobs or something for others and damn near have that bill paid off. Thats a steal man.
Links
to organizers
Socket Trays-amzn.to/2NxV45w
Wrench Trays-amzn.to/2q1Xss9
i ive ib the same town as yu wish i could afrt those tools lol
Overtime Garage congrats 🥳
Lots of overtime can do it!
High quality junk from CHINA should have spent your 1.855.00 with TEKTON from Grand rapids Michigan
Yea no kidding!
2K at Snap On would have Bought u a Bottle Opener & Jacket 😂😂
Haha for real 🤣🤣
@@JustinTBraun u all did great though! Nice overhaul bro
Hey thanks!!
preach brother preach lmao
👌
About 5 years ago, I started checking out more and more HF tools and equipment and I can honestly say how impressed I am. Their quality has come up 10 fold over the years.
Agreed. Hopefully they stick with it
garlic and cheese
Milk and mayo @@FloridaMan69.
But did you get your free flashlight and 20% off?
🤣 no free flashlight
@@tronalddump8776 yea!
Mike Metzgier what’s the app called?? I looked up Harbor Freight?
@@kccreations5945 HF coupons
Or email on phone
Fun fact, the one who designed ICON was an ex employee from Snap-On, that’s why the tools look almost like Snap-On
I've heard that a bunch. Very interesting
Totally makes sense! I was in LOVE today what I got my breaker bar ratchet with grip! Even the box was like unboxing my iPhones but better. Even came with a cleaning rag. Beautiful tools and now my favorites. Going back tomorrow for the 1/2” socket set.
Should have called it Snap off
@@josebarrientos7518🤣😂 that's hilarious.
I hope you don't mind me sounding ignorant, but where did you gentlemen hear/read/ see anything about this? Was it an online article or word of mouth?
Rumor has it one week later he couldn't find a single 10 mm socket
🤣🤣
Rumor has it he is still unpacking these to this day
@@jw200 🤣🤣
I once bought 12 just in the event I'd lose them, lost them the minute I walked out the door, SON OF A BITCH!
They're like socks. Seriously. Always disappearing.
I see harbor freight having their own tool truck in the future.
That would definitely put a plot twist on everything lol
That would be cool as shit
Would love that
I bet it's going to be some rickety wooden Chinese rickshaw.
If the truck ever breaks down, they can just return it and get it replaced...if they have one in stock.
If you fill the back of those trays with expanding foam it makes them very strong and ridge they will hold the wrenches and sockets for years and not break , Pete M
That's an awesome idea!!
That’s a damn good idea!
@@JustinTBraun Can you make a video of this please???
Pete M you are a scholar and a gentleman! How the hell have I not thought of that?
Haha possibly
I'm definitely not a tool snob, after finishing one career, I started working in an independent car shop. The company trainer gave me some good advice, "all tools can break, buy the best tools you can afford". Harbor Freight it was...I've only broken two tools. One was a Pittsburgh Pro double-ended flex head ratchet, I think it was a quality control issue. The other was a Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" breaker bar. I was using a 3' extension, supporting my 170lbs on it and bouncing to try and turn a bolt. After 15 minutes of this the anvil finally broke. Never bought anything off the tool truck, probably never will.
Well said. They work better than people think
When it comes to pliers, NOBODY makes a better plier of any type, than Knipex !
I'll agree with that! Love using my knipex at work.
Eh..... KEIBA
Best 👌
i havent used anything that keeps its sharpness like knipex!
@@tylerwenberg1605 and they don't pinch your fingers!
He said "drop a comment on how much you think it'll come out"
First 6 second of the video "your total is gonna be 1800".
Bruh 🤣
🤷♂️🤣 is what it is lol
@@JustinTBraun lmfaooo. How are those icon tools holding up tho?
They are holding up well. No issues so far! I have them at home and at work
@@JustinTBraun you said in the video they seem like snap on quality. After you got to use them for over a year would you still say they are on par with snap-on?
I personally would still say yes.
It's been 2 years. Do you have a comparison update? Pro/Con, quality, anything break? What do you use now more as a set or individual tool?
Agreed
Time doesn’t matter when they aren’t being used every day
I’ve been using mostly ICON everyday for the past year and I haven’t had anything bend, break, or wear too significantly. For the price, they are phenomenal. They will honor the guarantee, my dad broke a screw driver and no questions asked it was replaced, but that’s my only example because nothing else has broken.
@@cgrizzly33 I’ve been using them for about a year doing lift kits and off road builds and even been punishing a chrome 19mm on a big impact and I haven’t got anything to break or even mess up a little bit. I love tools, so I own a lot of different brands, and I’d consider them top notch
Here is his 1 year update th-cam.com/video/BjlWnqK1yxY/w-d-xo.html
Shoulda bought everything one at a time and stocked up on flashlights
Not a fan of those flash lights
This gave me such a happy feeling just seeing a bunch of tools everywhere I love it
Haha perfect!
No seriously, it’s like a work guys wet dream
I like harbor freight tools because they what Sears used to be !! walk in with a broken tool walk out with a replacement tool with no hassle that why I've been buying my all my tools at harbor freight 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Heck yea!!
I only returned a Craftsman tool once, a screwdriver (okay maybe Someone used it as a chisel), This was 40 years ago, and the sales guy said this looks abused. I pointed to the sign over his head that said "Satisfaction Guaranteed" He got me the new screwdriver and cussed under his breath. Only ONE HF return, and no questions asked... Yes, The new Sears... you hit it spot on..
😬
i went to HF with 2 broken racheting breaker bars, some broken torx sockets, and a broken extension (went he-man on some bolts on a rusty truck LOL). told the cashier the breaker bars had stripped teeth. the cashier said ok and in 5 minutes I walked out with new breaker bars and sockets.
when I was 19, I bought some craftsman tools to work on my car and couldnt exchange some torx t handle wrenches with twisted tips and a phillips drivers with a cracked tip because "they were abused". last new craftsman tools I bought. everything since was from home depot (husky or milwaukee) or harbor freight.
@@cadillackevin1991 good to hear. Easy exchanges
What you keep saying is exactly why I like the Icon line, the ease of swapping them out if anything breaks.
Makes it supper convenient!!
Being able to swap your broken tools is key I don't know if its just the Snap-off dealer I have but that dude will never replace a tool with a tool that's rite there on his truck he will order it and make you wait for it and if you tell him you can't wait cuz you need it for every day use like every mechanic out there he just said well if you need it that bad then buy a new one thats when I told him that I won't buy tools from him anymore and I only use him for replacement now I love my Snap-on tools but can not stand the shit head Snap-on dealer that I have in my town
@@hulksmash5-625 He probably does it that way so he can claim all the replacements on paper or something. There's probably some convoluted proxe involved. Sorry to hear that man!
I love the two 44" US General setup that you have. I was considering getting the 56" but I may just get two of these instead. I like the option of them being more mobile than the 56" since it's smaller and lighter.
And they have a ton of room!
Last Life I have the same set up love my generals
I’ve been an auto mechanic for 30 years. The last 15 I owned my own shop. I’ve spent a king’s ransom in just damn toolboxes alone and it dawned on me that a toolbox has never made me one penny. The tools inside have enabled me to make money but those big fancy ass boxes ain’t never made me one cent. It’s too late for me but a young man would do well to leave those huge ass boxes on the tool truck. When I was a young tech it didn’t take much for me to tell a Stealership to kiss my ass. I kept a rollback busy for a few years.
eBay is full of those huge boxes that ain’t worth 1/2 what they guy paid for them.
Spend your money on things that appreciate in value like land, gold, etc. Tools are NOT an investment. They are an expense to do business . I’ve seen the Icon line. They are made in the same factory as NAPA Carlyle hand tools. The same factory makes Sunex impact sockets. Sunex makes the toughest impact socket you can buy. They also are making Milwaukee wrenches too.
@@prevost8686 spot on buddy! When i came home from the army i needed something to keep busy, so i did automotive analysis and repair at the community college. Worked at autozone full time and school full time. After school i got a job at a Honda dealership. I hated the untruthfulness there. When my first child was born i ended up staying home full time. I bought 80% harbor freight tools to start with, and the rest was craftsman (also some duralast brand) but i had a cheaper older mac box. I learned right quick that the debt of tools to the income in a dealership was just not right. I sometimes wish i would have done different things with all the money i spent. Land or flip houses.
Teng tools also come with nice trays
Your friend trying to low-key get his own tools lol.
"Should we get doubles of everything just to make sure" i see you lol.
🤣🤣 for real
1:36 he grabs two😂
Do a 3 or 6 month review, see how they hold up to everyday use. Looks nice but how do they perform
Definitely will be!
Overtime Garage will be my ass, icon suck
Like the old saying, looks can be deceiving.
What kind of sociopath likes 12 point sockets 😂
Driveshaft sockets
The one that would like to take fasteners off that require 12pt. 👌
I use 12 pt deep sockets for 3/8 almost exclusively. Never have a problem. If a fastener looks too rotted, I use half inch 6 point
Twas just a joke, im not too fond of 12 points and if i need a 12 point, I usually go for a wrench. I know there's definitely a place for 12 point sockets like diff yokes and such.
You’ve never worked on international products I see
Can't wait to see how they hold up to the other top brands. Definitely will be watching your videos to see. I believe they will be a lot of people wanting to know if they are going to be worth investing in. Great video.
Agreed! Thanks. Will do my best to give everyone good feedback from them. They feel like very nice quality tools.
@@JustinTBraun how have these tool held up for you?
@mikeganard6751 I'm a heavy duty mechanic and I've used mine on tractor trailers and they hold up pretty good, I haven't broke any
Do a month and year on how the tools do any good
Definitely will be!
I’ve had my icon ratchet for a month now. Love it
@@spkismyfavrapper9489 good to hear!
As a retired aviation technician, specializing in UH 60 Black Hawk helicopters, I really liked my Snap On tools. Don't get me wrong, in the Army we had lowest bidder tools left over from Vietnam in the late 1980's and into about mid 1990's when they switched over to a different style tool box that was a block of foam for shadowing.
Was definitely different back then.
I was in H.F. 2 weeks ago, as they were still loading their racks with the new Icon tools. I asked if the 20% coupon can be used on Icon tools, and she said "NO". Don't it figure, you can't use it on the expensive high quality stuff.
There is a 20% off coupon for icon right now if you’re on the email list that’s good while SEMA is going on.
I have not seen that one yet
I work on heavy equipment and I have a lot of HF tools. The Pittsburgh extendable ratchets have no issues their 4 ton jack lifts skid loader with ease. I have icon and Pittsburgh sockets work great. Also their impact the earthquake is amazing compared to our snap on we have. Low setting torques lug nut just fine and put a breaker bar to see if would turn more and they wouldn’t unless you want to go ape nuts on it. I also have the same tool box he has in the video but blue and love it.
Good to hear!
Damn the loud music break ins...keep the volume level even!! The music is reall not needed...
I've been working on lowering the music volume for upcoming videos.
@@JustinTBraun It is called normalizing audio, that should push you in the right direction :)
@@michaelmckay I understand lol
@@JustinTBraun Glad you are positive, we all want the same thing, the best possible content :)
AD Block Yo!
I give all my old tools that I’ve replaced to the local High School, giving back to the future generation is a good thing not to mention a tax write off! Love your videos
That's awesome to hear! Thanks!
Now that's a haul! I wish they would offer locking flex head ratchets with Icon.
Me too! Hopefully soon!
That's what I'm waiting on.
I would almost pay half, because I'd be buying all metric sizes. I'd only ever buy SAE if absolutely necessary. So thankful for Harbor Freight making tools more accessible to the common man. The Lifetime warranty is the cherry on top.
I wasn't aware of the Icon tool line until I noticed the big ass toolbox display a couple of weeks ago. The ratchet quality felt good, along with the ratcheting wrenches. I purchased an Icon TORX bit set, tried to use the coupon....no go. Icon tools are exempt from the coupon.
Yea they are sadly.
I love that everything has its own tray. I may have to ditch all my tray less gear wrenches and sockets for these.
They are nice trays. A couple of them take up a lot of room but not to bad.
Overtime Garage yea looks like the wrench sets won’t fit comfortably in my milwaukee box lol. But I definitely want those socket and ratchet sets
@@AndyP4X they are awesome. I use wrench organizer trays instead of the ones they came with.
Looks good. Curious how they handle. I know craftsman had a crazy deal back in the day for all sockets you would ever need wpild love to see hf do the same with these or even package deals for students and apprentices.
A package deal would be neat. Like a mechanics set or something.
I bought it. The Craftsman set of like every socket they ever made. Don't quote me on this but I think it was like 300 dollars?? Anyway. It was the only super super complete socket set I could find. 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, in 6 point and 12 point in like every size. I would have considered other brands but no one else sold such a complete set. I bought it two years ago and since then all Sears stores in my area have closed including the Mall of America location which was only 15 minutes from me. Not sure how warranty will be but I have not broken any yet.
Ace Hardware and Lowes are selling and doing warranties for Craftsman tools.
Yes
1) Icon is the tool truck quality brand at HF
2) HF actually stands behind their warranty, and doesn't really ask questions.
3) At least for the 1/2" breaker bar, save your money and get the Pittsburgh. $20, goes on sale for ~$15, still has a lifetime, and has been tested against the big tool truck branded competitors... and beat all of them. Look up Real Tool Reviews.
This is my mentality for breaker bars all day.
@@tylermcelwainBreaker bars are pretty simple, you shouldn’t have to pay a bunch of money for a decent one.
Lowes picked up the craftsman line and they do sell individual sockets and wrenches which is nice for those of us that started with craftsman and were left stranded when Sears shut down.
Ace also has craftsman still
Harbor Freight is my favorite store in Lewiston as well. I have saved a killing with Harbor Freight over Snap-On, not only in Lewiston but also when I was living in Seattle for 20 years. I have never been able to break any of the Pittsburgh tools and I beat on those things hard, even using an 8' long cheater pipe on a 1-1/2" end wrench.
They are pretty impressive with their strength.
6 point box end or combination would be great... In full run of metric ( no skipping sizes)..
I want those also!
The Icon line appears to be close to similar items in the Gearwrench line with the exception that the gearwrench ratchets are slightly stronger. They are not on par with Snap On but they are a good value considering the relative cost.
Its hard to beat a gearwrench. Been using mine for a long time and have never had an issue!
Even harbor freights lesser Pittsburgh pro outperforms snap-on
@@SDMFTommySick your hillarious
@@jaylee61788 very hilarious
@DOPENOLA 1 go ahead do a strength test on the handles. I'll wait.
I wish these tools were available when I started out
I remember when harbor freight used to come to the fire house to sell tools, before they had stores. Some stuff is good Some bad. They have come a long way.
Man that must have been a long time ago!
Just bought a wrench set. They are a copy of snap-on flank drive 2. They are a little sharp on box end like they needed to tumble another hour. So far I'm impressed. Tray is nice. Did you notice if you flip the bolt down piece over it's a wrench wrack too or would work for one $1800 isnt bad. That covers my 1/4" drive snap-on stuff. Wish they would come out with semi-deep sockets.
They have to be coming out with some more stuff soon I would imagine.
Harbor freight tools are great. Easy ony the wallet and do the same job as a snapon and what not. Im a mobile mechanic for CNG vehicles and hardly ever see a tool truck. And when i do see the snapon truck they guy wont exchange my wobble 15/16 socket because im not from that shop. Harborfreight doesn't ask questions.
Exactly!!
Y’all should do a tool box tour next I wanna see how that all looks in the box
Eventually I will be doing a box tour.
When I was younger and wrenched I was sucked into the Snap-On Mac hype. My Mac tool box alone cost $3,500.00 and that was 25 years ago. Harbor Freight tools have come along way and if I were to do it again I would stay out of the Tool Trucks that came by.
That's exactly how I feel.
I can honestly say that if I would ever go back to work as a mechanic and had to buy all tools over again I would buy those Icon tools and would fill up my toolbox for 2500 to 3k completely compared to over 10 to 12k from snapon
In the U.K. we have Screwfix, but they don’t stock a quarter of the lines Habour Freight do and it’s a catalogue shop which you can’t walk round. I know a lot of Americans seem to be dismissive of HB, but I’m green with envy.
Bummer. Maybe someday you will get one over there.
I could walk around in harbor freight all day and not get bored lol
Haha
I picked up a couple of ratchets from icon and so far I’ve been pretty pleased with their performance.
They are nice
Damn I just stumbled into this.. it felt like Christmas when I was a kid
Can't beat that feeling!
Hint guys
Stanley bought out snap on
They make matco snap on craftsman and several other brands
Same machine plant makes Icon and snap on
I’m a compression mechanic in the oilfield working on 3600 cat engines and I use icon tools, they work great.
Thats good to hear! You guys still staying busy over there with everything going on?
I just picked up a us general tool box from there. For the money I am happy 👍👍 I saw the icon tools and thought they are a good deal.
I've had awesome luck with my general boxes.
After spending 20 years in the tool business I am seriously impressed. NEVER EVER thought I would say
that about Harbor Freight! Tool trucks are in for it!
Thats my same thoughts. I am curious to see what kind of impact this will have on tool trucks
Overtime Garage Of course they will play it down. What else can they do? The truck pricing has created this
opening for HF and they have taken full advantage of it. Perfect timing on their part I would say!
@@craigjorgensen4637 for sure! Its crazy how expensive the tool trucks have got over the years. I mean some of those tool prices are just way out there...
@@craigjorgensen4637 nahh I disagree most guys working on cars tell the tool man to get them what they want and the tool trucks have all the special tools sizes that icon does not thin wall on sockets and wrench boxes which you will find comes in handy in crucial times of clearance different length and style of wrenches racheting also and financing on truck most guys I've worked with had bad credit so they won't get hf to finance them and the tool trucks already have their lower lines that compete with this stuff already that isn't much more expensive at all cornwell blue power 3/8 drive chrome deep and shallow sae and metric with a cornwell ratchet 200 bucks it's damn near the same as the icon sockets with a ratchet and you can get it in 12 point aswell and the cornwell guy will take 30 a week till you pay it off and warranty it so that's where I disagree
Victor Van Etten I agree about the financing. The tool truck guys give credit to people with no credit or horrible credit that no financial institution would touch. They get burned too! I think HF may have no idea just how bad some of these applicants are going to be. Still, this isn’t going to make the trucks go out of business but they are going to be affected big time. Some on the edge may not survive.
I remember when I used to be a tool snob. It had to be American made and high end....but then I found harbor freight and now I’ve repented my snobbish ways
Haha good to hear!
Communist
Knowing the reputation of harbor freight tools. As a poor induindustrial mechanic it was all I could afford starting off. That was 5 yrs ago and my Pittsburgh wrenches and sockets have stood the test of time.
Good to hear!
Take a silver sharpie or a white paint marker and run across the raised letters on the trays. Makes them much easier to read and doesn't take long to do.
I've had a few people mention this. Good idea.
I think.... that just my two sets of sockets and wrenches from Snap-on cost that....
Most likely yes lol
that is crazy u could have all that or 2 things from snap on!
@@Adamdub612 🤣
@@Adamdub612 If you know what it is to be American and to own quality tools, you'll pay the extra to get the US made tools.
Bryce Kimball lol if you worked in American manufacturing, you’d know how shit American made products are 🤣
Bold move buying all of them. I dig it.
Lol
All hand tools are lifetime warranty through HF 👍 No receipt required
The best part!
@Hang Tyrants Snap on offers a "Lifetime warranty" on their tools. Does it apply to their "tool boxes"? Idk. I own literally one snap on tool so ya.
My gear wrench chrome is wearing off with non-daily use. I do like the longer length (that's what she said) and full set (11, 16, 19, 20) of the Icon. Total price was cheaper than I expected. And I do love the in hand feel of the handles on the ratchets. And the name Icon is not as cheesy as their other brands. Overall I am definitely enticed.
Im undecided if I like the length or not. Time will tell.
SK tools. Just as good as Snap on, if not better. Lifetime warranty (even on tools over 60 years). Made in USA (Sycamore, Illinois) with USA steel (Boulder Forge, Colorado). I have a +70yr old ratchet with the chrome still intact.
Doesn't try the tools.
Doesn't check for clearances or play.
Doesn't check plating quality
Him: These are really good quality! Can't believe it.
🤔
Love the two 44” together green 👍
Hey thanks! It work awesome!
Definitely looks sweet. I was contemplating a 72 wide cause I prefer having a work surface. 2 44's never crossed my mind.
@@my11badkids78 its also cheaper to get 2 44s and you end up with more storage space. I went with the 44s cause I like the detent drawers and they way they are layed out.
You talk about how great they look but how do they function? A test would have been nice to see since you paid over $1800 for these.
Been using them the past few weeks and they are working well with no issues.
What was the purpose for a completely new tool set if you already got tools?
Needing a toolset at a different location. Also I robbed those husky tools from my wheeling vehicle so eventually I'd like them to make there way back to there lol.
@@JustinTBraun I'm really hoping that this tool line is a hit and other tool companies will really open up their eys
@@mikeaze423 definitely. It will be fun to watch over the coming months.
Taking a chance on monetizing TH-cam video with view count and it looks like it paid off.
I’ve got a triple bank snap on with top and locker full of almost all snap on, Mac and matco. Icon wasn’t around when I was acquiring my tools but man I would’ve saved thousands and thousands.
There was not many options back then. There is soooooo many now days
My Pittsburg 3/8 rachet soft grip handle broke today, I've had that thing for 2 years. I swear it's best 40$ I've ever spent on a rachet. Now it's time to buy an icon and see how it holds up.
That's pretty good. The Pittsburgh extending ratchet is another awesome one. I've used the crap out of mine
💥 This is awesome, I love Harbor Freight and have made a few videos of my own. I use their tools all the time.
Nice job 👍
Hey thanks!
I was thinking 1600. Love HFT worked there 5 years
Nice!!
I'd like to seem some specialty stuff too like, triple square, torx, etc
I believe that stuff is in the works
@@JustinTBraun Yeah I work on a lot of audi/vw stuff so triple squares a must lol.
Haha I bet!
I’ve had a harbor freight set of torx and metric Allen sockets for a few years now and have had no complaints.
@@chrisperkins7067 good to hear!
I appreciate your straight forward approach.
I must admit I remain heavily biased towards Snap-On despite having had my good share of disappointments with them. They way I see it, in the end of the day Snap-On tools will retain their value, because Snap-On prices steadily rise every year. As a result used, but nicely kept Snap-On hand tools easily sell for about 60-70% of their new prices of the present day. So should someone want to sell their older Snap-Ons, then they will likely still get most of their paid money out of it, given they kept them in nice condition.
Good point!
I was with was a diesel mechanic for many years had to sell my tools because I became disabled since then I re-bought a lot of tools Snapon Mac Cornwell they all go for $.25 on a dollar you cannot get what you’re saying out of them I had them for sale for a long time before I could get almost anything out of them and they were all in perfect condition still on the box lotta kits
It's usually sets that come with metric and standard that skip sizes because "standard equivalent" which I HATE, or sets like gear wrenches where they only give you the most commonly used sizes, which also drives me friggin crazy...
It's very annoying thats for sure
Ooo
I'm guessing the folks at Snap-On & MAC are needing some Prozac right about now! Serves the overpriced slugs right!
Haha for sure!
When these are around for 20 yrs, and will have replacements.
That is proof.
I've bought huskey, craftsman, Kobalt and they want you to bring the whole set /don't have a replacement.
I have probably 15k worth of Snap-on, bought on ebay for less then 50% retail.
36 inch extensions, deep swivel sockets, crows foot sockets and on and on.. Are what sets professional tools apart from homegamer specials.
Craftsman was the only place that offered a full set at a brick and mortar store.
@@2chipped and then you have to think, Kobalt and the Dodo have something in common.
That $1852. Wouldn’t have gotten them even half of snap-on or mac’s complete set of quarter inch drive sockets lol. And they are probably cast and milled In the same China plant...
@@daddybear7062 english plz...
Went to local Harbor Freight to buy a icon wrench set, but some guy had already bought all them to break on TH-cam videos.
Lol damn TH-cam people
thanks for the views
@@johnbailey1085 anytime!!
AVE
That's a good deal. I'm needing more tools as always.. I wish they had torque wrenches in there for that 2k, but this may be my go to to halfway fill up my tool box for cheap. Nice video
It's at least worth trying out! Thanks 🤘
I can agree brands like gear wrench are decent. Main product I use from them are my 90 tooth locking flex head ratchets. There are definitely tools by snap on for example that are good. Ratchets, screw drivers, pliers stuff like that. Not fair to say that snap on is useless or it’s expensive. Higher quality higher price.
Reminds me of my childhood days in a toy section of the store and show my new toys my brothers . Thanks Brothers.
All the fun!
weirdest thing ive ever encountered on youtube. first time ive actually recognized where someone is filming. i used to live in the valley! recognized it because of the kmart and wendys in the parking lot.
Haha nice!
I thought it was MY store boohoo 😁
this store looked familiar to me, but i've only been in once...is this Marysville, WA?
It’s in Idaho.
@@Drunkguy82 Idaho
I have to say, wow. Outstanding.
🤘
Wonder if Snap-On is writing up another law suit lol. I looked at the Icon lineup at my local harbor freight and was impressed.
Most likely they are 🤣. They are nice!
They will just settle it out of court again when HF brings up how their tools are made next door in china too.
@@mackenziehaines9458 🤣
I literally only buy Pittsburgh. Been a mechanic for 2 year and hasn’t failed me yet. Actually one thing was my dual head extendable. 1/4drive just snapped the other day and is now stuck inside an adapter lol. That’s only cuz I really needed to use it in a pinch to tighten my shock bolt. Also a dude at my work hates HF and says anything you get there breaks immediately the first time you use it. What a dope
I have seen a lot of videos about icon tools. I wrench for a living, and honestly, I don’t spend my money on chrome sockets anymore. All I use is my impacts. Let us know how those ratchets hold up over time, they seem well made.
So far the first week of use has been great. Not to sure how much I like the longer wrench but we will see.
Overtime Garage I’ll give the 1/2 ratchet a try and see how well it holds up.
@@mexicanic4976 should do well. Put a cheater pipe on it and test it lol
I have a stripped Snap-On ratchet wrench . They brake like any other tool .
Man what is Jack black doing buying tools at hf?..
🤣🤣
Thats not jack black thats kung foo panda
@@georgejungle7521 lol
Now I want some tools
Time to go shopping!
You forgot the torque wrenchs
Ehhhh I like the digital ones more since they have degrees built into most of them. But I may try the ICONs out down the road.
Honestly, I work on heavy equipment and ohw trucks for a living and have for a long time… I was a Snap On and Matco guy…. I have not bought anything besides Icon for the last couple years, I love these tools, the cost, quality, and ol Harbor freight is right there to replace them… and (PLUS) Harbor Freight will discount Icon tools when the kits are ravaged to replace specific items.. so just go on a haul and get them. (Double) ended ratcheting box wrenches are fkn awesome!!!!
I just stumbled upon this. Great video. I have about $400 worth of icon stuff so far and I went to Home Depot today to grab one thing and walked out with 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive husky 144 tooth ratchets and I have to say I like the husky ratchets so far. Spent more than I should have today 😂
Hey Thanks! I rock husky tools also!
Need a locking flex head
They are all made in Taiwan
Agreed. Not a huge fan of the non locking heads.
Totally agree. That's what I'm waiting on
@@JustinTBraun Taiwan made tools are superior to china i have kobalt and channel lock brand sockets, ratchets, and breaker bars and they have held up really well all made in taiwan.
And now I'm going to harbor freight this Saturday and buying everything
Haha
Awesome video. My new saying. If icon dont have it then i go elsewhere.
Haha 👌
I keep a cheap set of Harbor Freight sockets in the truck for road side repairs. I've had a 10mm break and they replaced the whole set no questions asked. In other words they honor their warranty. The cheap tools come as a set so I had to replace the whole set and couldn't just replace the one broken socket.
It's nice they are easy to exchange
I bought my first set of impact socket 1/2 in chrome vanadiaum approx 23 years ago from Harbor freight tools..up to this date not a single one has broken..snap on sockets i've replace 2 impact sockets sockets twice.
Thats good to hear! 👍
This is so dope!
I've never been so excited for a tool video! This brand is decent af!
It's pretty good!
The Green US General is SUPER SWEET !!!!
My favorite!! Love me some green boxes 🤘
I got the red 72 and I’m kinda wishing I went green lol.
Haha time for another!
Living the dream bro
Trying to!
Saw a comment on a video the other day:
buy the cheapest tools, if you end up breaking it, you use it enough to warrant buying a higher end one
so start with Pittsburg or Quinn tools from harbor freight and if you break them then maybe step up to icon or even higher quality (if you broke it while using it properly)
Just started as a mechanic for myself been working on cars for friends and family and flipping, I have been using the cheap craftsman tools and stuff like that from harbor freight and I only broke 1 breaker bar when I had a 4 ft pipe on it trying to break lug nuts off a 65 GMC Van and I've shaken my truck on the jacks before trying to break bolts loose they don't beak.
Skip the 13 mm... need 2 10mm...
Haha that's a great idea!
If they would only come out with a quick release.
They might in the upcoming months
Snapon usually don't have quick release
Their probably made in same China plant snapon is.
🤣
Using the right tool for the job is what keeps your tools in good shape. When people take ratchets to break nuts and bolts loose that are super tight, instead of a breaker bar. Then they wonder why the teeth on the ratchet strip out. Or using 12pt chrome sockets on impact wrenches, and can't figure out why they round nuts off or split their socket. I see people constantly rounding out hex bolts by simply not using the right size hex key or socket. I am not saying this is the reason why all tools break or the job takes longer than usual to complete, but the majority of time people are too lazy to go back to their box or to buy/borrow the right tool for the job. I have learned the hard way as well a few times and have broken snap-on, Matco an Mac tools before. I have used a Pittsburgh tool set from HF on deployments in Afghanistan and not broken one tool.
Very true. I see a lot of people over using a ratchet wrench instead of using a regular wrench to break it loose.
I love harbor freight stuff man. For a shadetree and shop tinkerer like me they are perfect. And I know this video is old, but just wanted to say.... Congrats for one. And for two - that is a lot at one time but think about how good that is. You could do just a few odd repair jobs or something for others and damn near have that bill paid off. Thats a steal man.