→ Become a Real Tool Reviews Subscriber: th-cam.com/users/dmcguinn1 → Instagram: instagram.com/realtoolreviews → Facebook: facebook.com/realtoolreviews
Where do you think the components are made...yep China with Chinese metals. You pay the premium to have them assembled here in the US (Only a few) the rest you Pay the markup for Snap On...just like Harley
I have the 1/4" & 3/8" HF models, and I've tested them on a Snap-On digital torque calibrator we use at work. Both were spot on, and I learned my 3/8" Snap-On was out of calibration. Worth it for $10.
As an HFT Employee I can say that the ICON brand has been gaining popularity with professionals. My store has been selling the ICON boxes better than any store in my region. So far, they seem to be a great deal.
I didn’t wanna get stuck in debt on the Strap on tool truck. I started using ICON and to my surprise their quality and price as excellent, maybe i’ll get the box soon 👍🏽
Kingy B And so do many many Tool companies. Go buy a $25 Tekton non quick release 3/8” ratchet and you may never buy SnapOn again unless you need to finance your tools. I have an FHLL80 (which I love) and a comparable Tekton and the Tekton is way smoother with much less back drag. I am blown away with Tektons quality.
Kingy B US tool manufacturers including SnapOn are producing their products overseas now. Taiwan products are far superior to Chinese and it is still supporting American companies. Win win in my book. If snapon sold their products at a reasonable mark up then I would buy more. But 12-15X for the same products is pure greed.
Kingy B You need to go do some research on the snapon website. Every product has a country of origin listed all the way down at the bottom. You my friend are about to be heartbroken. Also certain hand tools are marked made in the USA because a larger percentage of it is made here and internals are made overseas. Snapon has been hiding this information in plain sight.
Kingy B And I am aware of their licensed products as well. It’s a good indication that even Snapon doesn’t care about its own reputation anymore. Money is king and pride is a distant second.
That comment is fitting because the only mechanics I know that are adamant about using Snap-on are auto mechanics and most of them are professional at screwing people. I'll probably catch shit for this comment.
Snap-On will warranty all of its tools for life, with the the exception of their Torque wrenches and Bluepoint Meters. Those are only 1 to 2 years warranty and only if it's a manufacturing defect.
@@geroldgerry3375 No they dont do lifetime on torque wrenches.. go check that out with your strap on tool van.. loads of their shit is not lifetime.. ....
@@philldownes8685 just like I said, my dealer does lifetime on every item. Just as long as you buy it through him. Even on consumer products like picks and drill bits. Sorry you had a dealer that sucks
Gotta watch EricO on Southmain. Serious pro mechanic with quite a bit of Astro Pneumatic and his fav, the Earthquake battery Impact! I think SnapOn has met their match with the high end HF stuff. Their new spray guns look to be fantastic too.
Padraic McGuire I used a $15 spray gun to spray metal flake on a motorcycle. It came out real good, now a car with more surface area may be a different story but for the tank fenders and side covers it sprayed very even and the flake never clogged the tip.
@@xltranger98 I too have used hf's cheap spray guns many times. Ok for farm work, but for auto, esp for color coats and clears, I use better guns. HF has introd two new tiers for paint guns (Spectrum and Black Widow) in the last two years. They are, like Icon much higher quality.
my arm is my torque wrench. I also have tendonitis so my arm even clicks when I hit spec. Lol. And yes I know if you are replacing a head or gasket you need to use a torque wrench i was just making a joke. Sorry if it was not funny.
i was in the market for a snapon torque wrench but wanting another cheaper alternative, now am buying an icon cuz of you, you just saved me $300 man.. thank you sir
James J. They’re even going after them in that area. I have the 5 drawer cart for about $160. Other than the drawer trim which fell off (hot glue fixed that) it has been flawless.
Lol, awesome comment. I’m not a big fan of the generic materials for reliability, but am for their price and availability. Snap-On can kiss it. The only Snap-On product that I have kept is a small pocket knife...that wasn’t even made by them but has their logo on it.
Monetization. TH-cam pays a lot of money to people who's videos get lots of views, likes, comments, and subscriptions. Watch videos on how youtubers make
Please come back champ! I been waiting for the past 2 whole years! Your channel was the only tool channel i enjoyed watching every single video back to back. Most professional and informative content 👏
i would buy tools from a harbor freight truck. not every tool in your box needs to be extremely expensive. thres a harbor freight about 1/2 mile from my dealership though... only slightly less convenient
It's great to see people holding manufactures accountable. As an engineer I am constantly shaking my head at bogus marketing claims and the lack of transparency in the market place when comparison shopping. Cheers to informed consumers, voting with your wallet and Real Tool Reviews!!!
I used to make torque wrenches, and I agree. One thing I can say - before using (or calibrating) a click-type torque wrench, it needs to be "cycled" several times. Set it to a lower value, put it on a bolt head, and click it 10-12 times. This will make subsequent readings more consistent and accurate.
Dude get back into the game!! You were hands down the best tool channel by far. Simple yet fun to watch. So many new tools have come out in the past few years and other channels have taken to making great content. Please get your butt up and get to making videos again!!!
This is the best tool review channel that I have seen. His reviews are honest and reliable. Thank you for providing these review videos. I don't have much of a tool budget, knowing what is a better deal is very important.
Not only did he spend his money on the torque wrenches, I don't even wanna know what the test machines cost such as the one used in this video, and the other testers used on the impact guns. You do such a great service for soooooooo many people! Thank You!!
@@andysharp4154 I wish I could afford to throw $400 towards the American built, but as long as those prices are marked up so damned high I'll have to stick with the foreign made. P.S. even Snap-On isn't 100% American made, they still use bearings and other small components made overseas.
@@andysharp4154 Bull shit! Its Snap ons job to earn customers. If you consider buying an inferior product for $300 more bucks go ahead. The buying American dream is dead. I will buy American when its fantastic. However, too many companies in America fail to be loyal to the American consumer and worker and care more about maximizing profit. All you die hard buy American are phonies anyhow. You love our country so much go join the military and prove it!!!!
@@andysharp4154 I personally own all Snap-On, 3/8" Micro Digital, 3/8" Digital, 1/2" Digital and a 3/4" clicker. After watching this video if I needed a clicker I would buy the Icon. As much as I want to support our economy, I also want to support my own personal economy. I own mostly Snap-On tools and love them but their pricing is ridiculous. The price gap doesn't equal the quality gap and sometimes Snap-On looses in the quality race also.
John Michael George I’ve been da technician for nearly 30 years and Corporate Snapon deserves to be humbled. They’ve been screwing mechanics for nearly a century. After years of buying their tools I cannot even get the rep to stop at my shop to service all the stuff I purchased from them in good faith that they’d justify their prices with great customer service.
Brand loyalties should exist, harbor freight is all made over seas, snap on is all made in the great USA, so if you care about US manufacturing, something that benefits the United States instead of another country, put your money where it counts.
@@josephtd7806 even then it's hard to justify. The Snap-on CEO made $7.56 million last year while his US laborers start at $31k. You have to ask if you're supporting a few blue-collar Americans or a few rich punks who sit in air conditioning all day?
This is hands down the best review channel on youtube. I bought my milwuakee 46" tool chest because of this channel and ive filled it with tools from watching these reviews. My only complaint is there arent enough reviews lol. I could watch these reviews every day.
I have been buying Harbor Freight tools for decades. And I have found them to be of great quality. And I am not as pissed when my boys and there friends "borrow them". Permanently.
I been needing a new torque wrench. With that kind of accuracy combined with low price and a lifetime warranty, its a no brainer im getting the Icon. Thanks for the detailed review God Bless.
I do this professionally. I use a harbor freight torque wrench, just for drain plugs. Daily, frequent use, it's starting to wear out, at around 18 months. My snap-on click type, its doing fine, but it's a larger size, and i use it for lugz. My electronic snap-on, don't get much use, and will probably last forever. I even have the tiny pen sized one, i use one plastic parts. Snap-on warranty, will likely be new internal parts for something like $10 to pay the guy to install and calibrate. Harbor freight will also replace, if you have your receipt, or they have it on record. Snap-on is definitely feeling nicer in the hand, and keeps locked in your weight, and well, just everything about it will be nicer. As one should expect. Anyway. That's my real world evaluation. I will still replace my 3/8" with a harbor freight. I just lock down the lock screw with a channel lock. So I don't have to deal with it ever moving. Since I only ever keep it set on 40in/lbs.
Kiss that coupon goodbye though. There is now fine print.. Excluding pretty much every tool brand they carry. So the coupons are only good for cheap random items. No more tools, power tools or machines. Good thing i got my belt grinder with coupon before that changed. I found out when i tried getting my drill press
As someone who is a huge geek and loves science but is mechanically "special needs", I love this video so much. The diligence in testing, the documentation of steps and data, the research put into it, the money spent (I envy the fact that you can blow $400 on tools just to do a review), and the attention to detail are all top-notch. You had my upvote before the video was even half over. I'll be checking out some of your other videos in the very near future. Edit after finishing the video: I'd definitely go with the Icon. The ONLY thing the Snap-on had going for it was a smaller (not better) case. If you're so hard-pressed for toolbox space that an inch of tool case is going to make or break things, you're already in a bad spot and need to reevaluate. Because you can't fit that next tool in. Plus, give me those metal hinges any day of the week. God, that video was so well done. Seriously, I'm impressed.
Robert Schiedeck they could never lower their prices on current items, people would never buy from them again, if they were smart on all new items they would lower.
seephor I think the Icon case is actually a better quality over the Snap-On case. It is just a bit bulkier. I think I would want a beefier case versus a few more square inches in a tool box.
@@truckerpeterose yeah! I was thinking the same thing! It has metal hinges! Actually looks better in my opinion, it might just be too bulky to fit in a toolbox
Wow, I am definitely going to get the icon. I have always brought snap-on. I am in a totally different Financially situation than I use to be. It use to be that cheaper tools were always junk. It seems that these tools are of really good quality. I just want to say your test is so helpful. Thank you Bob
Oh, they say you pay for the service... which is garbage at our shop. She would come once a month at most and forget to warranty tools for months. There are multiple Snap-On fanboys that have started buying off the Mac truck because it's so bad.
You are also paying for a lot of staff, drivers, trucks, fuel etc. and don’t forget the guys at head office enjoying a good life. A typical old school company and business model that will either change or get left behind.
After seeing the review of the XT vs snap on impact. I purchased the XT, and till this day it has been able to handle every job that my co-workers snap on has at a fraction of the price. Keep up the awesome reviews
I agree long term durability is always a consideration with any test. My question is, if the Snap-On is already showing less repeatability, and out of range readings, after long term use wouldn’t it be even less reliable? I too would like to see a long term test to see if maybe The Snap-On settles in so to speak. Pretty compelling test nonetheless.. and good point from you Jason.
@@charizardsniper5064 or, moving from the rice field to a factory, where they work for a wage better than rice pays. Kinda like some farmers in the states. With corn, or milk, n such. I'm all for made in USA, if it's a better product. That's the whole poi t of a free market. If I can save a couple Franklins, even better.
@@roguestatus9040 that would depend on your definition of best in this case. I believe that having a lifetime warranty and better accuracy straight out of the box would be better than a 1 year warranty and good enough accuracy. Value is a huge factor when it comes to tools, and Snap-on just doesn't have it
@@rosshussey1723 Seems that Harbor Freight excludes their higher end stuff from the coupon. I just checked my latest coupon and, indeed, Icon is excluded.
I usually just keep a screenshot of the coupon on my phone and show it to em, they can scan it right off of your screen. If the product is eligible for discount...
Wow, it's crazy how I am running into this video in my feed today when I just purchased the Icon from Harbor Freight earlier today! And I got mine on sale for $59.00 too! Well, I have to say that I was happy with the price but I am even more happy now that I have seen this video. I went to Harbor Freight today specifically for a Torque Wrench and I had no idea it would be an Icon as my final choice. When I checked it out at the store I was super impressed and figured that for the money, it was well built and you can't go wrong with the lifetime warranty. I already have a 1/2" Pittsburgh which is great to have in any toolbox but I needed something with a bit more huevos! Thanks for the video! I feel even better about my purchase after watching this video! Giant thumbs up!
Careful, your wallet will regret it. Not all their stuff is great, but most of the time you can find a great product. It also depends how often you will use things. Overall its a great place to browse for tools.
Cant say the same for the socket set I bought. Some worked fine. A few of the smaller ones I think 7 or 8mm, starte3d stripping. The steel was too soft.
Finally, a head to head between these two! Great job with this video, I can’t imagine how anyone could chose the Snap-On over the Icon after seeing this and considering the warranty.
I do actually prefer etched or deep engraved writing on tools, because I like to fill them with wax or paint.. a trick I learned from gunsmithing is to warm up the steel with a hairdryer, rub a crayon over the lettering and let it cool, scrape and wipe off the excess *as it cools* not after, and you'll have a nice contrast that is removable later easily with heat and a napkin. It's a good way to customize a gun non permanently, and I've done it to loads of my tools, so I can quickly read the sizes or whatever. The benefits of using crayons also on tools is cheap color options, buy a box and you can organize your tools by color! Do all your Metric tools in red wax, SAE in Blue.. etc. Just a tip. F.A.Q. 1. The crayon does actually stay put very well, even on guns that get pretty hot. As long as they don't get hot enough to liquefy the wax, it will stay put. On my Springfield XDM I filled the writing with metallic grey crayon, and the logo in red and it's my competition gun and has thousands of rounds downrange and I've only had to touch it up once. 2. You can make a longer lasting version with nail polish, it is easily removed and also comes in a ton of colors and they even sell nail polish pens. Paint is a bit more stubborn, and harder to clean up, whereas nail polish is made to be easy to clean up. 3. If you make a mistake or want to change colors or remove it completely, the crayon can be removed easily with a bit of heat and a toothpick. It goes a lot quicker than you'd think. Good luck, and have fun with your custom tools.
Snap On tools for mechanics is just like Miller or Lincoln for welders, they just can’t seem to wrap their head around the fact that the a guy using less expensive brands on the weekend in their shop don’t need a $2500 welding rig or a $800 socket set (that’s probably low for a snap on socket set). I get supporting American jobs but I also get supporting my family a lot more and if a Taiwan made ratchet gets me though job after job over 25+ years and I only spent $18 on it, then I’m way ahead!
This man gets it. I’m not impoverishing my family to get some stupid “I invest in precious metals” sticker for my box, instead my $20 sears ratchets that have been going for nearly 15 years let me pay for some custom jewelry for my better half, a much better “precious metals” investment IMHO
I learned early but with an angle grinder. Way back in the day, bought an expensive angle grinder for $80 and it lasted about 3 months. Then I bought 2 cheap angle grinders for $20 each. I still have them 20 years later. I figure that I could buy 4 cheap tools for the price of one expensive tool but never needed to go that route.
especially when the 10 mil goes missing never had to go through snap on or a big name company for a missing part but with the cheap sets just get another... I always put my tools away but sometimes that black hole appears...
True. I get all my expendables (cutoff, blending, grinding, wire knot wheels) for the 4 1/2" side grinders there, much cheaper (I do go to Fastenal for the coating removal discs, theirs outperform ALL of the rest.) The Harbor Freight unibits (step drills) in the lager 2 pack and the smaller 3 pack are extremely good tools, they will flat outperform and outlast the equivalent sized Klein, Greenlee, Lenox, Milwaukee unibits @ just a fraction of the cost. If I hadn't used all of the above extensively for the last 5 years, I wouldn't have believed it! Great (cheap!) stuff...
i tried this with Kobalt. twice. they simply discontinue the product after 2 yrs, then sell it out, then give you the finger and a corporate apology script. a lifetime warranty is worth less than a good tool. but i would rather have 4 OK torque wrenches than one maybe-great.
@@Pinkielover Harbor Freight doesn't work that way. If the brand goes away then Harbor Freight will offer you the next best thing. I know from experience and no I don't work there.
I work at harbor freight currently. You would not believe some of the deals i can get, this wrench is my next purchase only because you proved its worth to me.
@@bixby9797 40K!!! well to be fair that is what, half a dozen snap on hand tools? All kidding aside when it comes to hand tools, I own Snap On, Mac, Matco, SK, Blue Point, Proto, Blackhawk, Urrea, Craftsman etc, etc. But I cannot honestly remember ever buying anything that was new (Except my Mac metric wrench set, made in Taiwan). I'm not a mech. by trade and it's nice to have some quality tools but I just cannot see paying that much as a weekend warrior in the garage. Also I do own some HF socket sets and they have served me well. As far as the Icon brand goes I honestly can't say how good they are but after seeing the prices I can get used name brands for less that will outlast my lifetime which leaves me with more $$$ to buy more tools that I don't need.
As a response to 2:53, I work in the aviation industry, and we use snap-on torque wrenches, and they get used all the time and I can definitely say that laser etched doesn't "rub" off easily, it's still clear as day seeing the readings even at night
Good video.i am an auto mechanic of 22yrs and i have watched people over the years flock to tool trucks like it was a neighborhood icecream Truck.and i can say if something can get the job done and cost you a fraction of the price I don't see why you wouldn't go with that deal
Realtoolreviews broke the internet with this review. Man I always thought snap on would be the clear winner. That's why I've always bought snap on torque wrenches because I trust the brand and believe it will be more accurate than anything out there. Crazy stuff, thanks for the review.
Not trying to defend snap on here, this should be super embarrassing for them and they should be ashamed of this and having their name on it but the truth is this is about the crappiest torque wrench they sell. I would like to see another comparison with some of their nicer torque wrenches.
Who knows how the Icon would perform in a shop enviroment? I don't know if I would buy a snap on. I would certainly buy a torque wrench off one of the trucks.
It is now December 2023. I’m again commenting for your return!!! I’m rooting for you man. Please start cooking up content. You’re the best Tool Content creator IMO!!!!🎉
I have NO experience with torque wrenches, but looking at this video, I will be purchasing Icon as I will be using them in the future. Thanks for the video.
EXCELLENT review sir!! For those hating on Snap on don't be too harsh....if you turn a wrench all day long the profile of the high end brands are much easier on your hands/wrists. The only one I found that was as nice was the Craftsman truck series. That said Snap On has always been to high priced but a ton of people judge quality by price, unfortunately.
When you must support an army of 8 mpg, 100,000$ trucks with 10's of thousands dollars of stocked unsold tools, then yes, you need to sell an inferior wrench for 300$ more than an accurate one.
I had a friend who had a matco frachise for about 2 years, lots of time and money invested for little to no return on that investment. besides that putting up with customers that buy these expensive tools and not paying for them and/or skipping on payments, guess who is on the hook for those non paying customers.
Both torque wrenches are more than accurate enough for what they're intended for. Only an idiot would use a click-style torque wrench for an application so important that it needs to be accurate to within 1 lb-ft. btw, these are both no doubt re-branded CDI torque wrenches. The difference in accuracy between the two only shows how much variation CDI is sending out the door.
Jesus Christ, man. Can we just joke about industrial assassination without having to hear about Hillary? I mean I know it’s the internet and all, but fuck. It’s tools.
As a guy who only wants one to change tires twice a year, this video was perfect and lets me know that spending big bucks on Snap-On is nothing more than a scam. Thank you muchly for the video
I am in a tech school for collision repair right now. I have the ability to get most snap on tools at half off (excluding tool boxes) Snap on has two things going for them. the undoubted life time guarantee and free replacement without questions asked. the reason you are paying so much for snap on is because you are paying for the tool twice one time. that is how they make their money. if it were between snap on and icon even if I didn't have the discount I would take snap on hands down they have been around for over 90 years and I know people who have snap on tools from the 60s and they still work perfectly. snap on is not bad its just the price scares people away its for the mechanic who needs to get something done very quickly and doesn't want to screw around with a cheap tool from harbor freight. mechanic buddies of mine who use snap on and harbor freight tools say harbor freight is for the every once in a while mechanic where snap on is for the professional mechanic who has time frames and needs to get stuff done without the larger possibility of their tool breaking where with harbor freight its cheaply made and not worth the mechanics time. why not spend 300 dollars for a tool you know will last the test of time if taken care of then spending 50 dollars and keep spending that 50 dollars when the tool breaks.
Guess I know what to buy now. My Snap On just quit a month or so back and they told me tough shit. I was looking at Matco but I guess it's going to be ICON. Thanks for saving me money. That's worth a sub in my book.
My last snap on guy was so damn rude and would also say he had the right to refuse to warranty tools he didn't sell. Last shop i was at simply told him to get lost. The owner of that shop had purchased literally tons of tools from his old shop's tool rep, too.
Just had this debate with another tool owner, I have about 30 years of experience working on vehicles and about the same amount of owning tools, during that time I bought Craftsman and Snap on, just to notice that they cost alot during that time. About a decade ago I started using cheaper tools from Harbor freight, and noticed the quality is just as good, for a significant lower cost, I will buy a Harbor Freight tool anyday versus an over priced name brand, lesson learned.
me too. I am a professional tech.25yrs. s/o 3/8 flex head ratchet comfort grip kept sliding off and truck would not warranty it. paid 3x to get it fixed. said fuck it. Bought the HF Pittsburgh flex head and i love it way more than my s/o. also love the colored sockets. I am thinking of getting one of their tool carts.
Mister Hat Well you see, there are significant differences between my “$100 cables” and your “$19.99 Boss amp kit” mechanical tools are typically very similar in design and build quality, my speaker cables are definitely nowhere near similar and if I choose the wrong set I get to deal with a wire 🔥🔥🔥
Well even after two years of use, if it isn't accurate, with the lifetime warranty you can just swap it out for a brand new one. Can't say the same for Snap-On
@A. Nonymous Not on their power tools or impacts. And not on sockets that have normal ware (the eye edges being rounded from use). You MIGHT find a dealer that will replace it out of courtesy, but yeah.
Has Anyone mentioned what country manufactured them or is that a dumb question anymore because Everything is Made in the Peoples Republic of Communist China. Yup, NAFTA was a Ruinous Act of Treason which was on par with the Bush's and Clinton's who sold Us OUT!!
You've been gone too long! Easily one of my favorite channels on TH-cam and I've bought plenty of tools you've suggested. Looking forward to more content!
I work in a shop and use my icon one MULTIPLE times every day and have had no problems except the rubber grommet on the bottom of the handle popped out but I stuck some silicone in it and it has done just fine. I would recommend even for heavy use
@@Fjord_Driver Any American business executive would tell you the path to profitability is not by making a better product that would entice more people to buy, but to fire enough employees in the U.S., and offshore as much as possible to Mexico and China. Quality product design is a distant 3rd.
What's Amazing is that you only make videos every few months but your channel grows like you made videos everyday.....it's a testimonial to just how good your channel is ..great video love the channel 👍
Im a dumptruck driver/mechanic...I am new to your channel, but I really like what you're doing especially in the comparison tests...thanks for putting in the effort to inform the masses
DOES NOT SURPRISE ME AT ALL. Good hard working Americans have been getting ripped off by Snap-On for years. I was one of them until I wised up a few years ago. Great video..keep up the good work brother.
Notice we never completely converted to metric over the years, its a conspiracy I tell ya, and Snap-On is in on it. Two set of tools in every box. US standard and metric.
unfortunately good hardworking Americans are getting F'ed either way, cuz snap on rips em off and HF has chinese slave labor that has broken the back of the American labor force. It's time for the American worker to fight back.
@RetroModern USA Meh, automation didn't kill the American Car manufacturers - cutting corners, outsourcing parts and the Unions covering for shoddy workmanship did that. Just like outsourcing our infrastructure and importing all of our products has already killed the US long before computerization could ever make a significant negative impact. Now we're brainwashed to think illegal immigration is the problem NOT the $985 Billion dollar deficit while the FED continues to print cash like Monopoly money, the paper corporations bypassing taxes, severely underpaid Chinese manufacturing of electronics that are sold for 500% profit or the barges of E-waste off the coast of Pakistan.
How were you being ripped off? Did they refuse to tell you the price of the tools then sneakily put it on your credit card or stole your wallet? It was a two party contract that you agreed to pay. Snap On did not misrepresent anything. A fool and his money are easily parted.
I hope you will come back soon because you are the best. Your way of clarification has no match. It’s been 4 years now but I’m not giving up yet Live long and prosper🖖🏼
→ Become a Real Tool Reviews Subscriber: th-cam.com/users/dmcguinn1
→ Instagram: instagram.com/realtoolreviews
→ Facebook: facebook.com/realtoolreviews
Thanks for another great video!
Thank you @Real Tool Videos.. I am glad I watched this. I like Harbor freight tools and shop them here in Orlando Fl. So ty for the info and tests
Where are both made??
I never buy snap on. Snap On is for show offs.
Are you from Kansas
But I can’t finance the icon for $34 a week for 90,000 weeks
Icon does finance now, and at a better rate than snap on
@@Mexicanmike87 But can you get it spread out over your entire lifetime? and the lifetime of your kids? and your kid's kids?
Andrew Schickler same junk bro
😂😂😂👍👍
Josue Guzman uh yeah you can now!!!
Regarding HF, I once told a buddy that I didn't like buying cheap Chinese tools. He replied, "What, you like buying expensive Chinese tools?"
He means snap-on?
Icon?
Where do you think the components are made...yep China with Chinese metals. You pay the premium to have them assembled here in the US (Only a few) the rest you Pay the markup for Snap On...just like Harley
Stephen Owen LoL 😂
Stephen Owen ....hahaha good one!
Now compare the regular HF Pittsburgh Pro torque wrench that is 10 bucks on sale vs the 100 dollar ICON.
w2k I’d like to see this also
Id l8ke to see this one to
I have the 1/4" & 3/8" HF models, and I've tested them on a Snap-On digital torque calibrator we use at work. Both were spot on, and I learned my 3/8" Snap-On was out of calibration. Worth it for $10.
Yeah it would be an interesting comparison. You should make a video on this.
Would not be an apples to apples comparison. The harbor freight would be a 150 lb/ft max.
As an HFT Employee I can say that the ICON brand has been gaining popularity with professionals. My store has been selling the ICON boxes better than any store in my region. So far, they seem to be a great deal.
I didn’t wanna get stuck in debt on the Strap on tool truck. I started using ICON and to my surprise their quality and price as excellent, maybe i’ll get the box soon 👍🏽
@@agustinjr.enriquez6238 😂
Snap on has always been a ripoff. You get free replacement because you already paid for 4 of them.
Kingy B And so do many many Tool companies. Go buy a $25 Tekton non quick release 3/8” ratchet and you may never buy SnapOn again unless you need to finance your tools. I have an FHLL80 (which I love) and a comparable Tekton and the Tekton is way smoother with much less back drag. I am blown away with Tektons quality.
Kingy B US tool manufacturers including SnapOn are producing their products overseas now. Taiwan products are far superior to Chinese and it is still supporting American companies. Win win in my book. If snapon sold their products at a reasonable mark up then I would buy more. But 12-15X for the same products is pure greed.
Kingy B You need to go do some research on the snapon website. Every product has a country of origin listed all the way down at the bottom. You my friend are about to be heartbroken. Also certain hand tools are marked made in the USA because a larger percentage of it is made here and internals are made overseas. Snapon has been hiding this information in plain sight.
Kingy B And I am aware of their licensed products as well. It’s a good indication that even Snapon doesn’t care about its own reputation anymore. Money is king and pride is a distant second.
You won't get a replacement if you didn't buy it from the guy who is currently selling them. I agree. It's a HUGE ripoff.
Just watched a whole video about a tool I don't currently need, and now I want it...
yep
As do I.....
You always need a torque wrench!
But do you need 250 ft lbs torque qWrench?
#metoo
Should change their name to Strap-On considering how bad they screw people with them prices.
I dont wear snap on stuff in public because i dont want people to know im a rape victim
Yup, thats my stand.
@@jackk8422 Lmfao!!
That comment is fitting because the only mechanics I know that are adamant about using Snap-on are auto mechanics and most of them are professional at screwing people. I'll probably catch shit for this comment.
Thats funny riight there!
One year warranty, wow........that's like the final kick in the nuts.
Idk where he got that but my snap on guy covers for life on every tool
Snap-On will warranty all of its tools for life, with the the exception of their Torque wrenches and Bluepoint Meters. Those are only 1 to 2 years warranty and only if it's a manufacturing defect.
@@geroldgerry3375 No they dont do lifetime on torque wrenches.. go check that out with your strap on tool van.. loads of their shit is not lifetime..
....
@@laParka777 exactly. no different at all to any other tool makers
@@philldownes8685 just like I said, my dealer does lifetime on every item. Just as long as you buy it through him. Even on consumer products like picks and drill bits. Sorry you had a dealer that sucks
I bet a bunch of hardcore SnapOn users are "torqued off" right about now...
@Ryan Watson Matco has a GREAT reputation with mechanics.
I don't believe the video, our tools are third party calibrated. They have never been out of spec.
Gotta watch EricO on Southmain. Serious pro mechanic with quite a bit of Astro Pneumatic and his fav, the Earthquake battery Impact!
I think SnapOn has met their match with the high end HF stuff. Their new spray guns look to be fantastic too.
Padraic McGuire I used a $15 spray gun to spray metal flake on a motorcycle. It came out real good, now a car with more surface area may be a different story but for the tank fenders and side covers it sprayed very even and the flake never clogged the tip.
@@xltranger98 I too have used hf's cheap spray guns many times. Ok for farm work, but for auto, esp for color coats and clears, I use better guns. HF has introd two new tiers for paint guns (Spectrum and Black Widow) in the last two years. They are, like Icon much higher quality.
my arm is my torque wrench. I also have tendonitis so my arm even clicks when I hit spec. Lol. And yes I know if you are replacing a head or gasket you need to use a torque wrench i was just making a joke. Sorry if it was not funny.
NEED what is that
😂😂😂😂😂
Hmm, Biden's torque wrench is out of calibration.
My dads favorite line. Lol
No worries. It was funny!!!
😭😭😂😂🤣🤣
I once found a 3/8 snap on wrench in an old tool bag, I sold it to help pay for college.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Stonks
XD
Hahaha
😂😂😂
Been here waiting for years now on new tool review videos!!😭 nobody does them quite like you man!! We need you!!!
I just subscribed and found that he stopped.
Anyone know what happened?
Is he okay?
i was in the market for a snapon torque wrench but wanting another cheaper alternative, now am buying an icon cuz of you, you just saved me $300 man.. thank you sir
Hes now got a Snap on he will sell you on the cheap im sure
Well, at least Snap-On is around to make cases for Harbor Freight tools 🤣
James J. They’re even going after them in that area. I have the 5 drawer cart for about $160. Other than the drawer trim which fell off (hot glue fixed that) it has been flawless.
@@kftc1980 Nothing in harbor freight is even close to the snap on or matco tool chests. I can jump up and down on my drawers and im 220lbs
Lol, awesome comment. I’m not a big fan of the generic materials for reliability, but am for their price and availability. Snap-On can kiss it. The only Snap-On product that I have kept is a small pocket knife...that wasn’t even made by them but has their logo on it.
Travis Edwards impracticable when would a 220 man need to be stored in the toolbox
Dropped $500 to make us a video. THANK YOU!
I'm sure he returned it 😂😂😂
Probably retuned both....
With 100k+ views, he definitely made his money back 25 fold lol
@@robrage5180 how does he make his money back if people view his review?
Monetization. TH-cam pays a lot of money to people who's videos get lots of views, likes, comments, and subscriptions. Watch videos on how youtubers make
Please come back champ! I been waiting for the past 2 whole years! Your channel was the only tool channel i enjoyed watching every single video back to back. Most professional and informative content 👏
Can you imagine seeing a Harbor Freight tool truck....
It would probably break down often and just get replaced under warranty.
That would make the price go up.
i would buy tools from a harbor freight truck. not every tool in your box needs to be extremely expensive. thres a harbor freight about 1/2 mile from my dealership though... only slightly less convenient
Thats the only way I used to buy harbor freight tools was from a truck. Their quality has sure come along way since those days
then...price will go up 300%..like snap on, matco etc.. Truck price, gas(diesel), commission to the seller, salary and so on.
It's great to see people holding manufactures accountable. As an engineer I am constantly shaking my head at bogus marketing claims and the lack of transparency in the market place when comparison shopping. Cheers to informed consumers, voting with your wallet and Real Tool Reviews!!!
I used to do torque wrench calibrations, this was well done.
I used to make torque wrenches, and I agree. One thing I can say - before using (or calibrating) a click-type torque wrench, it needs to be "cycled" several times. Set it to a lower value, put it on a bolt head, and click it 10-12 times. This will make subsequent readings more consistent and accurate.
And need to be stored at 0 when not in use.@@TitoRigatoni
Except the repeatability should be done at 50% of the range, as a calibration shop would do, but 75 ftlbs was probably OK.
Dude get back into the game!! You were hands down the best tool channel by far. Simple yet fun to watch. So many new tools have come out in the past few years and other channels have taken to making great content. Please get your butt up and get to making videos again!!!
Hands down the best ... and hasn't put anything out in 3 years. I miss his content.
Agreed. Was one of my favorites to watch.
Luckily Project Farm picked up the slack!
This is the best tool review channel that I have seen. His reviews are honest and reliable. Thank you for providing these review videos. I don't have much of a tool budget, knowing what is a better deal is very important.
Not only did he spend his money on the torque wrenches, I don't even wanna know what the test machines cost such as the one used in this video, and the other testers used on the impact guns.
You do such a great service for soooooooo many people!
Thank You!!
Very interesting! It's getting harder to justify buying the traditional premium tool brands
I guess it all depends on who's economy you want to support. Buy American and be proud of it.
Competition is King. The best wins.
@@andysharp4154 I wish I could afford to throw $400 towards the American built, but as long as those prices are marked up so damned high I'll have to stick with the foreign made.
P.S. even Snap-On isn't 100% American made, they still use bearings and other small components made overseas.
@@andysharp4154 Bull shit! Its Snap ons job to earn customers. If you consider buying an inferior product for $300 more bucks go ahead. The buying American dream is dead. I will buy American when its fantastic. However, too many companies in America fail to be loyal to the American consumer and worker and care more about maximizing profit. All you die hard buy American are phonies anyhow. You love our country so much go join the military and prove it!!!!
@@andysharp4154 I personally own all Snap-On, 3/8" Micro Digital, 3/8" Digital, 1/2" Digital and a 3/4" clicker. After watching this video if I needed a clicker I would buy the Icon. As much as I want to support our economy, I also want to support my own personal economy. I own mostly Snap-On tools and love them but their pricing is ridiculous. The price gap doesn't equal the quality gap and sometimes Snap-On looses in the quality race also.
Honestly you are the only one who goes in depth when it comes to tools bro, we need more content from you, stay bless and be safe out there!
You must have never watched project farm. That guy is so thorough.
I bet Snap-on wishes they didn’t sue harbor freight because they pissed them of and harbor freight said it’s on like donkey Kong
The low-profile floor jack that HF sells that Snap-on sued them over is fan-freaking-tastic.
John Michael George I’ve been da technician for nearly 30 years and Corporate Snapon deserves to be humbled. They’ve been screwing mechanics for nearly a century. After years of buying their tools I cannot even get the rep to stop at my shop to service all the stuff I purchased from them in good faith that they’d justify their prices with great customer service.
old guys rule 1611 😂😂 did they really?
@@johnmichaelgeorge6284 do they still sell it? Do you know a model number?
crherniman D55146
Keep your head on a swivel. There may be a Snap on truck doing very late, slow, drive by's in your neighborhood soon..
🤣
LMAO
FTW! XD
Found the military guy lol
Insert JAWS theme here.
Brand loyalty is for fools and items should be judged on their merits rather than name.
Brand loyalties should exist, harbor freight is all made over seas, snap on is all made in the great USA, so if you care about US manufacturing, something that benefits the United States instead of another country, put your money where it counts.
@@josephtd7806 even then it's hard to justify. The Snap-on CEO made $7.56 million last year while his US laborers start at $31k. You have to ask if you're supporting a few blue-collar Americans or a few rich punks who sit in air conditioning all day?
@@josephtd7806 hate to break it to you a lot of the internal parts for snap-on is made overseas then the ship the parks here to be made
I agree, but sometimes brand loyalty comes from a brand making quality products that consumers love. Not always, but it happens
Joseph TD ah yes let’s spend 2x as much because aMuRiCa!!!!
I miss this channel so much...hope all is well. This is by far my favorite tool review channel.
Very soon my friend 👀
@@RealToolReviews high five ✋
@@RealToolReviews not soon enough
This is hands down the best review channel on youtube. I bought my milwuakee 46" tool chest because of this channel and ive filled it with tools from watching these reviews. My only complaint is there arent enough reviews lol. I could watch these reviews every day.
I have been buying Harbor Freight tools for decades. And I have found them to be of great quality. And I am not as pissed when my boys and there friends "borrow them". Permanently.
78 Snap-On salesmen were pissed off at this video.
134 now!
146 now
Aha
Lol
I'm pissed off at this video because he didn't abuse them to the point of achieving carnage! ;)
Crazy in 2024 the same tourque wrench is 139.99. That's a 40% price increase. Let that sink in.
I just got hired by Harbor Freight a week ago and I'm watching your videos to learn more about the products xD
Congrats on your new job!
You'll be the only HF employee that knows anything about the tools, besides the managers I guess
How do you like it so far?
I love the fact that Harbor Freight is inclusive and hires just as many women as men for a tool company.
@@nextlevelgamez9243 ...Its a retail store. Don't try and make something out of nothing. Ever dude that works there may as well be a women.
I been needing a new torque wrench. With that kind of accuracy combined with low price and a lifetime warranty, its a no brainer im getting the Icon. Thanks for the detailed review God Bless.
Hey OldSkool! How you doing bro? Saw your comment and wanted to say whattap and I'm one of your followers too. God Bless you brother!
If you don't mind inferior metals that necessitate having to use that lifetime warranty.
@@MrAquinas1 who even cares? If you're breaking any kind of torque wrench, you're the problem.
@@joshuamoore3846 Not when a 150 pound toque wrench breaks at 90 pounds.
I do this professionally. I use a harbor freight torque wrench, just for drain plugs. Daily, frequent use, it's starting to wear out, at around 18 months. My snap-on click type, its doing fine, but it's a larger size, and i use it for lugz. My electronic snap-on, don't get much use, and will probably last forever. I even have the tiny pen sized one, i use one plastic parts. Snap-on warranty, will likely be new internal parts for something like $10 to pay the guy to install and calibrate. Harbor freight will also replace, if you have your receipt, or they have it on record. Snap-on is definitely feeling nicer in the hand, and keeps locked in your weight, and well, just everything about it will be nicer. As one should expect.
Anyway. That's my real world evaluation.
I will still replace my 3/8" with a harbor freight. I just lock down the lock screw with a channel lock. So I don't have to deal with it ever moving. Since I only ever keep it set on 40in/lbs.
Dec. 15, 2019---One thing I like about Harbor Freight is the discount coupon they always offer. Has saved me quite a few bucks over the years.
Kiss that coupon goodbye though. There is now fine print.. Excluding pretty much every tool brand they carry. So the coupons are only good for cheap random items. No more tools, power tools or machines. Good thing i got my belt grinder with coupon before that changed. I found out when i tried getting my drill press
The best thing about HF is the reviews on their website, tons of them, uncensored. Allows you to separate the crap from the deals.
As someone who is a huge geek and loves science but is mechanically "special needs", I love this video so much.
The diligence in testing, the documentation of steps and data, the research put into it, the money spent (I envy the fact that you can blow $400 on tools just to do a review), and the attention to detail are all top-notch.
You had my upvote before the video was even half over.
I'll be checking out some of your other videos in the very near future.
Edit after finishing the video: I'd definitely go with the Icon. The ONLY thing the Snap-on had going for it was a smaller (not better) case. If you're so hard-pressed for toolbox space that an inch of tool case is going to make or break things, you're already in a bad spot and need to reevaluate. Because you can't fit that next tool in. Plus, give me those metal hinges any day of the week.
God, that video was so well done. Seriously, I'm impressed.
I love your comments
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ comments
both tools are returnable as long as they are not damaged, so no money spent there
Come back Real Tool Reviews! We miss you!
He's pisses off Trump lost
@@joshm2243 I have actually seen him comment on other tool channels videos. He's still here. My guess is just that a change of life situation.
Before: I bet the snap on wins by a small margin.
After: Off to harbor freight I go lol!
I stopped buying snapon years ago geart quality at 1/4 the price. Snapon will be out of business in a few year if they dont get real on there prices
Robert Schiedeck you wish. People have been saying that for decades. Their stock is still increasing in value.
Robert Schiedeck they could never lower their prices on current items, people would never buy from them again, if they were smart on all new items they would lower.
Snap-On all of a sudden got a huge number of orders on their torque wrench case
Hahahaha😂🤣 Good one! Definitely would buy the habor freight Icon torque!
seephor I think the Icon case is actually a better quality over the Snap-On case. It is just a bit bulkier. I think I would want a beefier case versus a few more square inches in a tool box.
@@truckerpeterose yeah! I was thinking the same thing! It has metal hinges! Actually looks better in my opinion, it might just be too bulky to fit in a toolbox
@@truckerpeterose Yep. Metal snaps beat a plastic hinge.
LMAO. It's also SAD that the case costs about a 3rd of the Icon T. Wrench. I like the Icon case better like mentioned above but FUNNY AS HELL.
Wow, I am definitely going to get the icon. I have always brought snap-on. I am in a totally different Financially situation than I use to be. It use to be that cheaper tools were always junk. It seems that these tools are of really good quality. I just want to say your test is so helpful. Thank you Bob
And this is why I've stopped buying snap-on tools, all your doing is paying for the name. Thanks for the review doing a killer job!
Oh, they say you pay for the service... which is garbage at our shop. She would come once a month at most and forget to warranty tools for months. There are multiple Snap-On fanboys that have started buying off the Mac truck because it's so bad.
You are also paying for a lot of staff, drivers, trucks, fuel etc. and don’t forget the guys at head office enjoying a good life. A typical old school company and business model that will either change or get left behind.
@@phbrinsden I'd rather pay for a good tool than someone elses salary or fuel up.
After seeing the review of the XT vs snap on impact. I purchased the XT, and till this day it has been able to handle every job that my co-workers snap on has at a fraction of the price. Keep up the awesome reviews
I’d be curious to see this test done after a year of using both tools daily.
Jason Wheeler but if has a lifetime warranty. Compared to a one with snap on.
Lifetime warranty out the door for ICON vs 1yra snap-on! I guess you missed that part
I agree long term durability is always a consideration with any test. My question is, if the Snap-On is already showing less repeatability, and out of range readings, after long term use wouldn’t it be even less reliable? I too would like to see a long term test to see if maybe The Snap-On settles in so to speak. Pretty compelling test nonetheless.. and good point from you Jason.
@@larryduttry9400 lifetime warranty 🤣🤣🤣
Im Also Curious I have Both And I will post A video After A Year.
LMAO The people that disliked the vid own the snap-on
Or they don’t like Chinese tools wear the work is done for free in some cases
@@charizardsniper5064 Nice assumption.
@@charizardsniper5064 or, moving from the rice field to a factory, where they work for a wage better than rice pays.
Kinda like some farmers in the states. With corn, or milk, n such.
I'm all for made in USA, if it's a better product. That's the whole poi t of a free market. If I can save a couple Franklins, even better.
@@charizardsniper5064 What are you even talking about?
the highly overrated overhyped snapon
I'm pretty sure Snap-on hates seeing these videos, but when you charge the most out of any company for tools, you are subject to extreme scrutiny.
They do provide the best tools when you look at the big picture.
@@roguestatus9040 that would depend on your definition of best in this case. I believe that having a lifetime warranty and better accuracy straight out of the box would be better than a 1 year warranty and good enough accuracy. Value is a huge factor when it comes to tools, and Snap-on just doesn't have it
How did you not have a 20% off coupon, there in virtually any magazine!
The 20% doesn't work for Icon tools
Touche! That put the nail in the coffin.
@@rosshussey1723 Seems that Harbor Freight excludes their higher end stuff from the coupon. I just checked my latest coupon and, indeed, Icon is excluded.
I usually just keep a screenshot of the coupon on my phone and show it to em, they can scan it right off of your screen. If the product is eligible for discount...
@@derekhansen6652 That works. I was just noting that the 20% off coupon will not work for Icon products.
Hey I miss your videos and reviews! Way way better than Tools in Action. Those guys are goofballs. Hope everything is ok. Take care!
Yeah! Where have you been?
Just ran into your channel and subscribed. Hope you come back and post more great reviews about swivel sockets snap on and icon
You need to come back.
1 year without videos. We see you liked the comments but no response or videos. Is this the end of the channel or will there be move videos?
I also miss your videos, hope you come back some day :)
I own the both the 3/8", and 1/2" Icon torque wrenches, and have found them to be not only accurate, but very well made.
Are you sure about that??😂😂 go get it checked out and see if the torque are correct
Wow, it's crazy how I am running into this video in my feed today when I just purchased the Icon from Harbor Freight earlier today! And I got mine on sale for $59.00 too! Well, I have to say that I was happy with the price but I am even more happy now that I have seen this video. I went to Harbor Freight today specifically for a Torque Wrench and I had no idea it would be an Icon as my final choice. When I checked it out at the store I was super impressed and figured that for the money, it was well built and you can't go wrong with the lifetime warranty. I already have a 1/2" Pittsburgh which is great to have in any toolbox but I needed something with a bit more huevos! Thanks for the video! I feel even better about my purchase after watching this video! Giant thumbs up!
This video makes me want to go to Harbor Freight.
I've been going there a long time. They have everything from A to Z. Just can't beat it. Great sales, great
coupons. Never had any quality issues.
Agreed and one just opened by me
You mean, "The Candy Store"? Me too!!
Careful, your wallet will regret it. Not all their stuff is great, but most of the time you can find a great product. It also depends how often you will use things. Overall its a great place to browse for tools.
Make sure you bring your coupon!! 😁
I bought a Pittsburgh a few years back and it’s never let me down.
Cant say the same for the socket set I bought. Some worked fine. A few of the smaller ones I think 7 or 8mm, starte3d stripping. The steel was too soft.
I've been coming back here for 4 years now brother. We miss you, cant wait!
Thank you my friend…..😉
It sounds like harbor freight is trying to step up their game
@TheOtherWhiteBread0 only if you don't use them in a shop on a daily basis. Good for home mechanic.
@@unicornwolfteam718 this is the kind of thinking that has to stop. These hf tools are beating everyone. Pro and home.
They've came a long way since they first originated. Snap-on should be scared shitless..
Keith Hughes harbor freight is pinche bueno and price good
They're trying to snap-up their game.
Snap-on tools have gone down hill in quality but price keeps rising. Can no longer justify buying snap-on tools.
Finally, a head to head between these two! Great job with this video, I can’t imagine how anyone could chose the Snap-On over the Icon after seeing this and considering the warranty.
Come back to TH-cam!!!! You made the best tool review videos!!! We tool addicts need you!!!!
Stay tuned my friend 😉
@@RealToolReviews Let's Gooooo
@@RealToolReviews I'm staying tuned.
I do actually prefer etched or deep engraved writing on tools, because I like to fill them with wax or paint.. a trick I learned from gunsmithing is to warm up the steel with a hairdryer, rub a crayon over the lettering and let it cool, scrape and wipe off the excess *as it cools* not after, and you'll have a nice contrast that is removable later easily with heat and a napkin. It's a good way to customize a gun non permanently, and I've done it to loads of my tools, so I can quickly read the sizes or whatever. The benefits of using crayons also on tools is cheap color options, buy a box and you can organize your tools by color! Do all your Metric tools in red wax, SAE in Blue.. etc.
Just a tip.
F.A.Q.
1. The crayon does actually stay put very well, even on guns that get pretty hot. As long as they don't get hot enough to liquefy the wax, it will stay put. On my Springfield XDM I filled the writing with metallic grey crayon, and the logo in red and it's my competition gun and has thousands of rounds downrange and I've only had to touch it up once.
2. You can make a longer lasting version with nail polish, it is easily removed and also comes in a ton of colors and they even sell nail polish pens. Paint is a bit more stubborn, and harder to clean up, whereas nail polish is made to be easy to clean up.
3. If you make a mistake or want to change colors or remove it completely, the crayon can be removed easily with a bit of heat and a toothpick. It goes a lot quicker than you'd think.
Good luck, and have fun with your custom tools.
sorry bro, while I do think that's a good idea for cheap stuff, im not gonna melt a crayon into my G$, or surefire trades
A trick with tools is to engrave a swastika on them. Nobody wants to steal a tool with a swastika.
Keenan Vaughn modern problems require modern solutions
@@keenanvaughn8453 lol wtf
@@andrewc1036 I know it's fubar, an old machinist friend taught me that. And if it is stupid and works....well it ain't that stupid now is it?
I would say that this was the best, through review of any product I’ve ever seen
John Shifflett check out "project farm" on youtube!
Snap On tools for mechanics is just like Miller or Lincoln for welders, they just can’t seem to wrap their head around the fact that the a guy using less expensive brands on the weekend in their shop don’t need a $2500 welding rig or a $800 socket set (that’s probably low for a snap on socket set). I get supporting American jobs but I also get supporting my family a lot more and if a Taiwan made ratchet gets me though job after job over 25+ years and I only spent $18 on it, then I’m way ahead!
This man gets it. I’m not impoverishing my family to get some stupid “I invest in precious metals” sticker for my box, instead my $20 sears ratchets that have been going for nearly 15 years let me pay for some custom jewelry for my better half, a much better “precious metals” investment IMHO
I learned early but with an angle grinder. Way back in the day, bought an expensive angle grinder for $80 and it lasted about 3 months. Then I bought 2 cheap angle grinders for $20 each. I still have them 20 years later. I figure that I could buy 4 cheap tools for the price of one expensive tool but never needed to go that route.
Derek's Workshop And Projects I say that's 'Zachery' right. Maybe you know the beginning of that joke. That poor woman had Zachery disease.
especially when the 10 mil goes missing never had to go through snap on or a big name company for a missing part but with the cheap sets just get another... I always put my tools away but sometimes that black hole appears...
True. I get all my expendables (cutoff, blending, grinding, wire knot wheels) for the 4 1/2" side grinders there, much cheaper (I do go to Fastenal for the coating removal discs, theirs outperform ALL of the rest.) The Harbor Freight unibits (step drills) in the lager 2 pack and the smaller 3 pack are extremely good tools, they will flat outperform and outlast the equivalent sized Klein, Greenlee, Lenox, Milwaukee unibits @ just a fraction of the cost. If I hadn't used all of the above extensively for the last 5 years, I wouldn't have believed it! Great (cheap!) stuff...
I'm a big fan of hf especially rachets and hate the price of snapon. but I honestly thought the snap on would have done better. Thanks for the vid.
High price
For high quality durability and reliability.
Just not accuracy though right? Torque wrench’s get used and put away, they aren’t thrown around typically. No need for the “ better durability “
@@JJ-vy4jz Says a dude that owns harleys, and yeti coolers.
@@eriklarson9137 the bike in my profile picture is not a Harley.
And I got a helluva deal on it ;)
Look up Snap-On vs any other brand, they fail non stop. Snap-On sucks!
I will choose lifetime warranty over named brand any day.
if the brand even lasts that long, most dont
Amen
i tried this with Kobalt. twice. they simply discontinue the product after 2 yrs, then sell it out, then give you the finger and a corporate apology script. a lifetime warranty is worth less than a good tool. but i would rather have 4 OK torque wrenches than one maybe-great.
Pinkie Love
Excellent point I have lifetime with Sears
@@Pinkielover Harbor Freight doesn't work that way. If the brand goes away then Harbor Freight will offer you the next best thing. I know from experience and no I don't work there.
The snapon wrench was calibrated in 2012 (right on the end of the case) 7 years would need recalibration
Finally! Been waiting for 3 months for your next vídeo!!!
He had to save up money to be able to afford that Snap On torque wrench lol 😆
He's so damn good
I work at harbor freight currently. You would not believe some of the deals i can get, this wrench is my next purchase only because you proved its worth to me.
Who would care about what kind of employee deal you can get....
Shout out to all the guys with 10 grand in debt to snap on lol
@@bixby9797 40K!!! well to be fair that is what, half a dozen snap on hand tools?
All kidding aside when it comes to hand tools, I own Snap On, Mac, Matco, SK, Blue Point, Proto, Blackhawk, Urrea, Craftsman etc, etc. But I cannot honestly remember ever buying anything that was new (Except my Mac metric wrench set, made in Taiwan). I'm not a mech. by trade and it's nice to have some quality tools but I just cannot see paying that much as a weekend warrior in the garage.
Also I do own some HF socket sets and they have served me well.
As far as the Icon brand goes I honestly can't say how good they are but after seeing the prices I can get used name brands for less that will outlast my lifetime which leaves me with more $$$ to buy more tools that I don't need.
As a response to 2:53, I work in the aviation industry, and we use snap-on torque wrenches, and they get used all the time and I can definitely say that laser etched doesn't "rub" off easily, it's still clear as day seeing the readings even at night
Good video.i am an auto mechanic of 22yrs and i have watched people over the years flock to tool trucks like it was a neighborhood icecream Truck.and i can say if something can get the job done and cost you a fraction of the price I don't see why you wouldn't go with that deal
Realtoolreviews broke the internet with this review. Man I always thought snap on would be the clear winner. That's why I've always bought snap on torque wrenches because I trust the brand and believe it will be more accurate than anything out there. Crazy stuff, thanks for the review.
Not trying to defend snap on here, this should be super embarrassing for them and they should be ashamed of this and having their name on it but the truth is this is about the crappiest torque wrench they sell. I would like to see another comparison with some of their nicer torque wrenches.
@Matt Beeman Yes I know, like I said its an embarrassment they even put their name on this and had the balls to charge so much for it.
Who knows how the Icon would perform in a shop enviroment? I don't know if I would buy a snap on. I would certainly buy a torque wrench off one of the trucks.
The crippling debt and weekly payments to the tool truck makes me feel like a real mechanic!
LoL...sarcasm
LMFAO, OH SO RIGHT THOUGH.
And when you retire and sell your tools you'll get most of your money back.
@@andysharp4154 Stop being such a butt hurt little bitch. God Damn snowflakes..lol!!!
@sidecarnutz Or give it to one of your grand kids
It is now December 2023. I’m again commenting for your return!!! I’m rooting for you man. Please start cooking up content. You’re the best Tool Content creator IMO!!!!🎉
Thank you my friend 😄
I have NO experience with torque wrenches, but looking at this video, I will be purchasing Icon as I will be using them in the future. Thanks for the video.
Picked up a the Icon torque wrench yesterday. Was a easy decision. $100 bucks, and a lifetime warranty
EXCELLENT review sir!! For those hating on Snap on don't be too harsh....if you turn a wrench all day long the profile of the high end brands are much easier on your hands/wrists. The only one I found that was as nice was the Craftsman truck series. That said Snap On has always been to high priced but a ton of people judge quality by price, unfortunately.
I miss real tool reviews 🥺
I check back on the channel weekly to see if he's re-uploaded yet lol. Big fan of yours btw Mr. O!
Thanks my friend! :) ……. I’ll be back in the near future. Stay tuned!
@@RealToolReviews EXCELLENT-- You know how to make a real solid channel!
Probably the best comparison I’ve ever seen, thanks . I would buy 4 icons before buying the Snap on
You mean only 1. That life time warranty basically seals the deal for most at home DIYers.
When you must support an army of 8 mpg, 100,000$ trucks with 10's of thousands dollars of stocked unsold tools, then yes, you need to sell an inferior wrench for 300$ more than an accurate one.
The snap-on trucks are independently owned and operated, and the truck owners are the ones who usually owe the most money to snapon
I had a friend who had a matco frachise for about 2 years, lots of time and money invested for little to no return on that investment. besides that putting up with customers that buy these expensive tools and not paying for them and/or skipping on payments, guess who is on the hook for those non paying customers.
Both torque wrenches are more than accurate enough for what they're intended for. Only an idiot would use a click-style torque wrench for an application so important that it needs to be accurate to within 1 lb-ft. btw, these are both no doubt re-branded CDI torque wrenches. The difference in accuracy between the two only shows how much variation CDI is sending out the door.
@@karlschauff7989 interesting i didn't know this. I am going to look into this. thx for the share.
@@karlschauff7989 snap on owns CDI
Headline: internet tool guy found dead with snap on torque wrench lodged in skull.
Love this test. Love seeing big lazy brands eat shyt.
Rhabdo B went by bill and Hillary
Jesus Christ, man. Can we just joke about industrial assassination without having to hear about Hillary? I mean I know it’s the internet and all, but fuck. It’s tools.
Real tool reviews didn’t kill himself
Strange passions
You oddly have a comforting tone that reminds me of motor week when I was a kid.
Haha! I thought the exact same thing.
As a guy who only wants one to change tires twice a year, this video was perfect and lets me know that spending big bucks on Snap-On is nothing more than a scam. Thank you muchly for the video
I am in a tech school for collision repair right now. I have the ability to get most snap on tools at half off (excluding tool boxes) Snap on has two things going for them. the undoubted life time guarantee and free replacement without questions asked. the reason you are paying so much for snap on is because you are paying for the tool twice one time. that is how they make their money. if it were between snap on and icon even if I didn't have the discount I would take snap on hands down they have been around for over 90 years and I know people who have snap on tools from the 60s and they still work perfectly. snap on is not bad its just the price scares people away its for the mechanic who needs to get something done very quickly and doesn't want to screw around with a cheap tool from harbor freight. mechanic buddies of mine who use snap on and harbor freight tools say harbor freight is for the every once in a while mechanic where snap on is for the professional mechanic who has time frames and needs to get stuff done without the larger possibility of their tool breaking where with harbor freight its cheaply made and not worth the mechanics time. why not spend 300 dollars for a tool you know will last the test of time if taken care of then spending 50 dollars and keep spending that 50 dollars when the tool breaks.
@@jordanmartin9769 so i say again, for the guy changing his tires twice a year....not everyone is a mechanic dood
If you just wanna change tires twice a year, don't even waste the money on the ICON. For your purposes that $10 Pittsburgh one will last a lifetime.
I told a snap on rep once after he tried to sell me a $175 ratchet I wasn't going to put his kid through college. 😂 pissed him off.
lmaoooo Im gonna use that
Guess I know what to buy now. My Snap On just quit a month or so back and they told me tough shit. I was looking at Matco but I guess it's going to be ICON. Thanks for saving me money. That's worth a sub in my book.
My last snap on guy was so damn rude and would also say he had the right to refuse to warranty tools he didn't sell. Last shop i was at simply told him to get lost. The owner of that shop had purchased literally tons of tools from his old shop's tool rep, too.
I wish you came back to TH-cam these videos are top notch and they are factual
Your channel wakes up people to truth...Gracias! What you do is important and appreciated!
Just had this debate with another tool owner, I have about 30 years of experience working on vehicles and about the same amount of owning tools, during that time I bought Craftsman and Snap on, just to notice that they cost alot during that time. About a decade ago I started using cheaper tools from Harbor freight, and noticed the quality is just as good, for a significant lower cost, I will buy a Harbor Freight tool anyday versus an over priced name brand, lesson learned.
me too. I am a professional tech.25yrs. s/o 3/8 flex head ratchet comfort grip kept sliding off and truck would not warranty it. paid 3x to get it fixed. said fuck it. Bought the HF Pittsburgh flex head and i love it way more than my s/o. also love the colored sockets. I am thinking of getting one of their tool carts.
I can hear the die hard snap on guys crying fowl already lol
@Lako It's a lot like these fools that buy $100 speaker cables and think they are better.
They are crying about BIRDS ?
@@NoWr2Run Haha
Mister Hat Well you see, there are significant differences between my “$100 cables” and your “$19.99 Boss amp kit” mechanical tools are typically very similar in design and build quality, my speaker cables are definitely nowhere near similar and if I choose the wrong set I get to deal with a wire 🔥🔥🔥
@@NoWr2Run lol, good one. it happens sometimes posting from my phone, didn't even notice
i’d love to see a test of the icons accuracy after a year of use to compare it to brand new specs
Well even after two years of use, if it isn't accurate, with the lifetime warranty you can just swap it out for a brand new one. Can't say the same for Snap-On
@@DaroffApFire They won't replace just because of calibration, but anyway you're supposed to calibrate it each year or every 5000 use.
The Project Farm guy here on youtube did 1000 cycles on 10 torque wrenchs and retested the tools
@A. Nonymous Not on their power tools or impacts. And not on sockets that have normal ware (the eye edges being rounded from use). You MIGHT find a dealer that will replace it out of courtesy, but yeah.
what does that prove, you're mean to service them anyway
It kind of speaks for itself. Tighter groupings, better calibration, cheaper, icon
All the dislikes are from Snap On employees.
Mustang 3.0 or the morons who spent thousands on snap on
Good on you
@ShootTheMoon i never had chrome come off tools lol thats a back in the day thing dude 😂
@ShootTheMoon
If only they made something to protect your hands....
Has Anyone mentioned what country manufactured them or is that a dumb question anymore because Everything is Made in the Peoples Republic of Communist China. Yup, NAFTA was a Ruinous Act of Treason which was on par with the Bush's and Clinton's who sold Us OUT!!
You've been gone too long! Easily one of my favorite channels on TH-cam and I've bought plenty of tools you've suggested. Looking forward to more content!
I work in a shop and use my icon one MULTIPLE times every day and have had no problems except the rubber grommet on the bottom of the handle popped out but I stuck some silicone in it and it has done just fine. I would recommend even for heavy use
We have missed you. Great job,as usual
I would like to hear how the Snap-On executives took the news.
They didn't, they have $300 earplugs...
They drove on by without stopping that day - like the dealer does when he smells a return.
@@Fjord_Driver Sounds about right.
They were pretty torqued off
@@Fjord_Driver Any American business executive would tell you the path to profitability is not by making a better product that would entice more people to buy, but to fire enough employees in the U.S., and offshore as much as possible to Mexico and China. Quality product design is a distant 3rd.
What's Amazing is that you only make videos every few months but your channel grows like you made videos everyday.....it's a testimonial to just how good your channel is ..great video love the channel 👍
It’s a testament to my awesome subscribers & proof that quality beats quantity 😉👍
@@RealToolReviews This is true. Number of subs doesn't mean much, number of views does. Means folks actually want to watch your content. 👍👍
Im a dumptruck driver/mechanic...I am new to your channel, but I really like what you're doing especially in the comparison tests...thanks for putting in the effort to inform the masses
Amazing results!
Give this guy a TV Show already!
Wow excellent review. Hope HF makes more icon level tools.
DOES NOT SURPRISE ME AT ALL. Good hard working Americans have been getting ripped off by Snap-On for years. I was one of them until I wised up a few years ago. Great video..keep up the good work brother.
Notice we never completely converted to metric over the years, its a conspiracy I tell ya, and Snap-On is in on it.
Two set of tools in every box. US standard and metric.
unfortunately good hardworking Americans are getting F'ed either way, cuz snap on rips em off and HF has chinese slave labor that has broken the back of the American labor force. It's time for the American worker to fight back.
@@chuckgilly Ha no one uses standard tools.
@RetroModern USA Meh, automation didn't kill the American Car manufacturers - cutting corners, outsourcing parts and the Unions covering for shoddy workmanship did that. Just like outsourcing our infrastructure and importing all of our products has already killed the US long before computerization could ever make a significant negative impact. Now we're brainwashed to think illegal immigration is the problem NOT the $985 Billion dollar deficit while the FED continues to print cash like Monopoly money, the paper corporations bypassing taxes, severely underpaid Chinese manufacturing of electronics that are sold for 500% profit or the barges of E-waste off the coast of Pakistan.
How were you being ripped off? Did they refuse to tell you the price of the tools then sneakily put it on your credit card or stole your wallet? It was a two party contract that you agreed to pay. Snap On did not misrepresent anything. A fool and his money are easily parted.
I hope you will come back soon because you are the best.
Your way of clarification has no match.
It’s been 4 years now but I’m not giving up yet
Live long and prosper🖖🏼
Thank you my friend….. See you again soon 😄
You're alive!!! Glad your back big guy!