@Jon Doe the x-frames are certainly quality nice wrenches but I hardly use mine due to the size. I find myself reaching for my original GW racheting wrenches more often than my sks, even tho I do like the look and feel of the x frames better.
@@josephriddle2772agreed! I also see icon as a another example of the Chinese spitting in the face of American copyright laws. I say we should boycott them for trying to copy an American icon
I gotta disagree with just one point: the ratcheting Icon did the least damage to the fastener. Not saying I wouldn't love a set of Snap On since I'm currently looking to add a complete set of open/box to my tool box, but I only do car repairs when I have to (something on one of my cars breaks). I don't use them enough to justify the price tag, just need a good set of wrenches for replacing a worn out belt, leaking water pump, or burned out starter from time to time. Still like videos like this though which help me find the best tool for the money, not necessarily the best tool hands down.
Honestly the Snap-On flank drive extra wrenches are quite possibly the grippiest open end wrenches you can buy. I own a partial set ( slowly replacing my craftsmans) and love them how ever, one needs to be aware, if you intend to make these wrenches your primary set, they have such a tight tolerance and grip that on fasteners that have even the slightest surface rust or dirt or grease build up it is near impossible to slide the wrench over the fastener from the sides. Ive found one can drop the wrench down over the head from the top, but when turning inner tie rod shafts for example, that is easier said then done. You almost need a non flank drive set for rusty bolts or hexes that arent new and clean
For the price those ICONS are really good wrenches lot better than any other Harbor Fright wrench. Using a open wrench 19mm to break a bolt still lot torque.
Those snap on wrenches are designed for use when the bolt or not is in a position that the full normal angle can't be used. You can use the tips of the open ended side of the wrench to turn the bolt or nut.
I am a professional mechanic and I will vouch for Snap On wrenches are the best I've ever seen. In my toolbox, however, I have a complete set of Matco combination wrenches (10mm-27mm) because I bought them early in my career before I learned that I should have bought the Snap On wrenches. Here's the story. I was replacing brake hoses on a car because they were cracking. I don't live in the rustbelt so I was not expecting the hoses to be stuck onto the steel brake lines. Even using liberal amounts of PB Blaster and my Matco line wrenches, I could not turn the fitting without my line wrench spreading and slipping. The brake hoses were in very bad condition and needed to be replaced. I told the service advisor the problem and warned him I might damage the hard lines in this repair so prepare the customer for me to have to replace that as well - something I did not want to do. I got the go-ahead and gave it one more try with my Matco line wrench when I was ready to give up. My buddy came over with his Snap On Flank Drive wrench and I watched in utter amazement as that wrench bit into the fitting and broke it loose! That wrench saved me the hassle of bending hard brake lines and that was when I learned that Snap On wrenches are the best there are.
Honestly surprising to me, but this is a case where the tool steel hardness really matters, plus the exact design and dimensions. Actually makes me want to get those Snap-On wrenches. Maybe someday!
802 Garage you’ll be happy w them. They aren’t long pattern but I’ve always preferred standard size wrench’s. The Long’s are too long alot of the time. They’re really comfortable in the hand too. If you need more leverage lock another wrench on the end that’s what I do lol 👍🏼👍🏼
I’m just a DIY guy and picked up the ICON 3/8 deep metric socket set for $20 (with coupon) as a backup set. I also used the SEMA 20% ICON coupon to grab the anti-slip ratcheting SAE and metric wrench sets. Would I have bought them otherwise? Probably not. They ARE decent tools overall for the DIY/weekend warrior crowd. Although I think the prices are a tad high. I have Snap On, Matco, and Craftsman ratchets and don’t plan on replacing them with ICON. Same story for my sockets and wrenches. I like what Harbor Freight was aiming for; it’s too bad they missed the mark a bit although I’m happy with my purchases so far. Time will tell...
Just got a deal off the snap on truck for the flank drive plus set for $120 with tax. Set was missing 16mm,18mm,and 19mm but I don’t use those much in the shop. 10mm through 15mm and a 17mm
I have some 1990 SnapOn flank drive wrenches and some new Williams Super Torque wrenches . I also have two sets of 1980 and 1990 Mac long pattern combination wrenches. They all do a great job and I love them,
Most of my tools are Blue Point with some Snap On. I have stood by Snap On and Blue Point and Im an apprentice at a Chrysler dealer. I picked up a set of SAE Icon Anti Slip wrenches since I could afford it and felt like it was a decent set for someone starting out under flat rate techs. I'm always looking for what else I can get that I know Ill put to use and what brand like Mac, Snap On, Cornwell or Gearwrench have a good deal I can invest towards.
Used my new flank drive snap on yesterday on an adjustment rod on my mower. That thing gripped like ive never experienced. it did mark the head of the adjustment nut. Not sure how I feel about that yet. But it did grip like crazy. Was really tight.
Looks like a really good and fair test. It also seems to be a good test because you can actually see a big difference in the performance of the two tools (or in this case three tools). Thanks for sharing the video and cheers.
I became a Snap On guy when a 3/4 impact wouldn't loosen a bolt. We ended up using a hex driver socket with a Snap On wrench on it with a 8' long pipe and 2 guys. the shank of the wrench bent, but the box end didn't explode. Try that with most wrenches, the box end will explode.
I have to respect what you said... If you are a professional Automotive technician working every day on different makes and models cars trucks vans Etc the Snap On Tools foreign investment not a purchase I have had flank drive and flank Drive + wrenches for decades now and I must admit once they get a grip on a fastener they will not let go
Another open-ended ratcheting wrench that I've been chewing on in my thoughts has been the Proto set. Unlike the SK; the Proto has the paw switch, and a slight angle (about 15/30 degree). This is a test of true strength of metal workmanship, because if the open-end is weak, it will show with this specific test! Thank you for your dedication and efforts...👍 Fonzie thumbs up!👍
Snap on is a great tool however icon is a great budget tool but trying to get my snap on dealer to warranty anything is a headache but that's not snapons fault
Ive been using Napa Carlyle sockets for about 6 years now. Havent had one break or fail yet. My 3/8s deep 12 point metric sockets are a little worn but ive been abusing them since i got them. Just hearing that the ICON wrenches and sockets aren't that good is keeping me away from them.
Wow that Icon wrench has nothing on the snap on flank drive plus. You can see how the open end spread and then rounded the bolt. I'm sticking with Snap On after seeing this.
@Giorgio Mumda I run a small auto shop and I love snap on but just cust way touch I have a few different brands of tools and if I brake one I get a new one some of my tools I have had over 25 years and still use them every day
I was going to give the icon brand a chance but I wanted to wait till reviews came out of them being used and how they would hold up. Soo far the hype was just that, ratchets failed and recalled, the chrome sockets have failed and now the wrenches spreading opening rounding bolts and getting chewed up like their chrome sockets. They look the part but they so far haven’t proved they are on the same level at all. It was all a marketing gimmick. The quote often imitated never duplicated comes to mind. Honesty kinda ironic and a bit funny that snap on’s slogan is “there is a difference” never been more true.
fievel1320 .. ONLY and I mean ONLY trust what (Real) mechanics say.. Ya’ a mechanic that dose it for a living paying there bills do it AND have been doing it for more then a year or 2. Some one like the “Tool Bear” is NOT what you would trust.. NOT A MECHANIC and I’m sure never had been
As a career technician, try the Icon click type torque wrenches. They're honestly amazing. Feels really similar to the Matco click type torque wrenches if I'm honest.
I’m not a professional tech, but work on my projects and other cars daily. Snap on ratchets and wrenches have saved me so much time that it’s genuinely worth the price. That being said I have some harbor freight tools and some snap on and everything in between depending on use.
Wow, thank you, this is the first test that makes sense why snap on is worth the money, assuming you turn a wrench for a living, I would gladly pay 500 not to bust my knuckles a couple times a week. I was at Home Depot today, full set of sae and metric was $60, including stubby- and all had ratcheting box end - the same income would cost a couple hundred. Both life time warranty- husky seems like better deal
ICON - Made in Taiwan Snap-on - Made in the USA ICON - Been around 1 year Snap-on - Been around 101 years Taiwan - cheap labor and materials Snap-on - USA labor and materials
^^^ these are the points that most knuckle draggers don’t consider. Unique metallurgy, precise heat treatment, annealing, hardening the surface, paying an American worker 100x the wages, benifits, retirement, etc. Time is money. Heat treatment and annealing is money. The end product is of no comparison to Asian products that skip all of the above. Sure, I own and use Icon/Pittsburgh on my cars in my driveway, but I have Proto and Wright in the box at work to back me up. And as one person said above. While using HF tools I put money in savings and shop online for the USAG clones of Mac RBRT, etc. just as you have shown us in your other videos. It’s not just what you think is a good or fair price, it’s in fact Snapon is better, no matter what a knuckle dragger thinks or feels. :-)
I mostly agree with what you're saying, but... I worked as a Harley mechanic for 6 year professionally and many of my standard wrenches were Craftsman and I never rounded a bolt. Would I buy harbor freight - well, probably not. I did (well do) have some Snap On stuff because the truck came buy and there were things that I needed.
Old craftsman or new (2012-up) craftsman? Craftsman up til around 2012 were made in US, now they're made in china. Old craftsman are just as good as strap-on. I have some craftsman i just bought brand new for work and the jaws of the open end are extremely chewy...meanwhile I still use my dad's craftsman wrenches he bought 40 years ago with 0 issues.
@@MrSubaru1387 That was not really what I was trying to say. Only that as a starting off mechanic, the Craftsman set I had did well enough that I didn't ruin things when using those tools (I was thinking primarily of wrenches).
I posted about the soft metal on some chromed ICON sockets and got BLASTED over on the FACEBOOK ICON site. Lots of KOOLAID flowing over there. These were specifically advertised as just as good as "tool truck" (Snapon) tools. They simply arent. No one would make that comparison if Harbor Freight hadn't........ These aren't even CRAFTSMAN good.
@@eddwiggins4383 exactly. I hate that they compare everything to snap-on. They aren't fooling anyone... including the people who actually buy them. Are they a decent wrench for the money. Sure. But don't go comparing them to the top of the line.
Like, most people will show or say “does it do it”, but this really showed the strain and stress it took to keep the icon seated on the bolt and the play vs how easy and seamless the process was with the snappy.
What makes this a little bit worse, is the fact that a class eight metric bolt is not a grade 8 strength fastener. Class eight is equivalent to a grade 5 Imperial cap screw. I’m very surprised they grade 5 fastener (class 8 metric) deformed the icon wrench. A previous commentor made mention that the anti-slip grip on the ratcheting wrench did perform better, and I definitely agree. I’m very curious just how strong do you ratcheting box and of the icon really is. The snap on you compared it to his obviously far above and beyond superior. But at what cost? I will have to go through your prior videos to see if you’ve covered this. Thank you for the video and product testing. This was indeed a very needed video in comparison.
Great video and demonstration. First observation is you are using new hardware. While that is good for testing as it keeps a constant, in the rust belt here, nothing looks like that which makes me question if those flank plus designs depend on a perfect fitting hex head. I agree that the issue is the hardness of the wrench. Cheap wrenches are cheap, and that comes from a person who cannot afford Snap-On tools unless it is some specialty item I cannot get elsewhere. Most all my wrenches are the older USA made Craftsman from the early 90s. While I do like them, I have deformed the wrench on some, but it is not very common. As a DIYer myself, I would not buy ICON tools. The problem with lower quality tools, even for the DIYer, is the tendancy to round a fastener. That creates a bigger problem that is even harder for the DIYer. While it is true that a broken tool can get replaced as often as needed, you still have the resulting damage to what you are working on that the tool warranty will not help with.
I sold all my snap on wrenches after I got on that gearwrench hype train… Huge mistake, from years of having no issues, to all of a sudden rounded bolts and hours and hours extra work, I’ll stick with snap on for wrenches
That guy loves to trash videos like these. Not at all understanding this is a “real world” test. Why would he? If you gave that guy a box full of snap on tools he still couldn’t make book time on a battery swap.
My dealer used half inch bar stock for this demonstration. Sold me on the wrenches cause I used my current wrenches and they were not as good snapon gripped the same spot mine slipped and stripped
Flank drive for the win! Thanks for the demo, you just saved me $100 I already have flank drive metric wrench set so I guess it's a snap on SAE set to replace my craps man SAE professionals
Of course the Snap on won, better tool. However the icon whole set cost less than one Snap on wrench, and after destroying the icon you can go to the local HF store and replace it, no questions asked. The Snap on you have to wait a month for the new one to arrive if they even would replace it because of abuse. So in my opinion I love the Snap on wrenches and I am impressed by the much cheaper icons as well, and I would have no issues having both of them in my wrench drawer.
i prefer just regular flank drive, i have the ratcheting wrenches in flank drive plus and they have a tendency to want to “stick” to the fastener after really wrenching on it
lol snap on ftw!! newer follower here, good videos and no bias because you used to work for snap on.. i watched your milwaukee video and it was awesome!!!
Came here to comment on that non-ratcheting icon flex too. I’ve been using a mix of standard snap on wrenches and harbor junk wrenches for a while and I will definitely stick with my old snap ons wrenches for difficult bolts.
These were hype from all the reviews I've seen. I had high hopes too. But the fact remains the reason Snap On is uber expensive is they are meant to make money for mechanics, they HAVE to work and be super durable (even then they are overpriced). HF bit off more than they can chew - they thought they'd get some major $$$ by claiming it to be "just as good as Snapon", but they probably didn't count on people comparing them - but I told everyone and all the fanboys that the steel won't compare - The tools will wear out quick but of course I was silenced, and now everyone is seeing exactly what I said - and what the reviewers like this gentlemen is showing. Like one commenter said too "Often imitated but never duplicated". :-D
What tool would you use for a Subaru Sti plastic Speedo sensor 17mm on the gearbox. I have used a normal smooth open wrench just slips. What would you recommend?
I’m going to start a Go Fund Me to start an organization against the needless abuse of fasteners in these films . I mean these critters go though so much abuse and no one cares. I’m only joking! 😂 The Snap-on and ICON have advantages and disadvantages. The proper person will buy the proper one. A mechanic friend of mine has wrenched for 12 years. He doesn’t care about brand name for his tools. I’ve seen his tools box and there is a smattering of tools from Pittsburgh to Matco to Craftsman to Kobalt to Snap-on. He cares more about fixing the car correctly.
I wish you had the SK X-Frame Ratcheting sets to test their open-ended side strength! This would be awesome... I've been thinking about these for a while now! 👍
Scott Carlon I agree but they come in handy working on Cummins ISXs to remove pulleys when you need a 0 degree offset and can’t move the wrench more than an 8th of an inch
Just bought my set of flank drive plus after spreading my gearwrench out too many times 10,12,14 really hard to be proud of your work when you ruin a fastener. Or multiple ones. They cost alot but whatever.
Excellent video! As a home "mechanic" changing oil etc, I should be ok with Icon...but my BEST investment would be a Snap On Torque Wrench like the one you have.
Gearwrench has some nice and affordable torque wrenches. HF isn't the only player on the field. Lol I'd honestly recommend the non Anti-slip Grip ICON wrenches over the Anti-slip Grip. They have a curve rather than a V throat. Makes them less likely to spread open and round a fastener.
Well i guess thats why snap-on is about 300$ a set compared to icon for 99$. Snap-on is a bit overpriced but you get what you pay for here. I got my prices from harbor freights website and ebay for snap on. Idk abou you but id buy the snap on set, why buy crappy wrenches ? Nothing worse than a crappy wrench!
Those icons are super soft just like the matcos. They marred up the heads and rounded the one because the jaws spread open when torque is applied. I love it when people try to tell me I’m wasting my money on “overpriced” tools but when you use these tools everyday in a professional capacity you find out real quick what quality and what’s shit. Those backyard mechanics can have their budget icon wrenches 😂
I bought the Milwaukee wrench set that has the exact same open end wrench design. Are those better quality? I have a set of bluepoint wrenches that I despise because of how even with a small amount of force.. they slip! The Snap On truck wanted $380 for the anti slip model. Which is INSANE. Instead, I went with the Milwaukee set. I haven't used them much but I hope they are of better quality than the Icon stuff because I almost bought that set.
Blue-Point is Chinese/Taiwanese junk for the most part. No surprise that they weren't any good. The Snap-on Flank Drive Plus is the real deal. Milwaukee, ICON, and Carlyle look to be all made by the same manufacturer.
@@MrSubaru1387 I know bluepoint is Snap On's "budget" AKA trash tools. I just couldn't afford the real Snap On wrenches. All I can say is that Milwaukee's wrenches look different from the Carlyle, Icon, channellock etc. If you look at the Milwaukee wrenches, you will notice the I beam design built into every wrench. Plus, they are much wider than the competitions and a bit shorter. That's why I decided on buying those over the rest. The rest of the market uses wrenches that are IDENTICAL in design and that's always a bad sign of generic or low quality products.
EJK k their body design is different but they are made by the same manufacturer, Infar, in Taiwan. The Milwaukee’s might be better though. The same manufacturer can make the same tool at different qualities based on what the seller wants. Milwaukee might spec a better heat treat or steel
I was actually impressed with that icon ratcheting wrench. It didnt do bad at all in my opinion.
Just bought an SAE and Metric set of SK X-Frame wrenches. Video soon!
@@MrSubaru1387 Very interested in seeing how well those X-Frame wrenches fare! Looking forward to that video
@Jon Doe the x-frames are certainly quality nice wrenches but I hardly use mine due to the size. I find myself reaching for my original GW racheting wrenches more often than my sks, even tho I do like the look and feel of the x frames better.
Yep, Icon is junk 🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧
@@josephriddle2772agreed! I also see icon as a another example of the Chinese spitting in the face of American copyright laws. I say we should boycott them for trying to copy an American icon
Who else was waiting for him to bust his knuckles
😂 messed up but that’s why I clicked on the video to see some knuckle busting lol.
Experienced mechanics don’t do that anymore……
I gotta disagree with just one point: the ratcheting Icon did the least damage to the fastener. Not saying I wouldn't love a set of Snap On since I'm currently looking to add a complete set of open/box to my tool box, but I only do car repairs when I have to (something on one of my cars breaks). I don't use them enough to justify the price tag, just need a good set of wrenches for replacing a worn out belt, leaking water pump, or burned out starter from time to time.
Still like videos like this though which help me find the best tool for the money, not necessarily the best tool hands down.
That's a Class 8.8 metric bolt, it's equivalent to a Grade 5 US bolt in yield strengths.
How can you tell the grade? I thought the little marks on the head was how you knew. Like 3 Tally's it's a 5 and 5 tallys it's an 8
Great test and comparison. Not a “Grade 8” fastener though. No worries. A class 8.8 is nowhere near the strength of a Grade 8 fastener.
Google 800 mpa to psi
www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/materials-and-grades/bolt-grade-chart.aspx
They are about the same, right?
@@Shadowlizard48 metric bolts have a different strength system says numbers instead of tallys
it says 8.8 on the head. metric bolts specify their grade numerically on the head of the bolt@@Shadowlizard48
Honestly the Snap-On flank drive extra wrenches are quite possibly the grippiest open end wrenches you can buy. I own a partial set ( slowly replacing my craftsmans) and love them how ever, one needs to be aware, if you intend to make these wrenches your primary set, they have such a tight tolerance and grip that on fasteners that have even the slightest surface rust or dirt or grease build up it is near impossible to slide the wrench over the fastener from the sides. Ive found one can drop the wrench down over the head from the top, but when turning inner tie rod shafts for example, that is easier said then done. You almost need a non flank drive set for rusty bolts or hexes that arent new and clean
Let’s put it this way.. if I need an open end .. I’ve rounded enough bolts to know that a 10$ wrench doesn’t hold a candle to a near 100$ wrench 😂
For the price those ICONS are really good wrenches lot better than any other Harbor Fright wrench. Using a open wrench 19mm to break a bolt still lot torque.
Those snap on wrenches are designed for use when the bolt or not is in a position that the full normal angle can't be used. You can use the tips of the open ended side of the wrench to turn the bolt or nut.
I am a professional mechanic and I will vouch for Snap On wrenches are the best I've ever seen. In my toolbox, however, I have a complete set of Matco combination wrenches (10mm-27mm) because I bought them early in my career before I learned that I should have bought the Snap On wrenches.
Here's the story.
I was replacing brake hoses on a car because they were cracking. I don't live in the rustbelt so I was not expecting the hoses to be stuck onto the steel brake lines. Even using liberal amounts of PB Blaster and my Matco line wrenches, I could not turn the fitting without my line wrench spreading and slipping. The brake hoses were in very bad condition and needed to be replaced. I told the service advisor the problem and warned him I might damage the hard lines in this repair so prepare the customer for me to have to replace that as well - something I did not want to do. I got the go-ahead and gave it one more try with my Matco line wrench when I was ready to give up. My buddy came over with his Snap On Flank Drive wrench and I watched in utter amazement as that wrench bit into the fitting and broke it loose! That wrench saved me the hassle of bending hard brake lines and that was when I learned that Snap On wrenches are the best there are.
Wright grip or snap on take you’re pick. You get what you pay for in wrench’s. I have wright grips myself.
Peep18m I’m about to buy wright wrenches, glad someone said it
I back Peep 18m, Wright grip 2.0 is the way to go 🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧
Honestly surprising to me, but this is a case where the tool steel hardness really matters, plus the exact design and dimensions. Actually makes me want to get those Snap-On wrenches. Maybe someday!
802 Garage get Wright grips bro they’re better and cheaper no bs. I have them myself
@@Peep18m Sweet! I'll check those out.
802 Garage you’ll be happy w them. They aren’t long pattern but I’ve always preferred standard size wrench’s. The Long’s are too long alot of the time. They’re really comfortable in the hand too. If you need more leverage lock another wrench on the end that’s what I do lol 👍🏼👍🏼
I’m just a DIY guy and picked up the ICON 3/8 deep metric socket set for $20 (with coupon) as a backup set. I also used the SEMA 20% ICON coupon to grab the anti-slip ratcheting SAE and metric wrench sets. Would I have bought them otherwise? Probably not. They ARE decent tools overall for the DIY/weekend warrior crowd. Although I think the prices are a tad high. I have Snap On, Matco, and Craftsman ratchets and don’t plan on replacing them with ICON. Same story for my sockets and wrenches. I like what Harbor Freight was aiming for; it’s too bad they missed the mark a bit although I’m happy with my purchases so far. Time will tell...
Just got a deal off the snap on truck for the flank drive plus set for $120 with tax. Set was missing 16mm,18mm,and 19mm but I don’t use those much in the shop. 10mm through 15mm and a 17mm
Snapon spanners are spot on. Use to have mac knuckle. The steel was too soft and the chrome came off. Not one of my Snapon have failed.
Try Mac RBT wrench shown to Torque Test Channel
I have some 1990 SnapOn flank drive wrenches and some new Williams Super Torque wrenches . I also have two sets of 1980 and 1990 Mac long pattern combination wrenches. They all do a great job and I love them,
Most of my tools are Blue Point with some Snap On. I have stood by Snap On and Blue Point and Im an apprentice at a Chrysler dealer. I picked up a set of SAE Icon Anti Slip wrenches since I could afford it and felt like it was a decent set for someone starting out under flat rate techs. I'm always looking for what else I can get that I know Ill put to use and what brand like Mac, Snap On, Cornwell or Gearwrench have a good deal I can invest towards.
Tekton proto Capri sk tools wright tools Williams tools 🔥
Used my new flank drive snap on yesterday on an adjustment rod on my mower. That thing gripped like ive never experienced. it did mark the head of the adjustment nut. Not sure how I feel about that yet. But it did grip like crazy. Was really tight.
Looks like a really good and fair test. It also seems to be a good test because you can actually see a big difference in the performance of the two tools (or in this case three tools). Thanks for sharing the video and cheers.
I do like the harbor freight impact sockets, and the Daytona floor jacks.
I became a Snap On guy when a 3/4 impact wouldn't loosen a bolt. We ended up using a hex driver socket with a Snap On wrench on it with a 8' long pipe and 2 guys. the shank of the wrench bent, but the box end didn't explode. Try that with most wrenches, the box end will explode.
I have to respect what you said... If you are a professional Automotive technician working every day on different makes and models cars trucks vans Etc the Snap On Tools foreign investment not a purchase I have had flank drive and flank Drive + wrenches for decades now and I must admit once they get a grip on a fastener they will not let go
If I was going into the snap-off-the-bolt-head business, I'd definitely buy the Snap On...
I will just say that I truly appreciate an open end wrench that won't flex, that to me is worth $500
The snap on seemed to flex less under torque than both the icons, snap on for the win!
Another open-ended ratcheting wrench that I've been chewing on in my thoughts has been the Proto set. Unlike the SK; the Proto has the paw switch, and a slight angle (about 15/30 degree). This is a test of true strength of metal workmanship, because if the open-end is weak, it will show with this specific test! Thank you for your dedication and efforts...👍 Fonzie thumbs up!👍
Great example of why you don't use cheap wrenches unless you like dealing with rounded nuts and bolts
i have a set of snap on flank drive but tbh dont use the open end very often
Snap on open end design is the best. I have experienced why snap on open end is the best several times during work.
Snap on is a great tool however icon is a great budget tool but trying to get my snap on dealer to warranty anything is a headache but that's not snapons fault
I think these style of wrenches is perfect for the construction industry. Wouldn't use on any finish work though because they do marr the fattener
Ive been using Napa Carlyle sockets for about 6 years now. Havent had one break or fail yet. My 3/8s deep 12 point metric sockets are a little worn but ive been abusing them since i got them. Just hearing that the ICON wrenches and sockets aren't that good is keeping me away from them.
Wow that Icon wrench has nothing on the snap on flank drive plus. You can see how the open end spread and then rounded the bolt. I'm sticking with Snap On after seeing this.
Who wouldn’t stick with snap on? It’s just people like icon because they are 5 times less in price
Snapon hand tools are one of the best
Snap on for professional mechanics using their wrenches every day year round icon for weekend warriors
@Giorgio Mumda I run a small auto shop and I love snap on but just cust way touch I have a few different brands of tools and if I brake one I get a new one some of my tools I have had over 25 years and still use them every day
Well you're an idiot for using an open end to break free a bolt so yeah go ahead and waste your money.
I was going to give the icon brand a chance but I wanted to wait till reviews came out of them being used and how they would hold up. Soo far the hype was just that, ratchets failed and recalled, the chrome sockets have failed and now the wrenches spreading opening rounding bolts and getting chewed up like their chrome sockets. They look the part but they so far haven’t proved they are on the same level at all. It was all a marketing gimmick. The quote often imitated never duplicated comes to mind. Honesty kinda ironic and a bit funny that snap on’s slogan is “there is a difference” never been more true.
fievel1320 .. ONLY and I mean ONLY trust what (Real) mechanics say.. Ya’ a mechanic that dose it for a living paying there bills do it AND have been doing it for more then a year or 2. Some one like the “Tool Bear” is NOT what you would trust.. NOT A MECHANIC and I’m sure never had been
As a career technician, try the Icon click type torque wrenches. They're honestly amazing. Feels really similar to the Matco click type torque wrenches if I'm honest.
That's what I do too
I’m not a professional tech, but work on my projects and other cars daily. Snap on ratchets and wrenches have saved me so much time that it’s genuinely worth the price. That being said I have some harbor freight tools and some snap on and everything in between depending on use.
I am a Diesel mechanic and I always work on equipment on the farm And I use icon Quite a bit And that's all I just about own is icon tools
Wow, thank you, this is the first test that makes sense why snap on is worth the money, assuming you turn a wrench for a living, I would gladly pay 500 not to bust my knuckles a couple times a week. I was at Home Depot today, full set of sae and metric was $60, including stubby- and all had ratcheting box end - the same income would cost a couple hundred. Both life time warranty- husky seems like better deal
full set of wrenchs from snapon is in the thousands not hundreds
@@shawnbarber5356 yeah, no. Whats your definition of full? I have 7mm-25mm about $800 in them. SAE set 5/16 to 1" in XL was $535.
Why kid yourself?
Icon - $99 14pc wrench set
vs
snap-on - $925 14pc wrench set
And? You get what you pay for.
ICON - Made in Taiwan
Snap-on - Made in the USA
ICON - Been around 1 year
Snap-on - Been around 101 years
Taiwan - cheap labor and materials
Snap-on - USA labor and materials
^^^ these are the points that most knuckle draggers don’t consider. Unique metallurgy, precise heat treatment, annealing, hardening the surface, paying an American worker 100x the wages, benifits, retirement, etc. Time is money. Heat treatment and annealing is money. The end product is of no comparison to Asian products that skip all of the above. Sure, I own and use Icon/Pittsburgh on my cars in my driveway, but I have Proto and Wright in the box at work to back me up. And as one person said above. While using HF tools I put money in savings and shop online for the USAG clones of Mac RBRT, etc. just as you have shown us in your other videos. It’s not just what you think is a good or fair price, it’s in fact Snapon is better, no matter what a knuckle dragger thinks or feels. :-)
I hadn't noticed before that the Icon ratcheting non-slip open end is far different than on the non-ratcheting ones. Hmmmm.
I mostly agree with what you're saying, but... I worked as a Harley mechanic for 6 year professionally and many of my standard wrenches were Craftsman and I never rounded a bolt. Would I buy harbor freight - well, probably not. I did (well do) have some Snap On stuff because the truck came buy and there were things that I needed.
Old craftsman or new (2012-up) craftsman? Craftsman up til around 2012 were made in US, now they're made in china. Old craftsman are just as good as strap-on. I have some craftsman i just bought brand new for work and the jaws of the open end are extremely chewy...meanwhile I still use my dad's craftsman wrenches he bought 40 years ago with 0 issues.
Craftsman is and was no where near Snap-on in quality.
@@MrSubaru1387 That was not really what I was trying to say. Only that as a starting off mechanic, the Craftsman set I had did well enough that I didn't ruin things when using those tools (I was thinking primarily of wrenches).
LOL thank you, I was considering buying these until watching this.
I posted about the soft metal on some chromed ICON sockets and got BLASTED over on the FACEBOOK ICON site.
Lots of KOOLAID flowing over there.
These were specifically advertised as just as good as "tool truck" (Snapon) tools.
They simply arent.
No one would make that comparison if Harbor Freight hadn't........
These aren't even CRAFTSMAN good.
Looks like a craftsman (aka knuckle buster)!
Hobby wrenches for the most part. Not everyone can afford Snapon that’s why the market is there.
Then Harbor Freight shouldn't advertise these as being an equal quality item.
@@eddwiggins4383 exactly. I hate that they compare everything to snap-on. They aren't fooling anyone... including the people who actually buy them. Are they a decent wrench for the money. Sure. But don't go comparing them to the top of the line.
I really appreciate that demo… that Icon looks sketchy haha, looks like I’ll be waiting for a deal on the MAC RBRT set
Like, most people will show or say “does it do it”, but this really showed the strain and stress it took to keep the icon seated on the bolt and the play vs how easy and seamless the process was with the snappy.
What makes this a little bit worse, is the fact that a class eight metric bolt is not a grade 8 strength fastener. Class eight is equivalent to a grade 5 Imperial cap screw. I’m very surprised they grade 5 fastener (class 8 metric) deformed the icon wrench.
A previous commentor made mention that the anti-slip grip on the ratcheting wrench did perform better, and I definitely agree. I’m very curious just how strong do you ratcheting box and of the icon really is. The snap on you compared it to his obviously far above and beyond superior. But at what cost? I will have to go through your prior videos to see if you’ve covered this.
Thank you for the video and product testing. This was indeed a very needed video in comparison.
I covered the cost of each at the end of the video. Unless I cut it in the edit. Lol
Holy shit I am so glad I bought flank drives
Great video and demonstration. First observation is you are using new hardware. While that is good for testing as it keeps a constant, in the rust belt here, nothing looks like that which makes me question if those flank plus designs depend on a perfect fitting hex head. I agree that the issue is the hardness of the wrench. Cheap wrenches are cheap, and that comes from a person who cannot afford Snap-On tools unless it is some specialty item I cannot get elsewhere. Most all my wrenches are the older USA made Craftsman from the early 90s. While I do like them, I have deformed the wrench on some, but it is not very common. As a DIYer myself, I would not buy ICON tools. The problem with lower quality tools, even for the DIYer, is the tendancy to round a fastener. That creates a bigger problem that is even harder for the DIYer. While it is true that a broken tool can get replaced as often as needed, you still have the resulting damage to what you are working on that the tool warranty will not help with.
It looks like the icon combination wrench is just thinner, thus the opening jaws. The ratcheting wrench did better because it's thicker.
Check out Wright grip 2.0's compare those with both ICON and Snap-On.
I sold all my snap on wrenches after I got on that gearwrench hype train… Huge mistake, from years of having no issues, to all of a sudden rounded bolts and hours and hours extra work, I’ll stick with snap on for wrenches
I'd like to see a Milwaukiee tool strength test that would be interesting but just Milwaukee there's no need to test anything else
Agreed, I would love to see that too
@@shawn7913I hope soon because I'm buying some
The Milwaukee wrench set is made by the same manufacturer as Icon. They also make the wrenches for Carlyle and Channellock.
A soft wrench just isn't acceptable. Even IF you had to warranty the snap on just as often, you can't get harbor freight to come to you.
Hmmmmmmmm. Looks as if the “Tool Bear” and others AGAIN are Wrong. NEVER trust anyone that don’t do it for a living!! You know a (Pro).
That "tool bear" is a HUGE JOKE! I don't see him as the working flat rate for 8-12hr days. 😂 😂 😂
I wonder what Icon pays him and what kind of idiots watch him and believe in his content. Tool bear or just a bear that is a tool?
nobody believes the fool bear and his den of lies bro 😂😂
neville pretorius id go half w you to see that one.
That guy loves to trash videos like these. Not at all understanding this is a “real world” test. Why would he? If you gave that guy a box full of snap on tools he still couldn’t make book time on a battery swap.
My dealer used half inch bar stock for this demonstration. Sold me on the wrenches cause I used my current wrenches and they were not as good snapon gripped the same spot mine slipped and stripped
Snap on is an amazing strong tool. But look at what you pay for either. That is what it comes down to.
Flank drive for the win! Thanks for the demo, you just saved me $100 I already have flank drive metric wrench set so I guess it's a snap on SAE set to replace my craps man SAE professionals
Of course the Snap on won, better tool. However the icon whole set cost less than one Snap on wrench, and after destroying the icon you can go to the local HF store and replace it, no questions asked. The Snap on you have to wait a month for the new one to arrive if they even would replace it because of abuse. So in my opinion I love the Snap on wrenches and I am impressed by the much cheaper icons as well, and I would have no issues having both of them in my wrench drawer.
Eric Brott obviously you don’t work flats rate lol even new they bend open, this is a huge issue in the Midwest with seized bolts
i prefer just regular flank drive, i have the ratcheting wrenches in flank drive plus and they have a tendency to want to “stick” to the fastener after really wrenching on it
That's what they're designed to do.
Knew this would happen soon as you placed the wrench on the bolt. There is too much play in between.
Lol i have 1 16mm snap on wrench, i might buy more if needed!
So what you are saying is, the snapon is the way to go for breaking bolts?
Jkjk
Thanks!
lol snap on ftw!! newer follower here, good videos and no bias because you used to work for snap on.. i watched your milwaukee video and it was awesome!!!
The Icon head appears to flex open when pushed to the max. The Snap-On appears to not flex open.
the Bolt you are using is a Class 8.8 grade which is equivalent to a SAE grade 5 Class 10.9 is equal to SAE grade 8
Can you use a torque wrench to determine the force necessary to shear the head off like that?
AvE built a rig for that kind of thing.
I use Pittsburgh and when I get into a situation like this I use the box end, but I’m weird.
The wrench size is different if u know tools u know the difference it's a scam just buy snap on
Glad I bought the snapon
On the Icon wrench you can see the jaw spreading open.
I thought I was seeing that, too.
Yup. Definitely could see the spread.
Came here to comment on that non-ratcheting icon flex too. I’ve been using a mix of standard snap on wrenches and harbor junk wrenches for a while and I will definitely stick with my old snap ons wrenches for difficult bolts.
I've watched that with Craftsman and other wrenches working on PTO flanges another stuff.
Too bad you didn't mic the jaws before and after for comparison.
Have you tried the tekton wrenches
Maybe its just me. I always spin the nut off first, & go for the box end. Open end is for holding. Not spinning..
Really Comparing a $600 set wrench to a $70 Set !!!!
These were hype from all the reviews I've seen. I had high hopes too. But the fact remains the reason Snap On is uber expensive is they are meant to make money for mechanics, they HAVE to work and be super durable (even then they are overpriced). HF bit off more than they can chew - they thought they'd get some major $$$ by claiming it to be "just as good as Snapon", but they probably didn't count on people comparing them - but I told everyone and all the fanboys that the steel won't compare - The tools will wear out quick but of course I was silenced, and now everyone is seeing exactly what I said - and what the reviewers like this gentlemen is showing. Like one commenter said too "Often imitated but never duplicated". :-D
Have fun paying off that tool box for the next 5 years
I would love to see this test with the Napa Carlyle Metric 12 Point Long Non-Slip Combination Wrench Set? Have you used any of the carlye wrenches?
That's weird. I've had less issues with HF's lower tiers of wrenches.
Snap-on is the winner in my book
Although the ratchet wrench works well
Good review. Thank you . Would like to see the snap on vs Milwaukee wrenche battle.
What tool would you use for a Subaru Sti plastic Speedo sensor 17mm on the gearbox. I have used a normal smooth open wrench just slips. What would you recommend?
Knipex pliers-wrench. I’ve used them successfully on that exact application
I’m going to start a Go Fund Me to start an organization against the needless abuse of fasteners in these films . I mean these critters go though so much abuse and no one cares. I’m only joking! 😂
The Snap-on and ICON have advantages and disadvantages. The proper person will buy the proper one. A mechanic friend of mine has wrenched for 12 years. He doesn’t care about brand name for his tools. I’ve seen his tools box and there is a smattering of tools from Pittsburgh to Matco to Craftsman to Kobalt to Snap-on. He cares more about fixing the car correctly.
Donald Hollums Save The Bolt Heads - Bolt Heads Matter!
I don't like wrenches that spread open under pressure, that alone is a deal breaker for me.
I wish you had the SK X-Frame Ratcheting sets to test their open-ended side strength! This would be awesome... I've been thinking about these for a while now! 👍
The problem with the X frame is the lack of a 15 deg offset on the box end.
Scott Carlon I agree but they come in handy working on Cummins ISXs to remove pulleys when you need a 0 degree offset and can’t move the wrench more than an 8th of an inch
Just bought my set of flank drive plus after spreading my gearwrench out too many times 10,12,14 really hard to be proud of your work when you ruin a fastener. Or multiple ones. They cost alot but whatever.
Thanks. Proves that Ol snappy will last till the end of time. Can't wait to get more snap on wrenchs.
NASA use $5,000 wrenches that are supposed to be better than snap on.
Excellent video! As a home "mechanic" changing oil etc, I should be ok with Icon...but my BEST investment would be a Snap On Torque Wrench like the one you have.
Gearwrench has some nice and affordable torque wrenches. HF isn't the only player on the field. Lol I'd honestly recommend the non Anti-slip Grip ICON wrenches over the Anti-slip Grip. They have a curve rather than a V throat. Makes them less likely to spread open and round a fastener.
@@MrSubaru1387 thank you!!
I’ve have had my snap on wrenches for 20 years. I still use them every day. Why, b/c they just work.
I just ordered the wera joker switch set , but hard to find.
Looking at them myself. Interesting concept.
You can actually see the open end spreading apart enough to slip...
I don’t know too many mechanics that use the open end to torque down a bolt or nut super tight but still a good test to know
What is your opinion on Tekton vs Icon? Also what Torx type tools do you recommend owning for maintenance services on 2016 Crosstrek?
Personally using both Pittsburgh and tekton wrenches in alignments tektons are superior. They slip much less.
Well i guess thats why snap-on is about 300$ a set compared to icon for 99$. Snap-on is a bit overpriced but you get what you pay for here.
I got my prices from harbor freights website and ebay for snap on.
Idk abou you but id buy the snap on set, why buy crappy wrenches ?
Nothing worse than a crappy wrench!
The vice needs some Love, tighten the jaws and the vice down with the spanners.... :-)
Lol i heard m12, was thinking something Milwaukee tool lmao 😂
Those icons are super soft just like the matcos. They marred up the heads and rounded the one because the jaws spread open when torque is applied. I love it when people try to tell me I’m wasting my money on “overpriced” tools but when you use these tools everyday in a professional capacity you find out real quick what quality and what’s shit. Those backyard mechanics can have their budget icon wrenches 😂
I saw those Icon tools the other day at HF, I gotta say they look very nice!
They’re doing so good they’re even at SEMA this year.
Seems they aren't performing as well as they look..
MrSubaru1387 notice I say “look” lol
It’s all about the steel used to make them
I’m curious what reason was for specifically selecting 19mm for this test
Because it shows up bigger than a 10mm. What kinda question is that? lol
@@MrSubaru1387 lol that’s fair enough. Wasn’t sure if there was some underlying thing about strength in the larger size is all.
Not really shocking the overpriced vintage Duralast rebadges aren’t as good as Snap-on
Snap on all the way
I bought the Milwaukee wrench set that has the exact same open end wrench design. Are those better quality? I have a set of bluepoint wrenches that I despise because of how even with a small amount of force.. they slip! The Snap On truck wanted $380 for the anti slip model. Which is INSANE. Instead, I went with the Milwaukee set. I haven't used them much but I hope they are of better quality than the Icon stuff because I almost bought that set.
Blue-Point is Chinese/Taiwanese junk for the most part. No surprise that they weren't any good. The Snap-on Flank Drive Plus is the real deal. Milwaukee, ICON, and Carlyle look to be all made by the same manufacturer.
@@MrSubaru1387 I know bluepoint is Snap On's "budget" AKA trash tools. I just couldn't afford the real Snap On wrenches. All I can say is that Milwaukee's wrenches look different from the Carlyle, Icon, channellock etc. If you look at the Milwaukee wrenches, you will notice the I beam design built into every wrench. Plus, they are much wider than the competitions and a bit shorter. That's why I decided on buying those over the rest. The rest of the market uses wrenches that are IDENTICAL in design and that's always a bad sign of generic or low quality products.
EJK k their body design is different but they are made by the same manufacturer, Infar, in Taiwan. The Milwaukee’s might be better though. The same manufacturer can make the same tool at different qualities based on what the seller wants. Milwaukee might spec a better heat treat or steel
I'm sorry but I'm not going to get icon yes they was brand new bolts but that was the best way to test them