My Icons have took a beating in my home garage, I've rebuilt several engines with them and their sockets and they have stood up well!!! Thanks Chris!!!!
I must say. The new designs made me purchase some Icon for the first time. The other reason, is the solid results from Chris. When you see tools have a failure point in the same range as Snap On but you can own 3 instead of 1, theyre worth buying
In clientgraphics previous multi brand ratchet test video, the Snap-On fixed head got a clean anvil shear off at 292.9FtLbs. As well as the Tekton at 292.9FtLbs. however the Tekton did start the deform right before it failed. And now the revised ICON had received a very similar clean anvil shear off at 290.6FtLbs. Without any other visible damage or deformations.
To honestly I’m impressed. At 150 foot pounds I would already be reaching for the 1/2 drive breaker bar. To be well over 200 before breakage is more than suitable for a 3/8 drive
I've been using Icon for almost 2 years at work, and has worked very well for me, as well as other Harbor Freight tools. Honestly, I have warranted a Pittsburg flex head ratchet because the pivot came loose and fell out. I won't say that Icon , and Pittsburg are as good as the tool truck brands, but they seem to hold up good, and don't break like people think or claim.
@Keter as a new mechanic, you can't go wrong with Harbor Freight. It will take you a fraction of the time, and money to aquire the tools you need. 98% off my tools are Icon, or another Harbor Freight brand, and they make me the same money as the others, and I own all my tools.
Own ours for a year or 2 now. Icon ratchets and sockets etc. And we use them in our junkyard on rusted bolts and cheater bars and using them ways youre not suppose too. But they have impressed us so much that we are switching from snap on and cornwell to icon
I have been using mine everyday at the dealership since the Gen 2 came out it is hands down the best ratchet I own I use the long handle flex head comfort grip daily. Also have the standard ratchets the gen 2 are phenomenal
Glad to see them Icon flex ratchets are back. I'm definitely getting one for work and home. For the money you spend on their tools with lifetime warranty, I have to say it's worth it.
@@gabehorn5079 Snap On is good but I will not pay for overpriced tools again.. You will not be able to buy as much new from the tool truck. You'll have to do some searching around for used Snap On tools that can still be covered under lifetime warranty.. Were not here to say who's going to overthrow Snap On.. If you can get a tool that is cheaper with still good quality that'll do the job and last like Snap On, it's worth spending less money instead of chunking thousands out the window.
I brought one a couple of months ago and did a swap on it, but not before I took it apart and kept the washer that goes in-between the head and the cover of the drive head. It has far less play in the mechanism now and doesn't slip nearly as easy as it did before adding the one I took from the 1st rachet I took back. If they fix that issue it's a really nice tool but luckily I know how to fix stuff like that and understand the mechanism of it.
I did notice that it didn’t have that. Thanks for mentioning it as I feel like the fixed head ones all had that in them and my flex head one tested did not.
I love the Icon ratchets and the sockets. I have several of their sets, and bought the ratcheting wrench set. They're all fantastic so far. That was an impressive test!
I love my 3/8dr and 1/4dr Icon ratchets teamed with the Pittsburgh Pro sockets. There my go to tools. Not a huge fan if the comfort grip Pittsburgh pro ratchets but the ICON ratchets are amazing and feel really good in hand and use.
Hello again Chris and Mrs. CG Thank you for another Great Video. You might want to rethink how you are testing the ratchets. Watching them fly is a safety issue waiting to happen. I don't want to see you get hurt while testing. Thank you again
Now try out the 3/8” LP90 flex head sk ratchet, has all the same issues as the older Icon ratchet plus sloppy floppy flex head motion. I’ve had 2 garbage ones and their online reviews reflect on it too.
Icon is great for everyone that doesn’t make money for a living with tools. I gave the 1/2” flex head a fair shake and it held up to 2.5 months in a diesel shop.
He's finally back! Glad to see there was a reason you've been gone so long.......been getting your 'Mad Scientist' on! LoL! Nice Machine! Keep 'em comin'! 🔨👍😁👍🔧
Is there a different sku/revision number or did they just use the same model number and just switch out the heads. Just picked one up yesterday I’m sure it would be the updated one since there was only one left in stock
Very nice testing you've done there. But the way the test rig is set up, the ratchet is supported right next to its head (not from the beginning, but when it flexes under stress), making it practically impossible to break the flex joint or bend the handle. The support should be only where a human hand would usually hold it, giving it a chance to break in any other spot, than the ratcheting mechanism. Of course it could be discussed that a human hand will never deliver such a high amount of torque. But even when using a pipe for leverage, you can not always guarantee that the pipe is slid up right to the head. What do you think?
What are people's thoughts on comfort grip vs non? Seems like I've heard most people like the non, and want to try out each of the long handled 1/2 and 3/8. Any advice from someone with experience would be much appreciated!
When you're dealing with fasteners all day. Comfort grip on the ratchet is well worth it. Less discomfort on the hands. Plus increased grip age when slippery fluids gets between your hands and the surface of the handle.
@@ZetaN7 Thanks, have you used the icon grip specifically? I've heard its a somewhat harder plastic grip. I could see that a larger handle is really nice for torquing stuff, but might not fit some places as well and can't put a pipe over the end either.
Depends on the day tbh. If my hands aren’t feeling good, I’ll have a comfort grip all day long otherwise my hands will go numb by lunch. If it’s a warm day and I feel good, I use whatever I want. I’m 25, just spent 5 years in the army and well my hands didn’t hold up the greatest. My knees are great tho, somehow.
Just saying, I found a 3/8 comfort grip Icon ratchet at my shop and I’ve been beating the hell out of it trying to get it to break so I can warranty it and get a new one. Damn thing won’t break!! I did take it apart, clean it and oil it and that kept it from binding at all. It’s honestly kind of disturbing that a Taiwanese made ratchet is this good.
I just my first tool set for 29.99 it's normally 39.99 but it was on sale for 29.99 and every thing has a life time warranty and yes most of the tools suck but so far nothing has broke and I take care of my stuff so it should last but if something breaks how do I get it replaced?
If it’s the PITTSBURGH Tool Kit With Case, 130 Pc and has a lifetime warranty you simply take it back to the store. They either swap you from the part from an existing set if I recall correctly. If they don’t have any in stock you have to wait.
Watching dozens of these videos has made me never consider any lower tooth ratchets. It’s very clear the anvil is the failure point and there’s just absolutely no need for low tooth counts on ratchets. I have broken ratchet gears before, but I’m confident it was due to defects and not design.
Ratchets have their serviceable torque limits for each size. The tests prove they all will do normal manual hand torque loads easily. Breakers are for that, breaking loose if its tight. Stick to the normal hand torque loads (say 20 on a 1/4, 100 on a 3/8, 180-200 on a 1/2) and don't use cheater pipes on most high end ratchets, you'll never break them. Get the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" Extendable ratchet. Awesome tool and the only 1/2" I use now. Suspension bolts and lug nuts..its a great tool! th-cam.com/video/P9f2FvPwZAs/w-d-xo.html
It cracks me up how much hate their is from some regarding ICON. I own a lot of expensive tools and I’ve been impressed with ICONS line. Very comparable to TEKTON. Taiwan produces some great tools!
Made it to 287FtLbs. After that it really was starting to yield. So technically that was the failure point. Lol. it’s 95% of the muscle, at 1/4 - 1/3 the cost. 👏🏻
I feel if the ratchet wasn’t resting on where the flex head was and had the force more on the handle it would have experienced more play in the flex head after the test
The yoke flex portion never bottomed out. The force was still on the handle as there was definitely always a gap and that was definitely something I reviewed in the video. I have contemplated cutting that edge back on a 45 degree angle both before and after the fact.
Chris, your channel really should have more subscribers and more views. I suspect the channel name just doesn’t draw the attention and interest that reflects what you do here. At least, that’s my guess about one factor that may be limiting your reach.
If harbor freight wasn't so far I'd buy more, I would totally get one of these over my complete Mac set I'm in debt for. Cheap box expensive tools 🤷 doesn't work exactly the way you'd think
My Icons have took a beating in
my home garage, I've rebuilt several
engines with them and their sockets
and they have stood up well!!!
Thanks Chris!!!!
Same here. I bought them just for side work. They are working great for over a year and a half
All good stuff to hear that it’s meeting expectations. I can say that everything ICON for me has worked within its reasonable limits.
Have took?
I must say. The new designs made me purchase some Icon for the first time. The other reason, is the solid results from Chris.
When you see tools have a failure point in the same range as Snap On but you can own 3 instead of 1, theyre worth buying
In clientgraphics previous multi brand ratchet test video, the Snap-On fixed head got a clean anvil shear off at 292.9FtLbs. As well as the Tekton at 292.9FtLbs. however the Tekton did start the deform right before it failed. And now the revised ICON had received a very similar clean anvil shear off at 290.6FtLbs. Without any other visible damage or deformations.
You just answered my question without having to look for the answer. Thanks!
This is a very clean and clear scientific approach to testing these ratchets straight props Chris!
Thanks Ed appreciate the support.
To honestly I’m impressed. At 150 foot pounds I would already be reaching for the 1/2 drive breaker bar. To be well over 200 before breakage is more than suitable for a 3/8 drive
My ICON has held up great so far, as well as my GearWrench ratchet, which actually broke a 19mm Snap On chrome socket yesterday. 😳
I've been using Icon for almost 2 years at work, and has worked very well for me, as well as other Harbor Freight tools. Honestly, I have warranted a Pittsburg flex head ratchet because the pivot came loose and fell out. I won't say that Icon , and Pittsburg are as good as the tool truck brands, but they seem to hold up good, and don't break like people think or claim.
Icon are a minimum 98% as good as the tool truck brands, and for 1/5th the cost. Which one to buy is a no brainer.
@Keter as a new mechanic, you can't go wrong with Harbor Freight. It will take you a fraction of the time, and money to aquire the tools you need. 98% off my tools are Icon, or another Harbor Freight brand, and they make me the same money as the others, and I own all my tools.
Own ours for a year or 2 now. Icon ratchets and sockets etc. And we use them in our junkyard on rusted bolts and cheater bars and using them ways youre not suppose too. But they have impressed us so much that we are switching from snap on and cornwell to icon
I have been using mine everyday at the dealership since the Gen 2 came out it is hands down the best ratchet I own I use the long handle flex head comfort grip daily. Also have the standard ratchets the gen 2 are phenomenal
I purchased the new ⅜ flex head long handle comfort grip and I think it's my new fav ⅜ ratchet.
Glad to see them Icon flex ratchets are back. I'm definitely getting one for work and home. For the money you spend on their tools with lifetime warranty, I have to say it's worth it.
I can say this have it love it abuse the out of it just for fun and ya it works awesome broke plenty of hatch studs with it on a ship 😂
They still don't compare to snap on ratchets
With ratchets and impact universals I only buy snapon
@@gabehorn5079 on no we have a snap on fan boy here everyone run
@@gabehorn5079 Snap On is good but I will not pay for overpriced tools again.. You will not be able to buy as much new from the tool truck. You'll have to do some searching around for used Snap On tools that can still be covered under lifetime warranty.. Were not here to say who's going to overthrow Snap On.. If you can get a tool that is cheaper with still good quality that'll do the job and last like Snap On, it's worth spending less money instead of chunking thousands out the window.
Chris your video is so well made. What an excellent video.
Chris, this new method is great. 👍 So many possibilities. Great video. I look forward to seeing other brands as well.
I brought one a couple of months ago and did a swap on it, but not before I took it apart and kept the washer that goes in-between the head and the cover of the drive head. It has far less play in the mechanism now and doesn't slip nearly as easy as it did before adding the one I took from the 1st rachet I took back. If they fix that issue it's a really nice tool but luckily I know how to fix stuff like that and understand the mechanism of it.
I did notice that it didn’t have that. Thanks for mentioning it as I feel like the fixed head ones all had that in them and my flex head one tested did not.
I love the Icon ratchets and the sockets. I have several of their sets, and bought the ratcheting wrench set. They're all fantastic so far. That was an impressive test!
I have 7 Icon ratchets at work, and I enjoy using them. One broke very shortly after I got it, but since it's replacement, daily use, it's great.
Your machine works pretty good. Get pretty accurate reading on breaking point, that's awesome.
I love my 3/8dr and 1/4dr Icon ratchets teamed with the Pittsburgh Pro sockets. There my go to tools. Not a huge fan if the comfort grip Pittsburgh pro ratchets but the ICON ratchets are amazing and feel really good in hand and use.
I called Harbor Freight yesterday. They said the vouchers will be e mailed to everyone that had one of those ratchets in 7 to 10 days.
They told me the same thing via email a month ago, and still no voucher.
Nice setup, Chris. Looks a lot safer than what you were doing before. There were times when watching, I feared for your safety.
Like that new testing set up.
Appreciate it. It’s a unique one of a kind type of builds.
That was my first time seeing the new setup. ITs GREAT! And seems like icon I doing great 👍
As always your approach gets better and better. Love the new beast tester.
My Icon impact sockets have held up well with lots of use over the year
Love your videos miss your videos I hope you and your family are doing very well God-bless
Hello again Chris and Mrs. CG
Thank you for another Great Video. You might want to rethink how you are testing the ratchets. Watching them fly is a safety issue waiting to happen. I don't want to see you get hurt while testing. Thank you again
I haven't watched you in awhile but holy crap. You definitely upgraded on your torture test equipment.
I love the new testing bench Great job and keep up the good work.
I bought one when they first came out and it would lock up. Returned it, and bought one after the rerelease and no issues so far
Now try out the 3/8” LP90 flex head sk ratchet, has all the same issues as the older Icon ratchet plus sloppy floppy flex head motion. I’ve had 2 garbage ones and their online reviews reflect on it too.
Great review 👍
Thanks for watching and commenting. Appreciate the support
Your back with a vengeance! 👍🏼
Great job on this video chris !
Icon is great for everyone that doesn’t make money for a living with tools. I gave the 1/2” flex head a fair shake and it held up to 2.5 months in a diesel shop.
In my experience the icon ratchets are excellent and will take a ton of abuse as long as you properly grease and service them
I’ve seen techs break snap on and Matco as well. It really depends on the tech and how the tool is used as well
Great video! Awesome test rig!👍🏻👍🏻
Been waiting for this! I made a video of this few weeks ago, dont know if I could torture test mine though!!
He's finally back! Glad to see there was a reason you've been gone so long.......been getting your 'Mad Scientist' on! LoL! Nice Machine! Keep 'em comin'! 🔨👍😁👍🔧
The builds definitely took longer than I wanted, but that didn’t stop me from getting new tools!
Sweet test bench!
Hi, what brand of professional tools would I recommend
Love the new set-up!
That’s much better!! I just might get it now.
Hi I'm a young mechanic from Kazakhstan I would recommend this brand of tools snap on, matco, mac, tekton, husky, Milwaukee
Is there a different sku/revision number or did they just use the same model number and just switch out the heads. Just picked one up yesterday I’m sure it would be the updated one since there was only one left in stock
Very cool video like the new rig thats fancy!!!
Great video Chris👍
Man where have you been? Nice video BTW!
Very nice testing you've done there. But the way the test rig is set up, the ratchet is supported right next to its head (not from the beginning, but when it flexes under stress), making it practically impossible to break the flex joint or bend the handle. The support should be only where a human hand would usually hold it, giving it a chance to break in any other spot, than the ratcheting mechanism. Of course it could be discussed that a human hand will never deliver such a high amount of torque. But even when using a pipe for leverage, you can not always guarantee that the pipe is slid up right to the head. What do you think?
So I saw some ratcheting breaker bar at my harbor frights. I'd like to see you put one on your new tool tester
I always seen icon and passed on it but now after doing some more serious work ive gotten certain things in icon.
You should do a test on who makes the best universal sockets
What are people's thoughts on comfort grip vs non? Seems like I've heard most people like the non, and want to try out each of the long handled 1/2 and 3/8. Any advice from someone with experience would be much appreciated!
When you're dealing with fasteners all day. Comfort grip on the ratchet is well worth it. Less discomfort on the hands. Plus increased grip age when slippery fluids gets between your hands and the surface of the handle.
@@ZetaN7 Thanks, have you used the icon grip specifically? I've heard its a somewhat harder plastic grip. I could see that a larger handle is really nice for torquing stuff, but might not fit some places as well and can't put a pipe over the end either.
@@mwartist It's about the same as a Pittsburgh comfort handle. The rest of the material metal wise is better.
Depends on the day tbh. If my hands aren’t feeling good, I’ll have a comfort grip all day long otherwise my hands will go numb by lunch. If it’s a warm day and I feel good, I use whatever I want.
I’m 25, just spent 5 years in the army and well my hands didn’t hold up the greatest. My knees are great tho, somehow.
What would y'all say about husky versus icon?
Just saying, I found a 3/8 comfort grip Icon ratchet at my shop and I’ve been beating the hell out of it trying to get it to break so I can warranty it and get a new one. Damn thing won’t break!!
I did take it apart, clean it and oil it and that kept it from binding at all. It’s honestly kind of disturbing that a Taiwanese made ratchet is this good.
I have the 2019 but never knew about the recall
I was surprised that it was still moving on the flex axis, that's alot of torque on one bolt.
Wow new content 👍👍🍻
Definitely upped the game! Thanks for noticing
@@ClientGraphics trying to decide if I'm more impressed with your cool setup...or that HF actually managed to re-release this after taking forever 🤣
I’m okay with both. It did take me awhile to get all my stuff setup and ready to go but I’m a one person shop on somewhat of a budget.
@@ClientGraphics very awesome rig, that's for sure 👍🍻
My sk x frame ratcheting wrench is probably 0 inch ounces. Things are like butter.
I just my first tool set for 29.99 it's normally 39.99 but it was on sale for 29.99 and every thing has a life time warranty and yes most of the tools suck but so far nothing has broke and I take care of my stuff so it should last but if something breaks how do I get it replaced?
If it’s the PITTSBURGH Tool Kit With Case, 130 Pc and has a lifetime warranty you simply take it back to the store. They either swap you from the part from an existing set if I recall correctly. If they don’t have any in stock you have to wait.
Yo Chris!
Yo yO Amos
Watching dozens of these videos has made me never consider any lower tooth ratchets. It’s very clear the anvil is the failure point and there’s just absolutely no need for low tooth counts on ratchets. I have broken ratchet gears before, but I’m confident it was due to defects and not design.
Ratchets have their serviceable torque limits for each size. The tests prove they all will do normal manual hand torque loads easily. Breakers are for that, breaking loose if its tight. Stick to the normal hand torque loads (say 20 on a 1/4, 100 on a 3/8, 180-200 on a 1/2) and don't use cheater pipes on most high end ratchets, you'll never break them. Get the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" Extendable ratchet. Awesome tool and the only 1/2" I use now. Suspension bolts and lug nuts..its a great tool! th-cam.com/video/P9f2FvPwZAs/w-d-xo.html
It cracks me up how much hate their is from some regarding ICON. I own a lot of expensive tools and I’ve been impressed with ICONS line. Very comparable to TEKTON. Taiwan produces some great tools!
Have not received my vouchers yet.
Haha ! It sure aint the 1st time you have pushed a broken square drive out of a socket! !
And it won’t be the last time, Hahah😄
I have been emailing Harbor Freight customer service about a voucher and a week in and no luck
Inch ounces…. That’s a new one. Never heard of that measure before
Made it to 287FtLbs. After that it really was starting to yield. So technically that was the failure point.
Lol. it’s 95% of the muscle, at 1/4 - 1/3 the cost. 👏🏻
Im a icon and gearwrench fan.
I feel if the ratchet wasn’t resting on where the flex head was and had the force more on the handle it would have experienced more play in the flex head after the test
The yoke flex portion never bottomed out. The force was still on the handle as there was definitely always a gap and that was definitely something I reviewed in the video. I have contemplated cutting that edge back on a 45 degree angle both before and after the fact.
Need a lock on em
"when the new ones become available"
So, what do I use in the meantime ? I have work to do N O W !
I know for a fact after these tests he definitely brought it back to harbor freight and returned it.
I am still waiting on HF to send me my free ratchet coupon as promised. I think Eric forgot his promise.
Chris, your channel really should have more subscribers and more views. I suspect the channel name just doesn’t draw the attention and interest that reflects what you do here. At least, that’s my guess about one factor that may be limiting your reach.
The flex head was hitting the steel so I couldn't break there
No they didnt. Mine are locking up and i bought after the recall. Ive cleaned and lubed them. I have a video on it too
If harbor freight wasn't so far I'd buy more, I would totally get one of these over my complete Mac set I'm in debt for. Cheap box expensive tools 🤷 doesn't work exactly the way you'd think
No I had one, and I hated it. I returned it to the store
Too much hocus pokus with H F.
Coupons, Inside Track Club, coupons don't apply to some items, sale price, etc.
Out of stock,, ......... !
Why are you still shopping at harbor freight?
Because the tool trucks are asking to get F#cked
Do you have the part numbers for both?