Lots of respect gained here Justin.

The Icon 1/4” sells for under $25. Not intended for mechanical drivers. Warranted at the store . Don’t have to chase the rep.

that is fair. They always say "compare to snap on this"....well, there ya go. Actually compared. i really liked this review as i have been on the fence on these sockets as i have been looking for some 1/4 inch stuff

I commend your honesty with your review and also u told the people you got the sockets for free from Harbor Freight. Unlike the guy in Las Vegas who got tens of thousand dollars worth of tools and cabinets from Harbor Freight for free and tried to say the ratchets locking up is a small problem

For nice sockets on the cheap, look for Craftsman with a date code of G2 or 3 etc they are flank drive clones.

Sticking with Husky stuff. I just used a 36 mm autozone 12 point socket to take off a pinion nut torqued to god knows what. No issues. (You try finding a 36 mm 12 point impact... that fits in short notice.) No issues...

Wow. Great real world analysis. I’m stunned the Icon sockets wore so quickly. It appears the Pittsburgh Pro is still the best value at Harbor Freight.

Justin I always say it like it is I've commented so much we should know one another, snap-on is king, other stuff is good, most of it is for home owners, you are one Hell of a teacher salesman, one day you'll own the first Harbor franchise truck good luck buddy.

Justin I gained a lot of respect for you because if this video, thank you for your honesty. 👍

Good review. Now, let’s stop using standard sockets when impact sockets should be used. Now test the warranty’s of each socket out and see how long and difficult it is to get replacements

I'm guessing HF err'd on the side of soft metalergy rather than risk cracking and shattering sockets under impact use. At the same time HF isn't going to want to waste money on more warranty exchanges than necessary. I bet the next batch of Icon sockets has a better alloy, heat treatment, plating, etc. to bring them in line with the rest of the mid-tier tools. Either way, I'll keep my Snap-On and Cornwell sockets.

THIS is why I buy Snap on. People can bitch and moan about how much it cost but IMO you get what you pay for. And it’s not just Snap on a lot of the truck brands along with some SK stuff just last through day in and day out of professional use. And you said it,anybody that turns a wrench for a living is gonna put chrome on a impact or impact on a ratchet. It’s whatever you have at that moment that’s gettin the job done the fastest. Impact the hell out of my 3/8 snap on chrome for years and have yet to break one.Thank you for the honest review Justin.

Hello Justin Great Video. Thank you for the information. Using a 12 point socket would probably wear out even faster. A lot of aircraft hardware is of the 12 point variety. I guess, I 'll be looking another brand to replace my old craftsman sockets. Again thank you

I’ve been using Husky chrome sockets on my 1/4” & 3/8” impacts for 3 years now, they have help up beautifully👍👍

Thank you for this comparison video! I think ill stick to USA made SK.

The wear on the icon is very similar to a set of Mac tools percision torque 1/4 I have. Soft sockets very disappointed in Mac. I believe I paid $200 for them

I have old us Craftsman 1/4 in my service cart and Pittsburgh backups in my main box. Maybe I'll switch them up and see how they wear.

Dame if that’s only a months wear they sure shouldn’t be compared to snap on hope they figure out the Harding process if not they going to warranting a lot of tools

I don't like the scokets but i like the ratchets.

I respect that your willing to give a truthful showing of tools that you were given for free and comparing them to other ones you've got

Hopefully they look into the metallurgy and improve on the quality of the metal. A couple of mine are showing a little wear mostly been using 15mm and 19mm. That being said this was their first run so I’m holding out hope.

Very informative thank you

I feel duped by Harbor Freight. I purchased every metric Icon socket set in all 3 drive sizes and half of the SAE sets. Now I’m concerned they won’t last and I’m out the money. I doubt Harbor Freight will do anything about it. I didn’t save the receipts either... I’m just going to throw them in a bin and forget about em. Out hundreds of dollars for a bunch of cheap tools. I wanted to give HF a chance because I really thought they were upping their game. Not now, never again.

I have been using the 3/8 drive deep sockets on my electric impact in professional diesel setting and after a month of use they seem to be holding up for me I’ll keep watching see how it go’s

Dang it Icon... still pulling for you!

That was a reallyyy good and useful real world review, thanks justin. guys may talk smack about craftsman, but ive had a snap on 10 mm.wrench spread where craftsman didn't spread

Finally someone else puts out this kind of video everyone said I faked my review. They wore out way to fast.

Great comparison, I've had pitting issues. Hope HF steps up their game!

I purchased the 1/4 metric set to cut down for stuby sockets. I don't use them every day but the hex extends all the way to the ratchet drive making them perfect for the application.

20k subs. You are rockin it man

Been using Pittsburgh pro sockets for years never had an issue. This icon trend is gonna die out as quick as it started.

That’s pitiful performance for the hype on Icon , especially when you can get GearWrench, Tekton and others for the price. You’re using them like every other mechanic , that’s what real mechanics do. Appreciate the review

Next icon recall will soon be out for the sockets at this rate This is the exact reason that harbor freight went the length to get real world testing is to find the faults early on . Honestly I remember when other brands would start new products and have issues as well

Icon are overpriced and aren't holding up very well. I've been abusing the cheap harbor freight sockets for years and they don't look as beat up as icon sockets... Icon are no good Thank You Justin for Everything You Do. And for raising awareness to beast cancer..... take care Bro...

Craftsman is still better than Icon, but still not as good as Snap-On. I was surprised! Thanks!

Gotta say, that Craftsman set you got I purchased as well and its a fine set for a great price. Sure SBD marketing and business is confusing/maddening but the product is just plain good for the price and Lowes is everywhere. The durability of your sockets makes me feel even better about the purchase.

Thanks for the heads up man!

Thanks for saving my money!

Snap On makes better sockets than Icon? I am SHOCKED!

This is why companies that actually manufacture their own tools will always be the best. What good is a snapon look alike that’s made out of cheese? Hf got hosed by some overseas tool slinger they contracted to make these, which sucks, but they still shouldn’t have put them on shelves. That’s unacceptable.

Thank you for this review. One suggestion that I thought of that might make a good addition to your toolbox...The results that you got for the icon sockets may not have been such a surprise if you had tested the hardness at the beginning. A set of Rockwell hardness testing files could add a pretty good additional data point for some of your tool reviews. It is pretty easy (I would think), for a company to copy the look of Snap On (or any other tool) but the material is more difficult to analyze for the typical consumer.

I do agree that you shouldn't use chrome sockets with impact wrenches and that Icon sockets shouldn't be measured on that basis. Also it is not fair to compare Harbor Freight tools to mainstream tools. We all know they are made in China and very low quality. Harbor Freight tools are one level above garbage except their premium brands which are two levels above garbage. We know their tools won't last, but in certain limited use situations buy them for the price. We can get away with that because we aren't professional mechanics like Mr. Dow.

I bought the chrome 3/8 drive socket set from Tekton about 5 years ago I’d say about 90 percent of the time used on my impact. Never had an issue. Knock on wood.

Another Great Video Justin, Your Videos like this one are the very reason I watch your channel. Interesting that the Craftsman sockets held up better , I posted a ICON vs Craftsman comparison video too, but my video was about the designs of the 1/4 Flex Head Ratchets by both companies.

I did pick up the 72" bottom box though

I bought the icon sockets to keep In my oil change bag to pull drain plugs with. I think they will stay there well away from power tools. I have some junk Stanley sockets that have held up better then those sockets you are showing in the vid.

The answer is yes but but no because you have 2 buy the whole set 🥺

Hello Emerald I x, Hopefully, I got that right. I am always looking to upgrade my Tools. I can't speak as automotive mechanic. But as a aircraft mechanic, there is always a tool that makes your job easier and faster. Get the job done and move on to the next job. Easier and safer!!That's always my goal! Thank you again

If I ever have an issue with a Harborfreight tool I just take it right back and exchange it. Most Harborfreight hand tools have a lifetime warranty and they're open 7 days a week. Have a safe & Happy Halloween!

Damnit... I was hoping that this was just a fluke. I saw a video talking about this same issue about a week ago. Very disappointing that this is more than just a fluke. Had some very high hopes for Icon.

Mr Dow was hoping for a replacement for old school craftsman however these aren’t up to par and neither is the new craftsman so closest to quality sockets are gearwrench or the tool truck brands was hoping for a mid level socket but these are not

Awesome shirt man

Thanks for the real world comparison!

Premium harbor freight price for subpar performance. Wow that’s really bad for icon. 1st the ratchet recall, now these premature wearing of the sockets. 🤦‍♂️

The test will be 1. Will they correct this and 2. Will they treat the customer right....my guess is yes on both counts

This has me thinking they really should have got you guys on board a lot sooner to beta test and check for QC before they went on this big marketing hype about them. I'm about ready to take my Icon stuff back to the store and reinvest that money somewhere else if this crap keeps happening.

I work at harbor freight and was very excited to see the icon line come out, however looking at the ratchets and sockets after use, they have let me down. I will not be buying any icon tools at this point. I'll pay (ebay) snap on prices and stick to what's been proven for decades.

I can always count on you for straight up honest reviews!! Great job!!

To me craftsman and huskey best value...

Great video super shirts

For all the shit everyone talks about craftsman im surprised they look in better condition And for all the people thst say thst chrome isn't meant for impacts I agree with you but the fact of the matter is that sometimes u need to use em for areas that impacts don't fit. Working on volvo trucks to remove the output yoke you need a 21 but any impact socket doesn't fit. Hell even a chrome socket has barely enough room to fit. My 21 craftsman that I bought for that specific job looks nothing like the fatigue from Icon and I use that thing on an impact only.

Digging the shirts buddy. Great cause!!

Are icon sockets better “than” comparison sir.

I’ve said it before, these are the same crappy harbor Freight Tools in pretty packaging.

The Quinn sockets I bought to use as beaters look better than that. I won’t be buying any icon tools except maybe the long reversible ratcheting wrenches

Great input man. That’s a great review! 🍻🤜🤛

Why are you surprised? Like I said in the beginning when everyone was gushing over ICON. HF just went to Taiwan an got whatever tools and put their name on them. They didn't "design" anything, They don't even test the tools. Truck tool quality...lol

“Must have missed the heat treating process “

Good video. ‘Tool Truck quality’ I think not. Hopefully they look into all of this.

Icon has a good warranty, for the price you would be a fool to buy SnapOn shit

Nice shirts man. Much respected 🙏🏽💯

If harbor freight is going to try and push these icon tools as being "professional", then yes they need to step it up significantly. That much noticable wear in that time frame is not acceptable.

I had seen the icon sockets have issues, but the real question is how fast to fix them. I have a theory that the quin sockets are good, showing they will fix it. Have you tried those, and if not can harbor freight send you those to show this.

I had one of my icon sockets cut my finger from a bur made by the metal wearing and doing the same thing. Imagine that

Those are cool shirts. Great job

They can look like, act like, talk like they’re SnapOn, but they will never be SnapOn

I bought a set of snapon 1/2" drive chrome sockets a few years ago. First time I used the 14mm, it stretched and the 4pt side that connects to the ratchet looked like I had hammered it with a impact for 30min. I got a replacement, my dealer at that time looked at me funny, but knows I don't use chrome on power tools. Just a defect I think, but that was a let down to me, I thought they would be stronger

Awesome video brother !!! Nice shirts . Hope u having a good work week too brother

Also, as someone who had considered these for my service truck, I appreciate the review. Looks like I may buy some gearwrench sockets, or I may just bite it and buy some USA made ones. Maybe sk for shallow and Wright for deep or something. Not looking to spend snapon money.

Great video

icon needs to improve the hardness it appears. Snapon is king but very pricy.

Thats what i said last night i think they put those coupons out for a reason whether to get rid of them or to bring them down to a different price. Good review Justin.

I think the sockets are soft too. Their ratcheting wrenches are AWESOME though

Pittsburgh pro is the way to go they don't look like that and I've been hard on them for years

Is "then" better than "than"? Comparing those snap-ons to icons is like comparing my made in usa stanley to my made in china stanley. You can tell the COO by the chowdering.

I subscribed 100% because of the KOH banner in the background.

You know it is good how you are explaining in detail the different steps and process in which you put the individual sockets through when telling ppl that they were used with a Ratchet to Breaker bar to Impact Gun and demonstrating giving them a visual and explaining the difference between the different metals and yes ofcourse ppl will either comment or not comment to say yes well they were used with a impact gun something that they were not designed for but not for nothing you cant really determine to know what you know buy putting them through those motions and test to be able to come back and give the Content you just gave some ppl who are experienced in the field to them it's a no brainer but some forget to think about some of the viewers out there that are not experienced in the field who look to the Content to obtain knowledge and information not all viewers or non professional in the field no the difference of using chrome on a impact or some dont know of a impact so there for that was the best far most Content that could had been expressed there were 3 different stages performed to determine the Durability and performance of a particular brand socket there couldn't be no other better Review because showing a stress test or breaking a socket in a torture test is not the best example to show the viewers what you just said was the best Great Video 👉King

Great seeing the comparison. I believe the testing was fair as they as trying to compete with the truck brands.

Bought the 1/4 flex head and wasn't blown away. Good review man. Lots of other good options. I perfer Snap-on but bought a 15 piece 3/8 deep impact set of proto' sockets for 110 bucks from Napa. Not much more money that the caryle set and it's American made 1/4" to 1" no skips.

20k subs wow that’s great

I was just thinking today about picking up a set of the deeps they have on sale...... guess not anymore. :/ Thanks for the heads up)

I have a kobalt 3/8 sae for 3 years mostly use a Milwaukee cordless on them so far they're showing no wear. I bought the 1/2 in drive icon a week ago. Was hoping to see. Something on those but now I'm thinking o pissed away $50. Thanks for the update

They all look like shit. When it comes to tools dont be a cheap bastard. You get what you pay for. If you can’t afford them work harder until you can.

Was thinking about buying some icon sockets, I think I'll give it some time to get the bugs worked out. I bought the 1/4 ratchet and broke it within a week. Yes I got it warrantied no problem but still surprising

That’s unreal, I bought A made in USA full craftsman 10 years ago and used those sockets daily for 7 years before I bought any other sockets that’s all I had. Used them with cordless impacts air impacts ratchets literally everything. Those sockets don’t even show that kind of wear and as a matter of fact I’ve only ever had to warranty one 15mm 3/8 that cracked .

The icon 3/8" socket set was or is $20 with coupon, but as just someone who occasionally uses his tools, I hope my Gearwrench 3/8" set with the 120xp ratchet holds up for a long time.

From what I’m seeing on KZfaq seems like icon sockets not so good and the wrenches are holding up much better.

I'm sure they are watching and are already working on the issue.Might see sockets get a recall they jumped all over the ratchet pretty fast.

I’m pretty surprised on the wear on just a month I have been using the icon wrenches on my line of work for the the past four weeks now and it hasn’t shown any sign of wear.

Damm I might have jumped the gun getting these sockets should have gone with the Carlyle