Harbor Freight Tool Haul #51: My First Icon Ratchet

Рет қаралды 2,879

Күн бұрын

#HarborFreight #Icon #ToolHaul
In Harbor Freight Tool Haul #51 we take a look at our first Icon Ratchet, a 3/8" Drive Swivel Head!
Time Stamps and Links
@0:00 Intro
@1:15 The Plan
-Budget, Comprehensive Socket Set for a Road Box
@3:22 Icon 3/8" Drive Swivel Head Ratchet, $44.99
www.harborfreight.com/38-in-d...
-This is legitimately my very first Icon Ratchet!
@5:05 1st Tekton Tools
-Roto Ratchet Set
--Can't lie, these have been pretty good! There are a TON of rebrands out there, so your color and price may vary
@8:19 KTC 3/8" Roto Head Ratchet
@11:42 Unboxing & Buying Strategies
-Out of the Box @13:40
@14:20 Annoying Tag
-Watch to the end to see how to remove that thing
@14:47 Pros and Cons of the Case
-Would you use this?
@15:30 Packaging Highlights
@20:15 KTC vs Icon vs Tekton
-Icon is the longer option
@21:20 Icon Inspection
@21:50 Still Waiting for More Colors
-Who would be on board for a limited color run?
@25:40 Back to the Ratchet
@26:30 Ratchet Action
-Things go downhill from here
--Seems to jump, lots of backdrag, doesn't seem like 90 Tooth
---Will it break in?
@29:22 Socket Fitment
@29:40 Synopsis
-I think, for the money, this ratchet should be better
--While this would be tolerable for Pittsburgh, or Quinn, as the flagship, there should not be a ratchet mechanism, out of the box, with this kind of action
@31:54 Head Comparison
@34:30 Icon Wins
-The competition to go in the road box and be most likely to be lost
--The KTC is like a different world and the fact that Tekton/Pittsburgh could be bought as a 3 Piece set for the price of the lone Icon says a lot
---Maybe the other drive sizes are better?
@34:50 Head Issues
-Can repeatedly get the head in a neutral position
@37:17 Time Will Tell
-First Impression is far from stellar
-My recommendations
@39:04 Your Thoughts and Experience
@41:00 Conclusion
@41:48 Bonus Content
-Arc Swing and How to Remove the Retail Hook
*Alpha Gloves*
Get my gloves! Use Discount Code "LoneStar" for your own pair of Alpha Gloves:
alphagloves.us/
**Links**
Forum: www.lonestarmopars.com/forum
Facebook: / lonestarmopars
Instagram: / lonestarmopars
Twitter: / lonestarmopars
Music:
"Gearhead" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Пікірлер: 59

@shadow7796 23 сағат бұрын

Anymore, when i buy a new ratchet, i immediately clean and re-lube the inside of the head. Five to ten minutes of taking my time, and the ratchet is usually smoother, and i dont have to wonder if they used enough lube upon assembly. You'd be surprised with how often the manufacturer leaves behind a little machining debris. It's not always the case, but I'd rather know for sure, and it just makes me a little more confident with the tool in my hand.

@Tools_and_Guitars 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for another great video! 🙂 I only have one swivel/roto head. A 1/4 drive in Hi-Viz. Gotta say one thing about Snap-on... at one time or another, they've had just about every single color in the RGB color spectrum lol. I am not a mechanic, (just a DIY-er) so I use the roto similarly to the way I use my koken, for lower torque and tighter access applications like panel and dash stuff.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! Oh nice, that will definitely pop for interior work! That is true...they aren't always in stock, or easy to get, but at least they have color options to satisfy most. The rotos are great for dash work...break it free, flip up to spin it in, and go back for tightening with leverage. I may wind up with a Snap-On...possibly 1/4" because it is my cheapest gateway into the line, haha.

@scrambler350 7 ай бұрын

I can kick myself for not snatching-up a new, 3/8", Snap-on, short-handle, roto-head ratchet that was on eBay a month or so ago for $117 shipped - it was Hi-Viz too!

@scrambler350 7 ай бұрын

It's hard to hate the ICON stuff - they've done an admirable job of launching a 'Professional' tool brand at the 'coupon tool store'. Fit an finish has yet to disappoint with any of the ICON stuff I've purchased, and their team has (IMO) done an AMAZING job on the presentation. The packaging looks very 'Premium' and it has those little details you noted on the packaging as well. When you get home with your purchase that you just saved 25% on, and you're opening it up on your work bench, you really feel like you've gotten a good deal. The cleaning cloth is another 'Premium' touch - they always get used for cleaning my phone screen! I keep all of the ICON ratchets I've purchased IN the "Ooo...FANCY" box in the drawers they live in. So far the only ICON swivel head I own is the 1/4" drive - I prefer the Round comfort grip to the Oval on the Pittsburg or Tekton. Just feels better 'in had' when you're using it as a nut-driver; however, I'm also the oddball that prefers the push-button release on the Pittsburgh/Tekton swivel heads (I have those in all three drive sizes). Waiting on a coupon weekend to pick up the ICON swivelheads in 3/8" and 1/2". Those ICON mid-depth sockets are (as best I could find) the least expensive way to get a set of mid-deep, 3/8", chrome, sockets.

@richardbates2367 6 ай бұрын

I don't have any of the new releases mid length icon chrome moly socket set because I have the gearwrench crv version of them

@lonestarmopars 6 ай бұрын

Yep, at 20-25% you really do come away feeling pretty good. And just fyi, it looks like there is a no exclusions coupon this weekend...which is good, because the first two coupon cycles have sucked since the New Year's deal, haha. I do think the trays are underrated...not everyone's cup of tea, but a nice touch...especially if you have the space. The Semi-Deeps are what I found to be the most economical entry as well. I'm a little concerned about them, but admittedly haven't done much with them. I think they would excel for an in-car kit if you are trying to have that happy medium to take up less space and save weight. I agree on the round handle for the exact same reason...The other style is great for leverage, but not quick spinning.

@KosmicHRTRacingTeam 5 ай бұрын

I have some icon mid length sockets, also some DeWalt ones as well. Also think I may have some Stanley that are black that are mid length.

@durantplayz7111 3 ай бұрын

I bought the 90th low profile as a joke for 20 dollars and ive beat the hell out of it used it for everything i shouldnt have it usually has a cheater bar on it. It still works perfect

@richardbates2367 6 ай бұрын

And I have the steel chrome handle and the red and black comfort grip handle but you're right that is your only option in icon

@michaeldeel7998 7 ай бұрын

i think it just needs cleaned and oiled... i have the olsa tools 1/2 drive roto and its great, on amazon for 30 bucks,... and a craftsman 1/4 drive roto that is awsome.....after watching this video i still plan on getting a icon roto lol....i also have the 1/2 drive icon flex heads and mine is just as smooth as my Hazet 916....i my have just got lucky but its butter..lol.. if you want a large handle on a ratchet the icon flex head has it..

@lonestarmopars 6 ай бұрын

I have wondered how the Olsa ones stack up. I know there can't be too many outfits making these. After this video came out I have kind of gone back on a roto search, lol...Olsa was on my hit list, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. The only real downside to the Icon ratchets is that you can't play with them to check the mechanism out the way they are packed. Good chance others on the peg would have been better. I guess if you go with the 3/8" Icon you will be golden, haha. Thanks for the insights on their 1/2" handle!

@TrackstarBR 7 ай бұрын

I love round head and roto swivel ratchet. I bought a snap on fhnf100 and fhcnf72. The two snap on ones I have are my go to for everything I can use them for. They work better keeping the socket on the nut/fastener than a normal flex head because of where torque is applied. One reason I spent the money on the two snap on ones is because they were the only ones that actually felt good action wise that I could put my hands on and try out before buying. I would like to try a Koken one.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Can you tell much of a difference between the old 72 and the new 100 tooth? It is a pretty big price jump online, especially with red being the only color offered at this point. I'm hesitant as to trying a 72 while they are around and cheaper, or just waiting for the new 100T in my preferred color and eating the cost. It is something I'd like to try before buying. It definitely helps soften the blow when you have them as the go-to ratchets.

@TrackstarBR 7 ай бұрын

@@lonestarmopars you can tell a difference between them but not a huge one. It’s kind of hard to compare for me because the 100 tooth is the long handle 3/8 swivel head while the 72 is the 1/4 body swivel with a 3/8 anvil. So the overall length of each one kind of throws off the comparison to me.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Got it...thanks for the insights! I wind up in the same boat with model upgrades...I want to compare straight across, but usually have different lengths or feature sets because I was trying to maximize the bang for the buck. I really wish they would get more colors in the 100 Tooth online.

@vikingnorm6935 6 ай бұрын

That’s actually the 1st swivel head AND Icon ratchet I ever bought, like 2 years ago

@marko11kram 7 ай бұрын

I have 2 Roto Heads. I don't use them a ton, but they are handy at times, in the right situation One is the Wera 3/8", and the other that tiny, maybe 3" long Titan 1/4" Aluminum. They are by no means my go to choice though. I actually don't have any Icon stuff, though have thought about it. I can see that skipping though; Yikes. Not a great first impression for sure. I bet that goes away with some break in, maybe. But - on a ratched that is not used frequently (Like a Roto Head) that may take a while.

@lonestarmopars 6 ай бұрын

I"ve been going to get one of the Titans for years, but everytime I'm checking out at a parts store, they just seem to have black, or red, haha. I know they are cheap, but if I'm not getting a deal, I want my color of choice! I still don't have a standard Wera ratchet either, maybe some day. Yeah, this one was pretty bad...One downfall to the packaging is you can't play with anything like you can with Pittsburgh/Quinn.

@richardbates2367 6 ай бұрын

Oh you have also said cold steel especially when you are pryin on bolts trying to break it loose is not a great feeling lol icon sell 3/8 and 1/2 comfort grip breaker bars i know because I have them..

@chrxx4327 7 ай бұрын

I feel you. I love my roto head ratchets. Really good for working in engine bays. The fact that you can rotate it, and basically turn it into a screw driver is what makes them great. Really good for removing small long bolts. The icon roto is actually my favorite. I tried many versions, except for the snap on or carlyle. Supposidly those are really good. But so far in my experience the icon is the best roto ratchet I've used. I think you got a bad one or something. I never had those issues with mine. (3/8 and 1/4). I actually hate all the other icon ratchets, in my opinion the standard ones are really bad, not even close in quality to even a gearwrench.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Yep, that is exactly why I like them...really fast and versatile. I haven't grabbed any other sizes...maybe this one was a lemon, or just isn't broke in...to be honest, I just run the KTC 90% of the time...sort of depends which one is closer to me. I've had a long run of people (over the years) brag about the Carlyle...I'd like to try one out. It is funny you'd mention hating the other Icon ratchets. I got one more after this (non-roto) and while it was okay...the little Quinn I picked up way more recently, is honestly all around better. Long term, who knows...but initial impressions and the time since, the Quinn, despite costing less, provides me with a better end user experience. If I can catch a deal on a 1/4" I might give the Icon another chance.

@richardbates2367 6 ай бұрын

I have a new set of 3/8 deep and the 1/2 shallow both the new updates chrome moly socket sets they are going to be my updated sockets for my garage tool box to replace my older craftsman and great neck that I still have because after over 65 percent of my tools was borrowed permanently lol nothing is a complete set so.. i have been replacing the entire set with the icon stuff but I am not buying anything at full price lol, I have a few sets of the icon sockets but they are not the chrome moly,so I have to update those to add to the set, and the flex head 3/8 and the 1/2 inch dr icon ratchet and the standard non comfort grip 3/8 fixed head ratchet and the budget buy overstock eBay purchase 3/8 stubby fixed head non comfort grip two of them $8 so after I got those i decided to go this route with the garage tool box update socket and ratchet set

@lonestarmopars 6 ай бұрын

Nice! Looks like we get another coupon this weekend.

@latindoggy8059 7 ай бұрын

There was a coupon for the Pittsburgh. I can’t remember if it was 25% off of anything under 20 I remember correctly I either paid a little bit less or a little bit more than $30 for all three of them. They feel great they work. Great, I love them, but my favorite ratchet of all time the long handle 3/8 flex head icon never found something I couldn’t break loose with it

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

At the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with the OG Rotos for the price...especially on a deal like you got. Glad to hear the long handle flex head is holding up for you!

@Sludge73 7 ай бұрын

I got that Icon ratchet, the type of plastic the handle is made of hangs onto grease terribly. It's always nasty it seems. Wished it was harder and smoother plastic. Other than that it's been great.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

I had wondered about that, but figured the would wipe clean...I have stuck to the KTC and older Tektons, which would be just like the Pittsburgh. They get dirty, but clean up really well. I need to make myself use this one more...

@richardbates2367 6 ай бұрын

Yeah if I have to use needle nose pliers to move the direction selector switch im throwing the freaking ratchet Lance Sir lol

@lonestarmopars 6 ай бұрын

Lol...if the Matco didn't look good in the black chrome, I would probably chuck it quite a bit, haha. I always think it will break in, I get it to points where it will move okay, and then it reverts back to being excessively stiff.

@bigc7t 7 ай бұрын

I love roto heads, DRPD has all three of the ktc roto head in stock right now. Also Tone tools from Japan has a few rotos that look interesting(rh3vwh is the part number of the longer one). Im trying to collect a few awesome ones. Thanks for the video.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Glad you like them too. I was finally able to snag the longer KTC awhile back (the video is uploaded, but not released). I had Tone on my radar, but was so busy at work I put it off...might try to investigate it during the slower season. I've always had people brag about how good the Carlyle is...if you watch for a sale you might get lucky.

@bigc7t 7 ай бұрын

@@lonestarmopars Also, Koken makes a nice one, pricey but really nice. You can get it with three different handles. I prefer there knurled handle but they also offer smooth or comfort.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, I ran a wishlist of items by Mike at DRPD awhile back...the roto was on there. I was kind of leaning toward knurled....I want to get one of their big plastic handles, but figured a breaker bar made more sense.

@zrushmeyer 7 ай бұрын

I find those Icons to be a bit more stiff than the rest of the Icon ratchets. I took mine apart amd cleaned and oiled the internals and it did help a bit. I find them to be ones i dont typically reach for unless its specific jobs so it doesnt bother me too much.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Good to hear...quite a few have said similar, especially with the 3/8" roto. I really need to use it more and tear it down, but I typically just run the KTC.

@djsi38t 7 ай бұрын

Its the excessive oil that is making the icon behave that way I think..

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

I haven't looked into it, but next bout of free time I might crack it open. I'm mainly using the KTC...haven't bought a 1/4" or 1/2" Icon to try.

@billyboyd418 7 ай бұрын

I tried the 1/4 roto Icon and thought the backdrag was way too much, ended up giving it away. I replaced it with a snap on and it is what I was looking for except the price which sucks. They look similar but the comfort grip is better on snap on and the gears are no comparison. I will pay the extra cost for a better build or go Koken for a little more than Icon.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

I was actually considering Snap-On for the 1/2" (in part because they were one of the few "quality" manufacturers that go that big in roto heads...then I had someone tell me they were phasing it out. I guess the big jump is to the new 100 Tooth. Online they only have red and they are $200. I'm tempted to try their current iteration in a smaller drive size before they get bumped into the 100T price tier. Might wind up going that route anyway...glad to know you've been there and can vouch for the SO.

@billyboyd418 7 ай бұрын

@@lonestarmopars I have the 1/4 SO and 100T 3/8 SO roto, both are good ratchets. Mine are green to match my full bank cart. I am coming from old USA craftsman tools up until they went overseas. I have finally gotten around to upgrade my ratchets and sockets with SO flex heads and koken Zeal. Your videos have helped me decide what to get for replacement.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Awesome...that is a great pairing! Glad the videos have been helpful. There are a lot of great tools that kind of fly under most people's radar. For years, all I had was a Craftsman Rally Box with the old USA Raised Panel Ratchets. People knock them, but they held up for years and are still kicking. Plus, they allowed us to save cash for upgrades and make going to 72+ teeth configurations much more appreciable, lol. I do like Snap-On's green!

@richardbates2367 6 ай бұрын

Can you take the roto head ratchets apart and put super lube in the head and the gears of the ratchet like with the conventional ratchets?

@shadow7796 23 сағат бұрын

Yes. The Icon roto-head has a screw on the back, in the center of the direction wheel.

@martingreenwell2972 7 ай бұрын

The guater inch icon broke in well for me but I like my Carlyle swivel head ratchet better.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

I really wish the local Napa didn't close...Over the years I have heard a lot of people say they like the Carlyle the best.

@tylerfraker9304 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, the Icon 3/8” swivel is my least favorite of the line for the clunkiness of the teeth, haven’t tried 1/2” or 1/4” for that reason so can’t speak for those. The pear heads are very nice outside the 1/4” which the backdrag is awful on.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

That is where I stopped...I figured they would be a nice upgrade for my roto heads and I picked 3/8" as the entry. It kept me from buying the other 2. Oddly enough, the 1/4" flex head is the only other Icon I've got and I wasn't super happy there either. At least I know my experience is mirrored by someone else.

@warrenblanchard889 7 ай бұрын

Color options would be great

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Yep! I never dreamed they would have been out this long and still have the same, default color scheme. Even if they just sold replacement handles or something, I thought with the "tool truck equivalent" they were going for, and how well they do with US General and Daytona, they would have done something for the ratchets by now.

@mattroot1713 7 ай бұрын

😊@@lonestarmopars

@geoffap0 7 ай бұрын

90 day no questions asked return policy. Take it back and get a replacement. If the 2nd one is not great just get your dough back. None of my ratchets have needed to be broke in.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Very true...I kind of like for things to run their course unless they are terrible (see the Pittsburgh dual drive ratchet that basically failed on the bench). I would have an answer on this one by now, but honestly the KTC sort of took over and this one barely gets used. I need to make a point to use it and see if it gets better, or worse. The local stores are pretty good to me on stuff like that.

@boosted2.4_sky 7 ай бұрын

The Roto heads aren't a good comparison to the ICON brand ratchet..It's more than likely a rebrand of all the Roto heads. The long handle flex ICON is a really nice ratchet...imo That one should break in for you though

@billyboyd418 7 ай бұрын

IDK if I would call it nice, I just got the 1/2 flex head and the head barely has any tension. I tried tightening the bolt and it was about the same. Higher end ratchets will almost lock in position with little tightening. It’s a good price for a lifetime tool but far from nice.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, there can't be too many making the roto heads...I've often wondered where the overlap is. It is easy with the cheap ones (handles are usually even dead-on minus the color), but step up a notch and you get subtly different, but still similar heads and features. If I get time, I'll take some apart and figure it out. I hope it breaks in...I barely use it, mainly run the KTC.

@lonestarmopars 7 ай бұрын

If your local store is good to you, that is a big perk...you can swap around and they eventually learn to roll with your judgment. I haven't used any of the Icon 1/2" drive ratchets...maybe you can swap it out, or request they open another one for comparison.

@richardbates2367 6 ай бұрын

They copied snap and matco with the ratchet holder and the sockets in the trays and all the tools are the ratchet and the sockets icon are copied from design of the snap on lol