A correction in the video after further review I claim that the Tekton impact sockets are Molybdenum, but if I am not mistaken they are actually Chrome Vanadium. What do you think about the Tekton Impact Sockets?

I've beat the heck out of the Pittsburgh sockets for over a year and no complaints here. Just as good as the day I got them

I've had a set of 1/2 inch drive standard and metric Pittsburgh impact socket sets for over 6 years used daily and had 0 issues with breaking or wearing.

$500 for a set of 1/2 inch impact sockets from snapon made my eyes blow out of my head the first time I saw it, I now use text to speech to read comments and to type. It's sad honestly

So after doing my research You got the Generation 1 models which were made of Chrome vanadium, thus explaining the softer metal and issues. HF listened to their customers and came out with the gen 2 which are the chrome moly. This changeover happened sometime in 2021. They moved pretty quick. Some later reviews don't mention anything.

Once I started with Icon I now have to complete the set of the 1/2 long and short impact sockets, my OCD gets me.

I’ve been beating the snot out of my 3/8” Tekton impact sockets and they are as good of quality that will ever be required by anyone. Icon has to be priced in the Tekton Gearwrench range or they are just not practical to purchase. I love that HF is stepping up but their prices are crazy. I just purchased a brand new SnapOn box off the truck for 20% less than the comparable Icon box with a 20% coupon applied. I held out for 9 months waiting for the Icon boxes and when they released the prices I laughed. No friggin way. And Tekton has the best easiest warranty service I’ve ever seen. Snap a picture, send an email and they mail the tool out immediately no questions asked. They even mailed me a 3/8” impact socket that I lost because they don’t offer them for sale individually. Tekton does not require any shipping to them.

I believe the Tekton Warranty is you take a picture and email it and they send a new one

Thanks again for another forthright honest video, your efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks again and keep up the great work my friend.

I've had Pittsburgh 1/2 in drive impacts several years used hard all the time and have never had one break. Very worth it! Great video Brian!

Appreciate your opinions on these icon tools Brian very informative video

I really appreciate all your videos and all you hints and helpful information on tools. I haven't purchased tools and I am now at a point in time where I am starting up a stump grinding business and although I won't need a huge tool box or huge set of tools that a mechanic would need, but I would like to get and have the best tools available and at a very reasonable price. So I really do thank you for all your helpful information and advice and free education on tools.... Thanks again and hope you're having a great day...

Good video man, I’m thinking about getting some icon ratcheting wrenches I’ve heard good stuff about icon and videos like this one do help.

Great talk and input, R.G.!

hell, most of my impact sockets are stanley from walmart. been going for 10 years now no issues

As always, great stuff on your video. Thanks for the honesty & sharing this review. Hope all are well, God bless.

I'd picked up a Fajita to play with - a counterfeit Chinese Makita 1/2" compact impact wrench. Tried it out as soon as it arrived with a deep Pittsburgh 21mm impact socket. The socket was new. After removing and reinstalling several bolts with the 1/2", there are visible abrasions on the anvil side of the socket. More than what I would have predicted.

I just got the 3/8 deep and shallow metric ICON set. I'm a seriois weakened warrior. Brick and mortar store availability is very important to me. I looked at craftsman, kobalt, husky and with the coupon, the icon 3/8 set was the best value. The thin walls, stamped sizes and tapered smaller sized are what I was interested in. I believe they hit a home run for guys like me because I cant compare to professional grade as I would never spend that...unless I was a professional. Great honest video.

Another good video. Keep them coming!

I actually purchased the 3/8 Icon impact sockets not long ago. Im not in the automotive industry anymore but I still weekend warrior when a squad mate has issues with their car. In my honest opinion, icon as a whole is a great choice for an apprentice auto tech who is looking to have a good set of tools that is on par with the other mid level professional brands (Tekton, Gearwrench, Sunex, etc.) and are definitely a step in the right direction for breaking into the professional tool world. But I dont think they are quite the same quality as my Cornwell, Snap on, and Matco tools. They are not bad tools by any standard. And I definitely like being able to pick them up locally instead of sending off for them. But Icon still has a way to go before they start hitting the same level as the big 4 (Mactool being the fourth). If you're someone just breaking into the field, these are definitely a good, solid option. But dont expect snap on rebrands.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but I had worked in electrical since 1992 but I never Bought my first Impact driver (Milwaukee) until 2012 and then I bought my first ever set of impact sockets to go with it. (Electrician's really didn't start carrying impact drivers until about 10-12 years ago---nowadays all electricians carry one) I had never owned a set of impacts sockets before then. I bought a set of impact sockets from Kobalt at Lowe's with the idea that I would get a much better set later. . . . . . . it's now 2020 and I am still using those Kobalt impact sockets, never broke one, never had to warranty one. . . . . . . I know it sounds crazy that I have used Kobalt impact sockets professionally for 8 years. it's true . . . . . I normally don't champion tools from Kobalt, nor do I consider them a professional tool brand, but their Impact Sockets are totally legit for real

Very nicely done Brian 👍👍 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and videos. I'm trying to figure out what I would use the impacts on since I'm not a mechanic and don't even work on my own car other than change the oil and check all the fluids. It's just one of those things I don't have, but I WANT a set😃🤩😁. Hard to justify buying when we are on a fixed income and really is I only need one size. I haven't even checked what size our car takes? Lol@me !!! Lug nuts would be only job and a lot of people use regular sockets for that. Thanks again, Rodney

I found 4 sets of impacts at a local swap meet for 65.00. 3/8 icon metric and SAE. Icon, 1/2 inch. pittsburgh 1/2 SAE. Saved about 100.

I had a no name 15/16 impact socket and and wore it out doing a frame rail on a peterbilt. I bought a harbor freight socket to replace it and had it for nearly ten years. It had almost no deflection.

@Redemption Garage love the vid! and agreed thats correct for the Tekton and also the similar HF Pittsburg Pro 1/2 impact deep metric ( i own them) and they are also Chrome Vanadium (Tawan source). So far mine have been fantastic though! i have been using them for 8 years no issues with up to 1100 ft-lbs gun. My Sunex are Molybdenum but those are impact swivels. Also great value for single pin swivel sockets. They hold up very well too!

By the way, love the channel. Good stuff.

I have 2 years with my Pittsburgh impact sockets never broke one and the still aren't worn out, I use them 6 days a week at a busy shop

I purchased a set of Pittsburgh Pro impact sockets 15 yrs ago. Still beating the crap out of them to this day. Can’t go wrong for a weekend warrior.

I’ve been using Craftsman impacts for decades and never had one break.

I have the Pittsburgh set impact sockets and have never had to warranty any of them

New subscriber here. Thanks for the common sense video on impact sockets. I have a question on battery impact wrenches. Do I go with 1/2” or 3/8” as a home owner. The impact deep sockets would be used to generate projects on the house along with changing lug nuts and raising/lowering trailer stabilizers on RV trailer. Thanks again for your video.

Good video Brian. 👍

For what it is worth, I used a Sears Craftsman 1/2inch impact set professionally for the better part of 10 years working at a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership before I finally upgraded to the Expert set just 2 1/2 years ago. I recently (about 6 months ago) purchased the Expert Swivel Impact socket set. For what it's worth. I never had an issue with my Sears Craftsman set from Sears until they were well over 8 years old, and rather than warranty them at Sears (my Sears closed in 2014) , I upgraded to my Expert set from Mac Tools.

Last year I bought the metric cornwell sockets they had, deep and shallow impact and chrome metric 3/8 sockets. I liked them, but they never really fit in my socket tray well, impact sockets that is. The sizes from like 7-13 mm were skinny only at the very tip, and they use laser etching which rubbed off on one. I didn't use them a whole lot either as I was still in high school. My first week at my new job, I got on the snap on truck and bought the 3/8 metric deep and shallow impact set for the price of one. I've compared my cornwell to snap on sockets, and was actually surprised how different they really were. I put the same size bolt in 1 of each sockets, and there was hardly any play at all in my so socket, compared to about 20° of play in my cornwell socket. I do really like my snap on sockets, used them everyday for about a month now working on semi trucks. That's just my personal take on impact sockets. I've only used snap on, cornwell, and SK snap on sockets btw. Snap on and SK are my personal favorites.

I have the ICON 1/2 metric set. Been liking them so far but as you mentioned the finish does seem to wear faster than expected

I've had Pittsburgh pro 1/2 dr deep well that at time were only available in CRV in 2013 & I broke the 3/4 15/16 & 1 1/8 which the 15/16 hit me in upper lip & left tiny little cuts & I agree with him I use 15/16 in 3/8 dr & 1/2 dr but I now have grey pneumatic & they are unbeatable as far as sunex I still have em but after 3 years they are wearing on both ends of some constantly used sockets & no wear after 2 years on grey pneumatic sockets

24mm equals 15/16. They figure if you buy both sae and metric you’ll have all sizes since some are the same. Just guessing 🤷🏻‍♂️

Tekton is great I've had some of there toold for years and what I've got from icon so far seems fine my next buy is going to be tekton combo end wrenches a few ratchets to compare to icons and impact sets. I do like having the in store option and customer service with icon/harbor freight but tekton is supposed to have awesome warranty service also

I havent had an impact Pittsburg sockets or there pro line sockets break on me been using them for well over 8 years

I got the full set of SAE and metric deep impact sockets today. Get home and they are all crazy messed up. Have 3 10mm ones and doubles of maybe 5 more (and in turn missing the correct sizes). Gonna return tomorrow. ALSO, my sockets say Pittsburg on them. It sounds like either someone ripped off harbor freight or harbor freight is trying to rip me off. All icon sockets do say icon correct? My 1/4 inch set does....

I worked as a warehouse supervisor for harbor freight. I cannot speak for the icon line they was not out at that time. I however can say that I have exchanged many Pittsburg pro impact sockets for them cracking down the sides

Metric wrench sizes should be no skip, but the skips they pick are normally based off ISO 4032 (hexagonal nuts) I believe. @Redemption Garage is correct; 24mm is for M16 nuts.

I picked up the icon 1/2 metric deep set and have been using it on a Milwaukee m12 stubby and ratchets because I'm to cheep to buy crome and they've been good so far I'm only a month in so jury is still out

Have you looked at those duo sockets?

I’ve been happy with most of my Icon stuff. Just had to exchange a 3/4 ratchet wrench but I’m not upset about it. I think they are still pretty good.

*The Icon stuff is decent but, the prices are ridiculous. HF was the epitome of Value for the Money. It seems as though the Icon Brand is designed to squeeze more money out of a Pittsburgh Pro Quality tool. Just buy the Pittsburgh Pro. Also the boxes are way to expensive. The US General Boxes are a way better bang for the buck.*

What are your thoughts on SK Tools and Warren tools?

Sounds like the good old Pittsburgs are hard to beat!

I have Tekton 3/8 drive, SAE and metric, deep and shallow and Tekton 1/2 drive, SAE and metric in deep. My 1/2 drive shallow, both SAE and metric, are older USA Craftman. The Tekton impacts are for sure CR-V, not CR-MO. The difference in the two on impact socket really comes down to the hardening. I would love to see a detailed comparison on the two metals for use with impact sockets, but that is a different topic. Regarding Tekton impact sockets (made of CR-V), I can tell you they do give to my impact anvil. In the square 1/2 drive end, the corners do malform no different than CR-MO impacts. When I use a Chrome CR-V (I mean I never do this), I do not see the same malformation on the socket, which implies what you have stated... the anvil of the impact takes the brunt vs the socket. I agree that the laser etching only on Tekton sockets sucks, I wish it was dual marked, etching and stamped. I did speak with Tekton on the etching and they will replace them if the markings wear off. I personally believe that the etching is used vs stamping so other rebranding is easier. I disagree with your statement that the Icon sockets are better quality due to the thinner walls. There are some reasons you want a thicker wall socket. For example, Honda harmonic balancer sockets. They are large in order to get more power. A thin wall socket just cannot deliver the same, but the thin socket does get into tighter places. I fail to see how the Icon is worth $15 more dollars over Tekton. However, I do not have a HF local to me. I can see how that would make a difference to some. Tekton's warranty will get me replacement sockets in 1-2 days. You need not mail the broken tool to them unless they specifically request it, just send a picture in the submission on their web site. I have not used any Icon products and have no real interest in doing so. But I can say that the Tekton impact sockets I have I highly recommend.

Harborfreight impact sockets or the ones you described are crome vanadium. They have another set that is molybdenum but they are 40 bucks ish.

Have to have that 24 for 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan oil filter.

Good to see you're still kicking lol.

I bought icon 3/8 rachet, sae 3/8 sockets, 1/2 metric sockets. 120 bucks. Damn good price. I went to use my 20% off coupon and FYI Harbor Freights icon product line is exluded from any coupons. Saysnitnon the coupons in microscopic lettering on the bottoms of them

I can’t speak to the quality of the Icon sockets but I have the Pittsburg 1/2 in impacts in SAE and Metric and I have beat the ever lovin shit out of them professionally for 15 years and worn out three impact guns with them. I used up the 15/16 6 years ago replacing track pads on a CAT excavator. So I replaced it with another Pittsburg one and it’s still hangin tough

Cool review, but in my opinion your better of with the Neiko 1/2 65pc deep and shallow drive master impact socket set,( SAE/METRIC) that includes adapters and rachet handel and no skips on sockets and also stored in a well organized carring case. And priced at $154.89 especially for beginners or DIY. But hay that's just my opinion. But overall cool honest review 😊👍

The Pittsburgh impacts are great but I wonder what guys are using the icon cromes on. Everybody keeps talking about how they break and such but I've been using them in a professional setting for a while now with no issues. That doesn't speak to the long term durability of them but they've been good to me.

I’m an field equipment tech and I buy/use sunex. I beat the shit out of them everyday but haven’t broken one yet.

Pittsburg impacts used to lack in the metric set what they had in standard some cross over like 13 1/2 14 9/16 or 16 5/8 22 7/8 24 15/16 33 1 5/16 That being said my snap on sets and proto ones include 24 but the icon claim to fame was no skip sizes which if I’m not mistaken was harbor freights signature lol I never had skips in my craftsman’s years ago lol

Tekkton warranty is easy,just warrarantied a set of 12 inch needle nose last week,got on there site filled out the warranty form ,had em a day later,I guess to somebody that doesnt live close to a HF, Tekktons warranty process could in theory be better as they process things super quickly and it comes right to your door,no wasting gas and with the Icon line no getting there and finding out they don't have what you need anyways,mine is usually out of the more exspensive Pittsburgh metric impacts ,for some reason they sell out of those alot

You should do reviews on extreme tools boxes

I only got the 1/2 drive deeps and what I'm liking is A) The shallow hex broach. A feature you don't get with Pittsburgh or Tekton variety. Major deal breaker for me. B) The way the smaller sizes are profiled for recessed fasteners. I chuck them on a ratchet as much as I do an impact. C) The texture of the black oxide finish makes them easy to grasp and chuck or pull off an impact hog ring or ratchet with no quick release. Amazingly, the sockets chuck over Earthquake hog rings effortlessly where everything else is a bastard. Otherwise, I have not used them enough to experience the wear issues you have experienced as I am a weekend mechanic. Good to know brother.

I tend to agree that you dont need high tier impact sockets. I worked on trucks for half a decade when I was younger and my own junk my whole life. I have the canadian version of harbor freight sockets,and havent broken one ever. I remember when I was buying them I needed an 1 1/4, but the store stopped at 1 1/8, so I had to get it off snap on. It was $65 for the one socket, whereas all sizes up to that point was around $30. It's a perfectly fine socket,but it isnt 500% better than the others.

You are comparing crv teckton with crmo icon. Even the snap on breaks in the same way on the square of the socket. It's normal to get that wear,it's just breaking in and compressing the soft metal into a harder surface. Where top tier differs is going to be weight, it really does matter to have the added weightt on an impact socket instead of a lighter chrome, it will experience more torque transference to the hardware vs a lighter socket that has low mass and thus less torque transferance. Look at the special lisle honda crank bolt socket, it works so well because of its mass.

Very Very good video👍👍👍👍👍👍

I read somewhere that sunnex makes Matco impact sockets. Rather they do or don't i still believe sunnex is the way to go in my opinion.

When you are starting out, get whatever you can afford. If you turn pro then you need pro level tools, which fit the best, and take a tremendous pounding for years. Tools are what you use to earn your living and support your family : being cheap will not get you there.

Are the HF Pittsburgh sockets Chrome moly or Chrome Vanadium? Because on there website in the Product review it says: “durably constructed of rugged chromium molybdenum” but then in bullet pointed below saying “Rugged Chrome vanadium steel construction”....??? There website is littered with contradictions like this, it’s just not very professional.

Gray pneumatic?

My older Crafstman USA impact sockets are fukin awesome.

I think the only problem I had with my Pittsburgh deep impact 1/2 sockets,,, is that I broke my chrome 16mm because this set don't have a 16mm x,x lol

I would get the Neiko.

I dont have the icon sockets yet as Im really deciding between them, or the Sunex set they have right now thats shallow and deep for about $15 less than the icon sets combined. Ive had sunex before and theyre great when you cant afford snap on. Also, your advice about the not so serious guys using pittsburg and being fine is spot on. I have a set of pittsburg 1/2 drive deep impacts i bought about 10 yrs ago from HF.. The finish isnt the best and i have to chase some rust on occasion due to the humidity in my garage, but performance wise, they have never failed, or rounded a bolt. And are amazingly cheap.

Definitely need a 24

Harbor Freight needs to listen to you, or hire you. If they can succeed with a product line that’s 100% as good as Snap-On; they can have a huge business for decades to come. It takes a long time to build that reputation and that trust. I trust your integrity and what you have to say. And I can understand that there are guys who’ve invested $40,000 in Snap-On and they are going to revolt at the thought that they paid $30,000 too much. That’s a hard pill to swallow.

Think it’s worth mentioning that tool trucks, tekton and sunex even China craftsman can buy individual if you lose 1 not the case with harbor freight.

Trying to find no skip sets is hard to find

I am not impressed by the Icon Impact sockets either 3/8 or 1/2. I rather stay with Pittsburg brand way cheaper, good quality product. Icon is overrated, Thanks for the honest review

Sets that skip are automatic no go.

My metric shallows came with no 18, but 2 19's. That was a day :/

Alot of people have said that all styles of icon sockets weather there chrome or impact sockets wear super fast and it's weird why the icon line is softer then there Pittsburg and Pittsburgh pro line as well as the Quinn line it's odd how there older lines are made better then the icon line

What brand is the green tray

I don’t like the Pittsburgh impact sockets. They seem “loose” to me. That is, I think the inner dimensions are a little bigger than they should be. In fact, my 10mm is currently not usable bc a nut is stuck in it!

I thought I was going to like the icon line, haven't bought one thing with no plans to either. Wanted flex head 3/8 ratchet and bigger sae ratcheting wrenches... They have no ratchet like that still and skip the 15/16 size.. defeats whole reason of purchase so they aren't getting any of my money.

Got some Snapon FDX sockets recently... I have the regular flank drive as well. I just noticed the tolerances are so good on the FDX. I was using a 11mm on a sae fastener, and it fit fine (no slop). For giggles I grabbed the new 11mm FDX socket , thinking it to would fit.. It wouldn’t, it was a cunt hair to small! I was like wow. Both 11mm sockets, one FDX, one flank drive. Fastener fit good in the flank drive but wouldn’t fit in the FDX. That’s some tighttttt tolerances.

You said HF has the edge in warranty. I don't agree. If you break an ICON socket three months post purchase they're not gonna just break open a set on the shelf and give you another one. They'll have to get one sent to the store or your address. It'd be easier with Tekton's process of taking a pic and submitting to their website and getting it shipped to you. So they'd get shipped to you either way but with HF (at least with how it stand now) you'd have to go through the hassle of going to the store, waiting in line, talking to the associate, etc to get the warranty process going. Advantage, Tekton!

I can't justify the cost of the icon impacts. Pretty much all of my impact sockets are tekton except my 1/2 shallow set that's a Pittsburgh pro and for my 1/4 impact sockets I have sunex. I think harbor freight had a good idea going into the icon line but priced them way to high to compete with the more established brands.

After years working for the department of corrections this guy talking reminds me of an inmate making his speech on why he should be paroled during his hearing.

Skipped sizes is an absolute deal breaker and its the only reason Harbor freight loses my business on impact sockets

Take a shot everytime he says "for a couple years now"

Get some SK!!

Can I ask you a very good question? I don't regularly comment on your videos, but I have watched several of them. In multiple videos you have scorned Icon for not being as good as advertised. My question is, why do you keep going back to buying more Icon products? Why not buy Craftsman, Kobalt or DeWalt instead? Understand that I am not criticizing you, I actually like your videos. I just doesn't make sense to me why you keep going back to Icon for more of the same.

I like Craftsman but the price is just way to high for them being made in China like all the rest. I con is nice but like the Neiko.

SnapOn uses virgin steel with their hand tools

24mm = 15/15ths they probably figured ppl would get sae too.

I dont own Tekton...lol, sorry I havent been around much, life has been 360degs.. Thanks for sharin these, been waitin to hear how they feel in your hands an how they stand up. 😊👍👍

None of the icon tools seem to be that much better than the pittsbutgh, i would not spend the extra money on them, i use cal-hawk impact sockets never broke one, i even use the cal-hawk chromes on my impact wrench i've only broken a 21mm in 15 years of use.

This isn’t a good deal at all for HF you can get $59 kobalt 1/2 deep impact sockets 10-25 for the same price and no skipping sizes

I love my Pittsburgh Pro impact sockets but I HATE the skips! Why the hell do they sell socket racks that don't skip but don't sell socket sets that will fill their own racks? Morons!

...uhmm...Se olvido de encender la luz.../.

I’m not a fan of the Pittsburgh 3/8 shallow impact sockets. They just don’t fit the bolts correctly. All loose and sloppy, like my ex wife