New details! ICON vs EP Auto ratchets and sockets.
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- Опубликовано: 8 янв 2023
- We compare Harbor Freight's ICON ratchets and sockets to a set from Amazon, branded EP Auto.
Here’s a link to @CPthetooladdict video: • HARBOR FREIGHT NEW ICO...
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The little cloth is to wipe my tears 🥺😥😢🥲 when the snap-on fans make fun of me from getting HF tools 😅😅😅😅😅😂😂😂
Haha! Miguel, that wins for best comment!
Compare your receipts and they will need it instead.
Snap on guys are so funny at time. They talk crap about the harbor freight icon ratchet yet it is lifetime warranty. If it breaks you can get a brand new one same day. You don’t have to wait on the truck. Then they say well if it breaks you have to stop working and the snap on doesn’t break. Who has 1 ratchet only? Snap on guys I guess because they can only afford the one.
You will need that cloth to wipe your tears when you figure out your resale value on these taiwan pieces after a year of use. Let's not mention after 10 years.
I've been using a 3/8 icon ratchet and a set of icon sockets for over a year now and have zero complaints. Snap On is nice and just has that feel factor you notice when holding a tool, but in my opinion the Icon is just fine for anyone starting out and it will last you quite some time. And if you do have problems with it, it has a warranty. I'll probably still get a Snap On, but only because I want it, not because I need it.
Well said.
I think cp was so excited to bash harbor freight and there icon line than doing a real in-depth review.
It’s no secret how he feels about HF.
Agreed. I mentioned on his channel people in my mechanic fb group were saying th kit changed with not as good ratchets and he got snarky. lol
I laughed out loud when his video was hinting at a copy etc etc and then during the reveal and saying he going to swap heads he discovers they are actually different
@@RACustoms snarky. Lol. Sounds right. He blocked me for giving my opinion once.
Actually, I went from have a blue wrench (channel Mod), to being blocked. 😂
@@YuoGotOwn3d lol
Here’s a link to the $40 EP Auto set: amzn.to/3CywkmK
As an Amazon associate, I earn from purchases, thanks.
I made the original video over a year ago when they were IDENTICAL to the ICON. Right after my video blew up on tiktok and shorts, the set was pulled from Amazon. It only recently became available again, and now has the different ratchet. They were identical. They aren’t now.
I just saw your video, proves that they were identical.
yup exactly... CP the Tool guy argured with me about this i told him he was wrong... and he pretty much called me stupid saying these were the exact same,, so heres the prof,,, i wish he could see this,,,,, looks like he Inded was wrong..... if CP could see this... "Hey keep telling yoursef that BUD"...
btw thanks for screwing up the deal for us.....LOL....jk.. iremember that video... iwas going to get a set but never didi then when i went to buy it i seen were they changed the ratchets......but atleast now the Icon lowered there price on some ratchets..
In terms of the ratchet pawl, an important thing to consider would be the Rockwell Hardness (HRC). I've not seen anyone test the relative hardness of any tool to assess durability and wear-resistance. While tooth count is important, you can have 200T ratchets, but if the relative hardness of the pawl and anvil are inferior to higher-tier brands, you're simply not gaining any long-term advantages...
I'll add that to my upcoming test.
I totally agree. Client Graphics used to test hardness of many things but I never seen the anvils tested
I especially appreciate you comparing the internal components of the two ratchets. Nicely done!!! thanks for sharing,
Glad to hear it, thanks. Tomorrow, Icon goes up against the ‘champ’.
Appreciate the in-depth look & review of these sets!
Yessir!
I own the full 3/8 EP Auto kit for $36 and couldn't be happier with the set for home gaming. Just replaced upper and lower control arms / Ball joints and they were awesome
Right on!
Awesome comparison video. I don't own anything ICON so I'm glad to see the internals of them ratchets.
Thanks Chef. They are a bit pricey, but not a bad tool.
Awesome video I'm going to share this evening on my community page!!
Please do! Thanks CP.
Great deep dive. As a weekend warrior. The only ratchet I ever broke was a craftsman early 1990s vintage. Old Sears replaced it . Have never had a problem since. And what broke was the retainer that held it together.
Today I use more of my Pittsburgh pro extendable ratchet , 3/8 & 1/4 inch drive
I have warn out a cheap 40pc set made in Malaysia.
Cannot complain. It was only $2-3. Back in 1990s . I got it only because I broke down after a spark plug got ejected from engine while I was driving. And that set what the auto parts store had. I kept the set in my car ever since and used it many times .
That’s awesome! I love hearing stories like that. Good to hear you aren’t afraid to do it yourself.
Very good in depth look Steve 👍🏽
Thanks Tyler, happy Friday!
Good video bro. Theres a few guys at the dealership i work at that use icon and pittsburgh ratchets and they are all holding up well.
Thanks, I appreciate ya. I’m not surprised that there are pros in your shop that use them. Tool truck stuff is getting crazy expensive.
Interesting Steve..Great job..👍
Glad you think so, cheers!
Thanks for the video man. I always love to save some coin. Also love finding the OEMs that make tools for companies and just put their name on them. All the tool companies have been doing it since before we were born. Just sadly you used to be able to get other American tool companies doing it for each other. You should take some snap-on sockets and put them next to some Williams USA made sockets and see they're exactly the same. They come off the same snap online except the Williams ones are about a third the price.
It’s sad, USA factories closing over the years. Good point though, we still have Williams. Lisle and Wright are a couple other good ones.
Lol y'all think CP got to this part yet? Telling us they're copies but yeah they not 🤣🤣 glad this video was done.. 👍🏽👍🏽 subbed
I appreciate ya.
Great video, I’ve had the Icon sockets for a few years now, No issues yet, so far loving them and worth the money, not sure about the Ratchets, I don’t think I would ever use or buy a HF ratchet,🤣
Thanks. I’m comparing Icon to Snap On soon. We might be surprised.
Great video Steve
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Thanks for the review. I was thinking about getting the ep set after watching the video you referenced but seeing that the selector switch is backwards I think I'll pass
Excellent review!! I think the EP Auto set is decent, but certainly not 100% comparable to the ICON set. The EP ratchet looks bulky and unbalanced, which I believe you noted in your assessment. The head thickness is a major concern personally. The head thickness is very common for offshore manufacturers. I don't know if the thicker head is needed for added strength, or just customary of their manufacturing practices... Nonetheless, I'd prefer to buy a used USA Made tool, opposed to offshore products whenever possible...
They redesigned the EPauto ratchets. They where exposed a while back with the dame part number as the icon. Amazon took the kit down. Now it's back as this set
Cool video Steve.
Thanks Jude.
I've got a Icon 1/4dr flex head all chrime and regular head with comfort handle. The 3/8dr regular chrome and a 1/2dr regular chrome and love them. Would I get them again probably not only because I don't have a HF close to me. I would go with Napa Carlyle or Gearwrench before Icon personally.
I haven’t looked lately, but last time I was in a Napa, they were really proud of that Carlisle stuff. The prices were almost tool truck level. I wonder if those ratchets are worth it.
@@ToolDemos They are still proud of them but there ratchets at least the 3 3/8dr ones I have have been amazing. I've been beating one at work for 3 years and it's taken it like a champ!
Great job comparing the two ratchets. Looks like the internals are different between the two. I'd like to see a comparison of the internals of the Icon to a similar Snap On. As far as price is concerned, Harbor Freight could offer the Icon line for less if they dispensed with the fancy presentation boxes. When shopping for ratchets I like to feel the mechanism before I purchase. If there are five ratchets on the rack I'll go through them and pick the smoothest of the bunch. I wish Icon had a bent handle 3/8 flex head in their lineup.
Thanks mlieser. I just might do the Snap On teardown.
You can get a matco 3/8 flex replacement head for under $40 and it'll fit on the 17" Pittsburgh breaker bar. Bend the handle yourself and for under $60 after tax you'll have a nice flex head. You can do the same with the matco 1/2" head and the 25" breaker bar.
@@randombuilds8336 that’s an awesome hack!
@@randombuilds8336 🤔 never knew that!
Curious if you can get a rebuild kit for the Icon and put that part into the EPAUTO ratchet...
It wouldn’t fit.
Its just like a Pittsburgh ratchet and its probably 72 tooth. Thats why the backdrag is so low. I did teardown on ratchet similar to the ep. Nice job on the video! Also on the ep ratchet the screw that holds the swith cant be too tight or it wont swith. I also demonstrate that on the hf ratchet teardowns.
Thanks for that. The Icon and EP are both 90 tooth (even the 1/4”). I didn’t know that about the switch, now I hate it more lol.
@Tool Demos thanks for doing the review, i seen the ratchet on cp's channel also an was on the fense about ordering it. After seeing this is right up there with pittsburgh pro ratchets.
@@mlacher100 I think you’re right about that, it’s closer to PP
That cat seems to know a lot about tools. I'd like to hear his thoughts on the Icon product line.
Lol That would be a hilarious video.
I've had Icons for years, plus Williams and Snap-on. If I had my druthers, I'd probably have Snap-on across the board, but I'm not sure that's so much a qualitative opinion rather than an excess of warm fuzzies and aesthetics. All of them have and continue to perform flawlessly.
Warm fuzzies, good way to put it.
Do you have the link to the Taiwanese tool company? The current EPAUTO set is not the same as the ICON but I'd like to know when I'm overpaying. Have you looked at the EPAUTO torque wrenches? There are several brands very very similar. Just saying....
edingtools.com - you’re gonna find a lot of tools you’ve seen before. Probably torque wrenches too.
I bought the epauto set on cps review....the sockets look pretty cheap..be curious if they hold up.
Yeah, let us know how they do.
Have you tried the gearwrench 120xp. I have the equivalent of the ICON and EP in the Gearwrench. Its nice and not too heavy. I have several Snap-on versions of 3/8 ratchets in various types of handles but need something with a shorter handle to get into tighter spaces. I didn't think I would be putting a lot of torque so I didn't think it was worth spending $100 plus on Snap on. I'm not crazy about the snap ring design but it has let me down. I was going back and forth between getting the ICON or the gearwrench. I might have to get an EP Auto set to through in my car tool box.
The only 120xp I have are the long wrenches, I mostly like ‘em. As far as your dilema, I’d go with Icon if there is a Harbor Freight near you. More convenient especially if you need a warranty.
I've had to warranty the 1/4 and 3/8 120xp ratchets because they kept locking up in one direction. Idk if it's a design flaw or maybe mine had some burs on the pawl or head, but I couldn't find any.
At 63 yrs old, and having "spun a wrench" for 38 yrs consistently - I can tell everyone that the reason to buy Snap on is trust and feel. Weighing sockets? Does that determine quality? Snap on sockets are thin walled to fit in that hole! Proper heat treating would be the key there. If you can't afford new snap on, buy used from the pawn shop/ebay. One socket or ratchet looks like a "copy of someone else"!? Are we supposed to reinvent the wheel here? Just keep the coffee hot while we old "grease dogs" work, that's all.
Point well taken.
Many thanks for posting this. I was tempted recently on get this set because of earlier sets being identical to Icon. Now I’ll pass on this.
Good call
I have the icon 1/4 ratchet already took it back once it kept getting stuck not a fan of the ratchets great video 👍
Thanks 👍
So you only had to return once and then the warranty replacement performed adequately? Come on tell us the whole story.
1 of the biggest game changers in tool world was Snap-on patent on flank drive expiring. I can't really complain about any Icon stuff I've bought.
True. Look at any brand that use that technology and the wrenches are far better than any other.
IVE BEEN buying the crap out of icon i also get a nice disount so it helps. i have noticed quinn getting better. i just picked up a brand new quinn 100tooth ratcheting wrenches and omg there so smooth check them out next time you visit. there 88 bucks for a no skip set
I’d agree that their overall quality is improving.
Bro, I just used my 19mm Quinn twelve point on a lug nut I stripped today, with an impact, fully prepared to sacrifice it. It survived pretty much unmarred. Color me impressed with the Quinn line.
The first gen of those epauto ratchets were identical to the icons. I'm guessing HF had some harsh words with e-ving and they stopped selling those specific ratchets to epauto. I've been looking for an in depth look at the guts on the newest epauto set since they put it back up on Amazon. Thanks for the update!
I work maintenance in the refinery, so at work I use proto, williams and wright; but icon is good enough for home and the warranty is why I buy them. What's your opinion on Olsa Tools?
I have yet to pick up an Olsa tool. They get a lot if their stuff from Taiwan, maybe E Ding.
I was about to say the same thing....the EP auto ratchet did not look the same as before.
Not to mention, even if it was the same....the HF Icon one, despite being much more expensive is mainly due to all of the costs of importing the tool, getting it into their stores and the fact that they offer their replacement warranty. You're not going to get that with EPAuto.
@Tool Demos I really enjoyed your video man as much as I enjoy CP the tool addict one on this subject. When I went on a trip to Louisiana(I’m from Canada 🇨🇦) I bought 2 Icon ratchet with the comfort grip and with the flex head(3/8 and 1/4 dr). I feel they are of quality BUT…main things are consider could be improved are 1. The switch lever is sticking out too far, 2. The flex head would be better with retention design and 3. The heads are bulky(too thick), 4. They are priced too high for sure. My gearwrench 120xp line up is better IMO. I will not talk about warranty on Icon as you understand I will probably never get them warrantied😂
Great video btw!
Thank you Philbert! I had the same thought about the switch. How does it not get knocked off more often.
Wow they changed them. I left a review on Amazon with pictures a few years ago. Looks like they changed a couple details on the ratchet
Yeah, I think HF got an exclusive deal in them.
The epa looks good for a trunk/truck set that you can use and not have it fall apart , but lose without crying.
Exactly. I wouldn't worry about it.
That is true the stocket set is much cheaper but HF has a lifetime warranty. I can fill a bucket full of broken wrenches, then turn around & take the bucket full of broken tools to HF & get every single one replaced free of charge.
I’ve done torque wrenches a bunch of times, & have yet to try the warranty with the Icon line.
For $50 I get a ratchet that’s on par & performs just as good as Snap-on. Stress testing, & durability is the same.
I buy Husky, HF, & Craftsman tools.
I own a 1/4” low profile, 3/8” 10” & 14” flex head, & 1/2” 18” flex head ratchet. I opted for the soft handle, so far after after 3 months of use they seems to be holding up well.
I own a Husky 12” flex head locking ratchet they no longer make in Black & while it is loose & has play, she still gets the job done. It’s been there for me over the last 4yrs.
The teeth were starting to show some wear, removed the back cover, cleaned the dirt & grease out of it, put some fresh lube in it, & she works like new.
Right on!
idk when I was watching CPs video about it, he started saying they were the same, but then there are Multiple things different. it was hard to watch
He didn't realize they were different until he recorded the video and saw the heads were different bc he wanted to do a swap... At least that what I got from the video
Until a couple months ago EPauto used to sell that set with a ratchet identical to the ICON. Now they replaced it with with an inferior one
Yeah, I think Harbor Freight locked down that design. It must be when you buy enough of them, they can be exclusively yours.
It looks like a great tool set to use in the junk yard.
Definitely!
I think the real issue is how some guys get excitedly wet when they hear someone say Icon. How high pitched their voices get if someone says anything negative about Icon.
There are a lot of fan boyz out there.
So the angry Subaru man and CP were wrong in saying they're the exact same. It really doesn't surprise me that they just looked at the outside and made judgement, both go to extreme lengths to shit on HF, which is why I take their opinions on everything with a huge grain of salt.
I believe EP Auto was a copy last year, now there’s a new design.
Think from CP video he didn't take it apart yet.... He just said they were same and then during his own video discovered the heads were different... And whatever else lol
This epauto set no longer has the icon ratchets and are now sold with the cheaper ratchets like the kobalt ratchets so unfortunately this comparison was a waste. If you were able to order the set 6 months ago then you most likely would have gotten the icon ratchets. You did an awesome job on taking them apart to show the differences which most tool reviewers don't.
Alot of us in hf groups on Facebook are looking for who makes icon now. Sucks because I love my old ep kit. And the new ratchet isn't terrible but definitely not as slim as the icon
Yeah, they were changing the design over the last few months, just came back in stock with this new design. I’m glad I could show the difference though, might save some people from wasting their money.
I just bought a EP auto 3/8 set. Same ratchet
Just because two products are made in the same factory doesn't mean they are the same. The design specifications and materials used can be different even though they look similar on the outside.
Oh no side by side the ratchets we're the same say 3 months or so ago. I think icon is overpriced add 20% on Pittsburgh pro and that is what it should be
That’s very true. There are many tools that are just different logos on the same tool. These aren’t the same.
Agreed
I have a couple of Icon ratchets and I'd say they are worth it. Maybe not the best value out there but they are nice and if something goes wrong it's easy to get a replacement. That's not something you'll have with anything from Amazon.
That’s true
I just rebuilt a mac ratchet and it looks like the icon inside
I’m surprised. It’s better than I thought it would be.
People need to remember that ratchets need to be oiled regularly. Even when they're new. There's only enough oil in them for assembly. I always put a few drops of oil in my ratchets when I notice them starting to feel different. And since I work at a body shop, I have to oil mine a lot
Yeah they work better when they’re lubed.
Regardless of what people say I grease them all even the 90 tooth and it takes that high pitch ting right out of them
I was just looking at the EPAuto ratchets, thought they were gonna be a steal after seeing a video about them being identical
Ofc the design has been changed now, lol
Yeah, I’ve seen that before. An introductory tool is great, then engineers figure out how to make it cheaper. But they have the same part number.
Good video
I appreciate that.
@@ToolDemos np
i watch cp's videos, but i always take him like a grain of salt, he's more ignorant than right on almost everything he disses on
I've spent lots of money on snap on tools, so the icon prices don't bother me that much.....
Same here, it’s like being numb.
Ep Auto sockets are Cr-V the Icon's Cr-Mo
Keen observation. I didn’t even see that.
People had to know that the Icon tools aren't try exclusive to HF, their hard to get bit ratchet set has certainly been around at least 10 years at this point.
Whether or not somebody else imports the same stuff for less remains to be seen, but there's definitely nothing too special about them.
Right, HF is a wholesale buyer. They also do retail.
Mr. Subaru actually came across this first months ago, then they went out of stock for the longest time
He mentioned that. Looks like after they sold out, the kits included a different (cheaper) ratchet. Lucky for the people who acted quickly.
That micro-fiber is for the guys who do box tours and they still have everything in the plastic it came in. Lol. I do have my wrenches like that so I shouldn't talk but its only 4 sets out of them
Yup!
4:40.. The broaching and radiused corners of the ICON sockets are actually better than the SNAP-ON... look at the drive end👀...no radius on the drive for the SNAP-ON..
Uh oh Snap On, Icon is comin’ for ya!
The ep auto have a very similar design to the Pittsburgh pro from harborfreight.
Hello! Can you list some specific examples? I would love to see.
I think you’re right about that.
The old ratchet was identical but Mr Subaru did the video long before CP, but I can make 2 identical cakes and you can't tell the difference but I can use quality ingredients in 1 and not the other which will fluctuate the price
We can't see if they paid for extra steps to make the tool better or not. So testing to failure or real world performance will produce more accurate results
Really, for the performance, warranty and being able to buy 2 for the price of 1 will be appealing because the 2 will last as long as the 1
Eye of the beholder I guess.
You’re absolutely right. It’s hard to see everything they did/didn’t do. Maybe test to fail would help.
I’m just trying to have a closer look at this stuff.
I absolutely HATE the Icon copying the Snap-On.hand tools.
Right. Just about all Icon does.
Yea blue point snap on and early kobalt all the same but ppl still want snap on…. Oh and Williams
My ep kit has identical interchangeable internals. Cp was definitely right about the hf scam
Yep, you got a better deal than HF offers.
@@ToolDemos for sure
The EPAuto set is adequate for at home if you don't have a lot of money.. but the ICON tools definitely are made better and are worth more money..☝️
7:16.. also great for laptops and cellphone screens...☝️
100%
The EPAuto set is adequate for at home if you don't have a lot of money.. but the ICON tools definitely are made better and are worth more money..☝️
Ok but good luck trying to warranty the Amazon stuff. I’ll just run to HF and throw it on the counter “go grab a new one”🤙
Exactly right.
Local501. I use icon on jobsite and abuse the shit out of them, definitely a must buy, only broke one ratchet so far but I did use a cheater bar, took it to harbor freight, exchanged it with no questions.
Right on.
They used to be the same, the design has changed
Right. I hope this at least keeps people from wasting money.
What you need to understand is that basically whole Taiwan is one big tool factory with all companies producing for each other.
So one company specializes in sockets, another in ratchets, the third in wrenches and so on.
Specializing in one product is the most efficient way to produce. Also explains why a lot of tools look/are generic. And remember that a different design of the same type tool is just a different stamp or mould.
The biggest cost is in the finishing of a product. Not the production. And we are literally taking about cents that make a world of difference.
And only if something says: "Made In" you can be sure that is was made in that country! So "USA" does NOT mean it was made in the USA.
Great info, thanks.
You just showed the differences between the ratchets. Then at the end say you can get this exact ratchet for less... you just showed the differences between them! It can't be exactly the same and have differences!
My mission is to find the source and show you where to get ‘em. I thought EP Auto would be it, but they changed their design.
You should have compared the Icon and Snap on ratchets. They are more similar than the icon and ep auto. You showed that the snap on and icon sockets are a lot more similar. I guess what I get your from video is that who ever makes the Icon makes the Snap on. I dont understand peoples logic you can buy something that is around a 4th the cost that has lifetime warranty. If you are worried about them taring up while working professional buy TWO and have a spare. still less money that one snapon. Yeah I know you wont have the cool name on the side to show your buddies. But it does the same job at a fraction of the cost.
That makes sense, look for that soon.
Please don't move your hands so fast once you have the part in your hand as it becomes difficult to see the detail on the part.
I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.
HF is accounting for the lifetime warranty and the inflation difference. Plus they're a retail store! Not a true comparison!
True, you do get a better warranty at HF.
@@ToolDemos Yeah and being brick and mortar business they have to make up for their expenses. An online retail is saving money by not having that and is able to pass on the savings to you. Theres benefits and downsides for either or
So after watching the whole video we find out the ratchet and sockets are nothing alike 🤦♂️. And if they came out of the same factory I'm sure they make different levels of tools. Ford makes the maverick pu and they also make an f350 platinum powerstroke dually.
The reason I posted is because EP auto set had the exact ratchet that HF sells with the Icon logo. People started to buy EP auto because of the news, now it has changed. So, really just a warning.
Not even 2 min. in and I can tell you they are nothing like Icon.
Right, they are not the same design anymore
CP’s video was a joke/goof, he admitted that. I mean obviously, you can take one look and tell they are not the same ratchets, they used to be but not anymore.
Right. We’re looking for more answers now.
Admitted after it looked bad. People want accurate info, glad Steve did this one
When will these manufacturers learn to guard the damn switch? The snap on switches seem to be make with a soft metal and break easily. I haven't used any of the other brands in this video so, I can't speak about them, but a poor design, is a poor design.
I totally agree
Send this video to CP the tool guy so he can finally see how Wrong he is......Indeed they are Not the same exact identical ratchets.....,,
I little China boy and make tools for fat Americans. I use snap on tools to build epauto and hf.
Not even close....stop this nonsense. I think some of the rachets made it into these sets because they were seconds or just lying around. Are they Snap On? No and you are not paying anything close to those prices if you choose Icon. For a DIY set buy a husky set and if you want a nicer set I suggest the Tekton set, great boxes and quality tools.
I don’t disagree.
I have an EPAuto set like this one BUT mine has an on/off switch identical to the Icon in this review - nothing like the switch of the EPAuto in this review - anyways for me it is just a cheap portable set; I have others for serious work / projects !!!
You got the old set which is the exact same as Icon. All the new ones have these cheaper ratchets.
@@ToolDemos .. oh ok thanks for the info