Is ICON's Ratcheting Bit Driver WORTH the MONEY????
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- Опубликовано: 15 янв 2024
- I saw this little guy in the Impulse Isle at my local HARBORFREIGHT. At $40, is this something you should consider or is it just another overpriced, over-hyped tool? Lets dive in and see what all the fuss is about!!
If you have other tools or items you'd like for me to review, or showcase, feel free to leave them down in the comment section!
Responding to view questions and concerns is a top priority so if you have something to say , just ask!!
Thank you for watching!! 
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At SEMA this year they announced the same set but also coming with 1/4” socket sets in metric & standard. Love the kit already, once they add the sockets will be a home run. Think it’s a summer 24’ release date.
That icon set is well worth it. I work on CNC/industrial equipment, i use it everyday. Haven't broken anything in the year ive had it
Also in the CNC/industrial industry. I use this all the time. It is also incredibly slim. I have found it to be the only tool that will get out certain Allen bolts even ones that a regular Allen wrench won’t get out with out cutting the Allen or using a stubby Allen but this has the ratchet feature.
@@philiptreptow5983also a cnc service technician this kit has saved me plenty of times
You also can put the extension in the handle and make it a long handle ratchet. I use this feature all the time for more torque.
Let’s just say, as a locksmith/security specialist this set paid for itself on the first install the day I bought it! Well worth the money, I have them on every truck and 2 at home! Love it!
Icon is releasing a larger version of this set later this year. It will include sockets.. I'm holding out for it.
That will be an awesome set.
I 3D printed a pair of 1/4" socket holders for my set, so I have a SAE and Metric on the outside of my box, I added a 1/4" to 3/8" socket adapter to the inside as well.
I'll be picking one up. I love that you can use this as a T-handle. Us atv guys really like t-handles for some reason.
I’ve owned this set for over a year, and it is far better than the Lowe’s or Home Depot counterpart. This thing has saved my ass more times than I can mention. I install office furniture for a living, and this thing is great for getting in those small spaces that a drill just won’t do.
has been a great little kit to include in my car edc pouch. it has come in handy so much.
The perfect tool EDC would be one of these, knipex cobra pliers, and a Milwaukee fastback knife
Dang, thanks for this review. Pretty much exactly the kind of thing I was looking to put into my truck bag but didn't think the $40 was worth it. Obviously is!
You’re welcome! It’s a great little kit!
I love mine! Have had it since they came out a year and a half, two years ago. I love it. Use it all the time. It's perfect to put in the door pocket on a vehicle or the glovebox.
I've had this at work for over a year now and as a Industrial maintenance technician it's super handy and holds up very very well. Great fit and finish would definitely buy it again.
Go this weekend and you can walk out with THIS set and a 'free' variety set of 10mm sockets for a little over 40 bucks - it's a no-brainer.
Bought one of these ratchet sets and was amazed at all the attributes you mentioned. The hex bits are metric and work great. I liked it so much I bought a second set 👍
I already had one of these but this was a fantastic feature packed video. You can also use the extension on the end of the ratchet for more leverage! Keep up the great production value. Great vid!
Thank you! I didn’t even think to use the extension as a HANDLE extension! Genius!
Yooo.. I said almost the same exact thing about the extension before I saw this comment. How crazy
If you work on and own a Harley Davidson it's a very good tool. I bought one when the tool first came out. I was working in an independent Harley Davidson restoration shop at the time and it was the tool I used the most. Extension also goes on the back of the ratchet for more leverage. Putting one in my toolbox this riding season on the Softail.
I have 3 of these. One for the shop tool box, one for the car, and one I have in a backpack that I wear when riding my dirt bike in the forest...I actually carry a very cheap 1/4 drive 10 piece metric socket sets in case a bolt comes loose. Very handy.
Me too. And I carry mine in a bar pouch on my TW200, with a few specific sockets just for the bike. It has been a lifesaver a few times. I also keep the tiny Knipex channel lock with the kit, and you pretty much have everything you need to dismantle the bike.
@@matthewpeterson3329 I just picked up one. Going back tomorrow to get two more sets. One for home, one for shop and one for fender bag on my dirt bike
Great presentation!
Great video! Definitely convinced me to head out to pick one up, now. ☺
Great review, gonna pick this up now lol. I bought that warrior set years ago and cut every single bit in half and works great for a/c servo removal or suspension motor removal in tight fender wells
An absolutely indispensable tool. It will get you in to places that you couldn't think possible. I used one in a recent situation that saved a client from spending thousands to repair for a half hour of time. Great tool.
Have one... LOVE IT and use it often. Automotive, motorcycle work, 3d printer maintenance and assembly, computer cases... Everything.
Thinking about grabbing another one. Keep one in the house and one in the garage...
I own 3 or 4 of these little sets. I love them! Unbeatable for the capability. Bits are so so, but they warranty them without issue.
I bought a set when they first came out and I love it. The best 1/4 in. Ratchet ever.
Must have for work and home. All my coworkers who see it want a set. The bits included are pretty good as well.
They're a hidden gem, equally blown away when I saw em. A slight competitor to the Icon is the Vim ratchet that looks and feels very similar, but the handle is maybe an inch or so longer. Outside that they're practically identical.
Prestacycle's small ratchet as well as the O'Reilly's Power Torque brand "9 piece ratchet and bit driver", they are small ratchets but are fixed non-indexing heads for anyone looking for a small ratchet without worrying if the index will hold under torque I suppose. Might make for a good comparison
This is a great set. I bought 2 one for in my truck and one for home box. Added a small 1/4 set of sockets to truck bag too to compliment this set.
I was thinking a little 1/4 set to go along with this would be a world of possibilities! Thank you for the comment!
I live in VA and had to drive all the way to SC to get that kit last year.... Well I was headed that way but makes for a good story.. Bought 2
Love this tool, got it to remove the ignition switch key set on my vehicle
I can wait for the next version with T Handle ratcheted. 😁
I love this little guy....work perfectly 👌
These are great. I gave mine to a buddy who travels to job sites so I bought another.
I've got a wera very similar but gonna grab this eventually.
Thanks for the thorough review! I certainly would have passed right by it without your video. Also loved the reference to the Critical Drinker!
😂 he’s the best!
Very cool. Bit ratchets are absolute game changing tools is certain trades. Iv used them in all manner of small engine type repairs from chain saws to dirt bikes as well as bicycles and e-bikes and other electronics repairs. I own the gearwrench locking flex bit ratchet and the prestacycle bit ratchet. (I also have the titan offset-my favorite, and the titan swivel head) This one combines the features of both into one. Innovation wins. I’m will say this, I am not a t-handle guy. And I also don’t like round handle ratchets. I much prefer a flat teardrop handle for grip like on the titan offset bit ratchet. This is basically identical to the prestacyle ratchet without flex. While owning the prestacycle ratchet, I never used the slide bar as a t-handle and I also never used the slide as an extension for torque. A tool should feel comfortable and excite positive feedback in the hand. Something pencil grip ratchets never inspire. If I need more torque then I use the appropriate tool. I’d like someone to do a torque test on bit ratchets to see what they are capable of. Also for a fine instrument, 60 teeth is not good enough. 90-120 is where it’s at. People will love this icon ratchet but knowing there are better options out there I won’t be spending the money on it. Great review! Icon (hf) tools are making steps in a positive direction as far as quality and affordability. Thanks for showing us!
It is worth it. I’ve used it for changing hydraulic lines. Still use alen keys time to time it’s not a full replacement but it’s definitely great if your hands are getting cramps.
I usually nearly daily working on aircraft. I bought a second one so I can take the good one to work and a replacement for when the retaining ring gets bent I can exchange it without needing to make it a priority
I'll watch for the coupon on that one. And you're right! They need to redo the display box to show off the tool. They'll probably sell more!
I’m a wood worker, but you convinced me! I need one of this!! Oh yeah Sir!
GOTTA HAVE IT!!
You can also stick the extension into the bottom of the ratchet to give it more leverage
Thumb wheels are absolutely fantastic. I have one on all my socket wrenches
Love the icon set. They are coming out a set with sockets come spring time. I'll be picking up that set as well.
I wonder if it will be a carbon copy of the USAG 610
Is it gonna be the "bit sockets" from the original VIM set or just regular 1/4" sockets?
This is really big in the EDC community. It’s a great set
Was on the fence about this set because of the price and not knowing much of what it can do but i know now and will be getting one. Thanks.
You won’t regret it!
I have the vim one. A bigger set and each bit piece is warranty if anything happens besides losing one but still my co-worker likes his. Great vid😊
Thank you! I will be looking into the vim one as well.
A stubby bit screwdriver and some 1/4 sockets make it an amazing EDC set. Got me out of many jams. Worht $40 but still wait for the 25% off coupon.
Harbor Freight is supposed to be releasing an expanded set that includes some socket. They showed it off in the SEMA 2023 videos, but no idea when it's actually being released.
A necessity for getting harley roadglide transmission cover off. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 the second set he demoed
I've got this, the bits break easily but the tool its self is great for working on bicycles and motorcycles.
I keep that with the magnetic impact nut drivers on my motorcycle and can handle most of the fasteners on my motorcycle. Plus, they have them in metric. They make a great combination
Oh it’s a perfect kit to keep under the back seat or in a saddlebag!
That ratchet and extension is likely made by VIM. It is very nice. Carry one in my pocket.
Will it rust sitting inside your truck on the cab floor like the Warrior brand?
First I’ve looked at these with a demo.Great vid.Almost bought a few yrs ago but was sold out haha
Mine has 8 of them in stock right now but a lot of people are saying they’re sold out!
@@Dartmech red seas ,no travel for restock! Flying in meds ! Weird times !
A better deal than the Warrior Bit Set is the Hercules Bit Set - they're impact rated, have security bits and are in a smaller package. AND they were only a little more than the warrior which will likely fold like warm cheese under pressure.
I had this set it was great but someone stole it when they broke in my truck. They are coming out with a version with sockets in it to soon so I'm just waiting for that to replace it.
I was looking at this but I got a Matco bit set for 35 off the truck. Cheaper than the icon lol
I bought one loved it sold it to my gunsmith and he loves it
I have it. It’s worth every penny. It’s gotten me out of some jams with fasteners in awkward and tight locations.
Great little tool! I'm going to pick these up.
My local HarborFreight has 8 in stock right now, but a lot of people are saying they’re all sold out.
This is 100% worth the price and a tool I use quite often at work and at home. Had mine for over a year and I cannot recommend it enough. Especially great for getting into tight clearances where the ratchet head size matters by even a fraction of an inch, aka my Klein and cheaper Amazon mini ratchets can’t clear!
I work on lab instruments and this thing has replaced most of my tool bag. It has the bits I need for 95% of the jobs. I used to carry the tool check plus but now that sits at home.
I keep mine in my range bag. It’s a cheaper version of fix it sticks. Very handy
Good idea!
On a side note, Walmart also sales it. For double the Harbor Freight price.
Interesting, is it Hart brand?
LOL - This is what call a 'tool geek tool'. Small, eyecatching, flexible, capable, and typically worth the space it takes up in a tool bag.
I’ve gotten to prefer Icon to Snap On,especially when price comes into play. Good tools.
I have a lot of experience with snapon, and while they’re definitely quality tools, Icon has them beat in the price department.
Good review. Great substance, room for improvement on recording.
Please learn something about lighting. Your little stage obviously had very harsh direct lighting from above. Look at the part where you are manipulating the box. Repeatedly the angle between the camera, box and light makes the face of the box effectively disappear. Diffused light coming from all (or at least multiple) directions would be a real improvement.
(That $10 kit takes up too much room!!!)
Considering Icon sells these for $40 versus the original manufacturer Facom and the $90 price tag I'd say Icon for the win for sure
Anyone know if there is a stockist of these here in the UK?
I have one of these that I keep on my motorcycle.
Sold! on my way to HF😂
hmmm... you just sold this master clock guy. i use cheap version of this because that was all that i had access to. this looks like a major improvement for working on grandfather clocks in the field. ill have to watch for them going on sale. thanks 🙂
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it!
This set saved me when I needed to pull the tail lights to change the bumper.
I’m going to throw it in my road bag. You never know when you’ll need something like this! Thanks for the comment!
Great tool. Very similar if not the same as the VIM model of this kit.
Excuse my ignorance- what does VIM mean? Thanks.
@@dondgc2298 VIM Tools makes the same one.
They've come down from $44.99 to $39.99 -- wait till they have the 25% off on ICON coupon and grab one Fri, Saturday, and Sunday - then you can have one on your workbench, one in your truck, and one for your motorcycle.
Nice tip!
Great video
Thank you
First of all, it's a good set.
If you're looking for a comparable ratchet for less, O'Reilly Auto has one under $20 That's as premium, and lower profile, but not flex-head, comes with fewer bits and a cheaper case. It is really worth it, and you can just buy the bits you need for less.
For 10 bucks I bought 2 craftsman 120 piece security bit sets maybe 5 years ago.
The kit is actually made by Facom - a French company - and it’s fantastic. Buying it from Facom will cost you $80, and IMO, the case isn’t nearly as nice. Not a HF fanboy, but that’s a great buy.
Great vid, maybe drop the background music a couple db. Subbed
Thanks for the tip! I appreciate it!
Man, i didnt need this until i watched this video.
I heard in February 2024 icon is making an updated version with sockets retailing at 60~80$ .
I’ve heard that too, been trying to find the “upcoming” releases but can’t find much.
great to use when removing 8mm allenn bolt of ABS sensor
Perfect situation where something like this would come in handy!
Im Looking this set in Europe. Similarity to Facom R.PEJ 31.
Baisically is this what im looking for my tool set up welder EDC😂😂
I'm getting a few. For myself and to gift.😊
It’s a great gift!
So, if you have the ratchet and extension, why do you need a T-handle? The ratchet with extansion will give more leverage than a T-handle, and it ratchets unlike the t-handle configuration. Still an interesting tool, but not sure it's worth $40 for me. Maybe if it gets a coupon in the future.
It’s just another option for how to use it. Let’s say you’re setting valve lash, or some other “fine tuning” adjustment, you could leave the T-handle in the adjusting screw and the weight wouldn’t be so off to one side. Making it easier to make mini-adjustments without having to take the tool off each time. I hardly ever use T-handles myself , but I like that it’s an option if it comes up.
I hope that helps answer your question!
I just went to both the Harbor Freight app and website and neither show it.
I actually have a titanium knuckle. Nice and light. If you can punch properly, you don't need the extra weight. Learn to punch properly and use these items as an augment only when you need them.
I remember I had been looking for this for a while and it was always out of stock. Then It wasn’t and I bought it for $45, it dropped down to $40 a couple weeks later 💀
VIM is the manufacture.
No.
The OEM is HI-FIVE.
They make the VIM, MAC, BLACKHAWK, USAG, FACOM, TOPTUL, WERA, RUJOI, 711L, GM POWERTORQUE, TOPEAK, PRESTACYCLE, ICON, WURTH, KS TOOL, DEEN, and the list goes on.
Toptul GADW4501. Is similar for $79. I believe they’re going to be coming out with an updated version of this soon from Harbor freight under icon.
@@RJM_2023 yep that's yet another set made by HI-FIVE.
Well at least the bit ratchet anyways, TOPTULis owned by ROTAR group who manufactures wrenches and they may be the manufacturer of the sockets in these sets.
👍🏻
IMHO I have yet to see any tool with the Icon name that wasn't worth the price 😂
hah, true..
ummmm just decided what I'm using my 10% off one item president sale y'all
That knife has been sold out since the very first day.. LOL
Too bad ICON does not make the rachet. You can get the same kit at groit s garage under the USAG name but at twice the price
Super nifty
You Forget to mention you can
Make longer
Relax with all the effects on the video! Lol
You are a bit late. Icon will have the new bigger tools soon, this one is outdated already
Look like a rip off of facom