A Snap On guy in a Harbor Freight world: Lessons Learned with ICON TEKTON Snap On Gearwrench Amazon

Just a Snap On guy in a Harbor Freight world. These are some lessons I learned when dealing with ICON wrenches when used to a Snap On experience.

[@denoftools]

I’ve been begging for this for years! A lot of the icon stuff is identical to the Matco but I looked up the 9 mm and it’s $30 so that’s not much help 😢

[@TheGameBoy56]

No home owner buying $200 set in first place Icon for the professional PROFESSIONAL-MECHANICS MAKE BREAD

[@mikethetoolman8776]

both made by sunex likely -- matco makes no tools

[@fvrrljr]

@@TheGameBoy56 craftsman from 50 yrs ago, great tools. husky is nice for homeowners. matco snap on was being sold for mechanics, i bought some specialty tools. built many engines using Alltrade sockets. used and abused, still going strong. i buy tools from harbor freight sockets from pawn shops and swap meets. someone gifted me that horrendous 8 socket-in-one monstrosity

[@jefffranks6213]

​@@TheGameBoy56 not all mechanics make a lot of money.

[@brettwalkom948]

​@@mikethetoolman8776 sunex doesn't make all their tools either they just have them made from a factory in Thaiwan like everyone else

[@jasonhoyt8232]

So far Icon has been very good at changing when they hear customer feedback. Mark my words: they will be offering individual wrenches soon.

[@jmackinjersey1]

They have been doing thisnfornseveral years now and will not offer single units. That insires more sales of large kits/sets.

[@jasonhoyt8232]

@@jmackinjersey1 I think they will eventually. Of course time will tell.

[@martyvanord984]

@@jmackinjersey1 my thought is that is the hidden loophole in the lifetime warranty

[@jamesmilos9909]

Yep! They need open stock, not just sets!

[@tenmil1]

They don’t want to sell individuals. they would have been on the shelves years ago if they thought they’d make money with that plan. Sets only drives more sales. Otherwise lots of guys would buy only what they need.

[@JaredJohnson-nj1ys]

You can get the flex joint to tighten up if you put a drop of blue loctite on it, work it back and forth, then let it sit for a few minutes. Time will vary but ideally, you'll want to let it set up almost all the way and then work it back and forth again. Works like a dream every time I've used it.

[@David..]

Thank you for this tip

[@DaveP326]

If you like the ICON wrenches that much, why not just get a whole new set, and then E Bay each one of the individual ICON wrenches from tyour original set. You might make out on it...

[@georgeburns7251]

Too obvious.

[@drengskap]

Like you, I discovered that you can't stiffen the joint on flex-head wrenches by tightening the bolt - the shoulders of the joint are just too beefy to be drawn inwards by a little bolt. You'd do better to put a shim washer in, or cinch the shoulders slightly inwards with a bench vice.

[@muddyriverdogz]

Take the bolt and head off and rap it with a hammer. Then put it back together. Fixed.

[@martyvanord984]

my thoughts exactly the vice can easily do a controlled squeeze--even an extension to limit the squeeze

[@drengskap]

@@martyvanord984 Well, whether you tighten the joint with a vice or a hammer, you ain't going to do it by tightening the bolt down, that just doesn't work.

[@muddyriverdogz]

@@martyvanord984 yes a vice would work also. Anything strong enough to reform the metal. The bolt itself isn't.

[@davidford3073]

Easy gix😅

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Great review. While i do wish tektons flex heads were a little stiffer on all the flex head style tools you also have to remember your not holding the wrench by the ratcheting end so as long as your holding the wrench by the correct end and the head doesnt just flop around they work just fine. I have a gearwrench set that just flops around with 0 resistance. But i do understand wanting them to be a little stiffer.

[@lastbesttool]

On a small wrench, it is hard to show how lose the flex is since the ratchet side weighs so little. But when attempting to center on a fastener, the sag really comes into play. I’d hope up to a 13 or 14mm wrench that there is no sag when holding the short side.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

@lastbesttool ya that's completely understandable. Nothing worse then trying to get the flex head on a fastener in an awkward location and the thing just constantly moves around. I have also tried snugging that fastener up on a few brands in the past with no luck. If you try one of those other methods mentioned in the comments that would be awesome to see. Keep up the amazing work!

[@Dave5843-d9m]

I find the floppy head is so annoying that I rarely use my gear wrenches.

[@m2aic433]

On the gear wrench, they use a wavey washer. Take the head off and bend the washer more then reassemble. That got mine to be stiff enough to be useful.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

@@m2aic433 will do. Thanks

[@mgdurandolo]

Tekton's good stuff. I had most of my Snap On stuff stolen a few years back, so I've been replacing it all with stuff like Tekton and it's... just fine. And most of it's next-day with Amazon Prime. Even the Snap On truck only comes once a week or so

[@Mountainrock70]

I know how it feels. Had a top chest stolen filled with Snap On, Mac, Proto and a few SK. Ive been buying used Snap On on eBay. Looking at trying Tekton now.

[@Halfstep2024]

@@Mountainrock70 you won’t regret it. I love all my tekton stuff. Their warranty is awesome too. Takes less than a minute to snap a pic, enter your shipment info then two days later your parts or a replacement tool shows up in the mail.

[@derekp6636]

dang this is exactly what I was afraid of. Collect nice tools/toolbox, accidentally leave the garage up too long and there goes your nice tools.

[@blakechinn5792]

Icon has come along way. Totally agree you should be able to buy an individual wrench, if you have the set. That's something they could improve on.

[@johnnylightning1491]

In all fairness to Tekton it's not the long end of the wrench you need to keep from drooping, it's the short end and it looked like it was tight enough to keep that from happening. I own several sets of Tekton tools and I've been very happy with them.

[@lastbesttool]

On small wrenches like this 9mm, the short end nearly always is firm enough to support its weight. But the moment it touches a fastener it moves. That’s why I use the weight of the long end. Larger wrenches are a different story.

[@tammeraeads7850]

I own none except an sae tap and die set, very cheap was my initial impressions, used it 1 time and I hate it. I would rather spend some coin on the Capri line of tools, since I own a vice made by them amd it's built like a tank.. oh and lifetime warranty, supposedly...

[@woodsrdr]

I have a box full of Snap On and Mac tools. I've purchased a lot of Tekton tools for myself and my kids in the last 3 years or so. I'm very happy with their tools so far. It has mostly been socket sets, ratchets, screwdrivers and pry bars. For the money, Tekton is probably my favorite brand. I'm not an auto mechanic by trade but I do all of my own maintenance and repairs. I recently replaced the engine in my truck almost exclusively with Tekton tools other than my M18 impacts. No failures or issues while removing a 30 year old engine. I have to say I'm impressed.

[@xXCigarXx]

@@lastbesttool I've also had no issues with my flex heads being floppy, they seem to stay pretty much where I put them unless I purposely push on something to get a bit more angle...kinda weird about the not being able to tighten it thing....you might message Tekton about it....could be a issue with the screw internally....like maybe it has a burr at the end that's bottoming it out prematurely. Or maybe even just remove the screw and check it yourself since you said it had no issue coming loose.

[@tammeraeads7850]

@ Johnny Lightning, thats pretty much exactly what she said there too bud...

[@112428]

Seems to me the obvious solution is to buy an Icon set, take the wrench you need, and sell the rest at $30 a piece for a huge profit.

[@davidbuck9977]

Check the returns/discount shelf, if they have a set that is already missing pieces the store manager will usually let you buy individual pieces at a prorated price each. IE 10 piece wrench set that normally retails for $120, they will sell each wrench for $12.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Take the T9 screw out, take the head out of the hinge, put the hinge on an anvil, hold a strip of brass on the end of the hinge, & give the end of the hinge a sharp rap with a hammer. Reassemble, with some thick grease. That often works. "Fettling" tools used to be a thing; sometimes even things like (US, Canadian, Australian) Stanley bench planes needed their frogs stoned flat to make them sit square in the plane.

[@SuperMIKevin]

I wish your explanation was a video, sounds interesting.

[@muddyriverdogz]

@@SuperMIKevin Its not that hard.

[@GlennC789]

Fettling is a great word, I guess it's a good thing fettling isn't usually something people have to do these days, but when fettling is needed, fettling is how you accomplish it. In fact, I think I'm going to fettle up a sandwich.

[@thooks1234]

@@GlennC789 Fettling used to be done during "rehabbing" old tools like hand planes, etc. As you alluded to, it's not something thought of today, primarily because it's a lost/untaught art. Not saying one should expect to have to fettle a Tekton, Gearwrench or Icon tool, especially when these tool makers/brokers are trying to compete with S-O/etc at a much lower price, much easier availability/etc.

[@GlennC789]

@@thooks1234 I like your comment. As a Gen-X parent of adult twin millennials, I have to be serious for a moment to say that fettling is as alive as it's ever been, and thereby contradict myself. One of my twins fettles with 3-D printers. He fettles up a lot of stuff, some of it better than a sandwich, or even a plane. My other twin fettles with biology, and if by chance you don't think that type of fettling is important, try not to need any medical care in your life. My serious point is just that fettling can take any angle, it's how humans make things better, and thanks to all the previous fettling that's happened you and I probably have pretty comfortable lives. Fettling. Damn it really is a great word, I didn't even realize until you and that other guy mentioned it.

[@rdunnam100]

Tekton support is usually really good about helping you get the tool working the way you want and if it is simply they dont design them to be that tight then you would know for sure. As for wondering around trying to figure out how that works... it's like us non-tool truck guys wondering how folks find the trucks or go to those spots on the vendor schedule and what about weeks they change routes... I guess it is all what you are used to. And I agree - I wish I bought a lot more craftsman back in the day. I have doubles of a lot but not enough, and should have had 5 sets of everything LOL

[@leightonlawrence8832]

They sell snap on in trucks because stores can't drive away when you need something warrantied.

[@nitrorc4life1]

Not being able to purchase Icon separately, is a huge reason I'm not buying them as I start to rebuild my tool collection. And lea ing to Tekton myself.

[@bradbeck2601]

I like that snap on uses o-rings in their hinge for flex ratchets. Ive had a couple go saggy and when you want to stiffen them up you replace the o-ring. The higher the durometer, the stiffer the flex.

[@brettwalkom948]

They actually use a small spring now days

[@bradbeck2601]

@@brettwalkom948 like a split lock washer? Because now you have me thinking mine originally had those and I've replaced them all with O-rings over the years. Either way, they work 😅

[@brettwalkom948]

@@bradbeck2601 yeah it's kinda like a spring washer made out of a bit of wire

[@itsatoolthing6323]

The FIX for your tekton wrench is to remove the bolt of the 9mm wrench fill the hole with too much blue lock tight reinstall the bolt wipe off the squeeze out and let it sit unused over night. Also what the heck do you use a 9mm on. I'm sure something has one out there but 30 years turning wrenches do think I've seen one yet. Thanks for sharing

[@frywheeler]

When Mr.Murphy finds out that you pushed past your ocd and bought a non-matching replacement you'll find your wrench!

[@feelingsatisfied]

To tighten try putting it in a vise to close the fork and then tighten it. The pressure from the sides of the fork is what allows it to stay in place, not the screw

[@nocandopdx]

This.

[@shay1116]

Moral of the story is don't lose your Icon wrench. As popular as the Icon tools are getting I'm willing to bet they will eventually offer individual wrenches.

[@bikerdad2479]

That set is identical to the blue power (Cornwell) set. If it saves you any money that way. Probably not though.

[@brasshouse-og]

How do you keep all of these tools organized? Have you ever done a toolbox tour? I feel like your toolbox would be interesting.

[@stefanczechorskidds8435]

Any flex head ratchet or wrench can be "tighted" up with shims (yes, they come that thin) or a different clam washer (if installed). The screw is only a pivot point for the tool and not a adjustment for less movement.

[@martyvanord984]

SOURCE ???

[@durkkooistra4797]

@@martyvanord984 machinist supply, or make your own out of feeler gauges

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

The question is now if you break your 10mm can you warranty it without having the 9mm because they just swap the whole set? If you can't then the whole advantage of the lifetime warranty is out the window.

[@vSilvrbac]

You can, they usually just crack a set open and give you one

[@HomeGrownPyro1]

Yeah those are the open sets on the clearance rack with missing pieces lol

[@jamesdecanteur4485]

Sometimes they give you a whole new set. Also I warrantied a $180 mechanics tool set at the depot, with much dismay, because of excessive rust. That set was missing several sockets, they didn't even care

[@deltahawk1001]

There may be a friction ring inside that flex joint that can be pulled out and manually spread to make it fit toghter. That is how Snap-On flex ratchets work

[@8145dwerdna]

It's odd because some of the icon wrenches you can order/replace individually. It's right on the website for p/n. 17337 is for the 10mm combination with anti-slip.

[@fristlsat4663]

There is a pretty good chance that that torx screw is threaded on the head end, not the far end. That makes for a stronger pin. If you take the screw out and look you will quickly see if that is the case. It basically means the threads just hold the screw in, they have nothing to do with supporting the joint. So basically, tight enough is good, if you want the flex tighter you will have to do it a different way.

[@georgecroney6168]

A whack with a hammer peins the end of the pin, also works great for cutters that become loose. Snap On only warranty when broken unfortunately.

[@NickeryNelson]

Very helpful. I am a professional researcher who is compulsive in researching prior to purchasing almost anything. I spent hours, for weeks when looking at new wrench sets. So glad I went with Gearwrench. I had a warranty issue and they replaced it with no problem.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

Gear wrench was a good move imo. I only have a few but they are in my rotation along with much more expensive ones.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Yeah, that is one of the few faults I have with ICON, luckily I haven't lost any yet. Maybe they'll change this soon. The pin screw on the TEKTON I think bottoms in the handle so it retains but doesn't adjust the tension? It would require some serious force to tweak that tool steal I suppose also?

[@jeffhogueison1656]

Use a vise clamp to squeeze the Tekton to tighten it up some. Works fine. ;) ICON is a bit greedy

[@TheodoreRoosevelt3]

My buddy had the same problem. He lost a 1/2, so he broke his 7/16 and took the whole set in, and they still warrantied it with a missing wrench. Idk if all stores are like this, though.

[@opensage01]

I have a Capri Tools 3/8 socket set with blow mold case that I keep in the trunk of my car. I lost the ratchet and measured the slot and it was a specialty ratchet that was a little smaller than the average 3/8 ratchets that even Carpri Tools sells. The set was discontinued a few years ago and I could not find a ratchet that I could buy to fit in that space in the blow mold case. I called Carpri Tools and they were able to sell me that ratchet as a single unit. They said they keep a stock of discontinued tools for just that purpose, for either warranty, or missing parts replacements. I bought the ratchet and then found my missing one a couple weeks later haha. But I was happy to know that I could call them and order tools that have been discontinued and even buy them a single tool that came only in a specialty set too.

[@playdg]

Doesn't always work. I have a Capri breaker, broke it, easy warranty. But, they didn't have it anymore, so they gave me the closest model, which was actually quite different other than the 1/2 drive size.

[@CoyleTools]

Excellent points. The reason you can't get individual pieces is because the retailer or distributor doesn't keep what's called "open stock," meaning individual pieces of sets aren't available. This is one reason their prices are typically lower than other retailers who do keep open stock. It's also why many stores won't open a set to give you one individual piece since they can't then replace that one piece and would be left with an incomplete set that they can't sell. It's more than your average consumer should need to know, but if you do, it can inform your purchasing decision and shows one reason why some retailers are so much less expensive than others.

[@waiting4aliens]

Remove bolt from Tekton. remove head.Put handle open end in vice and tighten. Takes the slop out.

[@shawnglass108]

I started buying all Tekton tools. They make great tools and have a great warranty.

[@enriquerodriguez9590]

this is very reasonable critique. I do leather work, but before i started i had already been in the world of tools and hobby-level mechanic work, so when looking for an industrial sewing machine i was fixated on a serviceable machine that i can locate parts for. when i found the brand i ultimately went with, i knew theyd be the one because the website has most parts, and if not there is a number to call to reach parts department, which in my experience is manned by a very knowledgeable team who have not delivered wrongly the 3 times ive had to order parts. serviceability, replaceability, and responsiveness are the most important things for these kinds of investments. if the company lacks them, the product is worth so much less

[@MrMattDat]

Two thoughts: 1) Disassembly the Tekton and see if there is a friction point that may be overlubed (you could try threading the "hinge" bolt a bit more if it is partially threaded, or adding very thin nylon shims), and 2) Find the parts guys at the flea markets until you find another IKON 9mm.

[@4speed3pedals]

An alternative to EvapoRust is Rust 911. It is a concentrate designed to work in a 16 to one ration using water. That makes the gallon worth purchasing vs Evapo Rust. They both work the same.

[@SavageSaltFishing]

They have plastic shims, thats what gives all those wrenches their firmness

[@BraydenFutral]

It probably has a long shank on the screw. Could replace with an all thread or shorter shank screw. They've redone the ratcheting wrenches recently so they may have addressed the floppyness

[@suvettess]

Might sound funny, but i cant even tell u the last time i needed a 9mm anything.. Been wrenching for 40 years...

[@corin164]

I don't have this Icon wrench set, but I may have a workable solution to your problem. If you can remove the screw and the head, might I suggest the insertion of a micro thin clear plastic washer or cello-tape placed between the head and the bar. Re-insert the screw and tighten away.

[@damnimcooltom1]

Why would you expect a hinge to get tighter by tightening the pin? You'd need to tighten it enough to bend it to create friction between the separate pieces in order to make it less "floppy". When you said "hold on" I wasn't expecting it to have a screwed in hinge pin. I was expecting it to be a pressed or swedged pin. I was thinking that it needed to be pressed tighter in a vise or actual press. Zygmunt The Cacao Kakistocrat has a good thought.

[@davidlackey4873]

that's exactly why i choose tekton...got 1/4, 3/8 socket sets and 1/2 inch drive impact set and standard and metric regular wrenches, no skips are the seller for me,love em..hope they fix the swivel wrench,their warranty is 2nd to none in my opinion...snap a picture of tool and you'll receive a new tool in 3 or 4 days...just a diy guy but i don't want some engineer teeling me i'll probly never need a 23mm socket...have had a craftsman cube tool set i bought 10yrs ago that still serves me well ...but for tools on my p/u i'll stick with tekton no skips...thanks for your vids.

[@CALDues]

I asked if I could purchase a replacement out of an already "open box" tagged set but the manager said more or less there was no protocol for it. The one I was looking to replace does have an individual part number and price but nothing to scan so no can do. Maybe I should've bought that open box set then sold the individuals on eBay like one of your comments suggested.

[@derekp6636]

I just dont want to invest 5k in a toolchest size assortment for it to walk off, if I lose a size or something I can replace the whole set for the price of a single wrench at most. Same as you i'll just get another brand like tekton to fill the gap. Current wrenches are an assortment of older craftsman etc anyways.

[@Zloner]

Good talk Doc! Gives a perspective about what actually buy when you purchase a product from a given company. I think the Snap-on policy should be standard, but again at what cost? I do not know how the Tekton wrench joints are made, but you may be able to fix that sag with a screw with a slightly tighter thread pitch. That way you may get the a tighter joining, although the threads themselves may be thinner but it should hold. Question is whether such T9 screws are available. Cheers. Edit: On second thought that may be problematic because the threads within the hole remain at the same pitch, so trying to thread a different pitched T9 screw may cause problems. This may not be doable, for your attention.

[@bryanpritchett]

Brand loyalty is weird to me. I go with the best thing available at my desired price point when the need arises. That said, most of my wrenches are Tekton.

[@aldenbarbieri]

“What’s going on Tekton? Why does the flex head flex?” 😂😅

[@CorvetteTrev]

I bought a few bags of fiber washers in home depot, you can bring your ratchet bolt in with you if you want the perfect diameter, I've really tightened up a few ratchets like this, also adding some blue loctight on the washer isn't the worst idea. Easy fix.

[@joemorales6154]

I have the set of double end ratcheting wrenches, some of them were loose. I removed the bolt pulled the head and shimmed each side, Andes some blue loc tite and have been using them everyday for 2 years.

[@Officer_harding]

Can order Carlyle wrenches individually they are made by the same manufacturer as icon, they are the exact same wrenches other than the name printed in the middle

[@nkaujthao3781]

Tekton is the site to buy individually. That’s where I do all of my purchase from Tekton. They just have a complete set with no skip.

[@Xellos14]

I wouldn't think the tightening of such a small screw would stress the metal for a quality wrench. Is it made to where you could take it apart and maybe fit a nylon bushing in both or one of the sides to give more friction fitment? That or ugga-dugga the wrench when it's taken apart and hammer the prongs closer together on an anvil or such.

[@cfldriven]

But you didn't spend Snap-On prices for your HF Icon so how can you expect the same level of service? I'm still impressed HF offers lifetime no haggle warranty on their stuff.

[@NeonFlaming0]

Yeah from what ininderstand you cant stiffen the flex heads with the bolt on the shoulders. There is usually a washer or oring or some sort of tension device inside the head.

[@randysmith9636]

That bolt would be stronger than the Icon wrench. You don't hold the wrench by the fastener end. If you hold it by the proper end (the reason for buying a ratcheting wrench) it will not "sag"

[@GeoffPesos]

How to warrant your harbor freight tools if you lost it. Buy any cheapo wrench in the size you need and but off only the open end portion. It needs to appear broken and not cut off. Take the open end portion and tell then you are there to warranty the tool.

[@wolfen1086]

I have a set of Pittsburg ratchet wrenches and a set if Quinn wrenches if I break one harbor freight will warrenty either, BUT if I lose one I have to go to Lowes to buy a replacement wrench

[@georgebonney90]

I really like my tekton screwdrivers i haven't had them long but they're great and USA made

[@leotam3372]

Hmm, some of icons sets have a pdf in the listing with part numbers that you're supposed to be able to order replacements with. (I think at least with some sockets) But yeah, set only is definitely a bummer

[@risingawareness13]

I bought a Tekton set of mini pry bars online from Home Depot; and they were shipped directly from Tekton too.

[@ben10mama]

One idea you could try is undo the pin in the tekton and sneak it out and see if you can get a little longer one and a little rubber gasket or something like that to add friction

[@rhadden8976]

I can't argue that snap on are good tools, however, at what price. You could probably buy the set of the harbor freight for the cost of the one wrench. Did you mention contacting tekton directly?

[@ebenezersasquatch4597]

Tekton just announced they are revamping the ratcheting wrenches and cleaning out inventory. I wonder if they addressed the flex head joint in the new design plans.

[@gageturner3274]

So you can order none ratcheting wrenches and the sockets as well but the do need to expand to all of the tools for sets and it would probably save them money to sell the sockets and wrenches in stores individually like lowes does for the craftsman sockets

[@giuliogemino6407]

What's the point? ICON Lost wrench can not be replaced. With Tekton perhaps you can tighten using a press to squeeze on the joint and then re-screw tight the fixing torx Is Price? Perhaps you can get for less than snap-on from the truck. Blue Point or J H Williams ratcheting wrenches... about older SOEXRM... the ratcheting mechanism was the same. And also with snap-on guy you can have single wrench, assistance or even use other brand to rebuild if ratcheting mechanism goes broken (but you have laser-marked your stuffs). You can use a midget or a fix head or a flex head or crowfoot head Bluepoint. Willams or Snap new or used whatever cost you less... because it's matter of getting parts, moreover you can either mix some sizes e.g. 19mm = 3/4"SAE

[@mace422004]

Broken sets to do a warranty are available in the back of the store. Sets missing one or two items are marked down as manager specials.

[@mariodiy4517]

They also rarely sell single pieces on other tools. I just want a 10mm Icon or Pittsburgh socket. For that I go to AutoZone, Advance Auto, or O'Reilly's when I need it right away. Maybe because of inventory and shelf space they do not. Plus due to price, people will buy the set more than the individual piece.

[@Code325]

You’re right, that is a massive issue for professionals. Also, Icon has yet to offer true master sets of wrenches and socketry, or even the ability to buy them individually. For example: can I get a 24mm or 27mm or 30mm or 32mm icon combo wrench? Nope. But Channelock has them from the same manufacturer, Infar… huh… oh and I can buy them individually through vendors such as Sunpro… interesting.

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

Icon has a large ratcheting wrench set in those sizes I have it and it has worked really well

[@Bob-gy6ud]

I agree wholeheartedly. I can walk into a Lowes get a single Kobalt wrench, socket, or adapter a single Craftsman wrench, socket, or adapter walk into Home Depot get a single Husky wrench, socket , or adapter But walk into a Harbor Freight and for common sized wrenches, sockets, or even adapters be it Pittsburgh, Quinn, or Icon you can only buy a complete set. So realistically HF isn’t even on same playing field of the other brick and mortar stores except perhaps Walmart. Now I do like Icon tools especially since they do have no skip sizing however I won’t buy the wrenches especially ratcheting wrenches for the exact reason. The Milwaukee wrenches have my attention but not sure if I can get them individually (Milwaukee does have great customer service and I’m sure getting on phone they’ll do it) but that is a PITA so I still use my Kobalt USA but now they’re Taiwan so I can’t get them replaced with equal tool

[@rick3090]

shim stock might help, apply a small piece in between the hinge.

[@Waterskibug]

The best ratcheting wrenches ive found for the money are Blackhawk. They ate not swivel head. Not sure if they make those?

[@extrasteez5727]

so i have a lot of icon tools im newly into the industry as a mechanic. so i started out when icon was coming out. Since icons are basically snap on clones. I just buy the single from the snap on truck. and they will look literally the same. I have basically all the icon metric wrenches and bought a snap on sockets and that same ratchet as a replacement. fits right in

[@charlesenfield2192]

FWIW, I've adjusted the tension of flex head wrenches and ratchets from several brands. None of them can be tightened much by torquing that screw. If you think about it, it makes sense. To increase that friction you would have to bend a substantial amount of steel in the yoke.. The idea that it would work without stripping either the threads or the head of that little screw is kinda' nuts. (That's not an attack on you. I tried it too.) The tension mechanism varies between brands, but most brands have a groove inside the yoke with a split washer to provide the tension. I adjust them by removing the head and introducing some additional twist into the split washer. It can be a bit fiddly. Too little twist and it stays floppy. Too much and it can be impossible to reassemble. I did this to two sets of Tekton double box end flex head wrenches where every one of them was too floppy for my taste. It took about 90 minutes to adjust all 20 flex heads, but I think it was worth it. It's been a few years now, but one exception to the split washer design was my Pittsburg Pro 1/2" flex head ratchet. If I recall correctly, they used a rubber O-ring. It felt good when new, but once it got a little oily the head got floppy. I was lucky and found a split washer that fit into the O-ring groove and now my Pittsburgh ratchet works the same as other brands.

[@michaelhorn4540]

I would just like to know what you use a 9mm wrench on? I've been a professional mechanic for over 30 years and never once used a 9mm

[@sethperkins1440]

one simple fix i thought of for tightening up that wrench head is a small o ring in between the body and ratcheting head...of course it would be nice if you could just torque down the bolt but not a bad fix imo

[@nocandopdx]

May i offer a solution. The hex screw is bottoming out, meaning the hole is not deep enough. Too shallow. Get my drift? Take a drill bit that won't mess up the threads and drill like a quarter of a millimeter to deepen the hole and your problem is solved my dude.

[@axelvanegas9623]

There's only a few things that use a 9mm wrenche or socket, some 1/4 windows and back glass, don't remember using it on anything else. There usually not really thigh anyway, so you could actually use other tools to do the job.

[@fearofchicke]

You need a shim. You can make one or buy one. I had to make one when my swivel head ratchet (from HF) backed the screw out while in a tool bag.

[@TheCoffeeMann]

I bet a coke can cut into a washer in-between the swivel joint with some blue lock tite would do the trick for just the right amount of stiffness.

[@nickt.5899]

I have the same problem with the 10/12mm wrench. There is a spring in the joint that isn’t very strong. Maybe a shim as someone suggested. I only have the one wrench and I’m not buying from them again. Buy once/cry once!

[@pisto_run_cycling]

My gear wrench set came without an 11.. and I found other brand names but they seem to be too expensive too..

[@ethanmcleod8819]

I will say that in Tekton is currently discontinuing their ratcheting straight and flex head wrenches. They are working on manufacturing a whole new made in USA wrench. They are doing this with all their tools now. They are bringing back all their manufacturing to stateside as they can. They don’t have the infrastructure to do it all at once but at least they are taking the initiative.

[@alouiciousjackson5812]

I went through the same thing with my Craftsman V Series wrenches. You almost have to have a set in reserve in case you lose something!

[@santana5795]

Have you tried disassembling and applying a small amount of low-strength Loctite in the joint? adds a bit of friction w/o seizing.

[@johnw.9363]

Has ICON come out yet with individual wrenches yet

[@Gregoman89]

I have a set of Tekton wrenches that are not good. They are not precise enough. If you are in a situation where you are not completely square in the nut it rounds them off, I borrow a husky wrench from another technician and the nut came right off. (It was brass in this case)

[@downunderjuice]

I've ordered wrenches and sockets from HF. Just use the part number from their parts catalog. I'm still waiting on a 15mm long socket because it is on back order.

[@scottmingersoll]

Put a little bit of lock tight in between the flex joint then let it harden for a day. I do this to all my old flex head ratchets that will no longer tighten up it seems to work well and last quite a while.

[@alexquick3281]

I’m usually the guy buying the sets off the clearance rack that these commenters speak about. So I keep the catalog saved to my phone. So I will say your set Doc, seems to be (almost) be the exception to the rule. Just last week I bought the Icon shallow 1/2 drive metric socket set that was missing the M20. Looked up the P/N and it’s $5. Done this multiple other times and no issues getting a part number and a replacement from the parts dept. However, after watching the vid I pulled up the catalog and sure enough, they don’t even list the set in the catalog, much less the individual wrench you’re looking for. I wonder if it’s from a different manufacturer than the other wrenches in the icon line? Sorry I couldn’t be more help!

[@buildurtruckurway9118]

even husky warranty's and sells individual wrenches same with mastercraft. i also have a set of mastercraft wrenches sold in 2009-2011 and they are actually rebranded snap on wrenches they even have the same serial numbers as my snap on set from the same year bought the snap ons for work and the mastercrafts for home. they arent the same wrenches anymore sadly.

[@goncalovazpinto6261]

I don't think that little T9 screw is supposed to be able to force all that metal to close tighter... It is there just to hold everything in place. In think the problem there is in the tolerances between the parts. Maybe if you disassemble it and whack the outer piece of the hinge?

[@SJ-dn8dn]

Doc, what in the world do you do with all of your tools? A cool video would be to see your full display overview. I'm guessing you have about 10 tool boxes with every drawer packed full of tools! Anyway, love the videos!

[@olivia_049]

TEKTON doesnt have any ratcheting wrenches in thier current lineup. They had many issues and are hoping to have them available again soon. What you bought is NOS and once its gone, thats it. You'll still be able to warranty it. Hopefully thier newer lineup will be better than thier previous lineup.

[@tomh9391]

Take it apart and add a wee bit of red locktite . I'm an ASE certified master technician and have to do that from time to time with mine. I also have slot of snap on because I'm a tech school alumni and I get 10% discounts on hand tools for life due my school was sponsored and I was valedictorian of my class. Helps a little bit but when you're talking 50 dollars for one socket and up it still hurts every time I need to buy something to stay competitive in the industry. Good luck with harbor freight, I only buy it if I plan on destroying it or for one time use applications.

[@Xcerptshow]

Why would you be holding the wrench from the ratchet side? Shouldnt the stiffness only need to hold up the ratchet?

[@rjohnsoneod]

I was looking for some tools for my sons. One is a diesel mech and the other is a Stryker Maintainer in the Army. Good tools are expensive and I wanted my sons to have some quality gear. Much if my tool chest is handed down from generations and nearly indestructable but I am not ready to kick the bucket just to give then my tools. I was Looking for off set box end wrenches. I refuse to buy craftsman, was not going to chase down a matco or snap on dealer, and looking at the Icon, I noticed that they had duplicated a size. I don't remember specificly but for example one end would be 9/16 and the other would be 1/2, the next wrench in the set would be 1/2 and 7/16. I asked the HF manager and he said it was a common mistake. I went online to search a decent brand and ran across the Tekton brand. Great rating, kind of high priced but I called them to talk about the warranty. I liked everything I read and heard and ordered them. One son told me that he put a cheater bar on one of the wrenches and it did not even bend it.

[@gregrobertsonjr8773]

Agree with all of this. I had the same situation with the Icon ball end hex drive sockets. Sets great, but I snap the 4mm more than I should admit to and don’t need a whole drawer of the rest of the sizes.

[@iFixJunk]

Harbor Freight lost me before bringing out Icon. I don't think I will be bothering with Icon for many reasons, and you've just added another. I have a lot of Tekton tools, and so far I'm not thrilled with them, but they're affordable and U.S.-made (the ones I've got, anyway), and they supposedly have a guarantee.

[@jimbucket2996]

I left my tekton wrenches outside for a few days. They stiffend up just fine.

[@shadetreetoolman2047]

I have some Tekton sockets, ratchets and wrenches and overall been happy with them for the price that they are at. However, Tekton doesn't really manufacture anything. They contract with other companies (manufacturing companies) to manufacture stuff and have them brand it Tekton.

[@ben501st]

Do you need to bring the whole set to warranty the Icon or could you bring in a damaged 11mm wrench and have the whole set warrantied that way?