ICON Tools are Becoming Overpriced for the Entry Level Auto Tech - Choose Wisely

[@Piolin768]

I’m glad you’re back!

[@hallowedbethygame2840]

Man if you think the Icon stuff is approaching Snapon prices you must not have been on a truck in a while. Icon isn’t inexpensive but it’s priced fairly. Capri, Tekton, Olsa, Gearwrench are in the same tier of quality and they are all about the same price. I generally prefer HF because I can see and handle the stuff in store before buying. Lots of good tool options out there from lots of different companies

[@james10739]

Right i don't think any icon stuff is more than 1/2 the price of snap on and a lot are like 1/3rd the price

[@victorhoyt4352]

I definitely agree. I think it's pretty fairly priced for what it is. Most smart ppl use a coupon, and it makes the price even better. I will agree that a small percentage of the icon product line is a little high, but it's a very small percentage.

[@adamvillalovoz3463]

I agree 100%

[@COBRO98]

From what I've seen Gearwrench stuff is notably higher cost in 2024, I doubt it's any better quality than Icon and they're probably made in the same factories

[@jaggermurlin6343]

​@@COBRO98personally I prefer gear wrench products and consider them higher quality than icon. But both brands have tools that the other doesn't have. Icon is cheaper than gear wrench so definitely what you pay, for the most part.

[@chriscalderin6677]

TEKTON is my first choice unless they don't have it

[@richardbates2367]

I would have to agree i had started buying a replacement assortment of icon chrome moly 1/4,3/8,1/2 sae and metric shallow and deep until the 1/2 inch shallow metric was $65 ouch i bought a husky brand 1 year old 194pc mechanic tool set one no name socket 4 broken bit sockets $85 so yeah I pretty much quit buying the icon sockets now I considering selling them

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

( Your videos are top notch,....super presentation and pace ). Have a great weekend everyone!

[@peterswecanski4912]

Great video, keep up the good work

[@keysautorepair6038]

Everything had doubled in price trash was 20 bucks a month now it’s 75 bucks electric bill has doubled it’s crazy.

[@mlara98796]

icon tools are still decent and affordable. I hate the split beams, I have the digital torque wrench from Icon! Try jumping on a tool truck though! I know a guy that spent 1k on a snap on hammer set! Im so glad to hear about you back in a shop!!! I am so happy!!

[@dougbrown1797]

Justin haven't seen your videos in awhile- Great Job on this! Glad to see your doing well - Keep up the good work db out

[@gtcam723]

The best way to buy them is to catch them on sale with an ITC membership. Or if you can get open box stuff that has additional mark downs beyond open box. Otherwise, I’ve always considered them over priced. But then, based on the China products that Gearwrench is putting out, I’ve started leaning more towards Icon. It’s just better made. Or even something from SBD. Gearwrench’s Taiwan stuff is still solid but they keep setting the hook and then moving the production of a given product to China.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Ps: as a former shop owner, I can relate to your observation of people stealing. It's a lot of the reason I can't employ anyone anymore.

[@xxxxxxx3760]

I've watched a a kid walk into harbor freight with a Walmart bag grab the cheapest wrench set and put them in a bag and walk right out and no one did anything but watch him walk out like it was nothing

[@ZfamCrossHair]

I’m really happy gearwrench has somewhat stayed the same price wise, but I wish they started to come out with more specialty tools

[@JonesingForTools]

Great content, brother!

[@Flaver459]

Great video!

[@cardo1111]

Good informative vid, always appreciated your excellent and thorough in person tool reviews. They're honest and backed by your experience as a tech. Regarding the US General and HF tool boxes (by the way the purple box looked purple in the vid) in general they do continue to climb in price. Don't like the whole push for all HF customers to have to join the Inside Track Club to get the good deals. Maybe for a pro this makes sense. I will wait for the sales or not buy from them. I don't buy enough tools to justify it, this isn't Costco where I will be purchasing things from groceries, merchandise, gasoline etc. and that membership fee will nearly always be justifiable.

[@cameron339]

Hey Justin, what made you choose Big O Tires over the last independent shop you were at? Better pay?

[@Yonny316]

Yea the prices are going up but so is snap on. I'm willing to bet on the extra long 0 offset box wrenches even though it is $200 you're still saving $800

[@BlindBatG34]

I still say the best deals are used tool truck stuff. There was a pawn shop I used to frequent with a great tool section but they went under during covid.

[@spacecat7247]

They set the hook and guys get caught. Always great pruces in the beginning......then it changes. Prices go up, way up when a brand is established. It got to the point where I was like.I'm going back to the snap on truck instead of sears, especially for the proline

[@T6Tarek]

They scan tools are rebranded launches, the subscription is for updates not repairs, two years of updates then its a few hundred a year for updates. The launch version its based off of is about 450. Yes it does ABS functions

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Makes you wonder how much the OEM's are making for putting out limited info.

[@T6Tarek]

@@ronaldjohnson1474 few thousand and up a month for dealers, independent shops 1 to 2k a month

[@charleyrichardson8211]

I agree my son just got a job at harber fraight he likes working there

[@twostroke12v71]

The main advantage of icon or harbor freight is the warranty. The warranty is not lifetime or all encompassing . Purchased a a used icon box and the store would not help me with slides. Several managers in the area said no. Gave it to Cornwell and got a flip-top cart

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Dang.. really?? That’s awful.. fml 🤦‍♂️

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

Maybe on boxes, but wrenches and sockets are lifetime.

[@hometownfishball7239]

Decided to try the ICON 1/4 ratchet. Paid Gearwrench price and brought home with a Temu quality ratchet. Returned the same afternoon

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

....this was a funny comment. tHanks. " Returned the same afternoon " says volumes!

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

I know of Temu but refuse to purchase only because of a few people that purchased things that fell apart that day. Just guessing this was your experience. Sorry you had a bad experience brother

[@s1l3ntcha0s]

I have been happy with my icon wrachets. I like them as much as my snap-on.

[@ianloyd6384]

Never tried icon ratchets. Only their kabo-made double box end flex head wrenches, some pliers, and one of their puck-style lights. Had good luck with those but still mainly a snappy ratchet guy.. + a couple Matco’s too.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

@@s1l3ntcha0s Two black sedans with Wisconsin license plates pulled up out front. Some no neck guys squeezed into suites got out and were asking if this was your house. I said " Yeah, but he's not home he went to Harbor Freight.....I mean....Feel free to wait". You may want to take this opportunity to go visit your friend across town.

[@scottbritt9058]

As for the digital torque wrench comparing to snap on. It depends on size my snap on looked to be same and I paid only 600 and some change for it yes double but I needed one that could do head bolts with angle and can't pay 350 out of pocket In one day

[@1970chevelle396]

I have lots of Icon tools, I haven't had any problems with them. HFT is coming out with a lot more Icon tools this summer.

[@DennisPrescott-xp4dk]

I like genius tools sockets and wrenches I catch them on Amazon marked down also wiha sockets are nice as well.

[@TheMasterHackUS]

Hey Justin, how does the pay work in CA? Does the shop provide the tools? and if so can they pay less?

[@hp7093]

Harbor freight has disappointed me with their price on icon tools. A guy on tic tok ordered a whole ratchet set of Amazon cheaper than one icon ratchet. It was the exact same ratchet with different engravings. Both made in Taiwan

[@jaggermurlin6343]

With coupons theyre alright price. Just wish you could combine coupons.

[@RenegadesGarage]

Justin Dow.. I recently bought a lot of Icon tools. Check the videos out. Some of the Icon tools are at a very good price but then a lot of them are way to high. Like a set of double box ratchet wrenches, the long ones like the Mountain wrenches for $224 or $229. The Mountain ones are like $175 on Amazon. A smoke machine for $550 is way to high. Check out Amazon for smoke machines and you will some a lot cheaper. And that scan tool is about $150 to $200 to high. People get tools from the tool trucks because they don't have to have cash in hand at that moment. They just put it on their account. Harbor Freight needs to realize that most mechanics do not have the that kind of cash in hand to spend on high priced Icon tools. And truck accounts (credit or truck) are not really the same as a credit card. All of that being said I don't think Icon tools are bad tools, I just think the prices are way to high on some of them. I think Icon tools a good tools for the most part. I love the ones that I have and I do plan on getting more of them.

[@Yonny316]

I break the mountain wrenches everytime I use them. I threw them in the trash.

[@RenegadesGarage]

@@Yonny316 Well that's not good. You do know that they have a lifetime warranty, right? Thanks for the info though.

[@Yonny316]

@RenegadesGarage yea but I just got tired of the cornwell guy being out of them because everybody at my shop getting theirs warranted. I bought the $450 dollar cornwell kind and 1 seized up in 3 years.

[@RenegadesGarage]

@@Yonny316 Yeah having to warranty a tool every time you turn around can be a pain in the butt for sure.

[@COBRO98]

Have you tried using them for what they're intended for? There's been a serious disconnect on ratchets and humans, ratchets are not designed to break things loose.. especially nuts/bolts that the last guy slammed 200ftlbs on with his impact..

[@officialshadetreeamerica]

I have to agree with you on the Icon prices. If people check out online, there are many companies selling specialty tools at lower prices. The way that Harbor Freight gets you is 1. Credit and 2. Having the tool that same day. Don't fall for that trap. Also, Harbor Freight needs to sell a legit crows foot socket set instead of those crappy Pittsburgh ones for $10 a set.

[@BrandonMottern-rm8vb]

Do you still have the double flex cornwell wrenches?

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

I don’t

[@nickhildabridle1612]

HF is not real convenient for me and where I function. I have had better luck with buying used tools off marketplace or from Capri, Texton, etc. Nice to see you back and keep moving forward.

[@FranciscoJimenez-bb7fk]

Harbor freight has the influence of wealth...the consumer at large should be focused on quality of metallurgy, performance, reliability,and, customer service, especially price for the equivalent of other mainline middlemen and/or distributors...

[@jmkclk123100]

I agree choose wisely. There are other options, shop around. Otherwise they will keep increasing their prices! If sales start to lag it may affect the pricing on items and create better coupons and sales.

[@roscoe7075]

That cart used to be 60 doll hairs back in the day with a coupon before they had colors, i had one

[@billyadams9985]

Not bad on the ujoint puller

[@puterg0d]

I'd get the Tiger Tool U-Joint puller. Made in Canada, not Taiwan.

[@travisclingan859]

I've been using the icon ratchets off and on for 2 years then been very good. Harbor freight runs sales on icon every other week.

[@boosted2.4_sky]

14:02..3/8" Gearwrench 120xp digital torque wrench is ~$200.. it's awesome.. I wouldn't buy the ICON for $350 when you can get the Gearwrench..imo

[@richardbates2367]

I agree and I got a 1/4 inch drive sae and metric shallow and deep chrome socket set black Friday Amazon deals $45, and then 2 days after Christmas i believe last year i got a 90t 3/8 inch drive comparable socket set $75 so I was buying a replacement assortment of icon chrome moly 1/4,3/8,1/2 shallow and deep sae and metric sockets and then the 1/2 inch chrome moly shallow metric set was $65 i quit buying them and now have been considering selling them i was going to use them and replace all the sockets in my shop tool box it looks like it is going to be a dura last 1/4 crv set and the epauto similar 1/4 with some 3/8 sockets the 74pc complete set of shallow and deep sae and metric chrome socket sets, and the comparable set of 1/2 inch drive sae and metric chrome socket set without the case or trays, and the tekton mid size sae and metric combination wrench set

[@richardbates2367]

And I was originally looking at getting a DeWalt 192pc mechanic tool set $288 and even through Amazon it fluctuates i was wanting it to use for a mobile crash kit and junkyard tools that stay in my truck, I ended up getting a 1 year old used husky brand 194 pc mechanic tool set one no name socket and 4 broken bit sockets but I bought it from a college kid off mecari $85 and I don't think I'll even try to get the DeWalt set now

[@micahhill4786]

Damn Icon special tools definitely got higher. That brake master kit that was $64 dollars I paid for $54 dollars last year. And the wrenches the regular ones were $109 are now $129. I know it inflation but to be honest most people who shop at harbor freight are starters mechanics and DIYs. They usually buy the cheaper options to keep from braking the bank.

[@jonk6137]

Good to see ya back jd pay close attention to who you vote for bc govt spending is causing inflation gotta get these people out of politics asap.

[@ben10mama]

I have found the icon stuff is pretty decent. Also watched a lot of reviews and things about the icon scan tool. It is ok, it's basically a launch rebranded so it has plenty of function though the layout is clunky. I'll say it comes with a lot of good stuff. I think it's a prosumer grade tool since it comes with identifix and the Chrysler stuff in a bundle with the software

[@wingspizza6364]

You have any experience with any of the Quinn stuff?

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Only from my recent use at Big O. So far I’m pretty happy with the Quinn product line.

[@mlieser1230]

I wouldn't consider the ICON line to be overpriced other than the smoke machine and scanner. I bought an ICON 3/8 long handle comfort grip flex head ratchet. When I got to the car I opened up the box and inspected it. I almost did an about face to go back in and return it. The flex joint has some loose spots. I like the solid feel of the comfort grip handle over Snap-on's sponge handle. The ratchet mechanism is o.k. I'll put it to the test this summer and see how it fares. I think that the DieHard ratchets for $20 less are a better deal. Smoother ratchet mechanism out of the box.

[@cycleguy666]

Have you ever considered becoming a Service Writer, or Insurance Investigator/ Estimator? Extended Warranty Investigator? Your Knowledge will open many doors!! Think about it!! Some pay excellent money!! 👌

[@ElectroAtletico]

....or you can just wait for the HF sales and stack up then. Dunno much for "ICON", but their "DOYLE" line of tools for electrician is pretty darn good.

[@andrewlacerenza667]

I never worked on a car/ truck and haven't ever gotten any tools from Harbor Freight, except once I bought the Icon 1/4 flex head ratchet and bit set after seeing so many positive reviews. I actually really liked it. It's good for my use which is just tools to use around the house.

[@danh2134]

That icon u joint puller looks suspiciously like the tiger tool one

[@jaggermurlin6343]

Tiger tools is way more expensive. If it was same quality it'd be a steal of a deal.

[@mckeeganator5844]

Due to icon being abit pricier than I was expecting I’ve been buying other random brands I think I have icon half inch impact sockets but craftsman 3/8 impact sockets cause I found those to be sometimes 10 buck cheaper

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

Yup there gouging bad on price..fuck em for that

[@Michael-fw5ef]

I maintain my own car and I buy the store brand tools from Canadian Tire, in my own country. They are good enough for me. I only do basic maintenance, such as brake pads and rotors, changing my brake fluid, coolant, transmission, oil; adjust my valves, replace a starter, tie rod end, etc. For the more difficult stuff, I pay a mechanic a flat rate per repair. I have spent less than HALF A PENNY per mile on paying my mechanic to fix what I can't fix. There is no point for me to buy expensive tools that I might use only once every few years in order to do repairs that are too difficult for me to do on my own. When I take it to my mechanic, he does a great job and he basically does it for the same price that it would cost me if I bought a one-time use tool to do the repair myself. Plus, my mechanic guarantees his work. If I try a difficult repair and I break something or screw up, it's going to cost me way more than if I just paid the mechanic in the first place. Most people should do the basic stuff with basic tools, then find a good mechanic to do the hard stuff that requires speciality tools.

[@puterg0d]

While this is in no way taking up for Harbor Fright, all split-beam torque wrenches from every brand only go one way - some have a removable/flippable ratcheting head for CCW torquing, but that's not common. It's a limitation of the split beam design.

[@dakotamell2744]

I want to know where the heck that harbor freight is, I’ve never seen a store so stocked that’s wild

[@jonjonbailey502]

We did it Joe

[@richb2229]

I have a few of the early Icon tools. The ones I have are okay for the price I paid. But I wouldn’t buy any today, not even on sale.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Is that because of price or quality. Just curious

[@richb2229]

@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway Really Both. The older ICON tools were better quality than the ones today and the price was comparable to GW or similar brands. I never considered Icon as a premium brand, a mid-grade brand at best today. I can get better quality tools from others for less money especially if I watch for the sales. I think this is true for a lot of harbor freight tools, but it is still a good cheap tool place. And there are plenty of room for those things. I am not a professional mechanic, more of a shade tree.

[@Bloodsong0830]

The first generation of ikon had a huge problem with slipping teeth under torque we are currently as the 3rd generation and they are very nice ratchets I would put them somewhere between the gearwrench 120 XP and the tekton

[@RR-bt5xv]

where is that store located?

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Yucca Valley, CA

[@DrJohnMarston]

All this stuff constantly goes on sale. They just had a 20% off anything icon recently

[@hyzerfl1p]

U been hitting the stem?

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

In Harbor Freight's defense we have to factor in inflation, but a smoke machine for $550? How hard is it to house a heater and an air pump together?

[@vintagerc9173]

Hello Justin, I was at my HF store today looking at ICON tools, I totally agree That ICON is overpriced for what you get. I almost bought an ICON 18” length 1/2” breaker bar for $29.99? I need one for my travel box. My problem with ICON is you can’t buy individual tools? Everything must be bought and warrantied as a complete set! I like Williams tools for the value and quality. What is your thoughts on Williams?

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Williams makes sockets for Snap-On, Snap-On puts there stamp on them for a price hikes it up under there name and then they travel from shop to shop supplying techs that can’t afford to pay all up front. In my opinion I’ve broke more Snap-On sockets then I have any other brand, but the truck warranty is once a week exchange and the fitment is a tight tolerance. End state… Williams make a great product. Excluding price I’d rate the quality at an 8 out of 12 beers. 🍻 😂

[@COBRO98]

@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway I had a young lube tech ask me last year(before I left the industry) about what I've broken the most & you should've seen the look on his face when I said "Snap On sockets & ratchets".. They are not the quality they were 30 years ago and no one talks about it. I recall Snap On being caught importing a lot of their stuff from Taiwan about 20 years ago

[@ShawnC8030]

Icon isn't even close to tool truck prices. The new icon 3/8 foam set is 149.99 that is snap on used is 800 to 1300. A 30 piece is $772

[@SniperKingz]

The Icon stuff has become way overpriced now. I prefer to buy Tekton, capri, gearwrench most of the time.

[@donaldpainter956]

I made my smoke machine and it works great

[@donwendling7800]

Icon prices are overpriced especial;ly without a 25-30% coupon!!

[@franktarant3947]

Wrong, people need better pay. Salesman at the front of the stealership make over120k and come to borrow a screwdriver. What's wrong with that?

[@COBRO98]

One of the biggest deciding factors for me walking out of the industry was finding out the 23 year old sitting in an office chair in the A/C was being paid 50% more than me as a 20 year mechanic

[@user-ki3dj9pu9y]

I think most of Channellock's line of rebranded tools are way better than the icon line, at a lower price. Especially wrenches and sockets

[@darrenporsch]

I don't really think they're overpriced they're just expensive compared to the real cheap stuff Harbor Freight used to sell I only buy them with a 20 or 25% off coupon though. At that level there are good deal

[@jonyoung6405]

ICON is getting expensive. So I look at Gearwrech and Carlyle ( Napa) as well.

[@andrewkarppinen4348]

Yep. Got to agree they have gotten a little out of whack with price. Case in point. They just released the universal 1/4 drive socket set 11 pcs for $120.00 compared to Snap-on at $637.00. What deal right? Until you see Capri tools at $50.00 and you get 1 additional socket and a real case instead of a flimsy tray and with Capri you can warranty out one socket at a time and buy them individually should you lose one.

[@andrestnt]

Hey there icon is gods gift to man kind, can't have you be negative.

[@mikemuzzell5167]

I used to come watch you work on cars. Now I watch for the drama.

[@Crazy_clown6969]

I’m not a fan of harbor freight but it’s only a matter of time before they start doing what Milwaukee does stop offering a lifetime warranty because when they start losing money on big sets and they don’t have replacement parts, something’s gonna give I know what I’m saying, but I can’t explain it. Hopefully people can read between the lines and understand what I’m saying.

[@james10739]

I mean if its not a good price you don't have to buy it get something online

[@davidmcgee2126]

HF has coupons for everything. 20-25% off. If it’s not on sale today within 2 months it will be I do like the icon cyclops light but I’m pretty biased against anything electric at HF Icon hand tools are better than husky or kobalt or Masterforce. But not Snapon or Knipex quality Both Husky and Masterforce have better prices on carts and boxes But when saying close to Snapon price, typically 1/3 the price And I really have not warrantied too many things at HF it’s less a hassle there than anyplace else. Even the Snapon truck, things that break are never in stock. I have 2 HF within 15 minute drive and 5 within 40 if I needed to get something HF has more tools than most of the big box stores Of course the hidden gem is Napa and Carlyle tools, if you need a tool worst case is tomorrow.

[@JMS_89]

Quality? They need to look at the handles of there ratchets the metal ones been seeing slop on them.. if the comments section would have let me post pictures i would!

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

The Icon scanner seems extremely overpriced as you can get many scanners in the $300 - $400 range that are full Bi-directional and Fca gateway access. Like the Otofix D1 Light, The xtool Dw7, Ancel makes one etc.

[@davidcouch4956]

Were are you located at are you in California

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Yucca Valley

[@davidcouch4956]

I'm in Los banos

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighwayI noticed a Detroit D on your are did you live in Michigan at all ??? Just curious everyone that’s a Detroit native me included has a Detroit D somewhere on their body.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

When the government spends, they don't produce anything, unlike the private sector that borrows money but also produces additional goods. So, the more government spending you get, the higher prices will be and the poorer consumers will be.

[@aj_nichols]

Homie, this is the lane of content you have success with. Delete everything that isn't in this niche. You could be pulling a six figure income if you stick with what works.

[@marko11kram]

The age old question on a tool you wont use every day. Is it better to have the gold standard; or one that will get you through the repair? Overall though I don'r respect Icon. they are just leeches and copt stuff. And to your point, often the price differance is not much

[@drew53812]

You look healthier

[@76Starship]

Stick to the pittsburgh, quinn, and doyle as much as possible.

[@EasyPeazy-wf4ck]

For a DIy' er.. Harbor Freight is a store for the people, but the more expensive Icon brand, is a Gambler, might be 4 a professional or might not.. , i just Choose Pittsburgh..if it breaks i laugh and return😂

[@YungSteambuns]

What's wrong with husky

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Only thing wrong with husky is the skips otherwise no problem with the quality.

[@user-lf3ym5uy7y]

I have always said, harbor freight will be its own enemy. Prices will eventually be to high. Buyers will not spend high cash for unproven tools when they can just buy reliability

[@BlindBatG34]

Wow, they started copying Tiger Tool med/heavy truck stuff!?

[@bestestname6757]

2gb is gonna be slow af

[@Yonny316]

Some of the fastest processors are 4 gigahertz. And I don't think you're gonna be gaming on a tablet.

[@user-ly6vk6cx1h]

Icon ratchet wrenches are over priced in my opinion, I have several brands of wrenches and I don't see where the Icon is worth the extra cost

[@user-gh5if5oo2f]

Did this guy lose major weight??? I think I remember seeing him review the gearwrench box in the back

[@cblack1863]

IMHO...The best way to buy Icon is used if possible, especially the expensive kits. When you buy 'the big 4' brands at least they hold their value and/or your proud to them pass along, when you pay close to tool truck prices for Icon tools, many pawn shops won't even entertain them which says something about thier perceived value... Reasonably priced NEW Icon tools, yes. higher priced NEW Icon tools, no. buy those used or just buy tools that hold their value after the fact and shed that single tear one time😢. Good to see you back brotha! Lookin' jack likah mack!

[@-Dave-is-not-here]

I have some of the Maddox stuff and for the money it is hard to go wrong, I have also had great luck with all my Pittsburgh stuff and granted this is my hobby and I am not turning wrenches for a living. The Money I save on tools means more money to spend on my cars and trucks for nice upgrades. I can understand if you a doing this for a living that minutes count but for me I can spend more time to save the money. ICON to me isn't worth the extra $$$ it isn't a big enough step up for what you get.

[@charleyrichardson8211]

Gear wrench has a better deal on the wrachiting wrenches

[@donaldpainter956]

Or the CEO at snapon got them to raise their prices so they can compete

[@nordicpride9708]

You need to do your research. In the tool market hobo freight for “automotive” isn’t an apples to apples competitor with Snap On who owns many other companies. Market share wise SNAP ON straight TROUNCES hobo freight. Professional techs don’t fill their boxes with HF. They might have a few tools from there but that’s about it

[@jimgrady7458]

Two words, "Pittsburgh Pro" 😂

[@EasyPeazy-wf4ck]

Eventually HF will be over priced too..like all stores, icon wilk replace Pittsburgh eventually.. sadly

[@deltahawk1001]

People were all on the Icon bandwagon because they pretend to be Snap-On while making things cheaper and selling them cheaper. I can't respect a company that has carbon copy clones of other companies tools made overseas for cheaper, undercuts the original company, then talks about how they "developed" it themselves. I would rather have just about any other brand rather than Icon. Tekton, Gearwrench, Sunex are all great options. Besides the unethical behavior of HF, you can get tools from Channellock, Wilde, Wera, Wiha, etc that are as good or better and at similar prices.

[@nordicpride9708]

Yeah and just like the Chinese government their clone/copies might look just like the real deal, but quality is ass. For most of it beyond my road bag, no thanks

[@f1y7rap]

When were ICON _not_ overpriced? They're a better deal than the tool truck, but aside from when they first rolled them out and sold them at cost, they've always been $$$. HF needed to get people into thinking Icon was equivalent to what Craftsman was back in the 80s... good solid tools the average guy can afford.

[@JCrazy80Impacts]

So the icon T8 is ok for your starter tech but it does lag and does not have All features and the subscriptions are not applicable for every model . Again starting tech ok but spend the money for a real scanner .

[@ponyboyack00]

They aren't entry-level tools, are they? They should buy the cheaper stuff, with a lifetime warranty. Then upgrade as they grow. If they decide to stay in the industry. Or the can fall into the financing trap that the trucks nab all those guys into. Spend 10x as much, and replace it once. Don't worry about retirement.