ICON 3/8 Ratchet: Recall Problem Explained

ICON 3/8 Flex Head Ratchet Review and Recall Problem Explained. This is part 2 of my 3/8 ICON Ratchet Review and we look at the internals and I give my opinion on the 3/8 Ratchet Recall Problem and recommendations for improvement.
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[@RedemptionGarage]

Do you think I am right about the reason for failure on these ratchets?

[@truckerpeterose]

Redemption Garage No matter what the ultimate reason for failure turns out to be, I’m just happy that HF was willing to take the hit to make this right. I was a bit critical of Icon at first but now I’m loading up with Icon. Atleast we know they will stand behind these tools.

[@claytonscheiber3493]

Makes sense to me. You demonstrating it, really helps understand why. Hopefully as you said, they beef it up. I wish I would've got one, but oh well. I got a 1/2 inch flex head. Haven't used it yet.

[@garymarrs2270]

Yup ur spot on.

[@matolittleelkwells5377]

That's the best description of why the 3/8 flex head ratchet from Icon has been binding up that I've seen and I think Harbor Freight will address the issue as soon as possible and have a finished product back in our hands in record time have you noticed any of the other Icon ratchets having similar issues cause I have 1/2 and 1/4 Icon ratchets as well thanks again brotha for putting in the time and extra work it's definitely appreciated stay motivated and keep the cameras rollin brotha

[@user-ki3dj9pu9y]

Yup

[@224rebels]

This is interesting to find this video. Since to date there are no icon 3/8 flex head ratchets for sale

[@andym1223]

Harbor Freight didn't have to do a recall, because it wasn't a safety issue (its actually not even listed as a safety recall on their site). But, they did the right thing, which is huge.

[@Jtels85]

I think your assessment is accurate. Hoping that they remedy the problem quickly and get these back to market. They are the only Icon ratchets I don’t have. I’ve been enjoying using the sockets and they’re holding up great. I’m going to get their metric wrench set w/o the teeth next weekend. Keep up the good work, I enjoy your reviews!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good demonstration brother

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good explanation of what you think the problem is

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good video Brian

[@pimpalero2003]

Went today with a jammed up one asked about recall acted dumb said no way could get a voucher and would have to pay extra for a exchange. Then was like can I just get another one of these they said had to take off shelf. So 3/8 comfort xtra long is fd and can’t do shit about it unless wanna pay more. Don’t have receipt.

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

The only problem I have had with these ratchets is them slipping out of gear. Like trying to tighten something the pawls slips just enough that it's not tightening or loosening

[@jessebuck90]

Man, gotta get that camera to focus. Couldn't see anything in these shots. Stuff you said makes sense though and is consistent with the rumors we've been hearing.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Im not sure what was wrong with it but once i started looking at the pawls i noticed and fixed it. This camera needs an external monitor or i need another camera either way the external monitor is 1300 or the new camera is 2000 i have about 10000 invested already and plan on upgrading but dont have the money at the moment and i dont make much on here as is so i have to work with what i have right now

[@jessebuck90]

@@RedemptionGarage Content is still great man, keep up the good work

[@RedemptionGarage]

@@jessebuck90 thank you Jesse hopefully the issue will be solved next video

[@9000yugioh]

is that why icon doesn't have a flex head 3/8?

[@billythemechanic8233]

My local harbor freight disappointed me I went to buy 3 sets of mm and 3 sae long ratcheting wrench sets 1 each for myself and the others for my son rite at a 1,000 dollars worth the lady said I couldn’t buy that many think of others and they have to keep some for warranty I seen good reviews and was going to try them out my son is just getting started in automotive field trying keep him off took trucks but guess I’ll have to go with a different brand ! Good video sorry for the rant

[@stanleymcman9422]

Billy The Mechanic 82 a lot of the stories right now have limited supplies and their management is trying to let everyone buy some. You can contact Icon Direct at 1-800-279-0727 and let them know and they will for sure take care of any issue.

[@RedemptionGarage]

I mean I get they want everyone to get some but if someone is there wanting to purchase them first then it is a first come first serve scenario in my opinion. Thanks for sharing that

[@billythemechanic8233]

Thanks guys !!

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Little Brother Another Great Video. Going by your explanation, I believe you are on target. And to the other folks comments on what type lubricants to use on the ratchets, thanks you.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Honestly I just use axle grease but a lot of people buy supelube and use it they actually sell it at harbor freight.

[@anthonyesposito7254]

Here is my thoughts on what is happening. For a ratchet to work the pawl has to engage the gear and then get wedged between the gear and the inner wall of the cavity machined stopping the rotation of the gear one way or the other. The problem here in my opinion is that the space between the gear and the inner wall of the ratchet is shaped such that the pawl gets stuck in that wedged position when you apply alot force and has to be physically pryed out by rotating the ratchet in the opposite direction. My other theory is just building on the previous thought and is that the pawl gets stuck not because of the shape only, but because that under enough force the sidewall of the ratchet head bulges slightly because it's thin causing the tight wedge described above.

[@imeeducatediz7861]

So this 3/8 flex head is not coming out anymore ?

[@BradsWorkbench]

This was the ratchet i did my review on (editing now) before the recall and honestly i never had an issue with mine. Im not an icon fan at all but im glad harbor freight stood up and admitted to even a small mistake. Took some balls to do that

[@jimgoad6642]

you are dead on the money brother you hit it dead on the head perfect explanation good job

[@felixmartinez9514]

I see a lot of people recomed lubing the problem. Adding lubing the ratchet is a band-aid for a design problem. They are a lot of different brand that don't have that problem. Lubing it will make it smooth but a long term fix

[@HallStevenson]

Why HF has different "designs" between the different ICON ratchets is crazy. They are clearly just re-branding common tools from multiple manufacturers. If HF had more (or any !) input on the design and/or manufacturing, they'd surely share internal parts between the same sizes as this alone has huge implications on saving costs in production and while HF doesn't do it, the repair market would be simpler too.

[@alquitorianojr5055]

I own that roto head ratchet and I use it on the Mercedes Metris vans at work taking the caliper bolts out which require a 5mm hex socket

[@dancjr2]

They need to harmonize the head design between the fixed and flex heads, same head design across all three sizes. I agree, there’s too much slop in flex head and definitely not beefy like the fixed head. I’m sure this is a learning experience for HF and in all honesty, I respect that they take their warranty so seriously, it says a lot about their vision for the Icon line.

[@timm5970]

So 5 months after the recall and you still cant find them in the stores. Are they really that shit at designing stuff?

[@elkvis]

They have the same lettering (9-0) because they're both 90-tooth ratchets. Doesn't mean they're made by the same OEM.

[@RedemptionGarage]

I said they was similar but different and could be from same place could not be but they are similar in a lot of ways. Thanks for your input brother

[@MajorWeakness]

The recalled ratchets are going to be the rarest ratchet in the world. I think you are right about the ratchet. I have a video about th et rare ratchet

[@markherrera829]

Yes, I think that having the selector switch either recessed or flush would be better.

[@TeezleySPT]

Those are same screws they use in the 1/2” ratchet too. Mr Subaru compared one to snap on 1/2 and the screws in it are 10x that size.

[@btrswt35]

Appreciate the the video. Im not ragging on you but two things. Slow down with the hand movements. It's hard to see things when they are only in frame for a second or less. Second, work on making sure the camera is in focus when showing things like this with detail.

[@RedemptionGarage]

The camera did end up focusing not sure what the problem was but it did end up focusing. Not sure what you mean about the hand movements unless you mean showing the torque wrench? I was trying to just breeze through the footage. If not let me know. I appreciate the feedback

[@wb1453]

You should take that 1/4 inch roto head ratchet apart and review. I got one and it seems really gritty as well. Feels nothing like I think 90 tooth should feel. My SO dual 80 seems way smoother to me. Anyway, the icon one I purchased had zero grease.

[@mikegodsey5508]

Yep, makes sense to me. I think you hit it right on the head.

[@truckerpeterose]

I’m just glad HF did the honorable thing and stepped up to the plate to take their lickins. I’m buying Icon tools I don’t need just to support the line.

[@MarkFox]

I'm guessing it will be at least 1 year before we see the replacements. They will need to be re-designed, engineered, prototypes, testing, repackaging, then the big slow boat ride back to the USA. I could be wrong but I would bet they want tot get them perfect for the 2nd go around.

[@MrSubaru1387]

All they're going to do is makes sure they ship with grease in them..

[@MarkFox]

@@MrSubaru1387 Have you seen a statement from Harbor Freight stating that? If that was the case I would assume Harbor Freight would have told people to open their ratchets up and grease them then they would be good to go.

[@alquitorianojr5055]

Harbor freight probably uses the same supplier as tekton on that 90 tooth gear and paw for there flex head. I’m a big fan of the ICON fixed head ratchets no doubt. I wish the flex heads used the same head design as there fixed heads though.

[@BroadcastBuddy]

*They have much work to do to improve this line of ratchets. The line is too varied in quality and feel. The best ratchet Icon has is the 3/8" fixed head.* *1) get the same head design across all three sizes* *2) the flex heads are going to have issues with the dinky cover plate screws loosening. They need to have a through bolted design so the screws can be physically larger.* *3) The 1/4" fixed head is WAY too stiff. Worthless to use as a runner to get the fasteners threaded down.*

[@BMfins]

Was going to buy one tell all this happened. Bought Gearwrench and can’t look back.

[@leetucker5788]

i was going to buy gearwrench but i bought icon instead. needed a 1/2 flex head

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I think your right Brian to much space and movement

[@dopaminedesigns]

Has anyone examined the new design yet? Im curious to see what has been done to improve the design...

[@treebossmike8818]

Question: what’s a good grease to use for maintenance to put inside ratchets? I just bought the 1/2” flex head, 1/4” roto, flexhead, and stubby and I want to grease them.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Man honestly i just use bearing grease but a lot of guys buy the super lube from harbor freight. I just make sure not to use but a small amount and it has worked great for me. I have heard of people using gear oil as well.

[@treebossmike8818]

Redemption Garage thank you that’s on my to do list for the weekend!

[@highvalleycowboy1]

Do we know when the 3/8 flex will be back on the shelves?

[@MiguelGarcia-nl3ci]

good video

[@davidkeith8096]

Love your content but PLEASE figure out how to make your camera FOCUS!

[@RedemptionGarage]

I did have a few problems here but it corrected when I was showing the parts. Thanks for the feedback I am constantly learning how to tape and edit videos better as I go along.

[@JohnSmith-ud4qc]

Redemption garage, I would love to see you finally show everybody what a big mouth coward Justin the Junkie is and just take a little road trip down to his trucking company.

[@westleykaz]

I have the 3/8 7 inch icon ratchet and I feel like it has a similar situation with the pawl catching. They need to look into all the ratchets. That ratchet doesn't feel right. Something's off.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Huh i wonder whats going on there? Mine work great... have you tried greasing them?

[@westleykaz]

@@RedemptionGarage not yet but I noticed when ratcheting quickly sometimes I feel like the pawl catches and the selector switch moves to the opposite position.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Looks like to me the fixed head icon ratchets are better in every way over the flex head icon ratchets

[@sonsonateco2010]

Good video but you got to fix the focus problem.

[@corbettknowles9942]

That reminds me of the ultra steel ratchets sold by Walmart use to do something lick up like that I think u hit on head it is design flaw on internals of ratchet they make internals beefier it like they made the ratchets look good but used cheap skimpy parts like u get in cheap ratchets then there not even got grease in ratchets that asking for issues u ask me

[@robmcke5424]

Did the swivel head (not flex head) have he smaller guts like the flex heads? I was wanting to buy one, but there were lots of complaints on amazon for both tekton & gearwrench swivel heads. And the ikon was recalled, LOL.

[@RedemptionGarage]

The swivel head ratchets all swivel head ratchets have a completely different design than both fixed head and flex head ratchets. I havent inspected any swivel head ICON ratchets i bought the 1/4 inch and have used it but that has been it as far as that goes. It seems to be nice so far though

[@Sam24-r]

Man i would love to try the icon tools out but we dont have harbor freight stores in canada !

[@chardison6026]

Do you know when the 3:8s are gonna hit the stores again??

[@RedemptionGarage]

I haven't heard anything yet man

[@LargeKid]

Is that swivel head screwdriver? I like it. Where did you get it?

[@RedemptionGarage]

It is the ICON 1/4 inch swivel head ratchet and a torq socket. Definitely comes in handy.

[@LargeKid]

@@RedemptionGarage Thank you for the heads up. On the fence between the Pittsburgh Pro or the ICON tools.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Either one would be good man in my opinion thanks for watching brother

[@LargeKid]

Your welcome, truly love the videos you do. Watch them as fast you put them out. I am an occasional DIYer.

[@moosiem60]

ME my self if I pull a ratchet and the fastener don't move I go find a break over bar. what is to lazy or just to stupid to go looking for the breaker bar

[@davidpinnix7446]

I think you're spot on.you can clearly see it is binding .they will fix I'm sure..another good unbiased opinion!

[@larogersii1]

mine failed right out of the box and locked up on one direction mainly

[@likeaboss882]

Would you grab a carlyle 90t ratchet and compare them? I have a feeling they’re pretty similar

[@RedemptionGarage]

It is definitely on the to do list! Thanks for the suggestion Ethan

[@josefelix4152]

D: so that's why I can't find it! I thought I was being a victim of the mandela effect

[@SluSharkND]

What kind of corporate shill are you? You are critical of some ICON tools. That's objective. You need to work on being a shill, bro.

[@brianhansen3181]

For the life of me I can't figure out why they didn't use the same head between the fixed and flex ratchets. The fixed head ratchets seem great but as you point out the flex head seems lacking.

[@Paul-oh4fe]

Are the other non 3/8 flex heads getting the same type of internal movement as the 3/8 flex heads?

[@RedemptionGarage]

No they are not the internal parts of the fixed head ratchets are fine so far

[@laoboy316]

When will the 3/8 ratchets icon be back in the store ?

[@RedemptionGarage]

I am not sure i spoke to them last night about that statement they made and the guys are in Taiwan at the factory working to upgrade the ratchet i made this video before speaking to them but they will be doing a lot of upgrades we didnt get into details however because the call was about the other issues lol. As soon as i know i will definitely pass it along.

[@stanleymcman9422]

Good evening I enjoyed your complete break down of the Ratchets and as you showed and said the Icon 3/8 flex needs to have beefer parts and install the larger size head like in the there regular 3/8 Ratchet and they need BETTER QUALITY CONTROL (no grease in the flex heads) as the regulars had theirs. On another note saw the letter from Eric that JD posted to "'ALL THE TESTERS' hint about all the BS that is going on I hope you saw it he did make things clear. Thanks

[@jeffsnyder5456]

Great video man. I believe the pawl is definitely to small. It's hard to tell about the springs without having the ratchet in front of me.

[@OnRappel]

Focus, focus!

[@WorkHorseLT]

I had kobalt and Stanley ratchets that jammed up when I put super lube in them and the same with the tekton but I can use a little super lube the grease makes it stick use it without lube and it should be ok but it will sound like crap

[@billlee1724]

I’ve had that happen with a 1/2inch tekton and gear wrench they had basically the same internals

[@WorkHorseLT]

@@billlee1724 at least the gear wrench is a little better tho u can put some super lube in them same with husky ratchets

[@bonbonflippers4298]

That's why I just use atf on all my ratchets unless it says otherwise

[@WorkHorseLT]

@@bonbonflippers4298 I have over 150 ratchets and super lube works the best besides 3 brands tekton newer kobalt and Stanley now newer apex ratchets will jam if you use too much I have ratchets from harbor freight to snap on and everything in-between plus tax will leak out even in a snap on

[@billlee1724]

Thomas Richmond no this gearwrench one I have is odd, it’s a older one and it will automatically reverse whenever it’s greased but dry it works perfectly, could it maybe have a defect?

[@brianklein6387]

I've been a industrial marine mechanic for 13years and I dont put a pipe on any of my ratchets except my 1/2 inch dr Pittsburgh pro

[@momik-syan]

I think If they weren't Gna fix it I don't think they would give everyone their money back and free ratchet If they didn't have confidence in there tools they wouldn't do all that.

[@RedemptionGarage]

I agree and know for a fact they are I spoke to one of their head guys last night and they were over in Taiwan working on the improvements as we speak and i shot this video before i spoke to them. Thanks for watching brother

[@wayneh3021]

They need to make the guts tighter... thats my suggestion lol

[@felixf5211]

I've yet to buy an Icon tool. Would love a coupon for the snap ring pliers.

[@kylefraser5490]

Great video damn I wish icon was available in the UK 🙁

[@rogercunningham9987]

👍

[@wi1shire]

Waste of time. Learn to focus the camera.

[@truckerpeterose]

Matt Bobforcock I have a funny feeling your time isn’t as valuable as you believe it is. Are you seriously watching tool review videos to comment on camera quality and focusing techniques ?? Seriously how stupid and petty can you be.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Did you keep watching? The camera did focus change your video playback quality because that can cause the problem. With that being said what is a waste of time is a grown man acting like a little boy over a youtube video and me having to take my time to answer boys that cry. Thanks for the tip

[@thecritter2catch]

Matt Babcock It’s probably your glasses, wipe the shit off them...

[@lesgobrandon]

Here is a tip, if it’s such a waste of time don’t watch it sheesh

[@jeffsnyder5456]

I agree if you think it's a waste of time why wouldn't you just go and watch another video somewhere else. P.S. Matt Bobforcock funny shit.