Snap-On vs Icon Torque Wrench 1/2 Drive Flex Head 90 tooth 40-250 Ft. Lbs. Range

[@StephenMazzitelli]

I started my automotive tech career in 1958 in a gas station-repair shop. Even then, snap-on tools were over priced, but their quality was better than most with a lifetime warranty. Since then other tool makers began to improve their products with prices well below that of snap-on. I avoided buying snap-on for that reason. (I did buy an occasional piece not available elsewhere). Today there are many toolmakers I find better or equal to them with lifetime warrantees priced well below. Their prices, in my opinion, could never be justified. I am surprised your torque wrench was not warranted for life based on its cost. Harbor Freight has come a long way in recent years. Keep up your videos, they are great. A retired Toyota Master Diagnostic Tech.

[@prattropper]

Peter, You did a great thing with this torque wrench, I have owned one of these for over two years and it works great!!!!!!!!!

[@BRED23]

Will this withstand being used other than on lug nuts for example suspension components which neeed to be torqued up to 150

[@billsimpson604]

DIY folks need to consider that they aren't tightening lug nuts on an airliner. Any torque wrench which isn't broken is good enough for car and light truck use. The biggest mistake people make is to pull too hard and fast on the wrench, so that they exceed the torque setting they are trying to achieve. You want to avoid that on bearing caps or head bolts. On some diesel engines you need a torque wrench that can measure degrees turned after a specific torque is reached, unless you want to keep track of how much you need to turn the wrench after the click happens. That can be tricky, but it will work. Those are for bolts that are stretched a certain amount, probably to account for the heating & cooling of the engine heads and block. Generally, they say not to reuse those bolts. People also fail to zero out the setting on the cheap twist setting type ones after using them. You are supposed to release the spring pressure on those when you are finished using them. Interesting video, Peter.

[@TheVespap200e]

Enjoyed your video Peter! If that Icon lasts a quarter of the time of that Snap On, you got a great deal!

[@czechmate6916]

Thank you for the demonstration. I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the Icon brand. Since I’m retired now I shouldn’t need to buy anymore new tools. I never owned any Snap On tools before I couldn’t afford them but I always thought they had a lifetime warranty. I guess I was wrong there.

[@ridikuloz]

was debating on getting an Icon torque wrench...you sold me on it.

[@willowlands2667]

Day 2 of the 12 days of deals (December 13 only) any single Icon wrench, including torque wrenches or breaker bars will be 40% off!

[@WhuchakaV]

Yeah I'm getting one thanks for pointing that out

[@letsgoracing745]

Stop telling people! 🤫

[@shadow7796]

I can't wait to get there and see them all sold out. I didn't get any of the socket set that I needed during the sale on them. And, I'm not running to multiple stores. They need to stop that "in store only" on their coupons, I'm sick of seeing that. I'd rather order it.

[@cuh720]

Where are you getting this info

[@Minded_Tactics]

I got the 1/2 and 3/8 for $144

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

I have that one it’s 2 years old works great works great on axle nuts . Icon for the win

[@LAactor]

Yeah Pete, you needed a win for a long time. I am glad this is like an early Christmas present to you. When you introduced it, I knew immediately you would love it. Not because I have it, (I only have the Pittsburgh one), but because as you hinted if you watch torgue test channel and other people that lcon is equal to or far surpasses snap on tools. It is amazing what China can do if you pay for top level factories. My bet is they aimed for 90 tooth but to make sure they made it a little finer so if there was some defect, it would still be to 90 tooth. It's like the 3 year batteries they make today. If they are worse they become two or one year batteries. They just over spec the rating. But every thing I see is better including the price I see the memories in your eyes when you looked longingly at your old friend and thanking it for it's service thorough your years. But now with no dealer peers to influence you and to look like a professional to the managers, you don't need the name of the tool. It's wild they don't do lifetime warranty. Or maybe your franchisee is a rip off worse than usual. You made the right choice. Hope you found some new gloves you can review for us! I saw some purple ones recently. Save your old half inch. Never know if where you end up next you will need it as a self defense weapon in the shop. But maybe crime will be down next year. America is healing. I liked this video very very much. Merry Christmas 🎅🏻

[@stormyyoung6344]

Thanks for sharing the info i have been buying more harbor freight tools over the last few years they really stepped their game up

[@xrisdavid785]

HA-HA Petr......starting @ 5:00 the way you twirl that box around like a baton at the parade.....SUCH TALENT !! Thanx 4 the ICON review

[@Wrenchingdaily]

ICON is very descent pro-grade tool line. Some stuff better than others across the brand, but that’s true with any brand. Another excellent tool brand you should consider is TEKTON. Excellent video as always Peter.

[@mustangecoboosthpp3869]

There is nothing pro grade about HOBO Freight Icon tools, they are poorly done copies of Snap On tools but HOBO Freight still can't copy Snap On's alloy formula and heat treating process they have developed over the decades.

[@michaellindsay8934]

I thought everyone said they buy Snap-on because of the LIFETIME WARRANTY, but yet they want you to pay for the repair. Great video Peter

[@itspapaj4732]

Certain items from snap on only carry a 1 year warranty. But warranties for tools from the tool trucks usually depend on the franchises. I've dealt with many franchisees that were little to no help 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@aaihab]

I picked up the icon for the 40% discontinue $83 and it has a lifetime warranty.

[@2reelyakrz481]

Always enjoy the videos. Good information as well

[@747rotate]

Great video sir! I'm a retired automotive and commercial aviation technician and have spent thousands of dollars mainly on Snap on tools especially in automotive, aviation not so much because in aviation many tools especially torque wrenches, etc. were supplied by the airline. The cost of some airline tools is insane and you have to use them as required by the FAA. When I worked in automotive in the 70 and 80's Icon wasn't made then which basically left you with the choice of Snap on, MAC, MATCO, Cornwell and Craftsman and a few off brands that were cheaply made and wouldn't hold up to everyday use. Snap on was expensive then when I purchased them but today some of their prices are out of this world and I can't even imagine purchasing them now. Shoot they have toolboxes that are over 100k depending on the size etc. That's more than what I paid for my house... LOL. While Snap on boxes look very cool and are well made their prices are just ridiculou s. In today's world there are many companies that produce very high quality tools and some even better than Snap on. Of the few tools that I have purchased today my go to is harbor freight and I love the Icon tools even their U.S. General toolboxes are extremely nice and very well made.

[@negativeindustrial]

Good timing. I need to buy a quality torque wrench for my 2JZ engine build.

[@duanedragon2]

I too own both of these torque wrenches. The Snap On has been rebuilt 4 times by Snap On. The Icon one is for my home shop. Just have your Snappy wrench rebuilt. Costs $100. Last time mine came back with a ton of new parts.

[@Shododaan]

OK Toyota Tool sales channel... =). I feel bad every time I use my good 1/2 torque wrench for the same thing and now I'm thinking of getting this one for the big ugly stuff like lug nuts and other huge jobs. I'll wait for a sale though. Great stuff Peter!

[@ismaelcarrerojr7124]

Peter for the amount that you spend on snap on you can buy two more.

[@carnold.knowledge]

I have the same exact torque wrench as your mechanical Snap-On made by Precision Instruments. It was $170 back in 2022. But it doesn’t have a lifetime warranty like the Icon. Not sure about the accuracy, but other KZbinrs seem to think it's fine.

[@jayburke2798]

IIRC, PI makes the Snap-On torque wrench. I bet they make the Icon as well judging by the looks, especially if it is made in the US. I have the PI wrench as well! I broke it out to help my brother with a break job and he said "Oh my" when he saw it LOL!

[@VOODOOphg]

@@jayburke2798the ICON is not made by PI and is contract made in Taiwan for Harbor Freight

[@walter.bellini]

I am confused as to why you would need to pay to repair a Snap-On tool? Isn’t that suppose to be covered for the life of the tool, and the entire reason you pay so much for there overpriced tools? Icon tools work really great, good price and good support from Harbor Freight. I use Icon, SK, Gear Wrench and enjoy their tools.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

I’m surprised that HF applies a lifetime warranty to torque wrenches. I don’t think any tool company does. Calibration shouldn’t be under warranty I don’t think.

[@davidm.8309]

@@craigjorgensen4637Correct. Calibration not under lifetime warranty. Mechanical function is covered.

[@LAactor]

Walter, the only thing I can think of is the owner operator of the truck (they are like dealerships) aka franchisee, is a greedy one and with no other local trucks he dictates he will not repair for free. And with other dealer trucks they would likely not repair for free either since it wasn't purchased from them. I wonder if anyone has ever done a repair on it on KZbin before

[@walter.bellini]

@@LAactorsounds about right. But if that torque wrench is experiencing issues for the first time no matter how old it should be repaired for free. If it has been repaired in the past then maybe not. I have taken two tools years ago to a Snap-On truck where I didn’t buy from them and they replace one and gave me a repair kit for the other. I don’t think that Snap-On warranty works based on which location or truck you bought it from. I am surprised that Peter didn’t reach out to Snap-On directly to find out option. These tools are super expensive with warranty built into the price so.

[@cyberneticghost47]

​@@davidm.8309 Has anyone warrantied the digital torque wrench? The teeth on mine are starting to skip after I lent it to a coworker.

[@n-l1580]

Thanks for the great advise peter, love your videos 😊

[@condor5635]

You highlight the fact as to why I can’t stand SnapOn. Enough said without going into the details.

[@condor5635]

You forgot to mention Peter that when you buy the snap on torque wrench, it comes with a free package one time use Vaseline 🤣🤣

[@samh6761]

Nothing scarier than finding out your torque wrench doesn't click any more... especially when doing engine work

[@andrewsmactips]

Both made in the same factory in Taiwan? Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

[@billsimpson604]

Be ready for China to blockade Taiwan before 2031 arrives. Xi has said he intends to reunite it with the mainland many times, and he means it. Virtually all mainland Chinese citizens firmly believe that Taiwan belongs to China. Name a private shipping company that will challenge the Chinese military? Taiwan is too close to China to defend for long.

[@JosepGee]

I think Snap On can say made in the USA because of the Ratchet head they put on it ?

[@steverichdrummr]

Nice wrench Peter, BUT you SO need a case cutter ( at least that's what we call them in the grocery store. If you send me your address, I will happilly send you one free. It holds the blade, made of aluminum, and the blade slides in and out as needed. Way safer the what I just saw you do. I likely have 5 - 10 of them in my top toolbox drawer.They way about 1 or 2 ounces without the blade.

[@datapark9118]

just picked this up today on the 40% off all wrenches

[@jamescaron6465]

I don’t have an icon because the HarborFreight is too far away for me to be convenient, but I do have a Tekton and I really really like it.

[@appleztooranges]

You got a Daytona super duty floor jack? I got one for 40% off

[@shadow7796]

For the most part, I only buy their Icon hand tools. I've had some for quite a while now, and they've served me very well. Those are going to be 40% off tomorrow, but don't count on being able to get one. I wish they would stop making their coupons like that "in store only." It's much easier for me to be able to order something.

[@jabecrowell4247]

I think it is a very good buy

[@condor5635]

Love my Kobalt 250 ft*lb Torque wrench. Probably spent an eighth ($80) of what you did for the snap on. And it works perfectly. I thought the snaps were lifetime. Guaranteed you had to pay to get it fixed?

[@teslamr7333]

Hyvaa joulua! 🎄

[@LowInformation]

Don't quote me, but I believe flat rate for digital torque is $120, mechanical torque $70.

[@summerforever6736]

What happened to the snap on warranty???

[@mikethetoolman8776]

torque wrenches never have been lifetime warranty and snap-off doesn't make that tool either, so it is up to the manufacturer on warranty time-frame

[@sebbaslopez1424]

Harbor freight has a Quinn torque wrench just for lug nuts

[@TheBeardedScreenwriter]

I thought snap on had lifetime warranty ?

[@craigdave3266]

U should put them on offer up and witch one selling close to the original price

[@logic_rules]

What happens if you tighten more than the recommended torque value?

[@tonytillman316]

Can you send that wrench in to have it calibrated and refurbished back to factory specs for its certifications each year?

[@zaffo757]

I can’t justify these kind of tools. Harbor Freight only. A 30” 1/2 drive breaker bar is just fine till I work on a Gulfstream VI

[@stoneycarter5546]

I like Icon tools

[@shepherdsfleetservicesllc8147]

Nice

[@gogogeedus]

Did you try a bit of wd40 Peter?

[@thomasmeadows256]

❤

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Where is IKON torque wrench made? Is Peter Chinese?

[@billsimpson604]

Probably Taiwan. Many good quality tools are made there.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Running a very busy tire shop years ago, we NEVER used a torque wrench on lug nuts and we never had one problem. We were prudent with the use of the impact guns and we never had a wheel fall off and when the cars returned for rotations or brake work we never had any trouble getting the lug nuts back off. Were we just lucky or is it overkill to bother torquing them?

[@billsimpson604]

Air impact wrenches probably exceed the required torque by quite a bit.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

@ Well, perhaps but we never had a problem or a comeback. Probably because we were prudent with the impact guns? I remember old Volkswagens had a very specific torque requirement for the 36 MM nuts that held the rear brake drums on 238 lbs! Who had a torque wrench? Who had a 36 MM socket when we were 17 years old? We would use a big pipe wrench and tighten the bejeeses out of that big nut! Use the old cotter pin and all was well! Never a problem!

[@Randyplaysguitars]

​@@billsimpson604these are the guys all the old heads complain about when they had to change a tire by hand and couldn't get the lug nuts off cuz the last shop went brrrrbrrrrbrrrrr until they ran out of air🤣

[@johnaclark1]

yeah, and thanks for warping everyone's brake rotors, too.

[@slalomking]

It’s the exact same tool. Shame on Snap On.

[@neilfrasersmith]

I'm first. At last.

[@slalomking]

Looks like 3 people are in front of you

[@PapaDikpill]

Ugh, bot's have taken over the comment section. Anyway, good info on the torque wrench. I don't trust my very old one so I'll pick one of these up.

[@mustangecoboosthpp3869]

This is why my Toyota does not go to a Toyota dealer shop, mechanics equipped with HOBO Freight tools tells me they are not serious about their job and refuse to invest in their own trade. I will continue to work on my own vehicles using Snap On tools so I know the job was done right and done with quality tools.

[@slalomking]

They are quality mechanics, they just don’t like paying Snap On prices like you did. A fool and his money are soon parted

[@jamescaron6465]

@@slalomking one of my closest friends was a master mechanic for Ford. His personal tools all came from Harbor freight. And he famously told me it’s not the magic wand. It’s the magician.

[@robertsevert]

Your'r not understanding, have a person from Japan factory with his torque wrench and compare torque specs? It's like a tire pressure gauge!! Which one is accurate?

[@slalomking]

@@robertsevert they are close enough

[@jeremytine]

since you asked for my opinion is, this is a dumb video. I have 2 major concerns with a torque wrench. 1) is it accurate, 2) does it stay that way. you didn't test 1, and you can not test 2 on day 1. Price and a lifetime warranty is irrelevant if the first two conditions are not met.

[@octymocty132]

Apparently the best thing with a box torque is it can be left set and won't affect the spring ? Or so I was told can't enlighten me ?