Both are made by HI-FIVE in Taiwan. Same goes for the MAC, FACOM, USAG, TOPTUL, WURTH, RUJOI, and many bike tool companies as well as GM powertorque for the non flex head variants. I'd much rather have the ICON because it's shorter, but but bought the VIM when they introduced it long before ICON introduced theirs. The VIM was the only affordable game in town when I bought it, the FACOM USAG and TOPTUL sets are about $75 minimum when you can find them and often go for as much as $90. The only reason one might not want the ICON set is that it doesn't come with sockets like those foreign companies variants of the set. I got tired of the length on my Vim so I eventually cut the end off and put it on a little handle from a Mayhew pick because I was expecting to be able to get the ICON, but it still has yet to ever be available near me.
@projectpinehills11 ай бұрын
Thank you for the background on HI-FIVE. I find the mini ratchet to be really handy. 👍
@JoseFerreira-zb7wh10 күн бұрын
I hope KS Tools is part of that lot too...
@TylerSnyder3059 күн бұрын
@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh yes they rebrand them as well.
@JoseFerreira-zb7wh9 күн бұрын
@@TylerSnyder305 nice. Thank you
@k1_w35 күн бұрын
Thanks for comparing these two. This is exactly the video I was looking for. 👍
@projectpinehills4 күн бұрын
Thank you and thanks for watching! 👍
@iowafox2206 Жыл бұрын
I've got the ICON one at work and absolutely love it. Not a everyday user but when breaking into electric motors and other machines it's real handy. Definitely a good tool set.
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing.
@RobertSantos-sh9vm Жыл бұрын
ICON definitely a great value for the money! Thanks for the comparison!
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@actionjksn6 сағат бұрын
The extra length on the Vim ratchet is not an advantage. Because there is an extension you can add to the icon for more leverage. The shorter ratchet will fit into tighter spots when needed. The other advantage to the icon kit is that you can walk into a harbor freight and get a warranty replacement if anything happens, assuming you live somewhat near a Harbor Freight which many of us do now. I'm pretty sure both of these ratchets are made in the same factory in Taiwan. The Vim would be a good companion piece with the Icon if putting together a kit of small tools. I'm not going to bother and I'm pretty happy with my Icon. I do keep it with a Klein tools version that has a bunch of precision bits with a similar size box and the same type of latch. I'm going to buy a socket rail of quarter inch drive sockets to go with it. I thought the ratchet mechanism was a little bit stiff but I was able to make it a lot better. I put a 1/4 in hex bit in the ratchet and put my impact driver on the other side and spun in in both directions several times at high speed and that basically put several years worth of wear on it and made it feel a lot better. If you try that you want to start slow and then go full speed. It did get a little warm but not hot. I don't care if it shortened the life of it a little bit, the ratchet works a lot better now.
@djchupa692 ай бұрын
Icon , bits and that case is solid
@projectpinehills2 ай бұрын
Agreed. Thanks for watching!
@jwellsnowboard7 ай бұрын
Exactly the video I was looking for!! Very thorough!!
@projectpinehills7 ай бұрын
Thanks, appreciate that and thanks for watching!
@thewatcher72113 ай бұрын
Me too! 👍🏽
@Gadget0343Ай бұрын
Very nice mini ratchet. I have both. VIM said they hold the patent on that wrench and they private label for other companies on many things, but another time they very specifically said they do not PL tools for HF. So, that has me wondering.
@projectpinehillsАй бұрын
Good point. I personally found that the shorter handle on the Icon has helped me out in confined spaces. Thanks for watching!
@michaelschlarman7835 Жыл бұрын
These are all made in the same factory but the VIM kit that comes with like 89 pieces while very expensive compared to the icon come with some very useful low profile bit sockets up to 10mm that have made my life much easier in the past. Of course comes with way more bits compared to the icon too. It’s also over $100 and idk if it’s worth it for any DIYer
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info!
@57_International9 ай бұрын
The ratchet is the same but the bits are not. VIM bits are much better than the cheap bits from harbor freight. They may be made in Taiwan but quality is everything.
@michaelschlarman78359 ай бұрын
@@57_International oh yeah I agree, the ratchet is what I was referring to and not the bits. VIM bits are professional grade.
@sammiches685910 күн бұрын
You could get a decent set of PB Swiss bits with the Icon wrench.
@johnbailey96825 ай бұрын
I just like the one that gets the job done .
@projectpinehills5 ай бұрын
Yup 👍 Thanks for watching?
@fredh5410 ай бұрын
I bought the ICON while it was on sale ($32) solely for the ratchet. I have a decent set of bits already. I'm pleased with the quality.
@projectpinehills10 ай бұрын
Thanks for the feedback. I’m happy with the ratchet too!
@gonadiator9 ай бұрын
I have both. The icon fits in an altoid tin along with shallow sockets and bits. I try to use the icon more since i can warranty it but the vim feels nicer
@projectpinehills9 ай бұрын
Yeah, I’ve had no issues with the shorter handle of the Icon because I typically don’t need to apply a lot of torque with a mini ratchet. 👍
@FotoTravis7 ай бұрын
@@projectpinehills The extension will fit in the handle of the Icon and will make it even longer. I'm sure it will with the VIM also.
@projectpinehills7 ай бұрын
Yes, that’s right. 👍
@michaellindsay893410 ай бұрын
I have the Icon set and love it the longer handle would not be an improvement for me having everything you need in a small robust case is the answer With Vim you have to put it in a bag with some sort of bit holder that would look unprofessional
@projectpinehills10 ай бұрын
The ICON case is nice. Thanks for watching! 👍
@Propheciez11 ай бұрын
Would love to have the VIM due to its length. But went with Icon for lifetime warranty. Better value.
@projectpinehills11 ай бұрын
Hard to beat the Icon for the money. 👍 Thanks for watching!
@DownHillgamer7 ай бұрын
Just had to bring my icon to work to save my co worker that was in a super tight spot under some heads on a big block and having to use a little hex key by hand to back this bolt out cause our hex sockets were way to long but he only had one left when we left yesterday and i was like damn do i got somthing for you in the morning haha a little late but came in handy.
@projectpinehills7 ай бұрын
Good of you to help out. Thanks for watching! 👍
@Enlowra3 ай бұрын
All the machinists watching this video be like "same factory, different names". In all seriousness the ICON kit is GREAT for a person looking for an addition to their motorcycle tool kit
@projectpinehills3 ай бұрын
It’s a great kit. The handle fits into tight spaces. Thanks for watching!
@hickstylezАй бұрын
I just started at a motorcycle shop and the main mechanic has the VIM so i googled for a "cheap" one and yeah couldn't find anything cheap so I bought the same kit he got 89 peice with the small non ratcheting driver that after hours of research found out it is or was the lowest profile ratchet out there... But I ended up also finding this "ezred" double flex head I'm curious to compare it's profile with the VIM one... the vim set was 117 with tax and the ezred was 34 with tax.. I also found an ARES ball end bit set 39 pieces ALL ball end torx/hex for 27.99 I bought the ares set because I notice that the stubby VIM SET CAN BE TOO SHORT were you need the "standard bit length with the low profile ratchet anyone yeah and I thought working on bikes was going to be easier than cars... it is and it isn't definently makes me laugh when I used to think there were "tight fits" in cars seems like bikes have much tighter fits had to use the VIM set about 6 or 7 times in 2 weeks
@thatrealba6 ай бұрын
I have the GearWrench version that is 12 inches long. Picked it up in Amazon for $22.
@projectpinehills6 ай бұрын
I’m going to check it out. Thanks for watching! 👍
@egbluesuede12205 ай бұрын
Great vid. I own the Icon set and was looking at getting another one just for the ratchet for an EDC tool bag. Basically same tool, but for an extra $7 I can get the whole Icon set with bits if I sacrifice a little length off the tool. That said, I just want the ratchet and I'd love to see what VIM has to offer.
@projectpinehills5 ай бұрын
Thank You! That was the same thought process I had. Sometimes the VIM ratchet goes on sales. Thanks commenting and watching! 👍
@michaellindsay8934 Жыл бұрын
Why would anyone buy Vim at that price when the Icon comes with bits
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Personal preference. The VIM price is lower now. But the icon kit is hard to beat. 👍
@michaelschlarman7835 Жыл бұрын
VIM also sells a kit with the flex head ratchet but it’s much bigger (89 bits I believe). It comes with some super low profile sockets with a 1/4” bit shank that are super useful in tight areas. The icon is much more affordable, I own both, and a DIYer the icon is all you need. The VIM kit however is impressive
@TylerSnyder30511 ай бұрын
Because I can actually get the Vim variant, while the ICON has never been in stock near me.
@robertcasey35287 ай бұрын
Because VIM products are equal to Snap On in quality.
@beyer667 ай бұрын
Also maybe because most techs already have 7 sets of bits that came with every other bit driver tool they bought
@upsidedowndog12566 ай бұрын
I have the Icon but will get the VIM when I can, too.
@projectpinehills6 ай бұрын
Yeah, I didn’t plan on it, but I ended up with both. Thanks for watching! 👍
@Free_entertainment4016 ай бұрын
I just bought the Vim tool min bits and order Vim min ratchet. But icon have good deal going on so I might pick that up too
@projectpinehills6 ай бұрын
I’ll have to check out the bits. Thanks for watching!
@csimetАй бұрын
I like my VIM RFB400K, but did you know they make a stubby version... NR400K? Handy little ratchet, but VIM made a blunder by making that handle not work as a t-ratchet. It comes with the same extension, but lacks the extra ability in the head. VIM... are you listening? ;)
@projectpinehillsАй бұрын
I didn’t know that. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
@3vil3lvis11 ай бұрын
I have both of these, the victorinox and topeak bit ratchets too. The Icon is the best value because of the lifetime warranty and the case is so well designed.
@projectpinehills11 ай бұрын
I have both, but agree the icon is the best value, good bit loadout too.
@RandysWSG Жыл бұрын
Great video!
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the visit
@midatlantictools5 ай бұрын
I know the VIM is a life time warranty is the ICON life time? I would say they both are made by the same manufacture. Good video..
@projectpinehills5 ай бұрын
Yes lifetime warranty. Thanks and thanks for watching!
@midatlantictools5 ай бұрын
@@projectpinehills thanks thats good to know
@ben10mama6 ай бұрын
Id bet they are made in the same factory. With everything so identical it would be way to much of a coincidence otherwise. Also don't forget you can use the extension in the bottom for more leverage. I like vim tools but this one i think icon wins. The whole bit set and case for the same price is hard to beat. The vim is a little longer but this isn't a high torque tool anyhow in my opinion
@projectpinehills6 ай бұрын
I agree. Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching! 👍
@rtz5496 ай бұрын
When looking at the same tools; it's all about the warranty.
@projectpinehills6 ай бұрын
Well then, Icon it is. Thanks for watching! 👍
@lowasteam5319 Жыл бұрын
Been building an EDC bag for my 19yr old daughter to have handy. Just picked up 2 of the icon sets at harbor freight today (I needed one too lol). If I had my pick of just the ratchet I’d get the VIM but even though they aren’t great getting the case and bits for $3 more sealed the deal on Icon for me.
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
👍 good deal. Perfect for your daughter. Thanks for commenting!
@batch81448 күн бұрын
Now $25 ICON!😊
@projectpinehills8 күн бұрын
Nice 👍
@drsnowmon10 ай бұрын
I have the ICON and the Tone mini ratchet; the difference is that the ICON version has much more back drag. I much prefer the Japanese quality
@projectpinehills10 ай бұрын
Never heard of it and I do not see it online. Where did you get it?
@drsnowmon10 ай бұрын
@@projectpinehills model name is 'Tone BRFS27'
@projectpinehills10 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@calebbyler4360 Жыл бұрын
They both come out of the same factory
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
It looks that way. I do like the longer handle on the VIM. Thanks for watching!
@Zeeangelofdeath Жыл бұрын
But the icon is more compact because it’s not as long
@ToolTalkChannel9 ай бұрын
Great comparison!.. I’ll have to find out who sold my buddies, but his has a red dot to indicate where the extension fit. Any thoughts?
@projectpinehills9 ай бұрын
I don’t know, is it identical otherwise?
@scottaddison80713 ай бұрын
I Like the MAC Tools 123pc bit set much better
@projectpinehills3 ай бұрын
That is a nice set. Whole different price and won’t fit where this mini ratchet will though. Thanks for watching!
@najipo Жыл бұрын
Similar to TONE brand from japan.
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Thanks, I’ll have to look them up. Thanks for watching!
@cacydeleon9 ай бұрын
Does the leatherman bits fits on the non ratchet side of vim?
@projectpinehills9 ай бұрын
I do not know, maybe someone else can reply?
@patrickbledsoe2176Ай бұрын
i bought the Hart rachet bit set at walmart... not impressed wished id got the icon f9r $10 more
@projectpinehillsАй бұрын
Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!
@djtecthreat6 ай бұрын
What Vanquest is that?
@projectpinehills6 ай бұрын
You can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpipg4CBft6ffrssi=7EFTCODIBgu4DEm1
@Blazini1980 Жыл бұрын
Off topic here but how is that power strip mounted? Did you add more screws to secure it?
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Mounted with screws. Thx!
@Blazini1980 Жыл бұрын
@@projectpinehills ok. Because i just got a 4 ft strip and it only has mounting points at the ends
@danielruprecht893211 ай бұрын
Looks like the same factory
@projectpinehills11 ай бұрын
Yeah it does. Thx for watching! 👍
@AMERICANPRIDE1100 Жыл бұрын
The icon is perfect the extra length is useless
@projectpinehills Жыл бұрын
Thanks for commenting! 👍
@davidwilliamson3809 Жыл бұрын
I wouldn’t say useless. More torque with longer handle
@AMERICANPRIDE1100 Жыл бұрын
@@davidwilliamson3809 you can easily add an extension to the bottom that allows it to fit in my large leather man pouch
@michaellindsay8934 Жыл бұрын
Why would anyone buy Vim at that price when the Icon comes with bits