Expert mechanics always look forward to having the best hand tools in their toolboxes. Well-crafted hand tools not only make the work easy for mechanics but give them a good working experience.
Some of the most renowned brands for tools are Craftsman Husky and Snap-On. Not so long ago a new brand of tools known as Icon was introduced in the market. These tools have shown great competition to the brand giants. But, who makes Icon Tools?
When the tools were introduced in the market, everyone wondered if they are the next big thing in the market and for sure they have not disappointed.
The Icon tools have come with new features which provide mechanics with a reliable and long-lasting service.
This brand offers you all the tools you need in your mechanic backpack from hand tools to storage systems. This Icon Tools review compiled information to sheds light on Icon tools.
Where did ICON come from?
The ICON brand is a lot newer than you might think. While many of the tools in Harbor Freight’s inventory are made by privately owned brands who enter into exclusivity contracts, ICON Tools is one of the few that Harbor Freight actually conceived.
Harbor Freight introduced the ICON brand in 2018 by launching a set of torque wrenches. These were so successful that the company decided to introduce a full line of premium hand tools the following year.
Its continued success has allowed ICON to branch out further into new products, expanding the overall scope of the brand.
But while Harbor Freight’s headquarters is based in the U.S., it doesn’t seem to make any of ICON’s products in-house. Take a look at one of its tools, and you will more than likely see the words “Made in Taiwan” embossed across the metal.
It seems that a vast majority of ICON’s products are manufactured by multiple different companies based in Taiwan.
Neither ICON nor Harbor Freight have reported the names of these companies, but it is widely believed that many of the mechanic tools are made by Infar Industrial Co. –the same company responsible for manufacturing the latest hand tools from Milwaukee.
Who Makes Icon Tools?
The folks at Harbor Freight are the ones behind Icon Tools. The headquarters of Harbor Freight are in California.
In the lower 48 states alone, the corporation owns and runs over a thousand retail outlets. Customers have been won over by these tools’ affordable prices and great quality.
In 1977, a family started Harbour Freight and Salvage. From its humble beginnings, this business has grown into a formidable online marketplace for previously owned and gently used goods.
Over time, the name was modified to Harbour Freight Tools. With their icon tools warranty, this business ensures your complete happiness.
In addition to carrying a wide selection of products in their online store, Harbour Freight is an authorized distributor of Icon tools.
You can find hand tools from brands like Pittsburg, Doyle, Quin, and Bremen at Harbour Freight. Tools including ratchets, screwdrivers, sockets, and wrenches are available at Icon Tools.
Do Chinese factories produce Icon Tools? Mechanics nowadays often ask this question. Taiwan, China, is where Icon tools are manufactured.
Contrary to popular belief, Chinese tools are of superior quality. The storage is sturdy and the tools are expertly crafted for pros. Their design prioritizes accuracy, longevity, and functionality.
Do you think Icon Hand Tools are decent? The short response is that the quality of the instruments is comparable to that of well-known brands.
The Icon torque wrench is a popular instrument among mechanics. When it comes to quality, these tools are right up there with the status and professional equipment.
Are Icon Tools Good for Professional Use?
This is one of the big questions that I had when I first started eyeing the Icon brand. Were they durable enough for the demands of professional shop use? After years of use, I can safely say that Icon tools can handle just about anything a working shop dishes out.
They incorporate all the features I look for in professional hand tools:
- Materials: Forged, heat-treated alloy steel for strength. No cheaply cast metals here.
- Tolerances: Precisely machined for smooth action and proper fit.
- Comfort: Rubberized grips reduce hand fatigue for all-day use.
- Reliability: Beefy construction and special features like directional ratchets for consistent performance.
In my experience, Icon tools work just as hard as I do without fail. I’ve used them for everything from suspension jobs to engine rebuilds without issue.
And the polished chrome finish makes the tools look great throughout years of heavy use. If you make your living with tools in your hands, I think you’ll be delighted by Icon’s pro-level performance.
Icon Tools Products
Harbor Freights Icon Tools have a line of products ranging from hand tools to storage systems to high-specialty tools.
Some of the tools include torque wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets. Here are some of the best Icon tools you will get in the market:
Icon Screwdriver Set
One of the most common Icon tools is their screwdriver. Their screwdrivers are made with an oversized ergonomic grip to provide the ultimate grip.
They also feature mechanic grips which provide you with a perfect fit. This prevents the tool from striping and slipping the fasteners.
Icon tools have added a bolster to the screwdriver’s shaft, which you can use when you require more torque. It also features a polished S2 steel shank that extends through the screwdriver’s handle.
This helps to transmit torque from the user’s hand to the fastener flawlessly. It also ensured the durability of the tool.
Screwdrivers from Icon Tools are made to withstand the harsh environments that mechanics work in. The handles are chemical resistant and the polished shank is easy to clean. Icon Tools screwdriver sets come with storage which helps you to keep organized.
Icon Ratchets
One of the new Icon tools in 2023 is their gold-plated ratchet. This ratchet has gained popularity in just a short time because of its gold color.
This Icon special edition ratchet is 24k gold plated and 3/8 inches. It is made with a drive professional low-profile head design which helps it to easily access the most cramped working areas.
Icon Tools ratchets feature precision machined 90-tooth gear to the gear mechanism. This offers it a tight 4° ark swing enabling it to comfortably work in small places.
Its polished finish is easy to clean and corrosion-resistant. The ratchet also has a comfortable grip design which provides you with a non-slip grip and reduced hand fatigue.
Icon tools also have other standard ratchets with the same outstanding quality. They are to-go-to tools by professional mechanics.
These ratchets are designed to withstand a high amount of torque and access tight spaces. Professional flex heat ratchets are found in different sizes.
The hand tools are made with a polished chrome finish which is resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. You can also buy their combination ratchet set, which also offers you reliability and quality.
Icon Sockets
Icon sockets are among the best you will get in the market. These sockets are made with premium chrome vanadium steel and a highly polished finish. The finish gives it an awesome look, resistant to corrosion, and is easy to clean.
Sockets by Icon tools have a 6-point design to offer you maximum torque. Their chamfered socket design gives you quick fastener engagement.
It also features a thin wall design giving it easy access to difficult fasteners. The sockets are available in different sizes.
Professional Icon Tools socket sets do not skip the sizes. This ensures that you will always have the right tool for your job. All the deep sockets have a shallow hex depth for keeping the fastener at the end of the socket.
This makes the process more efficient. The sockets have easy-to-read markings, and they come in a premium storage tray for easy organizing.
Icon Wrenches
Icon wrenches are some of the best brand tools. Their wrenches are precision machined to offer a non-slip grip.
The wrenches have 12-point box ends which give the user an easy fastener engagement. This feature prevents the wrench from slippage and the fastener round off.
Icon Tools wrenches are made with premium chrome vanadium steel. Their durable and tough polished chrome finish offers superior corrosion and rust resistance preventing grease build-up. The open end allows you to work easily in tight spaces.
The wrench’s 15° offset knuckle clearance makes it easy to go around obstructions. It is designed with efficacy and comfort in mind.
Icon tools wrench offers you a combination of a comfortable, secure grip and balanced handle design. The wrench set comes along with a premium storage tray.
Icon Torque Wrench
Torque wrenches by Icon are the ideal tools to use where you need precise torque. This wrench uses a pawl mechanism and heavy-duty cam. The wrenches feature a 90-tooth gear mechanism which helps them in small arc swings.
They also have markings that are easy to read. The torque wrenches also have a clear click which prevents you from over-torqueing. The wrenches are available in different sizes, and they come packed in a high-quality storage case.
Icon Storage Systems
Icon tools have some of the best storage systems in the market. So, who makes icon toolboxes, and what makes them exceptional? These professional roller cabinets are made by Harbor Freight.
They are available in green, black, blue, and red. This storage is made with precision-reinforced welds and strong steel. They are ideal to withstand the harsh environment of garages.
Icon tool cabinets are made with double-wall steel frames for maximum strength. Their 18 gauge inside panels is able to support the slide and drawer weight evenly.
The structural corner bracket prevents the cabinets from twisting. These toolboxes are polished with an ultra-tough powder coat.
One thing that makes the cabinets stand out is their integrated power system with two 110V outlets and two fast-charging USB ports.
The icon tools storage system also features an advanced locking system which helps to keep your tools safe and secure. Their force drawer latches are adjustable, thus controlling the opening force.
What Makes Icon Tool Unique?
Innovative Designs
We are constantly evolving our tool designs to incorporate the latest technologies and introduce new innovations. For example, many of our wrenches and ratchets feature a flush pivot point and streamlined head for easier access in tight spaces.
Our precision torque wrenches utilize advanced gear and clutch mechanisms to deliver exact torque values time after time.
Premium Materials
Only the highest grade alloys and materials are used in Icon Tool. Our chrome vanadium steel alloy provides exceptional strength and durability.
Our forged carbon steel withstands heavy impacts without shattering or deforming. Our tools are made to be resilient, not disposable.
Stringent Quality Control
We meticulously inspect and test our tools throughout the manufacturing process to ensure they meet our strict specifications for performance and longevity.
Our ISO 9001 certification highlights our commitment to consistent quality control and process improvement.
Ergonomic Design
Reducing hand fatigue and injury risk are key considerations in our tool designs. Features like textured, anti-slip grips, ergonomic handles, low profile ratcheting heads, and smooth dual-pawl mechanisms decrease discomfort and prevent slips during use.
Affordable Professional Quality
Our tools offer the same professional performance relied upon by experts, without the premium price tags.
We maintain reasonable costs by selling direct-to-consumer through our own channels rather than through middlemen. Our customers appreciate getting superb value for their money.
Trusted American Brand
We proudly design and build our tools locally in our own dedicated factories. As an American company, we take great satisfaction in both creating quality manufacturing jobs and providing quality tools that aid professionals in their work.
Innovative Thinking
Our founder instilled the importance of always striving to improve, even on existing successful designs.
Our product development team brings fresh perspectives that help push tool designs and performance forward. We embrace innovations that solve problems and enhance reliability.
Why should you choose Icon tools?
Those looking for high-quality, affordable tools will be pleased with icon tools. It offers an impressive array of tools that will last for years. These tools will be a great selection if you want:
Right Application Match
Any mechanical tool must meet the type of work that you intend to use it for. They are able to cover your needs and fasten your work process.
You will get wrenches, sockets, torque, and other tools in different sizes. They simply handle your workload and beyond other demanding works.
Quality Construction
Icon delivers the best tools that you can easily afford. There is no room for bad quality. You will get something that every master dreams for.
Their sockets, wrenches, and ratchets are made of high-quality steel or chrome vanadium to ensure high-impact tools. They come with a highly-polished finish that looks so glossy as well as ensures corrosion resistance.
The brand also ensures a heavy-duty storage system so that your investment doesn’t go in vain. Each tool set includes a durable toolbox and holds the kits firmly in place. However, it can be the effort of an hour to keep them in their respective places.
Value For Money
The lower price point of the Icon tools makes them attractive to consumers. Yet, the craftsmanship and materials are equal to or more than other reputed brands.
With these tools, you will obtain more value for your bucks. There are hundreds of consumer reviews where they claim no objection about their performance.
To fill your mechanic backpack, Icon tools are the most reliable option. Built for professionals who opt for top quality. You will be impressed to see the tool’s features and precision with unbeatable values.
Long-lasting Usage
Icon makes a very big claim that their tools will provide a long-lasting service, even for decades. Harbor Freight is very strategic with its product development which is the main reason behind it.
Well, it is a matter of time to see whether these tools will really last for decades. Icon tools deliver exactly as advertised.
This full line of premium hand tools will withstand extreme conditions. Moreover, it feels more comfortable to work with as their slimmer and gripped profile.
How Much Are Icon Tools?
Icon tools have some of the best prices for hand tools and storage systems. When the tools were introduced, their prices were a little higher but they have reduced over time. When comparing Icon Tools vs.
Snap-On cost, Icon tools are more affordable, and their quality is almost the same as the latter.
Icon tool cost will depend on the specific tool you are buying. 6-piece socket sets cost around $19.99, while 12-piece ratcheting sets to costs approximately $199.99. Icon tools overhead cabinets’ price starts at $799.99.
And the price of Icon end cabinets starts from $1199.99. The most expensive of their tools is the rolling cabinets which cost around $3799.99.
At times you will find these tools at a discount thus saving you more money. Harbor Freight also delivers all the Icon storage units for free.
FAQs.
Q: Is Icon Tools a Good Brand?
YES, Icons tools are a good brand for both beginners and professional mechanics. These tools are made with high-quality materials, and they are quite affordable. Icon tools have made their tools with reliability and durability in mind.
When you compare them with other tools, you will get your value for money. The Icon tools reviews from past clients show that they are a good brand and they provide you more value for your money.
Q: Where Are Icon Sockets Made?
Icons sockets are made in Taiwan. Most people wonder where Icon tools are made. All the tools by Icon are made in Taiwan, and they guarantee you quality. This brand is owned by Harbor Freights, which is responsible for manufacturing and distributing the tools.
Q: Are Icon Tools Lifetime Warranty?
All Icon tools have a lifetime and hassle-free warranty. This speaks volume for the confidence of tool quality and standard. Indeed, their tools are made with expertise and high-quality materials.
This company has the best return policies and there are no questions asked for warranty. This shows that the manufacturer is confident with their products and they do not have any defect.
Q: Does Harbor Freight Own Snap-On?
Harbor Freight does not own Snap-On tools. Snap-on tools are produced by Snap-On Incorporated. All their tools are traded with a company symbol SNA.
Snap-On also offers good quality tools but they are more expensive compared to Icon tools. Harbor Freight sells Icon, Bremen, Doyle, Quin, and Pittsburg hand tools.
Q: Are Icon Tools Made in China?
All Icon tools are made in Taiwan, China. I know that most people think that products from China are of questionable quality but this is not the case with Icon tools. These tools have managed to compete with the giant hand tools brand in a very short time.
Harbor Freight has managed to beat the competitors with their durable and quality products at a low price.
Q: Why are Harbor Freight tools so Cheap?
One of the reasons Harbor freight tools are cheap is because the company cuts off middlemen. The company works directly with the tools manufacturers enabling them to offer tools at an affordable price.
Another reason would be because they are made in China. However, the low cost of Icon tools is not reflected in their quality. They provide you with quality tools at the lowest possible prices.
Q: Is Icon better than Pittsburgh?
Both Icon and Pittsburgh tools are of good quality. Which one is better, between Icon and Pittsburgh tools, will depend on your needs and the specific tools you are buying.
For instance, Icon wrenches and ratchets are better than Pittsburgh since they have a higher tooth. On the other hand, Pittsburgh sockets and breaker bars are better than Icon tools.
Final Words
If you are a beginner or a professional mechanic on budget, then Icon tools are the ideal brand for you. The article above has answered many people’s questions on who makes Icon Tools.
Icon tools are owned by Harbor Freight and are made in Taiwan. We have also discussed Icon Tool’s cost and some of its product lines.
Experts now have high-quality and affordable solutions to their storage needs. Their hassle-free and lifetime warranty shows that the company is confident that their tools will serve you a lifetime.
These tools are designed with the latest technology and top-quality materials, making them durable and long-lasting. Icon Tools come with a lifetime warranty that guarantees their performance and quality.
Another key selling point of Icon Tools is their affordability compared to other professional-grade tools on the market. With Icon Tools by Harbor Freight, you can be sure you’re getting top-of-the-line equipment at a price that won’t leave your wallet empty.