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 company that makes and markets Icon Tools is Harbor Freight. In 2018, Harbor Freight introduced Icon Tools with its first two Icon torque wrenches. You can buy their tools on the Harbor Freight website or in most hardware stores across the United States.
With the initial success of its first two wrenches, Harbor Freight launched the full line of Icon Tools in 2019, along with their automotive special kits and storage units for hand, automotive, and special tools.
All the tools that they sell are made in Taiwan. They all come with lifetime warranties. There are many competing brands of tools in the market today. Choosing a particular brand can be quite difficult if you don’t know how they compare with each other.
And after buying your chosen tools, you have to keep them somewhere safe. Icon Tools have an answer to this: they also sell different kinds of tool storage units.
Harbor Freight designed its Icon Tools for mechanics who are looking for high-quality but affordable tools. As premium tools, they can withstand the rigors and stress they will be subjected to on the floors of auto mechanic repair shops.
Icon Tools markets a full line of high-quality hand tools, automotive specialty kits, and tool storage units.
The company’s complete line of tools includes wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers, and sockets. As an adjunct to their premium tools, Icon Tools also sell storage systems that can keep sets of tools safe in one place.
Are Icon Tools Any Good?
ICON tools and storage kits are the best solutions for professional mechanics since these tools are made from high-quality materials but available in an affordable range with a lifetime warranty.
One of the best facts about Icon tools is though these tools are specially made for professional users, these tools are also easy to handle and operate for beginners.
Besides being not much old in this industry, Icon has already made an image, which proves that each of this brand’s products ensures quality, reliability, and durability.
According to numerous customers’ opinions, the quality and performance Icon tools offer are worth the money, and not only that, Icon has the best warranty and return policy one can ask for as well.
What Are the Types Of Icon Tools Available?
Harbor Freights Icon Tools have a wide range of hand, storage systems, and high specialty tools. So, let’s have a brief overview of Icon tools and kits:
#1. Screwdriver Set.
Icon screwdrivers are one of the most common tools from the full line of Icon products. These screwdrivers feature an oversized ergonomic and mechanic grips to provide you with the ultimate grip and a perfect fit.
Even each Icon screwdrivers also come with a screwdriver’s shaft bolster for ensuring more torque.
The handles are made of chemical resistance and polished shank for easy operation and cleaning.
Also, the Icon screwdriver set comes with a storage facility to keep the tools safely organized.
#2. Ratchets.
Icon ratchets are the to-go-to tools for professional mechanics because these tools are specially designed to endure a massive amount of torque and access difficult or tight spaces.
These ratchets are also available in different sizes. The newest addition in Icon ratchets line is the gold-plated ratchet launched in 2020, which already gained enough popularity.
This 24k gold plated ratchet has 3/8 inches in size and is built with a drive professional head design so that you can easily access the most cramped working areas with its help.
#3. Sockets.
Icon sockets are built with premium chrome vanadium steel and a high polished finish, which makes them one of the best socket options available in the market.
Besides the impressive external look of these sockets, they also have easy-to-read marking, better corrosion resistance and are easy to clean.
Icon sockets have a 6-point design and a quick fastener engagement to offer maximum torque with easy operation.
Also, each Icon sockets come with a premium storage tray and are available in different sizes.
#4. Wrenches.
Icon wrenches are built with premium chrome vanadium steel, durable and robust polished chrome finish to offer a non-slip grip with high resistance for superior corrosion and rust.
The 12-point box ends of each Icon wrenches offer an easy fastener engagement, and the open-end help to access tight spaces.
Icon wrenches are designed and built to ensure the utmost comfort for the users and 100% efficiency for the work.
Also, the Icon wrench sets come with a premium storage tray for making the organizing task much more relaxing.
#5. Torque Wrench.
Icon torque wrenches feature a 90-tooth gear mechanism to work smoothly in small arc swings and are also marketed pre-calibrated.
These Icon tools also come with easy-to-read markings and have a clear click that prevents over-torqueing.
Also, Icon torque wrenches come packed in a high-quality storage case and are available in different sizes as well.
#6. Storage Systems.
Icon storage system units have a modular design to offer maximum flexibility, and you can even modify these professional roller cabinets according to your need.
These storage units are specially built with precision reinforced welds and double-wall steel frames, which means they have maximum strength and are ideal for enduring harsh environments of garages.
These storage units from Icon are available in red, blue, green, and black.
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.
Where To Buy Icon Tools?
Icon tools for Harbor Freight are available in more than a thousand retail stores of Harbor Freight Company across the 48 states.
Icon premium quality tools and storage are also available in Harbor’s online platform, and you can even buy them from other local shops or popular online platforms like Amazon.
Are Icon Tools Worth the Money?
In general, Icon Tools are more affordable than other tool brands. And yet, their materials and manufacturing qualities are equal or even more than these expensive brands.
So, the lower price point of these tools makes them attractive to those looking for more affordable yet high-quality tools.
With Icon Tools, you will get more value for your money. This company is confident about its products that it is backing them up with lifetime warranties. A lot of online reviewers have written about their positive experiences in using these tools in their work.
In the past, Harbor Freight has been known to sell some cheaply made Asian imported tools. But now, with Icon Tools, HF is offering tools comparable to other more expensive tools in terms of functionality, durability, and strength at a fraction of their costs.
Harbor Freight started its operations in 1977 as a reseller of salvage freight. Then they engaged in buying tools made in Asia.
They resold these tools through the mail ordering system. However, these Asian-made tools were shunned by mechanics because they are not strong and durable.
As their business grew over the years, HF could buy better tools made by Asian manufacturers.
They began selling tools made from Chrome-Vanadium steel alloys. These tools have the strength, durability, and looks that merchants and mechanics were looking for.
But they are less expensive. HF was able to sell these high-quality tools at meager prices compared to the top dominant brands. They are cheaper, partly because labor is cheaper in Asian countries.
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.