SIGforum
Harbor Freight ICON tools - Are they any good?

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/5430005515

October 27, 2025, 02:35 PM
stoic-one
Harbor Freight ICON tools - Are they any good?
Hollow center bits are security torx bits.


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October 27, 2025, 03:09 PM
tatortodd
My buddy retired and installed a lift in his garage, and him and his boys' hobby is wrenching on cars. He lives less than 5 min away, and I've been changing my oil there the last 2 years. Also, changed the brake pads and rotors there last spring. He has mostly Icon tools.

I grew up with a Dad in autobody, and I've used his SnapOn, Mac, and SK tools. Personally, I own a nice collection of 80s Craftsman hand tools and I "won" about $500 worth of SnapOn hand tools at a Duck's Unlimited fundraiser. My buddy's Icon tools are every bit as good as the pro grade tools and better than my 80s Craftsman.



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DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
October 27, 2025, 03:22 PM
sjtill
Has anyone seen a comparison of Icon with Husky wrenches? I bought a complete set of Husky sockets; only problem is rust on the screwdriver inserts.


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October 27, 2025, 10:14 PM
SigJacket
I have problems with rust on my Husky stuff, my next sockets will probably be Icon


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October 28, 2025, 10:26 AM
383stroker
quote:
Originally posted by Expert308:
quote:
Originally posted by Black92LX:
This is probably my favorite Icon set. Supposed to be a coupon for it next week taking it down to $27 I believe.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...-35-piece-58074.html

OK, here's something I haven't noticed before. Some of the Torx bits in that set are hollow. All the Torx bits I've seen in the past are solid, hollow seems like a sure recipe for failure. I've twisted one (smaller) solid Torx bit in half trying to loosen a too-tight bolt.
Am I wrong, or are hollow bits a cost-saving thing that would bite me in the ass later?



The hollow bits came out when Tamper proof Torx hit the industry, Retired now but after 29 years as an Automotive Technician I have them all, regular Torx, Tamper proof Torx, and even Torx plus.
October 28, 2025, 11:22 AM
KDR
quote:
Originally posted by 383stroker:
quote:
Originally posted by Expert308:
quote:
Originally posted by Black92LX:
This is probably my favorite Icon set. Supposed to be a coupon for it next week taking it down to $27 I believe.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...-35-piece-58074.html

OK, here's something I haven't noticed before. Some of the Torx bits in that set are hollow. All the Torx bits I've seen in the past are solid, hollow seems like a sure recipe for failure. I've twisted one (smaller) solid Torx bit in half trying to loosen a too-tight bolt.
Am I wrong, or are hollow bits a cost-saving thing that would bite me in the ass later?



The hollow bits came out when Tamper proof Torx hit the industry, Retired now but after 29 years as an Automotive Technician I have them all, regular Torx, Tamper proof Torx, and even Torx plus.




What about pentalobe security torx. Confused the hell out me when trying to get a screw out a Mercedes side mirror and my normal security torx wouldn’t work.


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October 28, 2025, 12:35 PM
nhracecraft
quote:
Originally posted by SigJacket:
I have problems with rust on my Husky stuff, my next sockets will probably be Icon

In my opinion (and experience!), Tekton Tools are better, especially their Sockets and Wrenches! They are innovating, and I REALLY like their Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrenches! Also, all of the socket or wrench 'sets' are complete sets, so NO skipped sizes. Most of their 'chrome hand tools' are Made in Taiwan, but their Crowfoot Wrenches, Hammers, Chisels, and Prybars are Made in USA, much of it in Michigan.

https://www.tekton.com/more/usa-made-tools

Their customer service, and quick shipping are both outstanding! I've placed orders as late as 1:45 PM on a Tuesday, that shipped from MI by 2:15 PM (actually shipped, not just 'Tracking Number created' shipped!) and were delivered in NH on Thursday! Cool

Pricing is excellent IMO and they provide a Lifetime Warranty...No Time Limit, No Receipts Req'd, and Free Shipping! Just start a warranty claim on their website, upload a pic of the tool in question and they ship the replacement Same Day if they receive the request by 2:00 PM ET. Easy Peasy... Wink

I have been filling all of the gaps (and needs as they come up) in my 'Made in USA' Craftsman Tool collection with Tekton Tools, and I've been extremely pleased (and impressed!) with all of the tools I've purchased.

You will NOT be disappointed...See for yourself:

https://www.tekton.com/


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October 29, 2025, 08:52 AM
383stroker
quote:
Originally posted by KDR:
quote:
Originally posted by 383stroker:
quote:
Originally posted by Expert308:
quote:
Originally posted by Black92LX:
This is probably my favorite Icon set. Supposed to be a coupon for it next week taking it down to $27 I believe.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...-35-piece-58074.html

OK, here's something I haven't noticed before. Some of the Torx bits in that set are hollow. All the Torx bits I've seen in the past are solid, hollow seems like a sure recipe for failure. I've twisted one (smaller) solid Torx bit in half trying to loosen a too-tight bolt.
Am I wrong, or are hollow bits a cost-saving thing that would bite me in the ass later?



The hollow bits came out when Tamper proof Torx hit the industry, Retired now but after 29 years as an Automotive Technician I have them all, regular Torx, Tamper proof Torx, and even Torx plus.




What about pentalobe security torx. Confused the hell out me when trying to get a screw out a Mercedes side mirror and my normal security torx wouldn’t work.


Oh Yeah, forgot what those were called, had to buy a bit set of those about 15 years ago to change out some type of sensor.