VIM vs ICON 1/4' Flex Mini Ratchet

VIM 3 piece 1/4″ mini flex bit/socket ratchet and T-handle versus Locking Flex Head Ratchet and 35 piece Bit Set.

00:00 Intro
00:10 What you get
01:30 Length Comparison
02:16 Ratchet Heads
05:05 How they work

#tools #icon #hvac #maintenance

[TylerSnyder]

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.

[iowafox]

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.

[RobertSantos-shvm]

ICON definitely a great value for the money! Thanks for the comparison!

[johnbailey]

I just like the one that gets the job done .

[jwellsnowboard]

Exactly the video I was looking for!! Very thorough!!

[gonadiator]

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

[michaelschlarman]

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

[actionjksn]

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.

[Gadget]

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.

[mavirek]

Seems the Icon is a better deal with bits, a case, and lifetime replacement of lost/damaged parts (I think from HF). Plus you made a good point about the shorter stem fitting in more situations.

[fredh]

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.

[michaellindsay]

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

[thatrealba]

I have the GearWrench version that is 12 inches long. Picked it up in Amazon for $22.

[davidblewett]

Curious if you've seen the offerings from Tone? They have one like the Vim (longer ratchet, but with bits), as well as one with a low profile socket.

[Propheciez]

Would love to have the VIM due to its length. But went with Icon for lifetime warranty. Better value.

[ToolTalkChannel]

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?

[csimet]

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? ;)

[k_w]

Thanks for comparing these two. This is exactly the video I was looking for. 👍

[mikester]

Has anybody replace the ICON pawl and gears to the VIM pawl and gears.

[DownHillgamer]

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.