$145 of SnapOn vs Tekton vs Icon vs Capri Tools Who Will Flex the Most?

My Snap-on THLX72G started to slip in the “on” tightening position so it was time for a rebuild. I had no intention of testing this ratchet, but since one pawl was on its way out I figured we would put it up against Tekton and Icon and Capri Tools.

While you would typically never take a 1/4” drive past 40-50 ft-lbs we were able to see that these ratchets all performed well. I was surprised to see the ICON ratchet perform so well. In the end, even the Capri Tools and Tekton again performed better than the Snap-On ratchet as far as pure strength. Today there are so many options for getting value compared to buying what is often considered the best. Hopefully, you can purchase or already have what you feel is the best option for you.

[jesuslightsmyway]

If you break tektons stuff you take a pic and they mail you a new one. for the price you cant beat it, plus usa made on some of their stuff. I like tekton im buying all their sockets slowly

[ChattanoogaDan]

I inherited a bunch of old mismatched Craftsman and off-brand tools for my dad. About 2 years ago decided to upgrade my sockets and wrenches with cases for better organization. After doing some research I went exclusively with TEKTON and I absolutely love them. I work on all of my own vehicles, lawn mower, tractor, appliances etc but I'm certainly no mechanic so I was not going after professional quality shop tools however I feel like my TEKTON tools are in fact professional quality.

[mrcokez]

Snap-on has been getting away with their BS price-gouging for far too long now.

[matthewklein]

25th anniversary as a full time mechanic last june. Bought my 1st 3/8 drive snap on ratchet in 1999. Retired it for the 80 tooth model last year. Not really retired though because it still gets use and works flawlessly.

[Mike-ffib]

I have the exact same tekton 1/4" drive set and I love it. The tests that you did is a great example why I always break loose tight bolts using a breaker bar first before using a ratchet. After breaking a few ratchets in my younger years, I started using a breaker bar to bust those tight bolts free first before reaching for my ratchets. The right tool for the right job. Great video.

[jordanmontes]

Yeah for the price of that snap on ratchet you get a whole tekton set with all the extras. Not to mention you also got 14$ in rewards with their 10% rebate on everything. Tekton the clear winner

[ElectricSpokes]

I purchased all of the comfort grip ICON ratchets and got all three ICON torque wrenches. I got one ICON ratchet and used it on a job. I ended up buying the whole set after that job. Love my ratchets.

Why spend triple or more when you don’t have to for the same, if not better, tool. I’m planning on, over time, getting the entire line of ICON Hand tools. Snap-on is good quality (mostly) but they don’t have the advantage anymore.

Why buy snap on when the only persons impressed by snap on are other guys who like tools. Whatever your working on, the customer nor the world at large cares what brand tool u have as long as it works.

So far, I’ve really put some heavy stress on my ICON tools and they perform flawlessly. Plus, if they ever fail, a quick run to the local HF for a new one is all it takes. No shipping, no waiting, no hassle. Theirs just no reason to pay more anymore.

[edwinlomonacofoolsend]

I don't own any Snap-on tools. I've had both had bad experiences with tool men and also don't see the point in paying so much. With that said this proves that a new ratchet will hold a certain amount of torque. But this does not account for the longevity of the tool. As an Automotive Technician I look for what will last. Pushing the ratchet to its failure point doesn't prove that over time the tool will hold up. The way these tools are actually used is very different than a static test.

[eleanoramelia]

The quick release makes the anvil weaker on the Tekto and Snap-On. I've become a Tekton fan. Warranty, price, and non skipping socket and wrench sets sold me.

[themaintenanceman]

I was impressed with all of them. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them. Great video!

[staseghrrhgesats]

Although the only issue with the Icon is consistency. They dont all act or feel the same. The first one I bought felt great, but used it once and it locked up. The replacement they gave was much "stiffer" to operate and soynds different. I started checking several on the shelf VERY inconsistent.

[peteswanson-ji]

i probably wouldn't buy snap-on, but i inherited my dads snap-on sets in 1975 he was a diesel mechanic at inland steel in gary indiana and worked on trains with them daily for his whole life, i used them a lot thru my life mostly on cars and trucks and bikes, i'm 63 now and will soon give them to my 8 year old boy, maybe when he turns 12 or 13. all the ratchet drivers are still working good, some of the larger sockets like 1 1/2 inch and 1 1/4 inch size and up have little chips in the chrome finish around the ends but i know my dad beat on them with hammers sometimes.
the 1 inch drive has a slight curve in the handle but it still works good and the 3/4 inch 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch drives are like new still.
if i needed some i would probably get icon or tektons but just because they held up under these tests doesnt mean my great grandkids would ever be able to inherit them either...

[matolittleelkwells]

Icon looks pretty good now at least in their 1/4 ratchet great video brotha keep rollin those cameras and doing what you do

[shiloh]

That tekton flex head with the detent is a steal at $20. Tekton should put a nice grip on that handle, I'd pay extra for that. Who actually manufacturers tekton?

[colbymcnutt]

Super Thorough vid! The only thing that seems unfair is everything was brand new aside from the snap-on which was already broken in one direction, It doesn't seem fair to use a previously ABUSED ratchet and compare it to new ones

[sox]

As others have mention, if your doing a ft-lb test, they should mechanically function the exact same. Quick release vs not is comparing apples and oranges.

[dietznutz]

I keep hearing "very impressive !" In project farms voice

[justhays]

Tekton is by far the best tool for your money.

[kiyosenl.]

Id probably go with the tekton, best warranty, performed nearlu as well as the capri and almost as good as the icon but with the flex head being second only to the snapon, plus it had quick release and its the cheapest, best all round

[woofaero]

I bought the standard icon ratchet and comfort grip finding both were not lubed properly and skipped. Cleaned and re-lubed they work flawless. Left a review and someone contacted me asking proof of purchase and stated my remarks were passed on to the proper channels so they are listening to customersmore than you think!