ICON 1/2' Digital Torque Wrench: Seems like a solid tool for all my DIY needs. Better than Snap On?

The ICON 1/2" Digital Torque Wrench seems like a solid tool for all my DIY needs and then some. But is it better than Snap On? Sure seems that way according to John's results in a head-to-head on his Tools Tested channel. However, at over $350 for an ICON tool, there better be some good stuff inside this wrench.

[Callelle]

Icon's digital torque wrench is made by Kabo, which is hands down, one of the best Taiwanese tool manufacturers there are. I'd take one over a snap on any day of the week if I was torquing enough things to warranty needing a digital one. Especially since they can be had for under $300 all the time with the discounts/coupons you can get. It should also be noted that Icon's warranty is lifetime while Snap On's is only 2 years.

[Tools-Tested]

Thanks for the mention! and the kind words!

Im hoping we see a 3/8 and 1/4 version, it looks almost identical to the Cornwell CTG5000ANGX.

Thanks again!

[videomaniac]

I just bought one of these for $280 with a 20% discount. It's the first electronic digital TW I've owned and I really like the tool. It is a solidly made tool with a number of good features. The extensive range, 12.5 ft*lbs to 250 ft*lbs, is a big plus in that it will handle a lot of jobs. I also like the programmable torque values, a time saver when pattern torquing a series of bolts in stages. You can choose the backlight intensity and the contrast level to get a very easy to read display in almost any ambient lighting condition.

I'm looking at other Icon hand tools and will probably rebuild my tool collection with this line, as it seems like the modern day value in hand tools that is similar to what the old Craftsman line that Sears sold was back in the 1970s and 1980s. Not being a professional mechanic, I really can't justify spending what it would cost to get a line of tools from Snap-on, Mac Tools or Proto. The fact that these aren't made in China is a big plus for me.

[sjachim]

How I love to wake up on a Sunday morning and see a new video uploaded to this channel 😊

[jasonstorie]

I’m a die hard German hand tool guy but I’ve broke down and bought a couple of ICON ratchets and have been really pleased. One of my favorite tools you haven’t reviewed and it’s the ICON micro ratchet with bit set I’d like to see what you thought.

[patrickcallahan]

I'm guessing the min and max on the sheet are the numbers to remain in spec. The numbers on the right seem to be the actual measured values. Looks like a good tool!

[AndyT]

My current torque wrench has broken and I need a better on. I look through the reviews/opinions on your video. Thanks!

[ScoutCrafter]

Great review! I am buying as many Taiwanese tools as I can.. In my opinion they are the best quality and value in tooling anywhere. Thanks!

[larryborkstrom]

Like myself I'm semi retired from wrenching my old click style works great if I'd use one more I consider a digital one even the is a bit pricey and is questionable if harbor freight will keep the line of icon if they sit on the shelf too long there known for cheaper tools not pro or mid grade tools and warranty include calibration after 1 year

[boosted._sky]

I picked up the Gearwrench 120XP digital flex head torque wrench (3/8") a few years ago...it's been great for engine building for under $200..

[slymechanic]

Project Farm tested mechanical torque wrenches and snap-on had better results than icon, it’s interesting that Tools Tested discovered that the digital icon had better results than snap-on. Initial impressions of tools can change, so after using this icon torque wrench, do you feel like it has quality equivalent to if not better than the snap-on?

[treadstone]

That torque wrench is the most expensive Icon hand tool by far. It might not be representative of the rest of the line.

[TTarek]

I can't believe the snap on is 900 plus now I picked one up off the truck on special for 375 a couple years ago... I don't use my digital for much knowing how sensitive they are I bought in to some good clicks and beam style.

I have heard really good things about the torque wrenches that Menards sells too. I'm on the west coast so Menards isn't really a option

[fuloplehel]

Very good torque wrench. Taiwanese tools are great, especially electronic parts. But I have ratchets made in Taiwan and there is a difference compared to Chinese manufacturing. More precise and better quality control.

[AR-ilgk]

Does the icon have a counter for the number of times you torqued a fastener?

[brightboydesigns]

Does the ICON do angle measurements too?

[andrewbakker]

Apprentice question here: Aside from torquing things to specs greater than capable on a 3/8 torque wrench, does anyone ever use 1/2” sockets? My 3/8” set ranges from 6-24mm and I feel like that gets me sorted for 99% of my stuff. Would love some feedback on people’s personal use cases for 1/2 vs 3/8 (aside from extreme torque cases like 100 ft/lbs+ torque or impact sockets)

[aussiehardwood]

I 'would' buy that Icon torque wrench. Looks very nice for its retail price. Ive found even the Taiwan click style wrenches to be very accurate.

[robertcasey]

Why would a diy guy need snap on anyway? Seems like a waste of money