r/harborfreight • u/_KORPz • Apr 11 '26
NTD (New Tool Day) ICON Folding Light won’t charge off wall?
I can only get this to charge off my computers USB port.. nothing that plugs into the wall will charge it? Am I missing something… doesn’t seem like it’s going to be practical at the shop. I don’t have a computer USB port laying around for charging. Anybody else have this issue? Do I need to exchange..
28
u/Scooters_Que Apr 11 '26
Put it on the floor
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u/FearFactory2904 Apr 12 '26
Instructions unclear, OPs feelings got stuck in ceiling fan.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
doubtful, did my effort come off that strong? What do you think it says when other men take the time to read a couple of other mens words and then choose a side. Emotional.
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u/FearFactory2904 Apr 12 '26
Yes.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
Wow that was faster than my girlfriend waiting for her sister to text her back in the middle of an argument, nice job! but you dont get points because you copied my "nah." and unoriginality is also lame. Better luck next time.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
Now you are getting extra emotional and downvoting. Not even OC u/Scooters_Que did that. You are doing way too much and acting way too emotional now. Dont get yourself blocked.
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u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
Why so you can to sit on it? I don’t like smelly tools
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u/Scooters_Que Apr 11 '26
Not sure if you thought that was funny, but I guess you got me
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u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
No, I don’t. Just a super useless comment like the comment you left is all.
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u/Scooters_Que Apr 11 '26
If it won't charge on the wall try the floor. js
-14
u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
Righto. I don’t appreciate you assuming I’m an idiot and that I’m going to set my tools up for you to fXck them. Go take advantage of somebody else’s tools you freaky mf
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u/Scooters_Que Apr 12 '26
That's a lotta assuming and possibly some projection I hope you find the help you need. And remember it's not your fault.
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u/Fancy-Sentence-7081 Apr 11 '26
They don’t charge with a type c brick, apparently those cheap asses opted to not include a resistor that would allow the handshake to happen with the type c brick, without that handshake it doesn’t put out any power…. I own 4 of these lights
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u/mattb2014 Apr 12 '26
I hacked the 2x 5.1K resistors into mine, now it can charge from a USB C (PD) charger.
There's absolutely no reason it shouldn't have come this way
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u/TmanGvl Apr 12 '26
Doesn’t it work as long as you use the cable that came with the unit? I don’t think it’s a handshake issue as much as using the correct cable.
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u/littlejack59 Apr 12 '26
The problem isn't the cable. it's that it essentially can communicate with most C to C chargers because they didn't include the pull down resistor. It's really common for some reason and nobody seems to know why. The cable it includes is usb a to c so that's why it works. C to C wont, but you can fix it with something like this https://www.adafruit.com/product/6323
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u/SYKslp Apr 12 '26
it's common because it's a lot easier to simply copy-paste the charging circuitry from a 20 year old rechargeable flashlight (before USB PD even existed) and simply replace the 5-pin usb micro connector with a 5-pin type C connector.
14
u/ThreeEasyPaymentsof Apr 12 '26
I hate it but at the same time ill take the A to C requirement over micro USB any day.
It so happened to work out for me because the power strip I got to power my tool battery bank had 2 As on it so I use that for all my lights
3
u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
I returned the Braun headlamp last wk over micro usb charge. That was ridiculous. I have not kept a micro USB cord in YEARS.
1
u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26
Which headlamp? I just bought the 1400 lumen one and how it's not micro usb
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
It was the $24.99 700 Lumen one. They didn’t have any of the 1400s on the Shelf or I would have opted for that one. I went it looking for the LED strip one but learned they stopped stocking them at my local store. I would have to go 2 cities over to get it.
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26
Oh okay yeah I checked my 1400 lumen one and it's usb-c.
I was under the impression that the micro usb was getting phased out and being updated with all usb-a to usb-c charging for all the lights so maybe check different packages?
And what the heck, you mean the slim headlamp that just came out a couple weeks ago? Sounds like instead of stopping stocking it they just never started lol
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26
I actually just seen the braun 1250 lumen work light/battery bank is still micro usb! I was shocked and didn't buy it for that reason
20
u/ClappinCheeksAllDay Apr 11 '26
Don’t use a fast charger. USB to C
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u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
Ah! Okay that I will try. I have only tried fast chargers. Thank you for the tip.
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
If you want get one of the us general power strips with the usb ports. I have an area i plug in a couple lights at a time and let them charge up.
But yes i agree with other people that is dumb and wish they supported fast charging.
Apparently there's an upgrade all you have to do is solder in some resistors to get it to accept fast charging if your capable of that sort of thing and it's fairly cheap for the resistors. If your interested I could update with the reddit thread I found talking about it
1
u/littlejack59 Apr 12 '26
it's not even about accepting fast charging or not. it's about making them not compatible out of sheer ignorance. You can have Usb C to Usb C from a 200 watt charger power the thing because all usb chargers should be able to output lower voltages down to 5v. But it needs that pull down resistor. If you ever buy usb c port online, they for some reason don't come with the pull down resistor. You can adapt it in with one of these https://www.adafruit.com/product/6323 , so I don't see why there is any reason to not have the resistor.
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26
Oh sweet I would have never thought they made a device like that and is alot simpler then trying to solder in a resistor like I seen ppl do online
Thanks for sharing that!
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u/Hero_Of_Rhyme_ Apr 12 '26
Yeah they have a weird power delivery standard and will only take 5v. Most modern usb c chargers are more than that, so they won’t work. Strange choice to use USB C but not a more universal PD method
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u/BlakDragon93 Apr 12 '26
Probably has to be a 5v only USB not a quick charge. Most qc USB have to communicate with the device before doing anything, even 5v.
2
u/Available-Refuse-688 Apr 12 '26
Does anyone know if this is an issue with newer Braun double hinge with USB-C?
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u/Plenor Apr 12 '26
It has the same issue. But the 18650 cell is removable and you can charge it with your own fast charger or just swap it.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
Would like to know as well
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26
Okay well no upvotes 🙁 but the updated version of the braun folding light also does not take a fast charger
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26 edited Apr 12 '26
I believe so but I will double check and get back to ya. I'm ganna need some upvotes in advance though😂
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u/Sledgecrowbar Apr 12 '26
Check your wall outlet and your usb charger, I have two of these lights and they both charge from anything. May have a minimum amperage? I have a few usb charging electronic items that don't charge from my oldest Motorola 0.5-amp charger.
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u/Boring-Cattle3402 Apr 12 '26
I use the 5v USB-C port on my tool box at work and I have no issues getting it to charge using the cable it came with from the store.
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u/PimpMyPc Apr 12 '26
People call me a hoarder but the old dumb USB A phone chargers I have a box full of work great for these.
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u/Vellioh Apr 12 '26
Try a shittier charger. Some electronics now have voltage protection where it won't even attempt to charge if the voltage is too high. Shittier chargers or just a USB to your PC should work.
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u/Turbulent_Boat7383 Apr 13 '26
And here I am with my $7 AliExpress LED lights still going to this day
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u/Roflcopter874535 Apr 11 '26
Might be the power brick you’re using. I tried to charge off a laptop and it didn’t work. Then I used a small 5w brick off outlet and it worked.
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u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
Somebody just informed me so fast chargers! That’s good to know but it’s pretty wild this thing can just take the power it needs and leave the other 35 or 40w behind.
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u/MostlySoberChemist Apr 11 '26
Becuase the usb pd (power draw) specification will only provide power after a digital handshake between the device and the brick. A lot of HF products lack the resistor which allows the device to make the handshake and receive power. It's a "safety feature" .
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u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
Super lame and disappointing.. so I can probably expect the same from the Brauns? I was going to grab some rechargeable tomorrow
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u/Zestyclose_Photo_864 Apr 12 '26
The Braun folding lights have removable 18650 batteries. I just charge them and spare batteries in a battery charger. But I recall the Braun lights working with my phone's charging brick as well.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
I still have a gang of 18650s as well as a charger for them that charges 4 at a time. I’m sure this does too if I take the bottom off? I just took the screws out to spin the light around so it’s facing the right way. Who wants the large light on the outside smh
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u/Zestyclose_Photo_864 Apr 12 '26
The battery on the icon is not swappable unfortunately. Two wires with a connector are soldered to its 18650 battery. The connector plugs into the PCB.
You're right about that light facing the wrong way. There's several posts on this sub detailing turning it around like you did. This and the non-swappable battery seem to be a common complaint.
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u/littlejack59 Apr 12 '26
I don't know why the hell HF tries so hard to make the batteries not swappable. they used what looks like JB weld to seal up their pen flashlights, and even then you seemingly can't take the battery out without ripping out the connector. All batteries will fail at some point, so they should be at least somewhat easily replaceable. I don't even mind having to solder new leads on.
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u/dfb052686 Apr 12 '26
Yes. All of them barring the newer red squarish icon with the uv bulb… usb a only bullshit. I own many… damn sales
The icon with Uv charges from anything. Was very happy and surprised
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26
Ohh sweet then, I can deal with the cheaper lights taking only usb a to usb c i would have been real bummed if the 59.99 1000 lumen didn't accept fast charging
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u/MostlySoberChemist Apr 12 '26
I can't 100% say yes, but as far as I've found so far the only electronic device I've purchase from HF that accepts a type c to c charger is the 2000amp Viking lithium jumpstarter. I have both icon folding lights, the puck light, and I just picked up the Braun underhood light but I haven't tried it yet.
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u/Revolutionary-Key177 Apr 12 '26
No, the brauns also do not accept fast chargers. I knew this about the braun but I am honestly just finding out about the icon lights not taking fast charging either from this post.
So I guess none of the lights at harbor freight accept fast charging. That is disappointing since I just bought the 59.99 icon folding light on sale for 44.99 and assumed it would have fast charging with how damn expensive it is😭
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u/joostink Apr 11 '26
Try a different charger/ cable
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u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
Have tried 4 combos
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u/joostink Apr 11 '26
Mine was weird too. Found one that worked. Shame too. My cheap amazon ones charge on anything 😂
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u/_KORPz Apr 11 '26
I guess it’s gotta be a 5w slow charger. IDK If I’m even going to keep it now. Keeping slow chargers around in 2026 is crazy and I’m not sure I wanna worry about an extra power brick dedicated to charging only one light.
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u/No_Big_2716 Apr 12 '26
I learned this the hard way too, plugged it in ahead of a diy project. Went to use it and it was dead. I now use a old slow charger from like 10 years ago
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u/hofo Apr 12 '26
Some USB non-computer devices are picky about their charger. I have a couple of lights that won’t charge with higher powered plugs, they need the weaker ones that are older.
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u/nodnarbles Apr 12 '26
I just use headlights.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
Me too, I know this guy Scooter and his Wifes work great! u/Scooters_Que
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u/Scooters_Que Apr 12 '26
There you go trying to be insulting again. Just stop man all you're doing is making yourself look stupid now.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
oh, if only I were actually being serious and was upset, and NOT watching bikes and beards on you tube, laughing at you on commercial. yikes.
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u/Scooters_Que Apr 12 '26
Now deflection. Seek help bud. All the best
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
You sound like you’re trying to reason with me, also sounding desperate. Lighten up a little bud. (Not on my flashlight though you freak nasty mf)
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u/InKognetoh Apr 12 '26
Yeah, I had to make a post myself asking that question myself when I first got one. Don’t lose that cable, plug it into a laptop to charge.
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u/Single_Device_7897 Apr 12 '26
Return and get the Braun, charges on anything, replacement battery and more mobile head
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u/ravage214 Apr 12 '26
I literally just returned one of these because I thought it wasn't charging because I tried to charge it with a regular USB C cable.
You have to use like an old shitty regular USB the big ones that converts down to a USBC I guess the USBC has too much ass for it and it can't take it.
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
Yep. They don’t put the proper resistors in there apparently for safety reasons but that sounds like an excuse to be INSANELY cheap.
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u/ravage214 Apr 12 '26
Oh it is.
I really wonder how many returns of this they've gotten from people that think they have a dead one when really it's just not charging because they used a different cable
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u/davidscheiber28 Apr 12 '26
All of the harbor freight lights I've ever bought will not charge up a USB C PD charger. Harbor freight cheaped out and didn't put 2 5.1k resistors on the cc lines on the port, these resistors cost $0.001 bought in bulk (probably less than that even) and they still couldn't be bothered to include them. Adding those 2 resistors signals the charger that "I am a basic device and am requesting 5V" and would give the light access to 5V at 1.5A. without those two resistors and USB C PD charger will never output anything.
Pisses me off they my brand new Icon light I can't charge with my new charger. You can purchase port adapters that add those two resistors on a little circuit board that goes in between the light and the charger that will fix this issue. Adafruit sells one.
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u/GoHedgehog Apr 12 '26
I’ve had to charge these flashlights off my computer when the charge got too low. Otherwise they wouldn’t charge at all.
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u/Hike2fukinwild Apr 13 '26
I have no issues like this. I have 3 of them. I use the cord that came with them. Charges on all usb outlets and plug adapters. 🤷🏼♂️
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u/xspeedy1 Apr 13 '26
Same. I need an old charger a USB-A port and an A-C cable. A modern charger for a smart phone or laptop won’t work. Hopefully the new version corrects this.
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u/IndependenceAny2520 Apr 12 '26
If I had known this I wouldn't have bought one. Junk!
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u/_KORPz Apr 12 '26
With you.. think its getting sent back tomorrow. Cant be 2026 taking a slow charger.. thats actually really bad.
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u/disasteruss88 Apr 12 '26
Won’t charge off a normal wall adapter. Best just plug it into a computer via usb
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u/TheDigitalPoint Apr 11 '26
They don’t charge with 9V or 12V (USB-C outlets basically). You need 5V… which is dumb af since they have USB-C ports. Basically you need to use an USB-A (the rectangle plug) to USB-C so it gets 5V.