It really surprises me that Snap On hasn't brought a lawsuit against Harbor Freight. In a side by side comparison the Icon pliers look virtually the same as the Snap On. I think the reason that Snap On doesn't smooth the edge of the pliers is to show the parting line left from the forging process. My guess is that the Icon pliers are not forged. They are probably laser cut like the Tekton wrenches. There is surely a difference in materials. I'm sure that the Icon pliers will do their job adequately. I'd buy the Icon pliers. I was never particular about pliers. Back when I was a kid I received a set of cheap pliers for a Christmas gift. Needle nose, slip joint and diagonal cutters. I still have them and they work just fine.

The difference is that most Snap On tools will still be useable after 20yrs of daily use.

I have Icon collection building and I'm liking their tools. Just bought these too and very nice!!

The Craftsman pliers from the '90s the ones made by Western forge with the textured grip are among the best available I still buy old used ones now and use them. And the later Craftsman professional line which was made in the USA still when they outsourced all the regular craftsmen those are really high quality also. But you're right I have these icons and for the price you can't beat them they're better than the regular so-so Harbor Freight tools

Just bought a ICON diagonal cutter. HF offered 20% off and I am happy to hear that. Rough edges of Snap-on tools surprise me, too. Snap -on should tell customers what's going on. It matters.

Wow, someone said the TalonGrip Snap-On was better than the Icon, but whatever Snap-On pliers those are are basically the same! Very good comparison, thanks!

I've used the Icon side cutters, and been very impressed by them. I've never tried the Snap-On version, but the Icons cut things more easily than my Wihas, which are very good diagonal cutters.

Jeff, it comes down to longevity, reliability and value per dollar. A used Snap On 36 tooth ratchet from 20+ years ago still sells for the same as a very good Taiwanese 90-100 tooth ratchet and rebuild parts are still readily available. My Snap On set will be an Heirloom and hopefully stay in the family for the foreseeable future. The other stuff I’m not so sure.

I have a box full of icon tools, but I also have a good bit of snap on The icon tools are definitely not the same quality as snap on but I have used them in a professional setting for years now and they are perfectly fine in the rare case that I break one I just go get it replaced at the local Harbor freight and considering the price difference there are very few situations where I would say you are better off going with the snap on! They are plenty good in most applications.

All my hand tools are Snap-On or Knipex, but I was sure surprised when visiting Harbor Freight the other day and seeing how close their copies look!

Ive used the icon pliers at work doing industrial maintenance and ive had no problems with handles slipping off or the teeth or edge deforming except for the needle nose piers but it could of had a poor heat treatment

GOD BLESS ICON

I’ve been buying Icon tools out of my local HF’s open box stuff when they run a store special of 50% off the tag prices of clearance and open box stuff. Just bought a pack of the SAE ratcheting combo wrenches with the anti slip open end today, for $50, needs a 5/8” which I’ll order from HF corporate via phone. On those pliers, wish they had the flank jaw on those pliers. It would be interesting to put those pliers against each other with Project Farm or the Torque Test Channel. Essentially they’re a clone of Snap On but at Blue Point level. At least that’s the way I’m looking at it.

Not a criticism, just a comment. I don't recall you speaking about the tips of the needle nose or comparing the cutting of the side cutters on wire and wire ties. Thanks for the video.

I have a few SnapOn tools. Mostly ratchets and sockets. What I have noticed in comparison to the Craftsman tools I inherited from my grandfather is that the walls of the SnapOn sockets are thinner so they fit in tighter spaces. I think they’re just as strong although I’ve never tested that. I’ve never broken a SnapOn socket or ratchet but I have broken Craftsman tools. Last time I broke a Craftsman ratchet (which wasn’t my grandfather’s but one I had purchased) they handed me one that had been broken before and fixed rather than a new one. They had it right there at the desk which indicates to me that it’s a common problem. I’ll never buy another Craftsman tool. They have earned the nickname “Crapsman”. I will consider buying Icon tools because they’re obviously much more affordable than SnapOn but I wonder if maybe they’re thicker because the metal is of lesser quality.

I have the Flush Cut Icon pliers. They work flawlessly.

I still don't own a single Snap-On tool. Although many of my friends do, many were Auto Mechanics vs. I did Commercial Building Maintenance. I like the old Craftsman stuff of course. Nowadays like the Knipex, Wiha, and recently including the Icon stuff for the price and availability/warranty. I won't say it's the same... but 80% of the value for 20-30% of the price. I think for the average do-it-yourselfer, the Taiwan-made tools are great, without having to take a second mortgage on the house to have a very full tool set.

The snap on looks less bulky. I'm guessing they use a better steel with heat treatment which means they don't need as much metal. The cuts looks a little more even too. That said, The Icon looks to be one of the best for the money.

Hey Jeff, still love the channel my friend. One thing you have to remember here is that yes, Snap-on is expensive and while there is demand they will continue to be. The demand has something to be said for. I don’t agree with their pricing but, that’s my opinion. Now Harbor Freight manufactures NOTHING. And they have NO INNOVATION. What they have is a large Purchase Order given out to either a Taiwanese or Chinese company that simply says, “copy snap-on”. And for that matter, they send out these purchase orders to these overseas companies to “copy” all of our US manufacturers. Just something to think about.

Hey Jeff, do you own a hardness tester, or even the test file kit for HRC, since you said you did engraving? Sorry, I didn't actually catch what you engraved, if even that's what I comprehended at my old age, right? I can't even remember people's names anymore, or ever, for that matter? Even if you just weighed the tools on a tiny scale, so everyone can get an idea of how solid or lite a tool may be? Just giving out suggestions, not trying to tell you how to run your show?

Icon tools aren’t dirt cheap and if they use a lower grade of steel or tempering then there may not be a huge advantage to the icons. I do agree that for most people, the Icon tools are a great choice.

Impressive !

Don’t put craftsman in the same category almost everything was made in USA by a USA company and was built very well.

Weigh everything. Start with that. Steel/alloy, density/quantities will show. Also stamping/forging will show as well. Then finish and fitment of moving parts. The discerning eye will always know.

SnapOn tools are a stronger steel Most will never be able or tell the difference HF used to be junk. Now they have pretty good tools Icon , Doyle and Quinn are a good value, PittsburghPro aren’t bad tools. Pittsburgh is junk, the sockets might be ok but good luck reading the size SnapOn and Knipex are better tools But if it’s not a daily or frequent use you’ll never know the difference and it’s nice to have a spare for 1/3 the price The Knipex knockoffs are closer in price and a bigger difference in the tools. The jaws don’t open as wide in the different positions. I use the pliers wrench to crimp wire connections, the smooth jaws don’t break the jacketing and the leverage is immense and I’ll have to change the pivot on the icon version to get the crush I want where the knipex open just that fraction more yet close that extra for the crush without breaking the jacket

Snap On is still the gold standard IMO. However the gap between them and others has shrunk to levels that are indiscernible to all but the most finicky of tradesman. Unfortunately for Snap On their price hasn't adjusted to the new competition. To be honest, no one needs Snap On tools today. You can do your job just as fast and just as well without spending 2 or 3 times the price and still have a great warranty.

Snapon, when they made tools in the USA, had a big following at dealerships at least. Now that they're made in China and HF is straight up copying the Snapon tools (I'm even wondering if the tools are made in the same factory and the HF are just a slightly lower grade, not as good fit and finish but basically the same) I see even guys with Snapon toolchests loading up on Icon tools anymore. Kind of sad to see, but I suppose that's just because like you I remember when Chinese tools were just pure junk. Still, seems like bad news for Snapon since you can get copies of their bread and butter tools for less than half the price AND they have a warranty. I guess time will tell how this will affect them...

I have a few snap on tools/ratchets along with many other brands and I must say that i don't see the justification for the snap on price. Im not picking on snap on, if that's what you want to spend your money on that's fine, I just don't see it

The rubber or plastic Icon grips are not well formed to the handles? A few uses with oil, grease, brake cleaner, I guarantee, they will slide right off? At least they hopefully finished the entire side of the handle, cause it will be out of the bag in no time? I've seen way worse, but didn't expect the Snap On's finish to ever appear to have that cheap tool finish, or lack of final finishing? If you never reviewed them side by side Jeff, nobody would have observed the obvious flaws in the final Snap On product? Or the Icon being a pretty descent tool for the price, ease of access? I did check out the snap ring plier set from Icon, when they first came out? The quality was horrid, compared to the pliers you have on the table in front of you? Keep up the great job, Jeff. Thanks.

Idk i got Icon stuff I use every day since it came out and more no issues

I don't think you caught it, but the Snap On 3-position plier, had actual diamond dust or material, glistening on the serrations, Jeff? Definitely didn't see anything on the teeth of the Icon? That in itself, shows why the Snap On costs more, just visually speaking, and once used, that's when you get why Snap On's slogan is "There really is a difference"? Everyone knows what the big difference is, the cost? Many, but definitely not all, of Snap On's specialty tools are the best in the biz, period?

The only HF hand tools I own are all the Icon (Taiwan) copycat pliers. 😉😉

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery

Icon isn't much difference in price though. I'll stick with Snap on

Before these were out you KNEW when someone was using snap on pliers just by the handles and now it’s a toss up. They did a really really good job copying even though I’m not for it I still think they did really good because if I was in a pawn shop I wouldn’t know if it was snap on or icon without taking a closer look.

We also found a snap on hammer that said made in USA and we found out that its really made in China.

It looks like the Snap-Ons are cut with a plasma, and the Icons are water jetted.

There is several Japanese brands that have the same style three rivet adjustments on their plies. And I'm not so sold on that because my Knipex dual grip 5 position plies seeing far more efficient and better than these Snap ons are.

People rant and rave about Snap-on pliers being $60. They're not made for or marketed to homeowners or backyard wanna be mechanics. They're professional grade tools. You spend 60 dollars and for the rest for your 40+ year career a guy in a truck comes once a week and will replace them for free if need be. That's not worth 60 bucks over the course of a career compared to the mediocrity of the $20-30 price point? Can you get by with less? Sure. I did for years, then I upgraded my pliers to all Snap-on and I was like wow, I should have done this years ago. This holds true for some stuff more than others but it does generally hold true. A lot of the guys on here that review and pit their brand new Snap-on against their brand new HF pliers don't even do it for a living. Their hobbyists or do occasional work on their equipment. They're gauging initial quality, not material or overall quality. Those are all different things.

I love Snap On , but over all they are going down hill. Some things are made out of country, some warranty issues, and keeping the prices. Becoming name only.

I'm not a wrencher. ICON...good enough for me.

Everyone likes to rag on icon because the fact it’s sold at harbor freight. Those same people are the same people to mostly praise things made by kabo…. These are also made by kabo it’s the place that polarizes people sadly. They get blinded by snap on

The slightly shorter ICON is gonna be stronger.

I have both snap on and Icon pliers. I don't see a difference in the way they perform. I guess only time will tell. The obvious difference is price and ease of warranty. The metallurgy would be the only unknown to me. I'm not sure if it even matters too much in pliers. Maybe the hardness of the teeth?

I use a lot of icon but their pliers are not that good. I love all their other tools but just not the pliers. Like i bought a set of pliers from Walmart the other day they were the hart brand and literally get the same as knipex. They are fuckin amazing plus their wire strippers are really good. Bro the hart wire strippers/cutters and krempers are so damn sharp they cut threw wire like butter. I’d check those out

The only difference is the metal icon is high carbon alloy steel and snap on is forged steel.

I broke the Icon flush cut Dykes yesterday, cut through a small soft cotter pin and the damned jaw snapped in half. Junk…

Snap on robbing people for aliving

I can see the difference. Snap on is slightly longer and thinner in areas. Snap on is much more elegant. The icon tools look short and fat. 😂

I have both ICON & Snap On & the Snap On are made with better steel

Jeff, the finish is just how they come out of the forge. After a while when the dies have pumped out a similar number of pieces, the Icons will look the same.

ICON* i wanna be snap-off sooo bad🥺 but if i cut a single metal coat hanger i explode😭 Knipex cutters is where its at

Shame on snap on with the finish charging all that

You sound like Peter Griffin

I don't really care about the rough edges - my Knipex stuff has rough edges too. I have the Icon flush cutters and they're outstanding. The Icon pliers wrenches are solid too - not fully up to my Knipex pair(s), but definitely a nice tool. I guess it boils down to quality-for-value. Snap On charges fully for their quality (and business model) and HF/Icon is delivering a ton of quality for the money. It will be interesting to see how the teeth on the Icon tools hold up to some work. Of course, new teeth for Icon is only a visit to the local HF away...

Take the Snap On pliers to a dealer and show him the horrible finish on their tools, compared to their competitors? They might be defects, Jeff? I only own a pair of snap ring pliers, that are convertible from Snappy? Wow, there is definitely a difference, not in a good way? It won't hurt anything, but maybe Snap On's bank account?

I know the snap on ratchet is the best in the industry that is one tool i will spend the extra cash on

Benchtop Kmart tools were made by fap off

Tekton makes much better tools than icon. Plus they are better quality. I tried icon, but not anymore

Why can't icon come up with a original design of their own. It's clear they can copy incredible manufacturers like Snap On and Knipex. But with all those smart people you have working at icon you should be able to put together your own pair of pliers or screwdrivers and not need to copy other people's designs then you can go after bigger cash. Specialty if it's as reliable and efficient as Knipex or Snap On. God knows all the other manufacturers that try to copy Knipex falls flat on their faces.. none of them come to even close to as reliable of the German and American top tool manufacturers.

Unfortunately you can’t show the quality of steel on a video.

As far as pliers go, Snap On pliers are more money than most, but should not be called the King's of every type of tool? I own better quality and pricier pliers than Snap On, and no, they are not Knipex? Certain Knipex pliers are better than Snap On's? I own other German insulated tools for electrical work, that have to be made the best possible, cause if they are not, you may not make it home from work one day? Klein insulated tools are premium, as well as Knipex? The thick grips on the Icon pliers are a little excessive, almost as bulky as my insulated pliers? LOL By the way, how is it, that companies can basically copy Snap On's look and design, to literally 95% accurate, and not get sued? Not only that, to copy and actually advertise the tools, as direct competitors? I know it's about patent B.S. and people being paid off, in the end, it's all about making money? Glad to see you comparing side by side, Jeff? Thanks for the reviews, without all the fancy video crap? Jeff, keeping it real, old school style? P.S. Jeff, if you can get the newest set of mini-flex-head ratchets from Gearwrench? They are not actually mini, per say, just noticeably smaller, than their regular 120 XP 1/4"-1/2" 3-pc.set?

Fuck Snap On.

Icon hit a home run? They copied Snap-on? How is that a home run? I hope Snappy sues the shit out of hf and stops the sale of copied tools. I think Knipex has a good suit against hf also.

One is cold forged the others not

the Icon tools say on the box Designed in USA, Made in Tawain...... So im pretty sure Snap on desineg them or sends the Tawain manufacturers they same Specs as there tools and just has them made overseas for cheaper.... Thats why they look and are Identical....Makes sence too me....everyome say HF Icon copys them.... its just because Snap on is problly got all to do with it........If Not then What USA Company is Designing them Right?.....