I agree with everything you said. In the 80's and 90's Harbor Freight was mostly junk. If you wanted good tools you either bought Craftsman or agreed to make a weekly payment for the rest of your life to a tool truck. Now Craftsman is way down my list as far as quality. The majority of my tools were stolen about 2 years ago and I had to start from scratch. I did buy a Craftsman master socket set and tool box before realizing how much they had slipped compared to my old USA made Craftsman tools. Most of what I've Bought since then were Icon and some Tekton. We got a local Harbor Freight 3-4 years ago and I wouldn't even go in there for over a year. It's my favorite store now. I wish I knew a couple of years sooner about the gains that HF had made and how much Craftsman had slipped. If money were no object, I would have Snap on but I'm an average middle class working Joe that likes nice tools and money does matter.
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.
Hi lieser I never thought about it, being forged instead of laser cut, very good point, you know your tools!! And as far as pliers I use my old vintage craftsman ones the most,40 years later!! And yes I'm sure snap on isn't happy about icons pliers, at first glance they look identical!! Thanks lieser for your insight, I no expert on tools, but I really try hard to give a honest, fair tool review that people can use in making a good choise on their buying purchase!! Thanks again!!
Just imagine how difficult would it be to laser cut a plier and then go to the process of finish It. Its just not a profitable way to manufacture things like pliers, especially since there is a lot of contour and levels. I don't want to sound mean, but is rethink your comment, they are forged, the only difference is that, because they are a bit more cheaper they have the time to do a better finish, they are not bad pliers, but the idea of them being laser cut, that's just dumb.
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
Hi darren yea old craftsman pliers are good,i have several from early 80s,check out my vintage craftsman video, 8 months ago,on green tables!! icon for the price are good,i agree with you!!! stay tuned,thanks for joining in!!
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 own these and compared them to my old craftsman pair. They make my craftsman look like cheap knock offs. Icon is making some great quality tools. Im building my set and so far, no complaints.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
Hi my friend you seem like a smart guy,icon is good tools at low prices,i dont buy much tool truck tools myself!! i buy good tools at fair prices,icon,tekton,gearwrench,genius,capri,sunnex,to name a few!! stay tuned!!!!
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.
Thanks my friend for joining in and sharing your thoughts on snap on and craftsman tools!! love hearing what you guys use and like!! icon worth a look for the price and waranty!! stay tuned for more!!
Not only is it cheaper metal but the geometry on most is different. Like snap on has patents. even if they were able to copy the pliers geometry where they grip like snap on, the teeth will just round, chip, and gull bc it's cheaper metal. Then the sizing is the big problem with icon. Sockets are oversized, screwdrivers undersized and it leads to rounding fasteners. Ask me how i know. Snap on wrenches for example (flank drive plus) is patented. Icon has wrenches that look same but the angle, depth, size, and positioning of the teeth are completely different so the icon just doesn't bite as well. Bc snap on actually did research and testing when they designed it and chose what works best. Plus bc it's cheaper metal, even though it may grip ok when new, after a dozen uses them teeth are worn off.
@@Trolldaddy5 Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the information. I have absolutely no doubt that SnapOn is better all the way around. If I could afford it, I’d have nothing but SnapOn but since I’m not a professional mechanic, I can’t justify the cost. If I was a professional mechanic the cost would be justified not only because it’s a tax write off but also because they would save me time and frustration. I do scour garage sales and pawn shops but they’re pretty hard to find.
I found a snap on pair of diagonal pliers today in hbd the street. They feel solid but my dad always used craftsman. Back when the Sears stores existed you could take any tool even broken and they would replace it with new, no questions asked. I'm told Snap-on has lifetime warranty too but where do you exchange a tool?
Hi Dave we all miss those old Sears stores thats for sure!!! warranty was great and easy!! not sure about Snap On warranty ,i guess it depends on where you buy it!!! thanks Dave for joining in,stay tuned!!
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.
Ah the old 36 tooth, that must be a brute, you got your money worth frosty on that one!! I do love snap on ratchets but only have 2 so far, but you never know!! Yea your snap on ratchets will be their after your not around, built to last. Thanks frosty for watching!! And your thoughts!
I don't much care about resale value if in 20 years I still have the tool and don't plan on selling it. I like Snap-on. I was a tank mechanic in the Army for 20 years and every one of us were given full snap on tool kits at every unit we were at. And I gotta say, in Iraq I probably wouldn't want to rely on anything else.They simply could-not break on you out in the desert. There's no warranties out there. And lives may depend on it. That being said though. That's probably the only time I feel snap-on is worth it. This Icon stuff is pretty nice and I'd bet I'm going to expire before any of the Icon stuff I have no matter how hard I'd be on them. And resale just doesn't apply to me really. Is great stuff.
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.
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.
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.
Yea they have made a impact in the tool world,but some professionals dont like them, over time some guys say they dont hold up!! thanks for your thoughts on them!! take care!!
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.
Your %100 percent rite,the tool world is changing all the time,we have more choises than ever before at decent tools that dont make you go broke!!! thanks my friend!!!
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.
Hi brown, yea I know, I wouldn't be surprised if snap on sues harbour freight on the icon tools! Their are so many choices in today's world with the internet, I was wondering how you like your long handle Capri ratchets, can you do a follow up on them soon, I really would like to know what you think, thanks my friend!!
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.
Hi Dave I'm glad the camera picked up on that snap on finish, I wasn't sure if you could see it good on your end, I think you could see a lawsuit from snap on with those icon pliers!! Thanks for telling me about the snap ring pliers!!
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?
Hi David, I welcome constructive suggestions, it's the azzholes that tell me my videos suck, or I'm stupid for buying this, or that cant hear me, and that I'm not mechanic, or I don't use my tools!! I engraved paper, printing, pushing the ink with high pressure from back of paper onto a engraved copper die, old, high end type of printing!! I don't have a hardness tester, that's great idea Dave, and weighting them is another great idea!! I can definitely improve on my videos, Dave are the videos clear, or bad, on your end, please let me 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
Thanks dave for joining in and sharing your thoughts and opinion!! snap on makes nice tools as well as knipex no doubt!! harbor freight has some decent tools,but still has some junk as well!! stay tuned my friend!!!
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?
Yea snap on makes some of the best, but not everything like you said!! The icons are nice for the price!! Snap on are probably harder, Dave do you like my videos even though I don't edit, or fancy music or graphics, just curious, because some don't!!
I don't own no snap on or icon pliers but when i open plier drawer nipull out a plier u can see your self i sand with 600 - 1500 grit sandpaper and all my pliers shine like a diamond i just got a Klein pliers from home Depot and i can't put in my box with the finsh they come with it's called finished one's you port polish one it's over
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...
Yea snap on is not as prominent as they once were,you have so many decent options in todays world,now that we have the internet!! stay tuned my friend,take care and thanks for your insight!!!
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.
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.
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 think your rite about that!! at first glance i cant tell them apart!! i use both alot,no problems!! but the price on icons is nice!! thanks for your thoughts my friend!
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
@@jefftovani5535 I enjoy your objective reviews, I like that you're not a "fan boy" of any one brand. Mainly good tools at good prices.... I'm the same way... I worked as a carpenter all my life Craftsman & SK were about all I could afford.... Now that there isn't really Craftsman (USA) as we knew it, I think HF. may be filling that void because of their warranty. I like Icon, Capri,Gearwrench, Tekton, & most of the higher quality Taiwanese tools. I also enjoy some used S-O tools when I can find them at affordable prices.
Hey don,thanks for supporting my channel, some guys hate when I do reviews on average tools, they only like snap on or mac!! They tell me why do l buy junk tools, they tell me you buy better tools as you go, not lesser tools!! I buy tools to show all kinds of levels, pro,semi pro and novice, or entry level if you will! I do it to give good information to all levels of skill in the tool community!! As you know the majority of my reviews are the middle road, big bang for the buck!! You were a carpenter, wow nice trade, I have a lot of Milwaukee tools if you want a review on let me know!! Thanks for your awesome feedback, if I hit 1000 subs , I'll be sending out free tools to you guys, if I hit 1000, it might take 10 years, lol!! Take care!!
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.
@@jefftovani5535I picked up a set of Icon Needle Nose and Dykes the other night on sale. Looking at the needle nose, it looks like the icons are finished on all the edges before assembly. The Snap On pliers aren’t ground on the inside or outside edges of the handles. I wonder what the icons look like without finish grinding. Hopefully they would look the same but we’ll never know.
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
@@jefftovani5535 the hart brand pliers are really good I think. Also I love icon most my tools at work are icon just don’t like the pliers mainly because of the grips on them. The ones I got are rough textured and once you get freeze on them it’s done they just don’t clean off
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.
Snap on makes damn nice ratchets!! but i dont buy much of snap on!! there are so many other good brands at much lower price! icon is very good and reasonable price,good waranty!! thanks my friend for your thoughts!!
We all miss the old sears stores when they were made in the USA!! you could take a look and touch and feel the tools which i always loved doing!!! thanks my friend!!!
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?
Hope you didn't spend the extra money on a snap on a jack its made by Sunnex in China with daytona. Tap and die set made by Irwin, AC guages Lang.... want me to go on. Adjustable wrench made by malco. Hammers thrusty cook...
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...
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 understand all what your saying, snap on is expensive and geared toward everyday use by professionals!! i am not loyal to anyone brand, i own both pro and average tools!! i consider myself semi pro, i can do all kinds of work,engine,tranny,rear end,as well as easy stuff,brakes,suspension,exhaust,wiring, and so on!! 43 years working on cars,trucks,utvs,atvs,sleds, and so forth!! check out my home shop video!! in the end it comes down to what you want to spend!! i love snap on,just dont own much!! thanks for sharing your thoughts,and for watching!!
That's completely fair. What I wonder is if Icon pliers would hold up the same way. Certainly I wouldn't trade any of my Knipex pliers for Pittsburgh from HF (or even Doyle), but if you can get the same quality for less, then that's interesting. On the other hand, if you make a living with the tools, why bother taking a chance. I programmed for a living, and always worked on a Mac, even though I was paying more for the same hardware. But I had better luck with Apple, and had no interest in making my own computer and running Linux on it, even though friends would tell me I was wasting money. But I didn't get paid when I wasn't programming, just like a mechanic isn't getting paid while he's driving to HF to replace socket or a pair of pliers. Personally, my only complaint with Snap-On is I don't think corporate treats the guys in the trucks very well, it isn't as innovative as it used to be. When I was a kid, Snap-On tools were like night at day to anything else, plus they had lots of things you didn't see anyplace else. Now, not so much.
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
Good food for thought!! i do lots of tool reviews and i own many different brands, i started buying icon tools,a couple of months ago!! i think thier nice, i love thier ratchet wrenches, and regular wrenches!! thanks for joining in!
Yea i know its not conclusive,and its doesnt tell you how strong the steel is inside,and its even hard to see it on a video,but it is interesting test, and a great conversation ,thanks for watching and for your input!!
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.
Harbour freight been comparing there tools to snap on forever!! the icon line is the closest they have come to date!! some people hate icon tools,some people love them!! is it rite to copy snap on,probably not!! thanks my friend for joining in!!
Harbor Freight is like a fake Rolex. It might look the same, but the quality and craftsmanship is not at the higher level. But, also like Rolex, Snap On is priced a bit more than they are worth.
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?
Klien makes good stuff no doubt dave,thats crazy how much icon copied snap on!!ill be doing review on the newer xp 120 soon!!! I know thier heads are smaller, big plus!! Stay tuned my friend!!
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.
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?.....
Yea that a very good point Mike, thier alot of hate for icon from snap on guys!! Incon has alot of people taking a look at them! People either love them or hate them, oh well! Me personally I not loyal to anyone brand, I try to do honest tool reviews, and let people decide for themselves after!! Thanks Mike for the feed back!!
@@jefftovani5535 yes sir... i do like the icon ratchet the 1/2 drive flex is really smooth and Never skips a tooth for 90T...Doyle pliers are not bad too for the money i have a couple pair.... but im planning getting more Icon soon, some pliers and a socket set..
I agree with everything you said. In the 80's and 90's Harbor Freight was mostly junk. If you wanted good tools you either bought Craftsman or agreed to make a weekly payment for the rest of your life to a tool truck. Now Craftsman is way down my list as far as quality. The majority of my tools were stolen about 2 years ago and I had to start from scratch. I did buy a Craftsman master socket set and tool box before realizing how much they had slipped compared to my old USA made Craftsman tools. Most of what I've Bought since then were Icon and some Tekton. We got a local Harbor Freight 3-4 years ago and I wouldn't even go in there for over a year. It's my favorite store now. I wish I knew a couple of years sooner about the gains that HF had made and how much Craftsman had slipped. If money were no object, I would have Snap on but I'm an average middle class working Joe that likes nice tools and money does matter.
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.
Hi lieser I never thought about it, being forged instead of laser cut, very good point, you know your tools!! And as far as pliers I use my old vintage craftsman ones the most,40 years later!! And yes I'm sure snap on isn't happy about icons pliers, at first glance they look identical!! Thanks lieser for your insight, I no expert on tools, but I really try hard to give a honest, fair tool review that people can use in making a good choise on their buying purchase!! Thanks again!!
Because the icon engineer is former Snao-On engineer
Ah,espionage, well that explain it!!! Thanks for watching, more to come!!!
Just imagine how difficult would it be to laser cut a plier and then go to the process of finish It. Its just not a profitable way to manufacture things like pliers, especially since there is a lot of contour and levels.
I don't want to sound mean, but is rethink your comment, they are forged, the only difference is that, because they are a bit more cheaper they have the time to do a better finish, they are not bad pliers, but the idea of them being laser cut, that's just dumb.
Needle nose maybe but no cheap slip joint or tongue and groove. That’s pinch city
I have Icon collection building and I'm liking their tools. Just bought these too and very nice!!
Same here!! if there are any you liked to see give me a yell!! take care!!
Me too
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
Hi darren yea old craftsman pliers are good,i have several from early 80s,check out my vintage craftsman video, 8 months ago,on green tables!! icon for the price are good,i agree with you!!! stay tuned,thanks for joining in!!
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!
Thanks my friend for joining in!! they were very close in the comparison!! i also did a hardness test on them in a video!! stay tuned my friend!!
I own these and compared them to my old craftsman pair. They make my craftsman look like cheap knock offs. Icon is making some great quality tools. Im building my set and so far, no complaints.
Icon has some nice tools,no doubt!! thanks for joining in my friend,stay tuned!!!
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.
Thanks for joining in my friend!! yea the snap on was rough looking,not sure how that got past them!! stay tuned!!
Harbor freight has just promised a live long warranty to my Icon diagonal cutter. Can't wait to try daily pro jobs!!
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.
Wow thats good to know,wihas are a good brand!! the icons are really nice quality at a good price!!!! thanks my friend!!
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!
Yea its crazy how much Icon looks like snap on!! thanks for joining in my friend!! stay tuned!!
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.
Thanks peter for sharing that with us tool junkies!! snap on tough to beat jo doubt!! icon great for most folks!!! stay tuned!!!
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
Hi gage, thanks for sharing that info! will see how they hold up!!
I don't believe it's poor heat treatment, too many have had the needle nose bend or twist. I've heard that a lot n done it myself.
@@Anthony-wj6xbAnthony thanks for info, I always like feedback from you guys, feel free to join in anytime! More goodies coming!!
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.
Your smart my friend!! there are deals out there!! the icons can be in that catagory!!! thanks for joining in!!
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.
Thanks for the tips! probably should of!!
I have the Flush Cut Icon pliers. They work flawlessly.
Thanks gary for joining in and sharing that with the channel!!
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.
Hi my friend you seem like a smart guy,icon is good tools at low prices,i dont buy much tool truck tools myself!! i buy good tools at fair prices,icon,tekton,gearwrench,genius,capri,sunnex,to name a few!! stay tuned!!!!
@@jefftovani5535 look forward to it. Tired of the flash in pan type videos that go on and on about non-sense. All the best.
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.
Thanks my friend for joining in and sharing your thoughts on snap on and craftsman tools!! love hearing what you guys use and like!! icon worth a look for the price and waranty!! stay tuned for more!!
Not only is it cheaper metal but the geometry on most is different. Like snap on has patents. even if they were able to copy the pliers geometry where they grip like snap on, the teeth will just round, chip, and gull bc it's cheaper metal. Then the sizing is the big problem with icon. Sockets are oversized, screwdrivers undersized and it leads to rounding fasteners. Ask me how i know. Snap on wrenches for example (flank drive plus) is patented. Icon has wrenches that look same but the angle, depth, size, and positioning of the teeth are completely different so the icon just doesn't bite as well. Bc snap on actually did research and testing when they designed it and chose what works best. Plus bc it's cheaper metal, even though it may grip ok when new, after a dozen uses them teeth are worn off.
@@Trolldaddy5
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the information. I have absolutely no doubt that SnapOn is better all the way around. If I could afford it, I’d have nothing but SnapOn but since I’m not a professional mechanic, I can’t justify the cost. If I was a professional mechanic the cost would be justified not only because it’s a tax write off but also because they would save me time and frustration.
I do scour garage sales and pawn shops but they’re pretty hard to find.
I found a snap on pair of diagonal pliers today in hbd the street. They feel solid but my dad always used craftsman. Back when the Sears stores existed you could take any tool even broken and they would replace it with new, no questions asked. I'm told Snap-on has lifetime warranty too but where do you exchange a tool?
Hi Dave we all miss those old Sears stores thats for sure!!! warranty was great and easy!! not sure about Snap On warranty ,i guess it depends on where you buy it!!! thanks Dave for joining in,stay tuned!!
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.
Ah the old 36 tooth, that must be a brute, you got your money worth frosty on that one!! I do love snap on ratchets but only have 2 so far, but you never know!! Yea your snap on ratchets will be their after your not around, built to last. Thanks frosty for watching!! And your thoughts!
That’s kinda my thought. Let’s compare resale value one for one 20 years down the road and see which one commands the higher price on the used market.
I don't much care about resale value if in 20 years I still have the tool and don't plan on selling it. I like Snap-on. I was a tank mechanic in the Army for 20 years and every one of us were given full snap on tool kits at every unit we were at. And I gotta say, in Iraq I probably wouldn't want to rely on anything else.They simply could-not break on you out in the desert. There's no warranties out there. And lives may depend on it. That being said though. That's probably the only time I feel snap-on is worth it. This Icon stuff is pretty nice and I'd bet I'm going to expire before any of the Icon stuff I have no matter how hard I'd be on them. And resale just doesn't apply to me really. Is great stuff.
@@desertdispatchpeople 20 years from now might not be into spending that kind of money on tools
@@TheGreyguse you might be right. Snap on and in fact craftsman usually commands a high price on the used market. Why do you suppose that is
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.
Yea it comes down to ones preference and how much you want to spend!!! thanks my friend for your thoughts!!
It would be interesting to know the hardness between the snap on and the icon
I did a video on that,just after that video!! very iteresting results!!
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.
Ill do a video on weighing them,stay tuned!!
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.
Yea they have made a impact in the tool world,but some professionals dont like them, over time some guys say they dont hold up!! thanks for your thoughts on them!! take care!!
GOD BLESS ICON
Yes sir my friend, thanks for joining in, stay tuned for more!!
Impressive !
Thanks my friend for your thoughts,stay tuned!!
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.
Your %100 percent rite,the tool world is changing all the time,we have more choises than ever before at decent tools that dont make you go broke!!! thanks my friend!!!
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.
Hi brown, yea I know, I wouldn't be surprised if snap on sues harbour freight on the icon tools! Their are so many choices in today's world with the internet, I was wondering how you like your long handle Capri ratchets, can you do a follow up on them soon, I really would like to know what you think, thanks my friend!!
I will do one soon just for you partner 👍🏻
The difference is that most Snap On tools will still be useable after 20yrs of daily use.
Yes sir my friend!!! thanks for joining in!!!!
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.
Hi Dave I'm glad the camera picked up on that snap on finish, I wasn't sure if you could see it good on your end, I think you could see a lawsuit from snap on with those icon pliers!! Thanks for telling me about the snap ring pliers!!
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?
Hi David, I welcome constructive suggestions, it's the azzholes that tell me my videos suck, or I'm stupid for buying this, or that cant hear me, and that I'm not mechanic, or I don't use my tools!! I engraved paper, printing, pushing the ink with high pressure from back of paper onto a engraved copper die, old, high end type of printing!! I don't have a hardness tester, that's great idea Dave, and weighting them is another great idea!! I can definitely improve on my videos, Dave are the videos clear, or bad, on your end, please let me know!!
Idk i got Icon stuff I use every day since it came out and more no issues
I like icon!! i own a bunch! solid tools!! thanks for your feedback my friend,stay tuned!!
The only HF hand tools I own are all the Icon (Taiwan) copycat pliers. 😉😉
Icon is in the house!!! they nice pliers!! thanks my friend for joining in!!
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
Thanks dave for joining in and sharing your thoughts and opinion!! snap on makes nice tools as well as knipex no doubt!! harbor freight has some decent tools,but still has some junk as well!! stay tuned my friend!!!
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?
Yea snap on makes some of the best, but not everything like you said!! The icons are nice for the price!! Snap on are probably harder, Dave do you like my videos even though I don't edit, or fancy music or graphics, just curious, because some don't!!
I don't own no snap on or icon pliers but when i open plier drawer nipull out a plier u can see your self i sand with 600 - 1500 grit sandpaper and all my pliers shine like a diamond i just got a Klein pliers from home Depot and i can't put in my box with the finsh they come with it's called finished one's you port polish one it's over
Hi craig thats iteresting that you sand down your pliers!!! thanks for joining in and sharing!!!
I'm not a wrencher. ICON...good enough for me.
Icon is very good brand my friend!!! thanks for your input!!!
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...
Yea snap on is not as prominent as they once were,you have so many decent options in todays world,now that we have the internet!! stay tuned my friend,take care and thanks for your insight!!!
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.
Hi nick, they are tuff to tell apart at first clance! i wish they came up with thier own design!! thanks nick for your input!
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.
Hard to beat knipex pliers, no doubt!! i dont own any yet,but i will!!!! thanks again for your feedback!!!! stay tuned!!
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 think your rite about that!! at first glance i cant tell them apart!! i use both alot,no problems!! but the price on icons is nice!! thanks for your thoughts my friend!
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
I only have a few snap on myself!!! i mostly buy middle of the road tools!!! thanks for joining in and sharing your thoughts my friend!!!
It looks like the Snap-Ons are cut with a plasma, and the Icons are water jetted.
Im not sure!! you have a good eye my friend!! thanks for the feedback,stick around more good things coming,take care!!
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery
Hi don,thats very true, wish they came out with thier own design,thier hard to tell apart at first clance!!! Thanks don as always for your input!!!
@@jefftovani5535 I enjoy your objective reviews, I like that you're not a "fan boy" of any one brand. Mainly good tools at good prices.... I'm the same way... I worked as a carpenter all my life Craftsman & SK were about all I could afford.... Now that there isn't really Craftsman (USA) as we knew it, I think HF. may be filling that void because of their warranty. I like Icon, Capri,Gearwrench, Tekton, & most of the higher quality Taiwanese tools. I also enjoy some used S-O tools when I can find them at affordable prices.
Hey don,thanks for supporting my channel, some guys hate when I do reviews on average tools, they only like snap on or mac!! They tell me why do l buy junk tools, they tell me you buy better tools as you go, not lesser tools!! I buy tools to show all kinds of levels, pro,semi pro and novice, or entry level if you will! I do it to give good information to all levels of skill in the tool community!! As you know the majority of my reviews are the middle road, big bang for the buck!! You were a carpenter, wow nice trade, I have a lot of Milwaukee tools if you want a review on let me know!! Thanks for your awesome feedback, if I hit 1000 subs , I'll be sending out free tools to you guys, if I hit 1000, it might take 10 years, lol!! Take care!!
@@jefftovani5535 I would be interested in a Milwaukee review especilly their new USA line. Keep doing what you're doing jeff, you'll soon be at 1K!
Will do!! Thanks don
I broke the Icon flush cut Dykes yesterday, cut through a small soft cotter pin and the damned jaw snapped in half. Junk…
Boy that would of made for a great video! did you bring them back yet?
@jefftovani5535 asking for video proof lol never going to happen because it didn't happen
Harbor freight offers a Live long warranty.
Don't hesitate to Bring them back and claim a new one.
We also found a snap on hammer that said made in USA and we found out that its really made in China.
Really thats crazy!!
You sound like Peter Griffin
Yea so i been told lol!!! Thanks for watching!!
I have both ICON & Snap On & the Snap On are made with better steel
Yea your probably rite!! im going to get a hardness steel tester in the future to use on reviews!! thanks for watching!!
O gezzzz no joke Sherlock.... when your $98 dollar plires are stolen out of your tool box make sure to tell the new owner how good the metal is.
The only difference is the metal icon is high carbon alloy steel and snap on is forged steel.
Hi outkast, thanks for info, i love the feed back!! more coming!!
How you know that?
Icon isn't much difference in price though. I'll stick with Snap on
Thanks rhino for your thoughts on the pliers!!
@@jefftovani5535 always love tool content! Thanks for the video!
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.
Thats interesting,i wasnt sure why they looked like that, thanks for sheading some light on it!!
Naa
@@jefftovani5535I picked up a set of Icon Needle Nose and Dykes the other night on sale. Looking at the needle nose, it looks like the icons are finished on all the edges before assembly. The Snap On pliers aren’t ground on the inside or outside edges of the handles. I wonder what the icons look like without finish grinding. Hopefully they would look the same but we’ll never know.
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
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on them!! i like the feed back!! ive havnt used them much,thier are so many options today its crazy!! stay tuned!!
@@jefftovani5535 the hart brand pliers are really good I think. Also I love icon most my tools at work are icon just don’t like the pliers mainly because of the grips on them. The ones I got are rough textured and once you get freeze on them it’s done they just don’t clean off
Thanks for all your great feed back my friend!!
The slightly shorter ICON is gonna be stronger.
Thanks for your thoughts on the icon!!
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.
Snap on makes damn nice ratchets!! but i dont buy much of snap on!! there are so many other good brands at much lower price! icon is very good and reasonable price,good waranty!! thanks my friend for your thoughts!!
Snap on robbing people for aliving
They sure are making alot of money!!!! thanks my friend!!
Don’t put craftsman in the same category almost everything was made in USA by a USA company and was built very well.
We all miss the old sears stores when they were made in the USA!! you could take a look and touch and feel the tools which i always loved doing!!! thanks my friend!!!
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. 😂
Yea its crazy, icon is stirring the pot, by copeying snap on!! thanks for your thoughts!!
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'm not sure what that snap on finish is about, I was surprised, maybe forging process, does icon yous laser, I don't know much about that!!
I know the snap on ratchet is the best in the industry that is one tool i will spend the extra cash on
Hi dodge, no argument thier! i own some and love them!! thanks for joining in my friend,stay tuned!!
Hope you didn't spend the extra money on a snap on a jack its made by Sunnex in China with daytona. Tap and die set made by Irwin, AC guages Lang.... want me to go on. Adjustable wrench made by malco. Hammers thrusty cook...
Shame on snap on with the finish charging all that
Hey matt, tell me about it!! never noticed until i put icons next to them!! thanks for watching!
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...
Yea i like icon tools,will see how they hold up after long use!! stay tuned my friend!!
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 understand all what your saying, snap on is expensive and geared toward everyday use by professionals!! i am not loyal to anyone brand, i own both pro and average tools!! i consider myself semi pro, i can do all kinds of work,engine,tranny,rear end,as well as easy stuff,brakes,suspension,exhaust,wiring, and so on!! 43 years working on cars,trucks,utvs,atvs,sleds, and so forth!! check out my home shop video!! in the end it comes down to what you want to spend!! i love snap on,just dont own much!! thanks for sharing your thoughts,and for watching!!
That's completely fair. What I wonder is if Icon pliers would hold up the same way. Certainly I wouldn't trade any of my Knipex pliers for Pittsburgh from HF (or even Doyle), but if you can get the same quality for less, then that's interesting. On the other hand, if you make a living with the tools, why bother taking a chance. I programmed for a living, and always worked on a Mac, even though I was paying more for the same hardware. But I had better luck with Apple, and had no interest in making my own computer and running Linux on it, even though friends would tell me I was wasting money. But I didn't get paid when I wasn't programming, just like a mechanic isn't getting paid while he's driving to HF to replace socket or a pair of pliers. Personally, my only complaint with Snap-On is I don't think corporate treats the guys in the trucks very well, it isn't as innovative as it used to be. When I was a kid, Snap-On tools were like night at day to anything else, plus they had lots of things you didn't see anyplace else. Now, not so much.
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
Good food for thought!! i do lots of tool reviews and i own many different brands, i started buying icon tools,a couple of months ago!! i think thier nice, i love thier ratchet wrenches, and regular wrenches!! thanks for joining in!
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
Knipex is awesome brand no doubt!!! thanks for joining in!!
Unfortunately you can’t show the quality of steel on a video.
Yea i know its not conclusive,and its doesnt tell you how strong the steel is inside,and its even hard to see it on a video,but it is interesting test, and a great conversation ,thanks for watching and for your input!!
Benchtop Kmart tools were made by fap off
Thanks for the info my friend!!!
Tekton makes much better tools than icon. Plus they are better quality. I tried icon, but not anymore
Thanks for sharing your opinion my friend!!
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.
Harbour freight been comparing there tools to snap on forever!! the icon line is the closest they have come to date!! some people hate icon tools,some people love them!! is it rite to copy snap on,probably not!! thanks my friend for joining in!!
It’s far more expensive to make something new, but it’s cheap and easy to copy them. Also, every good idea has already been done
Because the owner is a liberal who steals hard working man’s ideas sending them to china and copying them for free.
Harbor Freight is like a fake Rolex. It might look the same, but the quality and craftsmanship is not at the higher level. But, also like Rolex, Snap On is priced a bit more than they are worth.
Hi jay i like your thinking!!! thanks for checking in!!!
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?
Klien makes good stuff no doubt dave,thats crazy how much icon copied snap on!!ill be doing review on the newer xp 120 soon!!! I know thier heads are smaller, big plus!! Stay tuned my friend!!
Fuck Snap On.
Well join the channel,not munch snap on here, mostly mid level tools,thanks for watching!!
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.
Thanks for watching!!
Good luck enforcing a patent on basic hand tools. What's the patented tech?
Home run when it comes to providing a way better deal than snap on
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?.....
Yea that a very good point Mike, thier alot of hate for icon from snap on guys!! Incon has alot of people taking a look at them! People either love them or hate them, oh well! Me personally I not loyal to anyone brand, I try to do honest tool reviews, and let people decide for themselves after!! Thanks Mike for the feed back!!
@@jefftovani5535 yes sir... i do like the icon ratchet the 1/2 drive flex is really smooth and Never skips a tooth for 90T...Doyle pliers are not bad too for the money i have a couple pair.... but im planning getting more Icon soon, some pliers and a socket set..
One is cold forged the others not
ThAnks for info!!! ! Thanks for watching