I have 6 pair of the Icon pliers and have been very satisfied with all of them. They're an excellent value and more well-made than some people would like to admit.

I call them my Snap-Icon tools. For my needs, they're perfect!

I love snap on. But it’s tough to go against Icon nowadays - especially on a budget. HF has stepped their game up

I have the Pittsburgh version of all those, and at less than $5.99 apiece, they're a superb value. I've been receiving joy from using them for over 30 years, too. Eschew SnapOff!

I have the flush cuts and they are GREAT 👌

Any update on the icon talon grip slip joint needle nose replica?

The pistol grip pliers are amazing! I bought them just to try and they each have great uses for getting in a tight spot!

I can't believe on the groove joint pliers snap-on actually cheaped out and used a nut and a bolt to secure it channel locks are honestly still the best they use the hot rivet It's never going to come loose like a nut in a bolt by the channel locks over both of them their American made and fairly priced

Cool tools to show us worth some mention. I'll have to check a couple of those out the next time i'm at Harbor Freight. Thanks LBT!

...inching ever closer to an intra-Montana Last Best Tool / Den of Tools crossover episode 😄. Seriously though, i've been using a few of these tools (the flushcuts & the two pistol grips) for several months and have been very happy with them so far; i'm really looking forward to seeing their slipjoint longnose knockoff. I think you made a great point here - particularly for infrequent-usecase tools, these are an especially compelling option.

I have some of those Icon tools and there great. I don't have Snap-on money and couldn't justify a purchase if I did. Great video Doc.

Imagine owning an three Icon ratchets, breaking them all over a 5 year period of aggressive irresponsible use, replacing them with three more with the warranty... and still never spending what you would off of the truck, just to end up having the guy rebuild it instead of an actual replacement warranty.

Those S Jaw Swedish pipe wrenches are awesome so far. They are thin and bite on to pipes. Used them on a boiler install. No slipping, no slop.

I like the Bahco (owned by Snap-on) S-Jaw Quick Adj pliers myself. Made in Spain. Excellent video. Do Icon vs Knipex copycat pliers next.

Thank you. I'm looking at the Mac double join/pivot needle nose pliers. If you're able to make a video about these, I would really appreciate it. I'm now looking at multiple other companies. But if I don't have to spend $60 to $70 on a single tool that I wouldn't use often that would be great. Although, pistol grip double jointed would be awesome

Knipex for water pump/chanellock type grips every time. Cobra and pliers wrench are my 2 go to, exceptional tools in this category and ones I use daily.

I bought 9 of these tools for the very reasons you mentioned

for the slip joint pliers, instead of going with the channel lock brand i went with the knipex alligator grips. The alligators grip like no ones business, highly recommend those

Oh goodness Doc, you’re gonna ruffle some Jimmie’s with this one. Keep up the good videos!

I have both snap on and icon but I honestly prefer my icon typically due to the cost being lower and the quality being decent enough for my needs. I’m not a professional mechanic or anything so I don’t have to rely on the tools as much but I would still pick icon in a lot of instances. I do love my stubby ratcheting screwdriver from snap on though.

I tried to get a few of the pliers on Saturday but my local store was out

The amount of people who love the free market of capitalism, but also show up to every video about Icon to profusely lick Snap-on boots, will never cease to amaze me. What happened to competition forcing companies to innovate? Just remember, guys. Multi-billion dollar companies don’t care about the morals and ethics of you abstaining from buying a $20 pair of pliers in order to support them charging four times the amount for the same tool. They’re just happy to part you from your money

I’m interested in trying out the ICON flush cut

I have those 11" 45-degree ICON needle nose pliers. I bought them for when I'm working on my chainsaws, they're great for reaching into the fuel tank to get ahold of fuel lines. I probably won't be using them everyday since I'm not a professional mechanic. But I could foresee an actual small engine mechanic using this type of plier daily if they're needing to reach into small spaces. Especially if they're working on hand held power equipment or lawn tractors. An automobile technician is another story, they might just need it intermittently.

The Doyle Cobras are also great 👍

I have a hodgepodge of tools from Snap-On, Cornwell, Proto, Ingersol Rand, Knipex Kobalt, Dewalt, Dremel, Warrior/HF, Milwaukee for my work.

I bought a Titan pistol grip plier from Carquest, it's been collecting dust in my box ever since. I guess one day I'll use it for something

Great video! Are you going to do a similar video comparing icon with knipex?

Did i miss the knipex twin grip or does snap on not have one so you didn't mention it i saw the pistol grip versions but not the regular

eh found a few things I was missing while doing my drum brakes and my 11" pliers took a beating. good value for price IMHO. The softgrip handles are actually pretty nice when hands are greasy and with a wipe they clean up easy. My cheaper needle nose couldn't get a grip but the icon texture grabbed em pretty good.

Ok, it got me bro.

I would like to see a steel hardness comparison. Especially on the working surfaces.

I have both Snap-On & ICON flush cuts. IMHO, the ICON are better. I have both Snap-On & ICON needle nose. The TALON is way way way better than the ICON, but the ICON needle nose is pretty good. Great purchase for the cost. I have both Snap-On & ICON slip joint plier. Even. I only have the ICON 3/8 ratchet. Nice. Really handy. Both channel pliers can't even come up to the shoelaces of the Knipex tool. I don't have the other tools.

Nice list, damn they are clones!!

The Pittsburgh pro flex head ratchet is my favorite. It looks like the snap on black and red ratchet in your thumbnail but the head probably is a little more low profile. I know it's lower compared to the icon and the icon is more expensive. It's only a 72 tooth I think but to me the action feels better than every other ratchet I have including some nepros and more expensive ratchets. It's always the one I grab first and I should have a couple more of them.

Snap-on has HF beat on their ratchets. HF has them beat in every other tool shown. Only reason Snap-on can’t sue is the fact I’m pretty sure all their patents expired.

The icon adjustable pliers wrench is worth it as well, compared to Knipex.

You missed the made in USA Icon wire strippers that are similar to that newer style snap on recently released a couple years ago.

I feel you stated it best. It is all about value. At work, I value the service the Snap On man provides. If I broke a tool or need a special tool and text him, he will text back within 10 minutes and ask if I need it now or can wait until the next service day. If I need it now, he will arrange a way for me to get it. Snap On tools are quality and the service from my Snap on man is exceptionable. I have never received that level of service from the other tool trucks and buy little from them. The Snap On man also knows that I will not buy rebranded tools from him if I can order it direct or on Amazon. As for at home, I have a roll cab full of a mix of American made brands of tools and use Channellock at home as they are a great value and American made. Icon is ripping off and copying an American brand and costing America jobs.

The pwz or icons a jaw quick adjust, they're actually Swedish style pipe wrench. I have the cheaper harbor freight version. These suckers really clamp down. Cant use them on softer metals because it will just squash/misshapen them because they just bite down so hard. Great for steel, cast iron for plumbing, or for like tie rods n stuff on cars. My only real gripe w them is dor the size, the jaws dont open as much as you'd expect. But if your working on something they fit, you'll have no problem biting down and not slipping

My Dad put his Snap On Reps kids through college and when he died no one ever returned even one of his tools to his estate/family. That said the only Snap On tool I ever coveted is the Long Nose Slip Joint Pliers. The parallel jaws are a game changer.

Waiting for the long nose slip joints I saw at sema.

If they help you do the job you're working on buy them. I know there's a big difference with Snap On Tool's & ICON tried to copy Snap On but, they're a lot different in price. I have noticed if you're not a professional worker & don't care what tools you use then buy whatever you can afford. Snap On is still the Best & Harbor Freight is ok for those who are getting started but, it's your choice, what Tools you want to buy.

Love this comparison, I love my cutters FWIW. The one place I won’t compromise is sockets, Snap-On and Gray Pneumatic have the nicest shallow shoulder depth. AvE sold me years ago on Snap On sockets and that was that.

I got the Knipex plier wrench and also the icon version. The Icon one is really good for the price. The knipex head is slightly thinner which could be useful and also less chance of pinching your fingers on the knipex. I really want a pair of the Snap on 9" Talon Grip Long Nose Slip Joint Pliers cmon harbor freight just copy them already.

4:05 I just used the $2 Pittsburgh ones because I don't really think I need a $30 tool to cut plastic zip ties personally

Look up Williams tools, they make Snap-On screwdrivers at 1/4 the price. A few other tools also.

Not a Snap- on copy , but also see the Icon copy of the Knipex Twin Grip pliers.

I cannot justify paying $17 for a pair of slip joint pliers from icon when I could buy a set a channel lock slip joint pliers that are made in America for $20

🙏❤️ Love fe Scotland ❤️🙏

You forgot the floor jack . As good as they get . :)

When is Icon going to come out with locking flex head rachets. Its the only thing keeping me from buying more Icon. I've got a Icon 1/4 drive swivel head that I like. I've already got a Snap-on 3/8 drive locking flex head. But I would really like a 1/2 drive locking flex head. I'm looking at Mac, Matco, Snap-on and Gearwrench. The Mac, Matco and Snap-on are all in the 260 to 300 dollar area, So that tells me just to get the Snap-on since I cant seem to find out where the Mac and Matco are made. The Snap-on also has better resale. So I'm down to the 300 dollar Snap-On or 100 Dollar Gearwrench 120xp. Kind of leaning towards the Gearwrench since its so much less expensive and id really like to try the 120 tooth.

There are other companies that make their tools in USA but are not expensive like snap on.I think if snap on have reasonable prices, they will sell lot more.Also PROTO is MADE IN USA as well but lot better prices & same quality as well & MAC trucks honor warranty on PROTO tools.

The only tools from snap on id say are better than harbor freight are chrome sockets and wrenches, as well as cordless ratchets. Used to be regular or flexhead non locking ratchets too (hate snap ons locking flexhead), but since the new icon ones, i wouldnt spend the $ on the snap on over the icon again. Luckily i dont have to, but if i were to some how lose my snap ons, id get gearwrench 90 tooth or icon.

That snap-on stubby is possibly their most ridiculously priced item…..(from what I’ve seen)

If Snap on didn't rip people off, then they wouldn't be in this position.

The Knipex tools at HF are good. Pliers Wrench, Cobra, Twin Grip.

Icon needs to make their version of the snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. Hard handle and/or soft grip.

This video is going to make the HF haters and the Snap-on fan boys crazy. that's a twofer. I'm a fan of good tools at a price I feel ok about doling out. It's hard to make a direct comparison without having both tools in your hands at the same time. I have a few of the tools you go over here. I love the flex version of the tiny 1/4 Snap-on ratchet. Pricey... but well worth it. Icon has nothing to compare. Their ratchets are ok...they rachet. I have a few, but in my opinion, nothing beats a Snap-on. I only have 1 Mac and that is about 25 years old. A very good ratchet...even today. I have a couple of new Kokens. I haven't had them long enough to form a good opinion, but they are very nice. So, Icon is ok, but there is no real comparison between an Icon ratchet and a Snap-on. Saying there is, is just plain silly. I don't much like the Icon slip joint pliers, but I don't have the Snap-on to compare, maybe I wouldn't care much for those either. The Flush cuts, I have in both brands. If my 36-year-old son asks me which one to buy...I'd say the Icon. He won't ask, because I gave him the Snap-on. He's a cheap bugger and I want him to understand what a quality tool is. Moral of the story, some of the knock offs are more than adequate, some are lousy. Pick carefully, don't be cheap...and don't be foolish with your money. But... Sometimes having the BEST is a good enough reason to overspend, just don't tell the old lady.

knipex>channelock>sb&d made in france pliers>snap on>milwaukee>icon. i get for the price they are okay but they are copying expensive pliers not necessarily the best ones. if they are only available from snap on or also icon than for sure all the power but iv'e never undertood why people like stiff pliers that rust quick the snap on ones just never impressed me. its all preference but i will always take those brands over snap on. also the icon ratchets have been great kinda heavy metal but tbh smoother than my mac 90th. also sb@d france pliers are available under mac c.s.t pliers aswell as craftsman v series and facom

Ya their pliers have been great i mean their icon ratchets and tools are probably as good but i dont see the point in excessive expensive sockets, ratchets because lots of companies make plents good ones but these pliers are copies of snap on and knipex

unless you are a shop who a snap on truck stops at replacement snap on's are all most impossible

The fk80 is 100% worth the money imo.

Icon are good just a step under Gearwrench

Damn pair these with 30% off weekend and you can't put together a killer kit.

SNAP ON IS A RIP OFF

Interesting. I doubt that there would be a huge difference in "pliers" because most of the time you are not stressing the metal anywhere near it's failure or plastic deformation point. Cutting tools, however, would be different. The hardness and quality of the cutting face is key. I simply wouldn't buy any metal cutting tools made of chinesium.

Its all about choice, buy whichever one you want

Will HF come out with a version of the slip-joint needle nose pliers from snap-on (made famous by Eric O. of SMA)??? I'm having a difficult time sourcing one, even from snap-on dealers.

My 45° needle nose i use FAR more than any other needle nose. I have cheap harbor freight and cornwell. Nothing wrong w the harbor freight ones,, and they arent even the icon

Those Icon rip offs of the talon grip pliers are no where near as good, and those S Jaw tools look like they’re knipex copies. Knipex’s electrical tools ie.. their flush cutters, strippers and crimp tools are among the best I’ve owned. Having used and owned nearly every tool company’s ratchets available in the US over the last 25yrs the feel and ability that Snap On’s ratchets to loosen or tighten a fastener when you have very lil available throw, simply cannot be matched by any other tool manufacturers

I love Snap-on and own many of their tools, however I don’t think they make good cutting pliers, period. Even in the 90’s I got a few and was really underwhelmed with the quality and cutting abilities I stuck with Klein & Knipex. I have the ICON flush cut pliers and love it and as I consider flush cutting pliers more expendable why pay more.

The icon pliers are quite good. My only hesitation about buying more of them is that they are such blatant copies!

I use both harbor freight and snap on tools but i have to wonder, is this video a low key troll?

As far as the tools lasting, icom has a lifetime warranty.

The quality of the metal is not the same

I have a Man-Confession to make; I'm a little skeered to say it though. Is it just Me, or are slip-joint pliers close to useless for anyone else? I had a hydraulics mechanic designation connected to My Army MOS (13M MLRS), so I have turned wrenches somewhat "Professionally". IMHO slip-joints are a finger pinching refinement to the "All-purpose Destructo Wrench". If I don't care about the fastener and need it off there are better tools, if I work with wire there are better tools, around batteries it's a nightmare (I did weekly battery maintenance on a grip of huge, heavy, lead-acid batteries. What am I missing? I've never used a Snap-On version, is that a true difference?

If one is a professional mechanic, it pays to buy Snap-On . Amateur, DIY people can get by just fine with Icon, Pittsburg Pro, Craftsman, Kobalt or Husky. Any of those brands will work until the technician can afford better.

ICON is made in Taiwan not China.

I buy a lot of icon tools. don’t own any snap on, they’re far too expensive.

It will be no shame in my game. I will get all the Harbor Freight Customer Service.

Lifetime warranty no hassle no receipt. I’ll break them six times at least before I ever buy a snap on. No driver saying well you didn’t buy it from me as long as the stores are close to you good to go different day and age.

Forgot to say it's the Icon flush cuts,

The Snap-Icon tools, as i call them, are excellent for me. However, take a flash light with you to inspect what you're buying as there's differences in the fit and finish. I went through five pair of the flush cutters before i found one that closed perfectly and let no light through the cutting edges. I only use those for zip ties, and I've had butter give more resistance. Clean, clean cuts... Harbor Freight is a bit of a buyer beware store, but if you "beware" properly, you can save a bunch of cash if the tools suit your needs.

They strait up stole a Todd Begg knife design

93 dollars for some plyers thats. crazy

Cant compare a USA tool company since 1920 against some crap just whipped up in the last few years. Pathetic how close they copied them and the Icon prices are premium prices but at the discount tool store .. what were you thinking

lol Harbor Freight "Red-line"

The s jaw pliers at harbor freight are terrible. The teeth disappear so fast

The only Snap-on tool you can get at HF is the floor jack, and now, the “ICON” Mayhew punch and chisels. The rest are nothing but a cheap imitation.

buy snap on instead, buy american

No tegridy in buying a cheap copy

Crap-on needs to go out of business

Snap-on need to sue.

I just can’t buy the Junk from HF. I’m willing to spend more with Snap-on and know the Quality & Pride of Made in USA.

I choose not to buy them. I understand the point of Harbor Freight and its good that people have options, but the fact that it is a blatant rip off in every way leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. Competition is a good thing to drive down prices from Snap-on, but but the fact that they don't even try to hide that the Icons are by and large complete knock-offs in both form and function is a bit too far for me. At least try to improve on the original design or try to do something distinct and different. I also don't understand how the 3-position slipjoint pliers are not infringing on snap-on's patent.

I preferred when doc avoided HF topics and discussions. I’m close to hitting unsubscribe. I’ve been a subscriber for years but I didn’t subscribe to the channel for HF content.

Most of the time I prefer Doyle pliers.... Doyle tools are good quality at a great price point.

For the adjustable channel pliers although not "icon" the Doyle Fast Adjust Water Pump Pliers have been fantastic

HARBOR IS THE OLDEST AND BIGGEST RIP OFF EVER!!!!🚩🚩🚩🚩