I have some Icon and other HF brands, generally happy with the ones I carefully chose. Having said that, Knipex is a top-tier tool maker. The price difference between the two makes the Knipex the better value in this case. I got my second pair of Knipex for 28 dollars on Amazon. With other Icon pliers, the price makes the Icon the much better value. Chose wisely, my friends. Being a blind fan-boy of any brand is a bad idea.
I would have to agree as well. Not all tools are created equal. HF has just as many terrible tools as they have great. I still think every professional should own the Knipex but side by side the Icon performed just as well. For $20 or $14 with a coupon these are still tough to beat especially for those on a budget or not professionals. Thanks again for your comments 👍🏻
@@onesikm3 maybe three ...six months ago. Got it for tool set at my summer house, but they are still in my shop with the first pair, From KC tools, around 45$.
@@onesikm3 it’s $32 right now… But the HF icon is going for $17 right now I dont know guys…. I don’t have many BS cheap tools but ima be beating the $hit out of this one…. I’m torn on trying the knipex warranty . I know I can walk in and walk out over a broken set of pliers at HF
Just picked these up. Surprised how similar they are to the Knipex. I figured the teeth or jaw design would be more different. I keep the Knipex at home in the tool chest and the Icons go in my work van. Icons are perfect for using and abusing in a poor environment. Keep the Knipex safe at home.
Yea much more alike than anticipated. I’ll be using the icons for files work and keeping my Knipex in the toolbox. Thanks for sharing. Please consider liking and subscribing 👍🏻
That is a fair point. I’ve thought about doing a hardness test in my reviews as not all metals used are as resilient as others. I will say that the density is very similar and that with all my brief testing, even on stainless fasteners, the icons showed no wear. That was a great surprise to see. I would say to buy with confidence. 👍🏻
I was taught that pliers do years worth of damage in seconds and to always use a wrench, sockets, or maybe a flat bill/ groove less locking pliers. These look like they would do less damage. But would you install the same bolt or nut after damaging its faces?
Of course you always want to use the appropriate tool for the job first. However there are circumstances where those tools cannot complete the task. That’s where these pliers come into play. They have much better profile and teeth than your standard adjustable pliers. Great comment by the way. Please consider liking and subscribing for more content!👍🏻
I already own the Knipex version, so not surprised that Icon knocked these off too. Seems like good value for $20. Congrats on the channel growth, but quick comment for improvement. 24 min is a bit tedious for a plier comparison. Many people don't have that attention span.
Yes they are a bargain at this price. I imagine they along with all the others will increase as popularity gains. Appears to be their MO. Thanks for the heads up. I agree that it’s one of the longer ones. I probably could have done the twin grips review separately. Appreciate the input! 👍🏻
The good thing about harbor freight tools that no one ever mentions is that you can keep them in your car for emergency tools,as opposed to keeping your high value tools in your vehicle wish can be stolen.
That is a great point. Why lose or break up a set of you best tools when you can have something less expensive and less attractive. Thanks for sharing. Please consider liking and subscribing 👍🏻
Ya, but cheap tools are still cheap tools. In case of an "emergency ", I definitely wouldn't want to rely on HF tools. Yes, it's a good idea to keep a set in your car, and not wanting top tier tools in a trunk, I go with something more mid level, like Craftsman or Kobalt, to bail me out of a tough spot if needed.
I can only imagine 3 things when I’m listening to this comparison. 1) you either like hearing yourself talk 2) you make more $ from utube if you talk longer or 3)you think you are talking to real simpletons. You dwell on the most mundane item comparisons. This comparison could be over in 10 mins. at most and cover all that needs to be said about both of these plier like tools. Please, if you want followers you need to cut you demos shorter then what your doing snd not harp on every small nuance you you can find when looking for differences. IMHO
Love the knipex twin grips. Not surprised to see icon copy another popular design bc they cant come up with anything themselves lol. Not bad for 20 but you can get the knipex for 27
Thanks for commenting. They both are good. Obviously the Knipex has been the better choice but the warranty process, comfort grip handles and larger end opening have their advantages. I haven’t seen them at 27 but then again the icon can be had with a coupon which would bring them to $14. Please consider liking and subscribing for future vids!👍🏻
I thought you already reviewed the knipex. Why again the long review of the knipex. We already know what the knipex do.. really a 24 minute video for 1 plier.
Actually it’s my first review for the Knipex Twin grips but it was longer than usual. Appreciate the comments so please consider sticking around by liking and subscribing 👍🏻
I have the icon, they seem nice for the price (which was 25% off from a sale a few months ago, so more than reasonable), and I am sure they will do the job. But regardless of what goes into it or the outcome, Harbor Freight does fulfill a very important role in the tool economy, and thats keeping everyone else on their toes, driving innovation and price competitiveness. Also, I am still not sure how I feel about the Icon grippy handles. On the one hand, they're pillowy enough to sleep on and very comfortable, as well as being slightly grippy so they wont slip out of your hands easily. On the other, they're bulky, and the slight tackiness they have to them will grab things over time and make them gross since it's not as easy to clean as regular dipped handles.
@@WC3fanatic997 yes they are nice for the price. I like mine a lot and they get used often. The grips are a bit complicated like you mentioned. Overall I’m glad they stole the design from Snap On and incorporated it onto these pliers. 👍🏻
I personally for the price, go with the icons for this tool..I own knipex, their good, but way over priced..To tell you the truth, im starting to like the icon line alot.
Knipex offers a big grip handle as well. They're an actual rubber and plastic ergonomic type grip that isn't dipped, like the standard rubber handles. I personally own the twin grips that were in the video. Excellent slip joint pliers! They are designed with a purpose, not meant to replace a socket or a channel Lock style pliers. Excellent tool.
They are excellent pliers. I may get the thicker comfort grips down the line. Agree that this design has a distinct purpose that makes them very unique and needed in the workplace. 👍🏻
The other handles you are referring to are known as the Comfort Grip in a two tone of red and blue. I have the standard grip versions of the twingrip. 😊
Nice video I have both the Knipex dipped and comfort grip versions. I like them both equally as the serve individual purposes. The dipped versions all fit nice and slim inside of my smaller tool bag slots.
@thingsmen definetly did the job man! Was torn between the icon set or knipex set of these and decided to take the plunge with the icon because of your video. Does the same job at half the price!
@@pablorodriguez4530 yea they are not bad at all. If money is tight I would recommend these first. They are much closer in quality than I thought they would be. Enjoy! 👍🏻
There are large quantity of clones from China too on Amazon and other websites, probably not as good as the ICON set, I ordered one I found for $8 LOL ill see if its any good. I just have a tire repair kit in my car so I wanted a simple cheap set to throw in the kit.
@@drscopeify yea I picked one up on Temu for $12 and tested all 3 out again. I just posted that video last week so you should check out the results. 👍🏻
It would be interesting to test the hardness of the teeth on the jaws of the pliers, the elasticity of the handles and the whole structure, when everything is at the limit... because the new ones are all OK... but after that you grab harder things a few times, and you have to grab them really hard, and the sharpness is gone and "goodbye bite"...just try to unscrew a broken drywall screw...and grab the thread...here you can immediately tell the difference and the effort in production...at least for me-I'm not even looking at anything other than Knipex because I don't have the money for "throw away".
I’ve thought about running a hardness test but the video was least getting long. I tested the deflection in the handles when squeezing hard and they both performed very similar. The jaws have bit into stainless steel and they both look undamaged. I get your point of affording one as a professional. Knipex are nice but I also don’t know how well they warranty either. HF is super easy. Thanks again for commenting and please consider subscribing 👍🏻
@@ThingsMen I Love tool reviews, but only have a couple minutes here & there to watch videos. I usually watch RU-vid videos while waiting in line or waiting on someone else for various work orders. Didn’t mean to sound bullish, just trying to tell you that people are busy and have time restraints
@@redrustyhill2 mine has been surprisingly good thus far. It’s worth the buy especially since this weekend they have a 20% off coupon on their website. 👍🏻
Fair question. Mostly for screws that are rounded out and no longer can remove. Or small fasteners that have rounded corners. Also great on screws with locktite. 👍🏻
Guarantee that if there is a case they will. Somehow HF is getting away with several of these as of late. I can only imagine the patents expired or the use was vague. Thanks for commenting. Please consider liking and subscribing. 👍🏻
Theyer open patents cant sue sorry. Also like knipex wasnt the first to make these so. Should see how many companies make the adjustable smooth tooth pliers. Capri, knipe, irwin, Icon, and many others.
@@ShawnC8030 thanks for commenting. Agree that it will only be a matter of time before others follow suit. It would be nice to see further improvements come out of it. Please consider liking and subscribing 👍🏻
They have good manufacturing standards in Taiwan, so the Icons are probably just fine for most people. Where Knipex usually blows away the competition is how the teeth of their pliers are hardened. Knipex steel is always top-of-the-line and they can stand up more to use and abuse than most other brands. Harbor Freight tools are easy to warranty. Knipex tools almost never need to be warrantied. You get what you pay for in this case. $20 might get you all you need, though.
I've never bought any of these ICON hand tools. I use mine for work every day and want the best so all my stuff is Snap-On or Knipex. But for the casual user they're a good cheap option.
I have both, have had the icons for 7 months I believe, and have several twin grips. Ive used them heavily at the mill . I have no complaints on either.
I've been a big Knipex fan for decades, and I really dislike slip jaw pliers. I was able to buy an ICON set for $14 with a 30% coupon. Maybe not Knipex quality, but great for this later point in my life. Hopefully they work great.
I tried to buy them with that same coupon yesterday! Unfortunately, no one could find them in the store or in the back room! I appreciate the employee who spent 10-20 minutes trying to find them, but it is still disappointing! I made a trip out to that store because they supposedly had it in stock, and the coupon expired the same day!
I already have the knipex. I believe I paid 32. 00 for them. I own most of the icon pliers, I usually wait for the 25 percent coupon. For half the price I think the icon brand is very good.
Yea if you use the coupon then these are a super bargain. Their quality is right on par with Knipex so it’s a win for the consumer. Thanks for commenting. Please consider liking and subscribing for future videos. 👍🏻
@@dabmanian_devil yea I have a feeling that these will be a big hit and they will not stay in stock easy. Then like always HF will raise their prices. Always best to buy early with new releases.
You can't really go wrong with the Knipex Twin-Grips (any Knipex in general), particularly when they drop on sale down to like $25-28. The Icon stuff are also good tools, particularly for the money. However they are generally slightly, to more than slightly, rougher versions of the name brand tools they're copying. If you're ok with that, and you don't care, they are generally great tools for the money, especially when on sale with 20-30% Off. They will get the job done, and HF is very loose with their warranties...just come in anytime and exchange the tool/item for a new one.
You can’t go wrong with either depending on your budget and how rough you are with your tools. Both take a slight advantage in their own way. Thanks for commenting 👍🏻
I have knipex twin grip and I am very pleased with it. American brand Icon, like Chinese companies, has produced a clone product of German brand Knipex. 😂
I own the Twin Grips with the comfort handle. I love the front grip feature as that is one of the features I use most with these pliers. I’d definitely give the Icon a shot though. They’ve really stepped up their tool game.
I think you should give them a shot. These pliers are quite nice and especially fit the price! Thanks for commenting. Please consider liking and subscribing! 👍🏻
Icon bypasses the research and development phase by producing nearly identical copies of top-tier brand hand tools. Different just enough to avoid legal issues. Thereby able to offer at lower prices, and I suspect the materials aren't quite as scoockem I should point out that the K is silent when pronouncing Knipex like in the word knife, pronouncing it with the K at least to me sounds wrong and forced when compared to the correct pronunciation. Anyway, I digress. Cheers,
Thanks for commenting. Yea they do their fair share of copying for sure. However these are nice pliers. My pronunciation is correct, believe it or not. Various RU-vid videos out there from Knipex support it. 😉
This is a friendly remimder that you can get the knipex for 30 consistently. Sometimes less if you sign up for zoro, they give you 30% off all the time
@thingsmen I've noticed that harbor freight changed their grips recently, too. Much better, too. They are more rubbery and pliable. Unlike their previous grips, which were much harder and less rubbery. I like the new version of the grip. I'm excited for the talon grips and the detent ball joint press kit coming out next month!! If I didn't own the knipex versions already, I'd definitely buy the icons. I'm sure the warranty is much much easier than the knipex warranty.
@@victorhoyt4352 yea the rubber grips are pretty nice but they also don’t work so well for twisting. They honestly stole the idea from Snap On but it works. Yea excited for all the new products that are yet to come out. Please consider liking and subscribing as we will likely pick those up too 👍🏻
Nice video but I think you you lost your way on what product you are reviewing in the start of the video. At about 6:44 into the video the review matches the description. Keep going
Appreciate the comment. I had some others mention the same. I may have been trying to cram too much into 1 video which can come off long winded. I’ll take that into consideration for my future videos. Thanks again and please consider liking and subscribing. 👍🏻
Great tool, I have the knipex, both handle versions, and yes the bicomponent handle is more comfortable. I have good experience with all my knipex tools, this icon copies not available here in Europe. I'm curious about the long term durability of this tools. I use the cobra pliers, and they have the most durable teeths, compared to all my different pliers from other brands.
Thanks for tuning in from overseas. Knipex makes some great tools and I own a fair amount. Icon has started to offer some good copies of other manufacturers original tools. So far all of the ones I have purchased have turned out well. Will see as the line is only about 4 years old. Please consider liking and subscribing 👍🏻
It's nit the beam bowing, it's the joint that gives ruse to play. Beams must be bowed during asdy. You can press them together mord if it bothers you but thsf won't fix the play.
Nice video, I hadn't noticed this type of pliers before, I will probably go get a pair. I live in Europe, UK the price for the Knipex is 23.09 US. and you probably can't get ICON?
Thanks for commenting! Yes the Knipex would be a steal at $23 euros for yourself. Icon is sold by a US company called Harbor Freight and wouldn’t be available to you overseas. Thanks again for commenting and please consider liking and subscribing 👍🏻
When it comes to hand tools like pliers or similar I really do like the feeling I get when using a quality brand like knipex but for power tools like drills I really like the Hercules brand from hf mostly because all power tools are going to fail or break and hf gives you like a free 4 year no questions warranty also they are way more affordable for me then the competition
I'm a HUGE Knipex fan and have a ton of their tools. I will say however that Harbor Freight is trying to make a point. With these new ICON releases they want people to know that they can, in fact, release products equally as good as the big names for MUCH cheaper. I have purchased both of the new ICON long handled pistol grip pliers and they are fantastic, At $20 apiece over the Snap-Ons that they are copying, which are priced just shy of $100 apiece, I saved $160 and have essentially the exact same two tools. And I say that with confidence because I have seen several respectable RU-vid channels put the two to the test side by side, from hardness testing to pure functionality and they have come out shoulder to shoulder.
Yes they are making a statement and at never before seen pricing. It’s a bold move for Icon but it’s appearing to pay off. We reviewed the pistol grips just a couple videos back. You should check it out. 👍🏻 Thanks again for commenting and please consider liking and subscribing.
Stolen design, knocked off in China, and not much less expensive, undoubtedly made of lesser quality material. There you go Kmart Shoppers, I'll take the Knipex.
We definitely should all agree that This is A great business Opportunity for many of us Americans who have access to disposable tools that are also very well built. I mean, somebody might steal your $50 Knipex. Somebody might not care about your $20 Icon. And when they take that $20 icon from you, you’re not out $50 I appreciate that it is a copy, really. I love owning the Knipex Twin grips though, they’re Definitely just as hard as the cobras
We are fortunate to have them for sure. They also don’t suck. Ironically they are quite nice and as good as the originals. Thanks for commenting. Please consider subscribing and liking. 👍🏻
Great question. They appear to have a form to fill out online that also requires a photo submission. Appears that sometimes you have to mail in the defective item too.
All great points. They both currently have their good and bad features so hopefully they can take notes from each other and improve up. Thanks for commenting. Please consider liking and subscribing 👍🏻
i really don't understand why companies will give a lifetime warranty but not allow their products to be serviceable. how is this a good, profitable strategy?
@@mattsmith6828 they don’t want to carry the additional stock that isn’t as predictable and fast moving. Keep in mind HF is know for providing the same tool but changing its manufacturer and quality on a whim.
@@ThingsMen i agree w/ what you're saying, and i actually understand the lifetime warranty, as they probably want to "compete" with the big, tool truck brands. however, i think icon is going to appeal to the D.I.Y.er that wants snapon but has the budget for tekton, more than a tradesman. like, if a tradesman wants the best & w/ a warranty, mac/snapon. if they want similar quality but cheaper (prosumer market), then knipex, cat, williams.... etc. etc. idk, the way i see it, icon isn't for the informed. sometimes you might be able to find a great deal or a tool that is ACTUALLY worth it, but for the most part, (imo) it's smarter to go w/ something else.
They’re both nice, I’m going to pick up the Icon ones for sure, I bought Vampliers like 5 years ago for smaller stuff & I love them on rifles, small engines stuff like that
Vanpliers are nice for this small and tough to reach places for sure. These are great for all those small to mid range fasteners. Thanks for sharing! Please consider liking and subscribing as we’ll be bringing more similar reviews. 👍🏻
Great job! I have the Knipex with the comfort grips, excellent tool. I try to buy all my Knipex with the comfort grips. I’m 60,been wrenching all my life so arthritis is a factor now. The Icon “foam” grips are really nice too. After your review I will probably pick up the Icon when on sale. Thanks, keep up the good work!
@@bigmachvac63 thank you! I haven’t tried the Knipex comfort grips but they look nice. These appear to be a happy medium between the two handles. I think you would like them especially for their price and even how easy the adjustment button is to use. Thanks again for commenting and please consider liking and subscribing 👍🏻
You just can't beat the Harbor Freight warranty and 15 to 20 dollars cheaper I'll be buying the Icon line. You are doing a great job I appreciate your channel and your expertise.
Thanks bud! Appreciate the feedback! Yes these are a great deal that everyone should own. Thanks again for your comments! Hopefully you are already a subscriber and liked the video. 👍🏻
I have both brands in my tool box. There's very little difference in any way. I would buy either set again and base it on value. Retail price for the Icon is close to the sale price of Knipex. I dont mind paying a few $ more for the brand that has long been regarded as the best you can buy. Also, if I had a coupon for 20% off the Icon and couldn't get a sale price on the Knipex, I would buy the Icon. What I won't do is pay 4-5 times as much for a Snap On set as an Icon set of pliers, sockets, screwdrivers...whatever.
@@ThingsMen True. I bought some Doyle electrical pliers (cable cutters, crimping pliers, and strippers) for that reason alone last week. The American made Klein were only a few $ more a set but I went with the ones I could easily swap out if I chipped a cutting edge.
I own the twin-grips and enjoy them. As "screw extraction pliers" I've always compared them to the Vampliers which have a similar function but different form. The Icons seem to be a direct knock-off of Knipex. I have a distinct dislike for folks that straight up rip off the designs of others, and I'm not big on Chinese tools. But I can see the appeal of the Icon for those on a budget, especially folks who regularly visit Harbor Freight.
Yes the twin grips are great and yet the Icons are similar in greatness as well but at a lower price. I appreciate you open mindedness as it’s not always easy to see things from another perspective. Thanks again for commenting and please consider sticking around by subscribing and liking the video 👍🏻
I like, the Kuh-Nip-X slim lined one. Just ordered one, yesterday. ♦️ Lifetime, hassle-free warranty on the Icon makes it a good deal. And its down the street, so no hassle for warranty. I have a feeling Knipex, is going to be difficult to warranty. Icon looks, sloppy....ill stick with the Knipex for EMT service work.
I like the phonectic spelling. You will be happy with either. I’ll probably grab another icon set and grind it down to a slim profile for those really hard to reach jobs. Thanks for commenting and please consider liking and subscribing!👍🏻
@@thepitpatrol they dropped this week. You can check your local inventory on their app. ICON 8 in. Fast-Adjust, Push-Button Slip-Joint Pliers - Item 70310 hftools.com/app70310
I bought a set of the twin grips about a year ago and the teeth stripped out in about 6 months of use and when i contacted kinipex about the issue i was told basiclly that they couldn't be warrantied because the teeth are a wear item and they considered it normal wear. After going back and forth over the phone they finally agreed to check for defects to see if it was a material issue but that was a mail the pliers out and wait. Well 2 months later i get the same pliers back with the same stripped teeth. Now i can't say about the icon version but from other icon and harbor freight products its lifetime no questions asked warranty. Walk in with a broken or damaged tool and walk out with a new one usually less than an hour. Say what you want about quality but at least harbor freight stands behind their warranty and as a professional id rather be down a tool for a day or 2 till i get to a store for warranty than wait a month plus and get told its not covered under warranty and get sent back the damaged tool.
Thanks for sharing your Knipex experience. You don’t appear to alone with your warranty claim issues. Agree that HF does a much better job with their warranty. Please consider liking and subscribing as we review more tools. 👍🏻
Seems weird, I have Knipex tools that I have had for over twenty years that are showing no sign of wear, there again I do own other, perhaps more suitable tools …
@@CrimeVid I’m sure many of us will have differing experiences with the same tools. Not everyone uses their tools as much or even in the same scenarios.
Knipex has no warranty not a good company when you have to buy another tool they sent me a nasty email about the warranty and said basically you’re screwed.
Knipex Twin Grip в России сейчас со скидкой можно купить за эквивалент 25 долларов. Такая покупка в домашнюю мастерскую мне кажется более оправдана. Спасибо за сравнение!
пожалуйста. Существует довольно много видеороликов, демонстрирующих, как они используются. Чтобы добиться успеха, нужно лишь немного попрактиковаться. Наслаждаться!
Cool. You should try the Engineer Nejisaurus pliers. I have the 9in linesman style and they work great (especially on softer metal screws). They make the pliers for Vampliers.
Thanks for the input. I have already picked up a few of the Engineer pliers but need to review them. You do see their green handle pliers in this video though. They make great stuff 👍🏻. Thanks again and please consider liking and subscribing. 🤘🏻
I can't wait to get these and all the other icon pliers. I love that they are making and selling all the new styles of pliers and that there selling them for affordable prices, IMO you can't beat the$15-$20 dollar prices for this stuff. Thanks for the video.
Yea it’s great to see what they are now offering. Not sure how I feel about them copying existing technologies but for now the competition is a good thing.
