The 10 Best Snap On Tools to buy at Harbor Freight. Share your thoughts about the options, comparisons, pricing, and similarity of design. Please keep it on topic and clean. Thanks.
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.
Love my flush cuts! Be careful with cutting any safety wire/ steel wire though, as that has put a small chip in my flush cuts. To be fair it does say not to use for that on the package.. 🤷
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.
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
Yup. Cant beat knipex. I have the irwin ones too. Pretty good, but not as good as knipex. I like them over channel locks. Just so much faster and so many more settings. You can pretty much just push the top handle wo squeezing them. Channel locks, you probably can if they're new and lucky enough to be on the exact right setting, but very rarely does it seem to be exactly the right setting w channel locks so have to squeeze them
I don't think replacing a rivet with a nut and bolt is bad, it's a premium type of thing. Designed to be tightened back up after a few years, because it's not just getting replaced
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!
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
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.
I mean, a $40 ratchet in comparison to $140+ barely puts them in the same ballpark for comparison. I have both, and for the money I'd go with Gearwrench any day.
Those same Flex head half inch ratchets from icon, and Snap-on were compared 4 months ago on project farm, and the Icon pretty much smashed the Snap-on... believe what you want but the facts are out there.
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.
Most Icon tools don't test near as good as Snap-On in Project Farm tests. Additionally, Snap-On don't always win in in the hand tools tests, surprisingly.
Completely agree, I've been trying to get those flush cutters for like 4 months, they're always gone. I have some knipex that I use for my nails 💅 every time 5" and 5.5" so much better than a finger nail cutter 😊, thanks for the content. I really enjoy the way you look at tools.
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.
...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.
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 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 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.
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.
It’s the shoulder depth inside the socket that lets the nut fall all the way down inside the socket. When you see the difference it’s amazing. AvE did a video on it a long time ago.
I like your list and agree on almost everything, one thing I don’t cheap out on is my ratchets though, snap on makes some of the best ratchets if not the best in my opinion, maybe for the stubby or a mini 1/4 in go with HF, I have a 4in tekton 100tooth 1/4 ratchet that I love but it’s not getting used in heavy applications so it works perfectly, but my most used ratchet is my 3/8th 100 tooth snap on swivel head ratchet, I know icon makes one comparable but i prefer the snap on version over it.
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.
The solid color snap on soft grips are to indicate a 1/4" body 3/8" drive. I honestly think they should be a solid color for all the ratchets or at least show more color. I think it makes for a better looking ratchet.
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
Snap-On is from a time when the internet didn't exist, there weren't stores full of various tools to choose from and only sold their stuff to businesses willing to pay the premium. Sadly they're still stuck in that era of pricing with the addition of being able to order their stuff online. Their 1/2" impact wrench goes for $1,000 as a kit and the biggest battery they offer is only 5Ah. The Hercules high-torque impact wrenches make 90% of the break away torque as the Snap-On does, comes in either 1/2" or 3/4" and are $200 each. You can still buy both sizes with two 8Ah batteries and a charger for cheaper than the Snap-On. Then add in the DeWalt-like warranty HF started offering for the newer Hercules stuff and it's a no-brainer.
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 was just on my snap on dealers truck this morning and looking to replace some plyers that are over 20 years old and worn out , holy crap !!! i am not taking out a mortgage to replace plyers soo ... off to harbor freight i go ,, i love snap on tools i own alot , but am sick of paying there prices . harbor freight is a great value , hell i can buy 4 sets of plyers for what one set costa at snap on !!!
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.
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
Project Farm did some comparisons of cutters awhile ago, abusing them by cutting bolts and wire much beyond what the tools were supposed to do. I really liked the video because it showed me what I can and can’t do with my tools. For some of my fancier tools, I will look at the specs and cut only material within specs. But for other tools I like to know whether what I am cutting is risking my tools or not. Metal hardness comparisons are also good, but what I am more concerned about is “is cutting this with my Knipex CoBolt going to damage it?”
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
I have the knipex cutters, they cut through metal noticeably easier than the tekton cutters I've tried, but in fairness, I wouldn't have spent $30 on them either, I got lucky and found a broken pair
@@loganwork7024 p I'm sorry I'm a little confused. Do you use flush cutters to cut metal? They're made to cut zip ties. It's their entire purpose then they don't cut metal there too soft
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.
@@MrSubaru1387 They're same pattern design but the options are different, the south wire has a 14 12 stripper with a slicing notch on the forward facing section where the icon appears to have a slicer for cable wire. I think the Icon is more automotive oriented as the southwire looks like its for stripping romex.
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.
I find it interesting HF named it icON and I assume it is a play on snapON Anyway, just bought some icon ratchets, they are every bit as good as SO's. YT guys that have more time than I have reviewed the metallurgy in depth and SO better be worried, the metal is as good in composition and hardness.
Fun Fact: Snap-On invented the ratcheting-action wrench. It's how & why they are named "snap on." Before they thought outside the "box" wrench, our grandfathers were building this modern society one half-turn at a time. Thanks, Snap-On!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
That's kind of the point behind the ICON brand. HF is trying to give the average Joe a near Snap-On quality tool without you having to buy a Snap-On tool. All while doing it without them getting in trouble for being too close in design. I have a pair of the ICON Parrot Nose pliers and they're great, but they're based on Knipex's older design they no long produce. Snap-On tried suing HF heavily a few years ago when they first released their line of Daytona jacks because they were nearly identical to Snap-On's. They were also made in the same factory. Snap-On didn't want a $300 competitor to their jack existing so they could continue to screw people out of $1,000 for a floor jack. Luckily Snap-On lost the case against HF because they weren't the ones making the jacks and they didn't own the design.
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.
I was in the same boat until earlier this year and got the Gearwrench. The dual 60 tooth of the 120xp is the real deal. You can often get the new slim head Gearwrench 120xp locking flex head sold as a bundle of two ratchets for around $100. The 1/2 and 3/8 were $120 and the 3/8 and 1/4 were $90 on Amazon when I purchased mine
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.
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.
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
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.
I’m curious what you think of this: if you search the HF website for Snap On, you get nothing relevant. If you search for Knipex, you get all the Knipex knockoffs. So there seems to be an awareness difference.
@@lastbesttool likely HF not touching Snap-on cues on search after the recent legal issues. Them underlying the Knipex search cues because Knipex hasn’t yet brought litigation against them.
@@lastbesttool oh wow. Thought i replied. Guess not. I assume that due to the Snap-on litigation, they don’t use Snap-on in search prompts. Being Knipex hasn’t come at them legally, they’re not afraid to use the name as a search prompt on their website.
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.
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
