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Icon vs Wiha

natas2000

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
250
Ive bought some Icon sockets last week on sale and soon they will have wrenches and pliers on sale. But Wiha prices on Amazon are about the same as non sale Icon sets. And they are in foam. Are Wiha pliers and wrenches bad? From what I have they make solid tools.
Would anybody consider buying Wiha tools?
 
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AEAdam

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May 27, 2023
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SE PA
Ive bought some Icon sockets last week on sale and soon they will have wrenches and pliers on sale. But Wiha prices on Amazon are about the same as non sale Icon sets. And they are in foam. Are Wiha pliers and wrenches bad? From what I have they make solid tools.
Would anybody consider buying Wiha tools?
I have not seen strength tests of Wiha wrenches. Wiha (VEE-ha) is a German company that now manufactures a lot of stuff in Vietnam. Icon wrenches, on the other hand, have tested well, like top 5.

But there are many alternatives like Wright that you should probably consider. For pliers, I’d look at KNIPEX before Wiha. I don’t love KNIPEX pliers. For automotive, Snap on pliers are pretty amazing, but if I was starting over, I think Klein and channellocks are good enough.

For automotive I occasionally use big channellocks, but mostly I use needle nose, duckbills and cutters. Then I have longer versions of all those which are really big tweezers to me.
 

JDtime

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Mar 10, 2021
Messages
44
Location
NJ
I have a pair of wiha water pump pliers they are not that special and have a lot of flex in them. Icon plier I have a made better in my opinion. As far as wrenches I have no clue for wiha I don't own any,
 

Steve_P

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Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
5,181
I'm a Wiha super fan, love their screwdrivers, deadblow hammers, L keys, bits, and I'm sure at least one or two more things.

I have two Wiha made in Vietnam pliers and the machining quality is on par with Knipex. But Wiha uses what is basically just a step better than high carbon steel. I'd put Wiha a step or two above Channellock due to much better manufacturing quality, but below Knipex, NWS, and even Icon overall. I also have two pliers by Icon and have been very impressed with the quality and durability. For just one brand, Knipex. For a budget, then I'd go Icon for the basics and then Knipex and whatever else. Most of my pliers are Knipex, then NWS, then various brands.
 

moemc

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Mar 12, 2025
Messages
356
I have 3 Wiha pliers and all 3 of them I would rather have my money back. That said, I have seen plenty of people that love them.
 
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moemc

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Mar 12, 2025
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356
Why does everybody try their hardest to avoid ICON? Like the Borg, eventually you will be assimilated.
I can't speak for anyone elses reasons, but I own a small US based manufacturing company and several of my products have been copy-cat by competitors who have them made overseas. I will almost always buy the "real deal" unless its priced at "f*** you" pricing. Which Snap-On is, lmao, so there is that. I have bit and I think I have 3 of the Icon Snap-on Knockoffs. But I am not proud of it, it just occured due to my drive for consumerism being slightly stronger than my morality :D
 
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natas2000

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Jan 18, 2011
Messages
250
Why does everybody try their hardest to avoid ICON? Like the Borg, eventually you will be assimilated.
I haven't , just bought the new G2 stubby today, but the Wiha looks better, but I forgot it's just Taiwan tools with German prices.
 
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natas2000

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Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
250
Icon is nice but they have flaws and the price isn't the best always. i also have liked Wiha too.
A lot of people on here are 100% Icon only or 100% Snap on no in between.
 

Nobody-named-Olli

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Jan 9, 2025
Messages
1,550
Location
North Rhine-Westphalia; Germany
From my experience and in my opinion, Wiha currently makes the best multi blade VDE insulated screwdriver system with their “slimLine” lineup. From the fit, finish & quality of bits/blades to no-nonsense torque adapters & choice of regular handle or battery powered driver (SpeedE II) - all interchangeable & compatible. And I would not hesitate to recommend that to anyone asking & I’m myself “invested” in this system.

I also really like their PicoFinish electronics screwdrivers very much and their pocket/foldable HEX and TORX keys.

I have a pair of electrical installation pliers branded by Würth that I think comes from Wiha or they share the same OEM. It serves a specific purpose and does well at that. Still I would not generally recommend Wiha pliers.

The socket sets are absolutely nothing special at all and I would avoid them at all cost. This thread sounded familiar and indeed, I wrote about this before:




Kind regards,
Olli
 

KnurledNut

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Jan 28, 2011
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n/a
Wiha or Icon pliers?
I own some of both.
It really depends on the end use. They are not one in the same regarding application.

Icon are targeted for automotive repair and grease monkeys, just like Snap-on.
For instance, you're not getting an Icon linemans, but they do have the 3 position slip joints.
Grips are only available in one style, the nonslip cushion.
IMO, the line is quite limited in overall selection.

Wiha, are designed largely for tradesmen, craft-technicians, precision electronics, and mechanical installers.
They offer a much wider selection of features for those targeted professionals.
For instance, the circlip pliers have a unique profile called Magictip that aids in retention. (The Icon circlip pliers are pretty lackluster, IMO.)
The high leverage BiCuts are another unique tool and work very well.
Even their basic pliers have some subtle additions like the exterior crosshatch on the linemans.
Grip options are standard dipped, two component, high voltage insulated, or ESD.
Wiha's pliers range is much more extensive in sizes, patterns, and finishes.
With all that said, I do wish they still made pliers in Switzerland and Germany.

Pliers are much like screwdrivers when it comes to ergonomics. They are rarely one size fits all. I don't really care for Snap-on or Icon plier design. They are too straight and wide for my preference and end up being uncomfortable with extended use. I find the Wiha profile to be more comfortable in my hand, especially the two component grips. But then you have to consider, these probably wouldn't fare well in an automotive environment.

I try to be open-minded when making tool choices and I often find that the popular opinions here are not always the best for me personally.
:beer:
 
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