Knipex vs Icon snap ring pliers

[Mgdoug3]

I have always been a fan of Knipex snap ring pliers. I had a pair of internal and external pliers but one went missing after loaning it out. I was going to buy another one but then came across the Icon set. The Icon set is ok but I got tired of snap rings flying across the shop.

The Knipex retains the snap ring much better because the tips have more of an angle. Icon is probably 90% just as good as the Knipex and for the occasional use, the Icon is fine. I got tired of multiple attempts trying to get the snap ring out on wrist pin bushings I decided I needed to up grade.

I really want a complete set now but having one pair of internal and external pliers is enough for now. The Icon set I'll still use but those will be the ones I let other people use.

I thought about posting on previous threads of Icon vs Knipex but I didn't want to revive an old thread. Icon is a decent value but Knipex is the much better set.

 

[GeoBruin]

Don't be afraid to "work" on the icons. I ran into a tricky snap ring in the head of an old drill press once and I had to beat the tips of the icon pliers on the anvil to get them where I needed them, plus dress them up a little with a file.

Turns out, they were all around better after that.

 

[tarbellb]

Check out this set, pretty sure these are rebranded Knipex (looks exactly like my set just black)

on sale too $96

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

 

[paulsomlo]

The Knipex set can be had much cheaper on Amazon.de, German Amazon. Although, the Gedore set is probably more bang for the buck.

 

[Mr_B]

The tips being angled is biggest difference between proper manufacture design and the average midrange stuff .
dressing a slight tapered ridge on leading side of tips with a small disc/file can make big difference and turn midrange sets into perfect function tool .
I had some no brand 9 & 12" sets off eBay back in day of silly prices and 20% coupon codes and with little tweak they been good usable tool with no tip failures yet .

Is a coupon for ICON set for today ...

 

[Madjik Man]

I just bought the 4pc set of Knipex on Amazon.de delivered (expedited for $68).

The Icon set at $50 is enticing but I’m going with Knipex’s reputation and quality on this one.

I have the old school reversible Channel Lock with exchangeable tips… kind of a pain in the **** honestly.

I figured the 4pc set is a great start for me. If I want to buy other angled pieces at a later date over time then I can have the full set…

 

[AirMech#406]

Good thoughts doug. I was actually looking into getting the ICON set for my work tool box. But your info makes me think ill look elsewhere. What are yalls thoughts on the Wiha snap ring pliers? They look like quality pliers, but im curious what people who have used them have to say.

 

[infinite97]

I bought the Knipex set, too.

Have a proto set for my midrange, and an OTC set for my big boys.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I think the quality difference can be summed by by saying hobby vs pro grade. The Icon is better than those replaceable tip pliers but the Knipex are top of the line. For the occasional use, Icon is probably fine. If you need to count on tools for a living or short on time, get the Knipex.

 

[kdeboy]

I just got an Icon 3/8 ratchet. Haven't had it long enough to abuse it yet so these are just first impressions.

Pros: fit and finish is excellent, on par with my Snap-On ratchets; very smooth, but not quite as smooth as the Snap-On; price; Harbor Freight is only about 5 minutes from my house if I ever need to warranty it.

Cons: it bothers me that it's such a blatant rip-off of the Snap-On ratchet; listening to people who apparently have no appreciation of R&D costs, QC costs, environmental/safety/etc. regulatory costs of manufacturing in the US complaining about the cost of Snap-On tools.

Will I buy more Icon? Probably, but I'd buy Snap-On if I could afford to - imo they are not over priced, just out of my (current) budget. For pliers I'm sticking with Knipex though.

 

[nbpt100]

I have the 8 piece Icon snap ring plyers. My only complaint is the return springs seem a bit weak. They have done the job on larger sized snap rings. I have never used the Knipex. If I ever do i can give an objective comparison. I am an occasional snap ring plyer user.

I am in the market for a smaller snap ring set. The Icon won't handle smaller sizes. I have a reversible with removable tips I got at NAPA 15 yrs ago. I do not like it. It has a lot of slop in it. Similar to the Chanel Lock and the Quinn. I may look at Knipex since I have a greater need for the smaller sizes.

People here have said good things about the Lang set.

 

[CJM8515]

icon makes a nicer smaller set, i bought it not to long ago at HF