snap ring pliers, ICON = best?

[Spike00513]

Needed snap ring pliers for years now occasionally. I should probably get it.

That being said,
what do you all think is the current best?
In the past, I'd say Knipex. I have certain Knipex tools and it was a clear easy choice, when their competition alternatives are usually much shittier.
However, ICON has probably come out with their version a year ago, claiming to compete with Matco. Which I'm sure is just re-branded Knipex on the red handle.

Problem is, Knipex set is $200. And it's probably best to get a whole set to have all of them if needed. Such as rebuilding an axle if it uses a circlip.
Or transmission internal work.



but ICON? Amazingly affordable. $60.
Is it as good/same quality?



I think cheapies are out of the question. I used to have a set. Figured anything was better than nothing.
The "quick change" heads are hard to swap. The metal is weak and soft. The tips are too wide. And the round tips are too thick to fit into any real circlip holes, requiring grinding that makes them even more weak.

One thing that is annoying about Icon sets is that even though they have lifetime warranty through a nearby physical store, it is not like a tool truck stocking tools that can replace a broken one individually.
Breaking one Icon tool means getting a weird look and them asking you to swap the whole entire set even if the other 7/8 are perfectly fine. Seems like a waste of resources.

 

[lardy1]

I looked at the various Knipex and the limited Capri forged set. I don't live near a Harbor Freight so I don't buy Icon tools. I'm pretty impressed with the concept of forged but can't justify the expense of buying all the various sizes and configurations. Maybe if I was a pro using them daily. I ended up buying the 12 pc. Lang set and so far they haven't disappointed. I really do see the attraction to forged, though. Good luck.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The lang set of reversable ones is a pretty popular choice. Knipex is my preference if you're buying singles. I have a couple nice pair in common sizes from knipex, and use the lang set for the rest.

If you're breaking tips regularly, rattle the snap rings around their perimeter with an air hammer to help knock them loose. IME the only reason tips break is fighting frozen rings. If you have replacements, you can also use a pencil point bit to dig into the ring and help pull each ear to help break the rust. If you dont have a replacement ring, be gentle playing with the air hammer. My main use is wheel bearings, and I prefer to use the pliers only to spread the ring just enough to wedge a flathead screwdriver in there and walk them out.

 

[billt460]

Remember, we're talking about Snap Ring Pliers here. How much force / torque do you think you'll be applying? We're not talking cylinder head bolts here. Forged steel really isn't necessary in a tool of this caliber. Knipex tools are ungodly expensive for what they offer. I purchased a set of Knipex 12" V-Jaw Water Pump Pliers for $50.00. And while their quality is certainly good, I honestly don't think they're any better than the exact same product that I own from Crescent and Vise-Grip, (Irwin), that cost one third as much. With that said, it's your money, buy what you think will make you happy.

 

[Fedwrench]

Have you looked at Astro? they used to offer some nice snap ring pliers. They even had some longer ones.

 

[bwringer]

Are the Icon pliers the same as Knipex? Of course not.

Are they perfectly serviceable at a far more reasonable price? Absolutely. They're light-years stronger and easier to use than any convertible tool or anything made from crappy sheet metal.

If you break an Icon tool, you'll also break a Knipex; as noted above, there's no snap ring plier on the planet that will withstand being misused to muscle a rusty, stuck snap ring from its home. They're precision tools, and there's a limit to how much force you can put through those teensy tips, no matter how Germanic the steel is.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have Matco and Williams sets, the Matco I keep at the shop and the Williams in my home box.

Both are great, the Matco has the "fast adjust" to swap between internal and external, which is very nice.

I also really like the Williams, though they haven't seen much use. Occasionally, but not often.

The Matcos I have are different than the Knipex shown, although Matco does rebadge a lot of Knipex.

If you don't have access to a Matco truck, I would be very happy with the Knipex.

I wouldn't want anything from harbor freight in the snap ring department. Even if they were free, I'd pass them along to someone else. If one of those little tips snaps off and sends a tensioned ring flying across the shop, never to be seen again, they'd be going in the dumpster. Not worth the risk for chinesium tools.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I really like my Knipex (same set as pictured) as they don't flex at all. I also have a set of Lang reversibles which are nice, but just aren't as stout as the Knipex.

 

[javyLSU]

I had that set of Icon snap ring pliers and wound up returning them. The tips on several of the pliers were malformed, or didn't lean the correct way to hold the snap rings (remember, those are non-reversible pliers). I wound up biting the bullet and buying a 7 piece set of the new version Snap-on pliers. The strong and correct tip forging, great grips, and the push-button release by which you can convert each pair from internal to external were what really sold me.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Around here at least, harbor freight will break up a set to replace an individual piece, but the manager will also get the discretion to just swap the whole set out for the customer.

 

[M635_Guy]

For occasional use, I'd probably go with the Icon set. The Capri is also really nice for similar $$ if 7-in fits the bill.

I'm a big fan of Knipex (and really dislike the usability of Crescent and most Irwin tools I've had), but I'd only invest that much $$$ in tools I use often.

 

[MrPink]

I have the OEM 25356 set which has since been replaced by the 25397 it's not a bad set at all. It has seen heavy use over the years.

 

[John Timmins]

I needed to remove 1 1/2 and 2 inch snap rings. I took them to the Snap On truck and left with the plier I needed for $20 cash. Buy the best you can find and only buy once.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Knipex snap ring pliers are the gold standard when it comes to the tips and how well the tips fit. The Lang ones would be the ones to go for if you are on a budget. As for a Harbor Freight claiming to compete with Knipex, that's just their typical loud mouth advertising. Claiming to be competitive with Snap on means nothing if you release tools like Icon ratchets and are forced to recall them right away. HF's premium snap ring pliers are likely made in Taiwan. Comparing their tools with Matco doesn't add anything to perceived quality to anyone who is well informed about Matco tools. Mac and Matco have too many rebranded made in Taiwan and China tools of questionable quality in their tool lines. I'm not sure what Matco has in their catalog for snap ring pliers. If it is rebranded Knipex, I'll bet there is a 99 percent chance it says made in Germany on the forged metal part of the handle. Even the rebranded Craftsman cobras I have say made in Germany on it.

 

[paulsomlo]

If you buy the Knipex through German Amazon, Amazon.de, you'll save a bunch of money. I'm showing $136 delivered to USA, and if you want the Gedore set of 8, it'll cost you $120 delivered: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B002RA7UYK/

I bought the Knipex set of 8 and 4 other singles to round out the set, spent $150 total.

The Gedore set gets good reviews here on GJ.

 

[Steve_P]

OP, the Knipex in your pic are the piano wire tips; these should be the most durable option possible. I have them, they're awesome, and yes they are expensive. The Icon is not in the same league IMO. I can see this from zooming in on the Icon pic.
I would get Lang if you're cost conscious and Knipex piano wire if you want the best.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Remember, we're talking about Snap Ring Pliers here. How much force / torque do you think you'll be applying? We're not talking cylinder head bolts here. Forged steel really isn't necessary in a tool of this caliber. Knipex tools are ungodly expensive for what they offer. I purchased a set of Knipex 12" V-Jaw Water Pump Pliers for $50.00. And while their quality is certainly good, I honestly don't think they're any better than the exact same product that I own from Crescent and Vise-Grip, (Irwin), that cost one third as much. With that said, it's your money, buy what you think will make you happy.

Snap rings are spring steel, i.e. extremely hard. Snap ring pliers without replaceable tips need to be made of quality steel and properly heat treated.

 

[toddmorr]

Take a look at tsunoda snap ring pliers, about 20 each but superb quality, piano wire tips angled just so, really helps.
Japanese


Sent from my SM-G970U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Spike00513]

So basically

Snap-On vs Knipex

 

[billt460]

Snap rings are spring steel, i.e. extremely hard. Snap ring pliers without replaceable tips need to be made of quality steel and properly heat treated.

You're not trying to cut them. You are simply applying tension to remove / install them. If they're frozen in place by rust and / or corrosion, you'll break the most expensive forged steel snap ring pliers. My wife can apply enough force required to collapse a properly installed snap ring. You don't need a $200.00 set of forged steel, snap ring pliers to do 99% of the jobs you'll come across. It's one thing to simply want the best. It's another trying to justify it.

 

[anndel]

Lang tools 3495 12 pc set, $75 from Amazon.com

Amazon.com: Lang Tools (3495) 12-Piece Fixed Tip Combination Internal/External Snap Ring Pliers Set: Automotive

Buy Lang Tools (3495) 12-Piece Fixed Tip Combination Internal/External Snap Ring Pliers Set: Snap-Ring Pliers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[matt_i]

I used to sweat and hate snap rings. Had several sets of convertible and one-size-fits-all pliers with multi-tips. Screwdrivers of course.

Then I got Knipex.

Its as easy as a hex nut now.

The critical part imo is that little cantilevered tip, and the properly developed material strength at the root of the cantilever. The Knipex are very slightly angled from parallel if you look closely. Its a different direction between internal and external pliers. Perfect piece of engineering detail that keeps the rings from sliding or snapping off at an unexpected moment. Once they're "hooked" they are on!

 

[billt460]

Lang tools 3495 12 pc set, $75 from Amazon.com

I can't imagine ANY snap ring that set could not remove, that a Knipex set would.

 

[AJHD]

I had that set of Icon snap ring pliers and wound up returning them. The tips on several of the pliers were malformed, or didn't lean the correct way to hold the snap rings (remember, those are non-reversible pliers). I wound up biting the bullet and buying a 7 piece set of the new version Snap-on pliers. The strong and correct tip forging, great grips, and the push-button release by which you can convert each pair from internal to external were what really sold me.

I did the exact same thing. The Icon version were too inconsistent, one pair even had a broken tip. Funny too because I remember the manager at HF telling me they don't have a lifetime warranty, I pointed to the box where "Lifetime Warranty" is printed directly on the damn thing. Problem solved.

The Snap On version with the push button are outstanding. Expensive and they don't see much use, but I have no regrets buying them.

 

[Rabid Badger]

You're not trying to cut them. You are simply applying tension to remove / install them. If they're frozen in place by rust and / or corrosion, you'll break the most expensive forged steel snap ring pliers. My wife can apply enough force required to collapse a properly installed snap ring. You don't need a $200.00 set of forged steel, snap ring pliers to do 99% of the jobs you'll come across. It's one thing to simply want the best. It's another trying to justify it.

I never said anything about price.

I said the material they're made from matters, and I'm correct.

 

[Zewnten]

Coworker bought an Icon set when they first came out and used them pretty much daily on very big equipment drivelines and they held up fine.

 

[Al Borland]

So knocking the flux off welding rods and bending them into a tight "V" like hot dog tongs isn't the correct tool?
Good to know.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

When getting them warrantied most won’t give you the whole set. They break open a set give you the one you need and then put tape on the set and discount the rest. I personally don’t believe the Icon are rebranded Knipex. Edit: misread the post yes most likely the Matco is rebranded Knipex.

 

[infinite97]

If you buy the Knipex through German Amazon, Amazon.de, you'll save a bunch of money. I'm showing $136 delivered to USA, and if you want the Gedore set of 8, it'll cost you $120 delivered: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B002RA7UYK/

I bought the Knipex set of 8 and 4 other singles to round out the set, spent $150 total.

The Gedore set gets good reviews here on GJ.

Thanks for that tip. I would have never thought to order from amazon.de. Now I just have to wait ~2 weeks for delivery

~$55 cheaper than kctool, btw.

 

[CJM8515]

idk i been pretty happy with the icon set, no issues. but i do also have channel locks that convert with removable tips that work well too

 

[Spike00513]

So what's best then?

Snap-On, Knipex, or Gedore?
from what I'm hearing ICON may not be as good as them

Snap-On seems like a good idea. If you have access to a tool truck, they're available every week if one needs to be warrantied. Not sure how that'd work with Knipex.
I just don't understand why their website (SO) has a million selections for the snap ring pliers that appear to still be essentially the same thing.
Like 50 different ads for the same thing that visually looks the same but has a different base part number
I understand the whole different colors thing
and they're decently priced

Obviously asking the truck guy may not help; they could just try selling you whatever they want to sell you to make the sale/commission (especially if it means offloading inventory already on their truck vs ordering in)
regardless of what you may be looking for/need

edit: now that I look into it maybe there is only two differences in SO: (green) SRPC112G vs SRPCR112G, whatever that additional 'R' means.

website acts like SRPCR112G is newer and better.
saying it's forged stronger metal formula, quicker button operation, etc.
$423, insane
not gonna be an easy find on eBay either. It shows none listed.
Back to looking at alternatives

at this point might even be a good idea to just try the Icons for $60 due to better to have something rather than nothing, and worst case scenario if they end up sucking *** trying to return them by asking nicely "Look I bought these snap ring pliers to use on snap rings. It says on the box they operate snap rings. And when I tried to use them on a snap ring, they couldn't operate the ******* snap ring" (minus the "****" part) at which point hopefully they'll understand the sense in that and accept a return... (IF they don't work; fingers crossed they actually would)
SO to remove a snap ring once a year for $430 is kind of insane and seems only justifiable for someone who uses it daily such as a transmission rebuilder

am reading that universal means straight tangs whereas dedicated non-universal pliers are bent outward for better grip
in which case it sounds like Knipex or Gedore would be the best

 

[rshimizu12]

Have not tried Knipex. Personally I use a variety of different snap-ring pliers. The OTC snap ring pliers are okay. But OTC tools are way over priced.

 

[billt460]

........$423, insane........ at this point might even be a good idea to just try the Icons for $60........ SO to remove a snap ring once a year for $430 is kind of insane and seems only justifiable for someone who uses it daily such as a transmission rebuilder......

$430 for a tool to remove snap rings is INSANE, regardless of how many times you use them. At some point value has to kick in. At $430.00 there is none. None at all. These things are nothing more than a pair of pliers with pointed, hardened and tempered tips. That's it. Anyone defending these kind of prices for a tool like this is being foolish... Period. And don't try to tell me the difference in heat treating and materials for a dozen pointed tips, adds up to an additional $363.00. That's preposterous.

They get away with charging these ridiculous prices, only because idiots will pay it. A $60.00 set of Icon's is more than sufficient for ANY snap ring job you'll ever run up against. And will give more than adequate service..... For anyone. If they ever do break, you return them for a replacement. The same as you would any other tool, regardless of how much it costs. And to come back and say they're more likely to break, simply cannot be proven. Anymore than saying a Lexus will last longer than a similar model Toyota, given the same care and use. Only because it costs more.

Something is wrong in this country, when we have people who will spend almost a half a grand on what amounts to nothing more than a fancy set of pliers...... Then complain when gas goes up 75 cents a gallon. As I said, zero sense of monetary value.

 

[demarpaint]

I'm very happy the the set of Knipex snap-ring pliers I bought about 2 or so years ago.

 

[javyLSU]

$423 is for 12 pliers in a blow-molded case, filled with tool storage foam. It’s $35/pliers, with the case and foam included.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

$423 is for 12 pliers in a blow-molded case, filled with tool storage foam. It’s $35/pliers, with the case and foam included.

12 reversable pliers, meaning non reversable pliers/brands would require 24 pliers to match the coverage.

I dont believe knipex makes reversable models, however reversable models are inherently a bit bulkier. Pluses and minuses.

 

[javyLSU]

So what's best then?

Snap-On, Knipex, or Gedore?
from what I'm hearing ICON may not be as good as them

Snap-On seems like a good idea. If you have access to a tool truck, they're available every week if one needs to be warrantied. Not sure how that'd work with Knipex.
I just don't understand why their website (SO) has a million selections for the snap ring pliers that appear to still be essentially the same thing.
Like 50 different ads for the same thing that visually looks the same but has a different base part number
I understand the whole different colors thing
and they're decently priced

Obviously asking the truck guy may not help; they could just try selling you whatever they want to sell you to make the sale/commission (especially if it means offloading inventory already on their truck vs ordering in)
regardless of what you may be looking for/need

edit: now that I look into it maybe there is only two differences in SO: (green) SRPC112G vs SRPCR112G, whatever that additional 'R' means.

website acts like SRPCR112G is newer and better.
saying it's forged stronger metal formula, quicker button operation, etc.
$423, insane
not gonna be an easy find on eBay either. It shows none listed.
Back to looking at alternatives

at this point might even be a good idea to just try the Icons for $60 due to better to have something rather than nothing, and worst case scenario if they end up sucking *** trying to return them by asking nicely "Look I bought these snap ring pliers to use on snap rings. It says on the box they operate snap rings. And when I tried to use them on a snap ring, they couldn't operate the ******* snap ring" (minus the "****" part) at which point hopefully they'll understand the sense in that and accept a return... (IF they don't work; fingers crossed they actually would)
SO to remove a snap ring once a year for $430 is kind of insane and seems only justifiable for someone who uses it daily such as a transmission rebuilder

am reading that universal means straight tangs whereas dedicated non-universal pliers are bent outward for better grip
in which case it sounds like Knipex or Gedore would be the best

The additional “R” in the part number indicates the new set. The pliers are still the same quick-release reversible design, but the case has been redesigned to include removable tool storage foam that matches the color of the pliers.

Old set (in red):



New set (in green):

 

[jonshonda]

Off topic, but that case is a terrible waste of space!

 

[ChevyEFI]

Snap-On

I bought the forged SnapOn only in the tip sizes I needed. I didn't buy all the 180 / 45 / 90 angle pairs. And they were a knurled screw, not the button release. This was after I put cheapies from Craftsman to good use for a few years. No regrets. LOL at the full set being a waste. Well, no ****, Sherlock. But they're not overpriced.

 

[Legion Prime]

Something is wrong in this country, when we have people who will spend almost a half a grand on what amounts to nothing more than a fancy set of pliers...... Then complain when gas goes up 75 cents a gallon. As I said, zero sense of monetary value.

Having used both quality and cheap snap ring pliers, I will say If you have to deal with more than one snap ring ever in your lifetime it is absolutely worth paying for a quality snap ring plier. If you buy a quality snap ring plier set you're probably never going to buy another as if you do ever manage to screw one up you're just going to get it replaced under warranty. Now amortize that cost over a thirty, forty plus year career. How often do you buy gas? Now multiply that by how many gallons you buy. Now multiply that by 75¢. Now multiply that for every year you will own that vehicle. Now multiply that by how many vehicles you have in your household.