As has already been pointed out - Snap On acquired CDI and CDI manufacturers the Snap On branded split beam torque wrench in the USA. As for the ICON split beam, Harbor Freight owns the ICON brand and Harbor Freight commissioned a Taiwanese manufacturer to basically copy the CDI/Snap On design (the Taiwanese manufacturer already made a copy, but Harbor Freight would have had them customize it even more with the ICON branding to resemble the Snap On). That said, the channel “Tools Tested” tested both torque wrenches and the ICON was close to or even better in some cases than the Snap On. So, the ICON is more than just a copy - it’s probably the best high quality/ high accuracy split beam torque you can buy anywhere close to its price point. Personally, I’d prefer the made in USA Snap On, but I’m not spending $525 for the Snap On. I ended up buying the ICON 1/2” for around $112 - $119 with either a 15% or 20% off everything coupon. One last note, the ICON is warranted for life. The Snap On is warranted for 2 yrs.
ICON makes lookalike tools. It’s like making a Ferrari kit car instead of buying a Ferrari. It’s not even close to the real thing, but some people are thrilled with it. Snap On designs and builds tools to a SPEC, not a price point.
As has already been pointed out - Snap On acquired CDI and CDI manufacturers the Snap On branded split beam torque wrench in the USA.
As for the ICON split beam, Harbor Freight owns the ICON brand and Harbor Freight commissioned a Taiwanese manufacturer to basically copy the CDI/Snap On design (the Taiwanese manufacturer already made a copy, but Harbor Freight would have had them customize it even more with the ICON branding to resemble the Snap On). That said, the channel “Tools Tested” tested both torque wrenches and the ICON was close to or even better in some cases than the Snap On. So, the ICON is more than just a copy - it’s probably the best high quality/ high accuracy split beam torque you can buy anywhere close to its price point.
Personally, I’d prefer the made in USA Snap On, but I’m not spending $525 for the Snap On. I ended up buying the ICON 1/2” for around $112 - $119 with either a 15% or 20% off everything coupon.
One last note, the ICON is warranted for life. The Snap On is warranted for 2 yrs.
The snap on torque wrench is made in California by CDI which is owned by snap on. The Icon is made in Taiwan, looks like they just copied the design
ICON makes lookalike tools. It’s like making a Ferrari kit car instead of buying a Ferrari. It’s not even close to the real thing, but some people are thrilled with it. Snap On designs and builds tools to a SPEC, not a price point.