Any substitute Cir-clips for JE pistons?

[mike sampsel]

Install of JE provided cir-clips in JE piston bore for rod pin is a real challenge.
The stomski tool helps but it’s still a struggle to seat the clips.

As such I wonder if some slightly less stout clips might be available?
And would I want to use them with my JE pistons.

Some whining:
And here I though after I got all my pistons ringed and in my cylinders it would be smooth sailing. Not any easier with a bumb dominant thumb installing these clips

[mike sampsel]

Well sometimes a whiner finds an acorn!

Went to stemski video on how to use his tool, followed method.
Holding it at an angle to the piston rather than flush and I had circlip inserted in its groove in about five minutes. Right technique made all the difference

[Jonny042]

You'll be amused at the lengths I went to, to get the Stomski tool to work....... had I watched the video I would have saved a lot of trouble. The circlip nonsense starts on page 34.

Project Heavy Metal - an all steel classic, remastered

I dislocated my dominant (right) thumb 6 or 7 weeks ago. I feel your pain, literally.

[faapgar]

After 2,500 plus motors he comes out with a great tool.Never had been a problem until the JE Clips.

[Jeff Alton]

Years ago I stuck a modified screw driver literally almost through my had with these bastard JE clips... Thread is here somewhere. Then I bought the Stomski tools, we use them on all aircooled builds. Porsche has a similar, thought longer tool, for the water cooled motors. Makes things much easier....

Cheers

[mike sampsel]

@ Johny042 interesting documentation on the circlips from JE. I see you trimmed yours a bit.
I’ve installed three of my left hand circlips per my photo. Funny how one took thirty tries to get in and another went in on the first try. Number 3 piston went first try, guessing because it was easiest to get all at the proper angle. I talked to a pro at Pclub breakfast this morning he told me he just uses a screwdriver (properly shaped) but they aren’t JE (sadist designed) circlips either.

Lucky a wise mentor told me to leave off my bottom studs for now. It makes things easier. I might try trimming my clips if I get too far behind.