Snap Ring Pliers
 

what do you have, how do you like them? Mine went the way of that missing sock, so trying to decide on replacement.

I have some channellocks with interchangeable tips that are OK. I don't love switching tips, but since I'm not a pro, these are 'good enough' and the tips seem to be hardened with accurate pins that hold the clip well.

Both innies and outties. Shaved down one pair, have two. Not branded. They do the job for a/c. Pressure switches, clutches.

Red handled reversible snap ring pliers in the center.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1651541375.jpg

Piston ring and other pliers at the bottom right.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1651541375.jpg

Just spend the $20 and get the 4 piece set. One each inner and outer, straight and 90 degree. Even the cheap Chinese ones will work better than the interchangeable tips or reversible action.

Guess I'll take a flyer with these...most I can lose is 40 bucks, yes? Might need 'em only once per year or so, but when you need 'em, you need 'em.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-snap-ring-pliers-4-pc-57796.html?_br_psugg_q=snap+ring+pliers

I just blew out an entire set on a rear wheel bearing for my dirt bike.

Needed something with some beef to it.

"Snap Ring Pliers" are one of those tools you can't cheap out on.

So get the best you can afford. (I have Snap-On and Knipex)

I have a cheap 4 PC set from Harbor Freight, a cheap set from a local auto parts store . These are fixed tips . They work ok for occasional use. I also have a " better quality " set with replaceable tips also bought from local parts store . The better quality are my go to set , they easily out perform the cheap ones .

I have a pair of Craftsman pliers. They work great, cost around $30.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1651590883.jpg

^

These are mine, I got the blue handles.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1651594476.jpg

That set of 8 Knipex in the fitted case are drool-worthy.

Can't believe anyone would recommend the harbor freight set but I've never used a 'good set', Shirley they can't all be so bad?

The harbor freight set might be made of black painted aluminum, or maybe they're made of butter? The pins just bend when removing circlip from truck hub. I hate them so much. 3 of the 4 are broken and gone but I've got one piece left that I've been babying.

Okay..changed my mind..got nervous of Harbor Freight quality. ordered these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KNIPEX-Precision-Snap-Ring-Pliers-Set-in-Tool-Roll-4-Piece-00-19-57/304198761

Snap ring pliers!
The cheap ones might work with little stuff, but you need real ones for any actual mechanical work.
No universal crap.
I bought a set of Proto's years ago after cursing the tool gods so many times.

Yep. When you get to the really big snap rings, these are pretty much required.

Knipex makes amazing plyers. Snap On sells them on their truck as well as.

Cheers

Not called snap rings, I call them Jesus clips, that is the first thing out of my mouth as they slip from the pliers and shoot across the room. Years ago I was trying to install a 6" HD internal Jesus clip into a bore, the owner of the company walks into the room as the clip slipped, missed his head by about 10" and left a dent in the drywall, he turned around and walked out.

LOL! "gawdamnit" clips also works...one of those things engineered by Satan. I'm hoping the knipex will work better than the cheapy ones I used to have. Still wondering where they walked off to. Probably a long ago loan to a friend that didn't come back.