Snapring pliers

[kvom]

Yesterday I wanted to swap out the u-joints on my Jeep's front axle. These are held in place with snap rings. My ChannelLock pliers came with tips that were too small for the rings. I called for help and tool the shafts over to a buddy's place; he came out with a box full of various Snap-On pliers, and in a fairly short amout of time we took off the 8 old rings and later got the new rings in.

I don't need a complete set of pliers like he has, but I would like one that fits the size ring that these axles use.

Any recommendations for pliers that might be a bit less pricy than SO?

I'm not sure if I can get bigger tips for the ChannelLock?

[eschoendorff]

I would look at K/D. They seem to be cost effective. Used to be USA made, but are probably from Taiwan now...


http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdspec18.html

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TTW240.html

[SteveU]

Knipex makes some good ones www.aktoolsonline.com is where I will be getting mine from.

[billymade]

There is a reason why the better brands have so many different sizes; if you try to get one that "does it all" they tend to not work very well; they usually slip off the clip when you try to use them. Good plier sets of this type tend to be expensive, no matter who you end up buying from. If you know the size you need; one by itself shouldn't be too bad. Sears has a number of brands they offer here:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=snap+ring+pliers&gobutton.x=0&gobutton.y=0&gobutton=find

[ImportTuner]

Knipex makes some good ones www.aktoolsonline.com is where I will be getting mine from.

+1 ... aktoolsonline.com is a great place to buy Knipex tools; good prices and fast delivery ... :)