Which Snap Ring Pliers to buy?

[mayday0017]

I am in the market for some good snap ring pliers and I know there are some really bad ones to stay away from. Which sets does everyone recommend (looking for best bang for buck not Snapon). Also what sets should I stay away from?

Currently I am considering the OTC 8 piece set....
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQMIZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do prefer tools with excellent warranty that can be exchanged locally and will pay a little extra for this but I won't pay double to have a local warranty. A quality tool should never need the warranty but it is nice to have because things to happen sometimes.

 

[5mall5nail5]

Knipex!

 

[scaltura]

I got a set of Channellock today , nice !

 

[Jure]

knipex..

 

[archirelic]

I've got a set of these Knipex and they're awesome.

I also have a pair of these Craftsman that i carry in my Veto and they've held up remarkably well.

 

[tyndall]

I've got a set of these Knipex and they're awesome.

Knipex Precision. Can't get better at any price.

 

[Chuck122]

I heard kastar made the cam-lock type for SK and snap-on

 

[6-Holer]

+1 Knipex! (......make you throw rocks at anything else!)

 

[cookefab]

Kastar! Start w/ the 3 piece set that includes the large ratcheting model...that should take of 90% of what anyone could run into...Shop around, as the list is like $110, but they can be found for <$70...

Yes, they are the OEM for Snap On, Cornwell and some Matco...

They also make standard type snap ring pliers sets that include more specialized offerings...

I'm pretty sure the set you spec'ed is Kastar made. Try a search by replacing OTC w/ Kastar - keep the part #...

aetools.com is the website for Star/Kastar/ Lang...

 

[Hiball]

I heard kastar made the cam-lock type for SK and snap-on

Kastar! Start w/ the 3 piece set that includes the large ratcheting model...that should take of 90% of what anyone could run into...Shop around, as the list is like $110, but they can be found for <$70...

Yes, they are the OEM for Snap On, Cornwell and some Matco...

They also make standard type snap ring pliers sets that include more specialized offerings...

Stride more importantly the Imperial division is the OEM for for the "Cam Lock" along with the Standard, Qtr-turn snap ring pliers for Many brands including alot of the Truck brands, KD, Craftsman etc.. etc... This does NOT include the Snap on Forged Pliers.

There are Literally 100's of Snap ring discussion threads here at GJ...

 

[Hiball]

I am in the market for some good snap ring pliers and I know there are some really bad ones to stay away from. Which sets does everyone recommend (looking for best bang for buck not Snapon). Also what sets should I stay away from?

Currently I am considering the OTC 8 piece set....
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQMIZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do prefer tools with excellent warranty that can be exchanged locally and will pay a little extra for this but I won't pay double to have a local warranty. A quality tool should never need the warranty but it is nice to have because things to happen sometimes.

Im fairly certain those are Imports, You can find a Nice Stride/Imperial Set for around the same price if you look hard enough. Again... They Oem for Cornwell, Mac, Snap on (non forged), KD, Blackhawk, Older Craftsman and of course there own Imperial branded sets.

 

[sberry]

A 50$ set is a bargain. Hard to go wrong, no need for buyers remorse.

 

[Hiball]

A 50$ set is a bargain. Hard to go wrong, no need for buyers remorse.

Knowledge is Power.. If i gave $50 bucks for Snap Ring Plier and found out i could buy the same thing for $17 I would have some Remorse..

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-9401-10-Piece-Pliers/dp/B0014DKIK4/ref=sr_1_2?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1365458638&sr=1-2&keywords=set

Scared of the Astro Pneumatic Brand.. Here is a Grip On set that is $31..

Hope that helps with any Remorse issues..

 

[cookefab]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB6TG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here ya go...

I was wrong on the OTC rebrand...it probably is 'Nese made, knowing OTC...

 

[Hiball]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB6TG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here ya go...

I was wrong on the OTC rebrand...it probably is 'Nese made, knowing OTC...

And im Fairly certain those Are OEM'd by Stride..

 

[cookefab]

And im Fairly certain those Are OEM'd by Stride..

I checked both websites...pliers are similar, but Stride uses levers for in/out change, Kastar uses pins...cases are completely different...???

The Strides do look viable...I've just had my Kastar for 15+ years...

 

[Hiball]

I checked both websites...pliers are similar, but Stride uses levers for in/out change, Kastar uses pins...cases are completely different...???

The Strides do look viable...I've just had my Kastar for 15+ years...

I believe your confusing "quarter turn" and there "standard" style.. A quick picture of your Kastar snap ring pliers will tell the real story, stride produced pliers have a makers mark on them.

 

[Farmall450]

These Irwin's aren't bad at $20.

 

[mech-tech]

My only advice is no matter what brand ya go with...make sure the larger sizer pliers have comfotable handles. The narrow ones tend to be painful when ya gotta start squeezing hard to get a snap ring out.

 

[Farmall450]

My only advice is no matter what brand ya go with...make sure the larger sizer pliers have comfotable handles. The narrow ones tend to be painful when ya gotta start squeezing hard to get a snap ring out.

good call

 

[Thunderbisciut]

Nws <-----

 

[mattfunk]

I'm really happy with my Mac set and I got a great deal online for them.
Guy at work has had a set for almost 10 year and never had issues.

 

[cookefab]

I believe your confusing "quarter turn" and there "standard" style.. A quick picture of your Kastar snap ring pliers will tell the real story, stride produced pliers have a makers mark on them.

I'll look and get a pic later tonight...you've got me curious...I thought A&E/Kastar actually made all of their offered products, w/ the exception of gauges...US Gauge, usually...

 

[shampoop]

I got a big snapon set. They are VERY nice. Super thick and heavy duty with big comfortable handles. Paid a lot for them iirc even at half price when I learned that snap rings are not something I want to **** around with. They feel bomb proof.

I think it's this set http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=636950&group_ID=675128

The pictures don't do it justice, they are many times beefier with many times larger handles than any other ones I've ever seen.

 

[Skin]

Knipex put the Snap-Ons and everyone elses to shame. The Wiha magic tips are intriguing but I don't think anyone owns them yet.

 

[Hiball]

Knipex put the Snap-Ons and everyone elses to shame. The Wiha magic tips are intriguing but I don't think anyone owns them yet.

That's a matter of opinion... I've used them all and the "forged" Snap On's are not only comfortable but stout...

 

[Skin]

Sorry Hiball but when you get to the larger sizes for wheel bearings and the like there isn't a comparison.

 

[Hiball]

Sorry Hiball but when you get to the larger sizes for wheel bearings and the like there isn't a comparison.

Well now your just assuming... With that said, using the wrong pin size (tool small) will spell doom for any brand.

 

[sberry]

And when I said 50 wasnt bad I was thinking of comparing it to 310.

 

[cookefab]

Stride more importantly the Imperial division is the OEM for for the "Cam Lock" along with the Standard, Qtr-turn snap ring pliers for Many brands including alot of the Truck brands, KD, Craftsman etc.. etc... This does NOT include the Snap on Forged Pliers.

There are Literally 100's of Snap ring discussion threads here at GJ...

I will admit to being wrong, at least w/ Kastar being Cornwell's OEM...I checked the Webcat this AM, and they use Milbar(Stride) w/ blue grips...surprisingly decent pricing, especially for Cornwell...

I got my Kastar(branded, at least), 3 piece ratcheting set off the ******** truck in the early to mid 90's...

 

[sberry]

This may be different if one is a transmission mechanic, hydraulics etc but its not a tool I use every day, when you need it you need it but most people do not use them in production.

 

[crajos]

​

I'm glad this thread was brought up, because my buddy and I are looking at new pairs of snap ring pliers for work. $180 for the Knipex set is out of the question (as much I would like to have it). And...we don't mess with snap rings enough to warrant such a large purchase.

My buddy went out and spent $4 on some no-name brand, found out they didn't work, and just about threw them away. Learned his lesson there...

I've used these Craftsman Pro; which I didn't like.

I've used these Channellock, which aren't too bad for cheapies, and I've got a pair of Klein's right now that work surprisingly well, and I only paid $6 for them.

As much as I like Irwin tools, their snap ring pliers are just a slightly better version of cheap sets you seen on Amazon (here, here, here.)

If you feel like being adventurous, GearWrench has these snap ring pliers, in both internal and external. I like them, I just don't think they would work in some of the places that I have to take snap rings off.

SK has a set on Amazon for $40, which looks about the same as the Channellock or Craftsman

Also, here is Channellock's full snap ring plier line-up. I'll probably end up buying myself the 927, I think it's a good compromise. I know Channellock makes a good product, I've used their snap ring pliers before, and I know I can get replacement tips easily.

Here's an FYI - while I was writing this, I found the Tekton snap ring pliers on Amazon, which are solid tips, and look like a cheaper version of the Knipex. People were giving them 5 stars based on the fact that they had "great customer service when the tool failed"...so don't buy those.

 

[GoFaster2]

The craftsman pros and channellocks are the same.

 

[crajos]

The craftsman pros and channellocks are the same.

You're right. I just grabbed both pairs at work, and they are identical construction. The damn Channellock pair broke when i flipped the reverse switch.

Now i have a question, has anybody found a decent pair of snap ring pliers that don't cost an arm and a leg?

 

[skulldrinker]

I to have the Craftsman 2 p set. An inner and an outer. So far they have done their job. They come with a bunch of tips that I hate having to keep track of.

 

[dirttracker18]

The damn Channellock pair broke when i flipped the reverse switch.

I have the Channellock set and they work great for me.

They should be under a lifetime warranty, take them back and get another set.

I missed out on a used Blue Point set for $50 on Kijiji the other day

You snooze you lose

 

[ardmechanic]

I am in the market for some good snap ring pliers and I know there are some really bad ones to stay away from. Which sets does everyone recommend (looking for best bang for buck not Snapon). Also what sets should I stay away from?

Currently I am considering the OTC 8 piece set....
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQMIZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do prefer tools with excellent warranty that can be exchanged locally and will pay a little extra for this but I won't pay double to have a local warranty. A quality tool should never need the warranty but it is nice to have because things to happen sometimes.

You may wanna consider Channellock internal external convertible pliers. They are very sturdy. If you don't use pliers in narrow space, they come in handy.

 

[ssentt]

You may wanna consider Channellock internal external convertible pliers. They are very sturdy. If you don't use pliers in narrow space, they come in handy.

Narrow space does create a problem with those otherwise great IMO. Tooltopia has the kastar 12pc for $78.98 with shipping.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Knowledge is Power.. If i gave $50 bucks for Snap Ring Plier and found out i could buy the same thing for $17 I would have some Remorse..

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-9401-10-Piece-Pliers/dp/B0014DKIK4/ref=sr_1_2?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1365458638&sr=1-2&keywords=set

Scared of the Astro Pneumatic Brand.. Here is a Grip On set that is $31..

Hope that helps with any Remorse issues..

Have no fear, our set is awesome!

 

[Hiball]

Have no fear, our set is awesome!

Ill Never Know...I own multiple singles from Stride under every color of the Rainbow and Full Snap on forged set, Ive had bad luck with the Cheaper snap ring pliers in the Past and some of the Amazon reviews mimic my experiences. With that Said... Reviews and Forum advice tends to be biased so I don't put a lot of weight with most. I believe I stated earlier in this thread that even the best Snap Ring Plier will fail if used outside its comfort zone, As I responded to Skin, if you attempt to use the Wrong sized pin for the Job, I don't care if its Snap On, Knipex, HF or AP it will Fail, Some a little faster than others. LOL