Affordable But Good Snap-Ring Pliers?

Bull · May 31, 2009

I need a set...the super-cheap pair I bought at Autozone years ago before I knew better fell apart. It is hard to take ratchets apart by removing the snap rings with two screwdrivers and weird leveraging positions.

Can anyone recommend a pair that is good quality but not some Snap-On budget buster?

Also, I never fully understood this, but the tools are supposed to be able to both spread the rings apart and close them together, right? Don't you sometimes have to do both?

speed bump · May 31, 2009

I really like my Channellock internal/external pliers. I don't do a huge amount of snap rings but for what I do I wouldn't trade them.

Stuey · May 31, 2009

+ 1 for Channellock. For ~$20, you cannot go wrong. Made in the USA and decent quality. I had problems with the older style, but the newer version seems to be spectacular.

Vinko · May 31, 2009

In addition to some older S-O pliers we use in our shop, I've been using a new pair of Protos and a new pair of Mac. I think they cost around $35 and $20, respectively. I like the Protos by a margin over the Mac. When I do snapring work, it's usually putting in our taking out 50-100 at a time. So I like a good tool.

Hiball · May 31, 2009

Bull said:
Can anyone recommend a pair that is good quality but not some Snap-On budget buster?

I use Snap ring plier for Hydraulic repair and i really enjoy using toptuls Snap ring Pliers set and it was rather affordable via Mike from Wren tools.

Bull said:
Also, I never fully understood this, but the tools are supposed to be able to both spread the rings apart and close them together, right? Don't you sometimes have to do both?

Yes Most of your Snap ring manufactures use a Cam or a screw to switch the same tool from Internal to External. I prefer to have each individual Snap ring Plier in Straight, 90 degrees and 45 degrees in a Internal and External.

Bull · May 31, 2009

Hiball said:
I use Snap ring plier for Hydraulic repair and i really enjoy using toptuls Snap ring Pliers set and it was rather affordable via Mike from Wren tools.

Yes Most of your Snap ring manufactures use a Cam or a screw to switch the same tool from Internal to External. I prefer to have each individual Snap ring Plier in Straight, 90 degrees and 45 degrees in a Internal and External.

Do you remember the Toptul price?

So, am I reading correctly that you have six snap ring pliers setup at all times?

nate379 · May 31, 2009

I have a set of Craftsman Pros that are the same thing as another Snap On set we have at work. The tips change out and also you can do internal and external as well.

Was around $40 at Sears 5-6 years ago. Not sure if they sell them still, but it'd be worth checking. Nice to have 1 tool that does the job of 5-6 different ones in this case.

billymade · May 31, 2009

Here is the currently shipping Craftsman set; they do both internal/external rings. The two reviews seem positive... I wonder if these are Mayhew?

Craftsman Professional 12 pc. Ring Pliers Set $99.99
Item# 00950464000 Model# 1225R706
Description
Qtr-turn design converts from internal to external applications quickly and easily, with no threads to align or tighten. Pivot will not loosen while using tool; patented design provides stability.

12 pc. kit for 1/4 - 3-1/2 in. rings
4 tip diameters: .038, .047, .070, .090 in.) in straight, 45 & 90 degree offsets
Sealed air-pocket cushion grips for comfort
Packed in a custom molded, impact-resistant storage case

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950464000P?mv=rr

Looks like whoever was the OEM for this older Proto set is the same as the Craftsman...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LDNABM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Hiball · May 31, 2009

Bull said:
Do you remember the Toptul price?

His 4 piece set which includes Internal, External Straight, and Internal and External 90 degrees. I believe the List price was $37.09 then we get a 20 percent discount for Gj members. Dont quote me on that price because i dont have the invoice in front of me but im sure they listed under 40 bucks.

Bull said:
So, am I reading correctly that you have six snap ring pliers setup at all times?

Im like everyone else on this Site, I have a Obsessive, compulsive Disorder. I Prolly have 100 pair of Snap Ring pliers ranging from 1940's thru 2009 and have used them all at one point or time. I will say that Toptuls snap ring pliers have been a pleasure to use they are very solid for even the most stubborn Snap rings, No Flexing whatsover.

Hiball · May 31, 2009

nate379 said:
I have a set of Craftsman Pros that are the same thing as another Snap On set we have at work. The tips change out and also you can do internal and external as well.

Was around $40 at Sears 5-6 years ago. Not sure if they sell them still, but it'd be worth checking. Nice to have 1 tool that does the job of 5-6 different ones in this case.

Ive personally never liked the Pliers with Replacement tips, Every set ive ever owned never worked like advertised. Always Bend, Break and leave me Pissed off eventually.

wrenhandtools · May 31, 2009

JUst FYI

GBAT0401 - $37.09 Set of four, 7" internal and external, straight and 90degree snap ring pliers in a tray.

Also have all four 5" internal and external snap ring pliers.

Straights are $8.42 each, 90 degrees are $8.67 each.
These prices are before the GJ 20% discount.
Again, just fyi.

Sincerely,

MAD · May 31, 2009

billymade said:
Here is the currently shipping Craftsman set; they do both internal/external rings. The two reviews seem positive... I wonder if these are Mayhew?

Craftsman Professional 12 pc. Ring Pliers Set $99.99
Item# 00950464000 Model# 1225R706
Description
Qtr-turn design converts from internal to external applications quickly and easily, with no threads to align or tighten. Pivot will not loosen while using tool; patented design provides stability.

12 pc. kit for 1/4 - 3-1/2 in. rings
4 tip diameters: .038, .047, .070, .090 in.) in straight, 45 & 90 degree offsets
Sealed air-pocket cushion grips for comfort
Packed in a custom molded, impact-resistant storage case

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950464000P?mv=rr

Looks like whoever was the OEM for this older Proto set is the same as the Craftsman...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LDNABM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those are made by Stride tool.

Stride tool and A&E Hand Tool are two of the major manufacturers of retaining ring pliers. Both Snap-on and Craftsman as well as many others sell retaining ring pliers from both Stride and A&E under their own brand.

Monte · May 31, 2009

Knipex.... with spring steel wire inserts instead of forged tips....should last much longer...

Bull · May 31, 2009

Mike, I went to your site using two different browsers (Mozilla and IE) and plugged that item number for the set of snap ring pliers into the search box, hit enter, and then nothing happened. The site is not responding at all when I hit the "enter" button after plugging in the item number?

I'd like to see the set of four.

Also, what is the difference in application for the 5" vs 7" pliers?

Hiball · May 31, 2009

Bull said:
Mike, I went to your site using two different browsers (Mozilla and IE) and plugged that item number for the set of snap ring pliers into the search box, hit enter, and then nothing happened. The site is not responding at all when I hit the "enter" button after plugging in the item number?

I'd like to see the set of five.

Also, what is the difference in application for the 5" vs 7" pliers?

I Purchased the 7" set which included Straight tip, Internal and External, and the 90 degree Internal and External. I dont believe there is a set of 5. The difference between the 5" and 7" version would be similar to a Short Screwdriver and Longer model, sometimes you just need a little more length or Pry in some cases. LOL.

Enclosed is a Link with some pictures of my 7" set.http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36542

bchee · May 31, 2009

Just curious what you mean by this. It looks like all one piece to me

Monte said:
Knipex.... with spring steel wire inserts instead of forged tips....should last much longer...

bmwpower · May 31, 2009

nate379 said:
I have a set of Craftsman Pros that are the same thing as another Snap On set we have at work. The tips change out and also you can do internal and external as well.

Was around $40 at Sears 5-6 years ago. Not sure if they sell them still, but it'd be worth checking. Nice to have 1 tool that does the job of 5-6 different ones in this case.

Got that one, too. I like it. Just keep the mechanism lubed every once and a while. If not, it switches internal/external when you squeeze it...annoying.

dede2897234 · May 31, 2009

Bull,

This Craftsman convertible snap ring plier set is of excellent quality: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950464000P?keyword=ring+pliers+set. The tips are not replaceable. There is no chance of the tips coming off during use. I own a similar but discontinued 9 piece Craftsman convertible snap ring plier set. About a year ago, it was on clearance for about $35. The set came in handy about two months ago during the replacement of both front wheel bearings on my 2003 Subaru Forester. They performed flawlessly.

Monte · Jun 4, 2009

bchee said:
Just curious what you mean by this. It looks like all one piece to me

yeah the pic ****. But these are crimped in wire inserts. I`ll look if i can get a better pic

Vulturej · Jun 4, 2009

+1 on the Knipex. I also use the Imperial convertible cam lock snap ring pliers, they are re-badged for several companies, S&K, KD Tools, Matco, SO and a couple others. I like the quick change from internal to external. I have the SO & Matco sets and a few of the Imperial ones, I use them all the time.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMK3QY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

81Seca · Jun 4, 2009

I have the Wilde 2 piece (internal/external) set with interchangeable tips. Paid $5 off eBay. Also have a K-D external plier with interchangeable tips. The K-D are good quality and inexpensive too. If I was currently in need, I'd go with the Channellock, as it offers interchangeable tips, but is convertible. Personally, I never liked the style like the Knipex shown above. Fixed tips, and non-convertible? If a tip breaks, yo're SOL, and you need a whole set of 6-7 pliers to do what the 1 Channellock does.

ironfist · Jun 4, 2009

Channellock makes great snap ring pliers , i swear by them . USA made and affordable .

Joe Mamma · Jun 10, 2009

speed bump said:
I really like my Channellock internal/external pliers. I don't do a huge amount of snap rings but for what I do I wouldn't trade them.

Stuey said:
+ 1 for Channellock. For ~$20, you cannot go wrong. Made in the USA and decent quality. I had problems with the older style, but the newer version seems to be spectacular.

ironfist said:
Channellock makes great snap ring pliers , i swear by them . USA made and affordable .

Could one of you post a link to the one(s) you like? Thanks.

Joe Mamma

volvo420coupe · Jun 10, 2009

my snap on 12 piece set was affordable, $100 used from my old snap on guy, I went straight from cummins tools to the snap ons, so I really have no good input for anything in between. But I love being able to break a tip off and getting a new one within a week.
one thing I want to find and is hard to find used is the parallel jaw external snap ring pliers, used for snap/retaining rings made out of round stock with no hole for traditional pliers.

MAD · Jun 10, 2009

Joe Mamma said:
Could one of you post a link to the one(s) you like? Thanks.

Joe Mamma

Channellock lists three sizes of retaining ring pliers. They are all re-branded A&E quick switch pliers. I have seen the Channellock ones at Home depot. Sears sells the same pliers with the Craftsman brand on them as well.

http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/1/Special_Purpose_Tools_C17.cfm

http://www.aeincorporated.com/Hi-Tech/?page=store&category=12

One tip for searching for "snap ring pliers". You will often get better results searching for "retaining ring" pliers

bmxr4life87 · Jun 10, 2009

i have a set of blue points i paid $35 for but they are IDENTICAL to the channel locks you can get at lowes for $20 and ive had no problems at all with them. They have interchangeable tips and flip a switch to go from internal to external ive done suspension work, ac work, tool work ive done it all and had ZERO problems with these!

showags · Jun 10, 2009

I have had good luck with my OTC set, made in the good ol' US of A too!

Monte · Jun 12, 2009

sorry can`t get a better pic , but you can see where the wire is crimped in.

I don`t know somehow i prefer forged tools...

nissan_crawler · Jun 13, 2009

Agreed on the knipex. I have c-pro's also, which are the same as snap-ons, and they aren't close to the quality. Yeah, it's nice to have one with interchangeable tips, BUT they don't fit in half the spaces, aren't as quick to use, and don't take extreme force as well.

nate379 · Jun 13, 2009

I have had no issues with them, though I don't work on stuff that has that kind of snap ring all that often either. Usually it's the kind with no holes like in transmissions.

Hiball said:
Ive personally never liked the Pliers with Replacement tips, Every set ive ever owned never worked like advertised. Always Bend, Break and leave me Pissed off eventually.

lbgradwell · Jun 13, 2009

acswan said:
Channelock sale at Canadian Tire this week for fellow Canadians 35% off my local stores carry the replaceable tip quick change style mentioned earlier

...even though that model doesn't appear on their website (for some reason)...

sberry · Jun 13, 2009

I agree with the guys that do specialty, makes sense to have the specialized tool and looking at different brands makes sense, Proto for example but this is a deal where it looks like a guy can get set for under 50$ or so in a case for 6 or 7 that do the general work. I like one piece, the tips are a pain in the azz. Its a set I keep in the box they come in, stand a chance of finding them on the occasion they are needed by the avg guy.
I am more than a weekender so I have a couple specialty items but think I give 45 dollars for a set at the parts store one day when I felt the need, the set does 95% of the work and saves the temptation to retro fit a specialty tool to get er done.

Monte · Jan 29, 2010

bchee said:
Just curious what you mean by this. It looks like all one piece to me

here is a better pic i found

Mickey O · Jan 29, 2010

I saw the Craftsman set (linked to above) they look very nice and the price is great if compared to the truck brand ones (they seemed as nice as my MAC set).

Elroy · Jan 29, 2010

Another option you might want to consider are these KD:

Elroy said:
They don't have a real big range and many times these are just too small. The nice thing about these is that will hold the diameter setting.

They're worth a buck that's for sure.

As stated, they have some limitation but then again they have some distinct advantage as well.

FNFS2000 · Jan 30, 2010

Monte said:
Knipex.... with spring steel wire inserts instead of forged tips....should last much longer...

These knipex ones are the best I have ever seen, I have long wondered why nobody else does it. They are exponentially better than anything else out there. Surprised they don't make them for Gedore, Stahlwille etc etc.

Merkava_4 · Jan 30, 2010

Monte said:
Knipex.... with spring steel wire inserts instead of forged tips....should last much longer...

Are those wire inserts crimped permanently?

Meaning, if the wire inserts wear out, are the pliers done?

TireTracks · Jan 30, 2010

Mickey O said:
I saw the Craftsman set (linked to above) they look very nice and the price is great if compared to the truck brand ones (they seemed as nice as my MAC set).

My dad has a 2 pack of the craftsmans like this, a big and small one. I noticed that are $15 a set i belive at sears, not a bad price.

I'm trying to decide between these and toptul ones. The craftmans seem more versitile sence only 2, a big and a small work like 4 non-convertable ones.

Monte · Jan 30, 2010

Merkava_4 said:
Are those wire inserts crimped permanently?

Meaning, if the wire inserts wear out, are the pliers done?

yes the wire is crimped into place, you can see the small notch in the pic.
But they should last longer than the drop forged ones which are prone to break and also should last longer than the other "sheet metal" stamped ones too. The tensile strength and elasticity of these spring steel/piano wire inserts is higher compared to the traditional pliers. Knipex claims that they last 10 times longer and have a 30% higher load capacity than the regular style.

Knipex PDF

btw. Facom also makes such pliers with spring steel inserts.

jeepnut24 · Jan 30, 2010

I hated the CMAN set I had. I just recently picked up a used Matco 6pc set for $54.

MST690

Affordable But Good Snap-Ring Pliers?

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