Biggest Snap Ring Pliers?

[Handyandy23]

Can anyone recommend a set of larger than usual external snap ring pliers?

I have the Channellock 927 set, and they open about 1.25" at the tips, but I need something a little wider.

I'm trying to rebuild a GM transfer case, and to split the halves you need to remove a large external snap ring. It's also recessed through a narrow hole in the housing, so length of the pliers is also important. The CL's I have are barely deep enough, and just a hair too narrow at full open.

 

[619DioFan]

The 16 '' otc snap ring pliers are good although pricey. the 16'' astro pnuematic pliers are supposed to be pretty good and half the price of otc. I have the 16'' ones from HF. they are weak sauce , don't recommend those ( I don't think they even sell them anymore )

 

[gatlibs]

I think that Imperial makes them, but I like Orange.
http://www.langtools.com/sku-1486-external-retaining-ring-pliers-interchangeable-tip/
http://www.langtools.com/sku-87-heavy-duty-pliers-with-tip-kit/
These are huge. You might need a smaller set. Snap-On thru Craftsman are all the same re-branded versions of these.

 

[paulsomlo]

Those Channelocks only go up to 0.070" tips, that's probably not gonna do it.

Here's some recommendations:
http://knipex-tools.com/index.php?id=1023&page=art_detail&parentID=1365&groupID=1455&artID=1770

http://knipex-tools.com/index.php?id=1023&page=art_detail&parentID=1365&groupID=1455&artID=1760

The A3 tips are 0.094 dia, the A4 are 0.125 dia., 8 1/4" and 12 5/8" long respectively.

Best price is probably going to be on Amazon.de:
https://www.amazon.de/Knipex-Sicherungsringzange-Au%C3%9Fenringe-Kunststoff-%C3%BCberzogen/dp/B001E5X926/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sicherungsringzange+a4&qid=1561676362&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.de/Sicherungsringzange-Au%C3%9Fenringe-atramentiert-Kunststoff-%C3%BCberzogen/dp/B0002YYMDK/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sicherungsringzange+a3&qid=1561676437&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I'd be surprised if one of those couldn't handle the job. Beyond that, you're getting into the style that 619DioFan recommended, which may or may not work in a narrow bore.

By the way, Knipex also makes those sizes that I linked in an "insert" tip. It's a lot harder, but the tips are larger and access is not as good.

This topic came up a while back, someone dealing with a 3.5" internal ring: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=409234

 

[RedneckWelder]

I’ve got the big ratcheting OTC Snap ring plier set. Pretty good. Not sure if it’d work for your application though

I also have a 12 pc Lang set for smaller snap ring pliers. So far this combination has covered every snap ring I’ve come across in heavy equipment service

 

[Handyandy23]

Thanks folks. I ended up ordering the Neiko knock off version of the OTC pliers, and the 12" Knipex pair. (I specifically ended up with the Neiko because Amazon.ca had them Prime and didn't have the OTC or Astro)

I'm thinking one of the two will work here, and I can return the one that doesn't work. Won't really know for sure until I see them in person.

 

[speed bump]

I think that Imperial makes them, but I like Orange.
http://www.langtools.com/sku-1486-external-retaining-ring-pliers-interchangeable-tip/
http://www.langtools.com/sku-87-heavy-duty-pliers-with-tip-kit/
These are huge. You might need a smaller set. Snap-On thru Craftsman are all the same re-branded versions of these.

I actually just had our maintenance guys order a set of the top ones. They aren't quite as nice as the waldes truarc pliers but when you're down having something close is better than having nothing.

 

[Danglerb]

Use some caution with the HF. OTOH I have one, never used it, but my transmission has a huge snap ring to hold the input bearing, so maybe someday or I stay smart and borrow a Snapon.

 

[Ign]

Years ago I bought these Snappys to rebuild my BW1356...I'd say max opening is about 1.75" so they're not huge but they're stout.

Part is either SRPC8000 or 3000, I can't make it out

 

[joe_padavano]

the 16'' astro pnuematic pliers are supposed to be pretty good and half the price of otc.

I've got the 16" Astros. They work fine.

 

[1foxracing]

Last year I got some nice Orbis units for $6 a pair that the next day cost $60 a pair.

 

[Ign]

The Astro 9402 16" set appears to have a red and blue handle version.

Typically this signals a V1.0, V2.0 etc (eg cable hose clamp pliers). Anyone know which color is the latest version in the case of the snap ring pliers?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Cripe has a couple sets of the Armstrong branded versions of the Blue Point pliers left. Set costs about the same as only the 10" pliers through Snap-on. Just had mine show up in the mail yesterday.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-...-Snap-Retaining-Ring-Pliers-Sets/401777618507

Work provides us with a set of the jumbo ratcheting OTC pliers and they work great, but I was looking into buying the larger Blue Point set until I spotted these.

 

[DFB]

Hate them or not I no real complaints with the ICON set they go up to .090 tips

I also have had the Channelocks with replaceable tips for a long time that kit topped out much smaller. Was fine for my needs for while

My bud has the reversible MAC set at the motorcycle shop he paid dearly for them and just got seriously ripped off on the 2 pc SK replaceable tip set from one of his regular tool suppliers (And on a Gearwrench socket set too )

 

[DieselNut88]

Knipex 4611A4 They are huge. I use them on 4x4 hubs on D60s.

 

[jubilee]

I have 3-4 special purpose snap ring pliers I made myself. Get HF needle nose vice grips and grind jaws to accommodate. Had to do a little welding on one set.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Got a pair of these Ilike. https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/general/heavy-duty-internal-external-snap-ring-pliers