Budget Snap Ring Pliers

[Jacobson]

For basic auto, I've never actually needed these yet, but am rounding out my tool collection with a bunch of "maybe I'll need one day" stuff.

These seem like a tool you don't want to go too cheap, since tips break off.

This $8 interchangeable tips style seems not worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPPAUC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Anyone get away with this $13 set?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPR2P8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't really feel like dropping $25 for just one pair that I may never use.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TG80SY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

10 for $30? This implies they're not great?
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...20driven-_-Recently%20Viewed-_-Product%20Page

 

[Fcvapor05]

I just ordered a Snap-On set yesterday, to replace this:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-retaining-ring-pliers-internal-external/p-00947412000P

which I used constantly for about 10 years. A lot of the stuff I need to do at work involves snap rings- perhaps not daily use but a couple hours per week at least, and those did the job for a long, long time.

 

[Hojin101]

I bought that sears one over the weekend. I had this Harbor Frieght one and that could not get the snap ring of a 1/2 craftsman ratchet out. I figured I needed a better quality one.

 

[el_chupo_]

The Craftsman set linked above looks identical to the Channellock 927's, down to the patent numbers on Amazon's and sears photos (that you can see parts of on the Craftsman).
I just bought those, for the same reason as you. I doubt you will go wrong with either.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TG80SY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

a $2 difference in price wasnt worth the time to place a second order, I just threw the channellocks in my cart until I checked out with other stuff. I havent had a real use for them, but I did take apart a ratchet just to get to play with them.

 

[CobraRed]

There are surprising amount low quality snap ring pliers on the market. It seems to be one of those tools that shouldn't have made the Taiwan to China switch. Go for a middle grade brand IMO.

 

[Jacobson]

I don't want to cheap out on this tool, as I've read too many negative reviews.

I like the $18 pair b/c they are internal/external.
For the extra $2, I'll get the delivery from Amazon.

Thanks!

 

[davesnothere]

This.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000OQMIZU/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

 

[Outlawmws]

Interchangeable tips are not generally an issue UNLESS the base pliers are scrap to begin with.

Those CL's are good 'uns.

 

[jacob_coulter]

I have the Craftsman Professional one, I've been really impressed with it. Not sure if it's still sold.

I tried using cheap snap ring pliers that were sheet metal thin, it makes you want to throw the tool across the garage. It was worth the $10 or so premium.

 

[.mike.]

Cheap snap ring pliers are only going to frustrate you. For internal snap rings, i recommend grinding down needle nose vise grips if you want a cheap solution.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

If you use them a lot, don't go cheap and buy a real set of reversible pliers.

If you're not going to use them often, you should be fine with a set of replaceable tips. This Wilde set is also sold by MAC (For $39), but HJE has a great deal on them:
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/SnapRing/444K.html

 

[92integra]

this set should cover damn near everything you need. these are re branded and sold on many different tool trucks. you can find a great price on these and it beats having to change out tips every time you do a different job IMHO.

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

 

[nicksnothereman]

Kd (old stock) has a bunch in the "budget" range (also have a pair similar if not the same to the craftsman interchangable jaw ones). Honestly not something I use a whole lot but the kd is fine. Not all US made though (got a pair from taiwan, still good). If you want a "general" pair vs. a specific pair the one with the changeable jaws is the one to go for but it might be too spartan for most people.

 

[Jacobson]

Used my $20 Channellock 927 Snap Ring pliers today. Not even for snap rings, but some random "security" fastener that had little holes. Without this tool, I'd have resorted to using a pick. Instead, this thing grabbed the holes perfectly. Woot!

 

[erty67]

Used my $20 Channellock 927 Snap Ring pliers today. Not even for snap rings, but some random "security" fastener that had little holes. Without this tool, I'd have resorted to using a pick. Instead, this thing grabbed the holes perfectly. Woot!

I got the craftsman version of the same. Seems decent enough for my needs.

 

[jmm]

Used my $20 Channellock 927 Snap Ring pliers today. Not even for snap rings, but some random "security" fastener that had little holes. Without this tool, I'd have resorted to using a pick. Instead, this thing grabbed the holes perfectly. Woot!

Be careful, enough of that twisting force will break even the best quality snap ring pliers.

 

[stikman56]

I got a set from Oreilly's, Powerbuilt brandor something that they sell with lifetime warranty, they don't break, bend, they work excellent. Less than 15 bucks if I remember right. So far after 5 years or so,they work as well as the Snap-On ones I have

 

[Lbcwanabe]

Harbor freight are good

 

[rtole]

The channelocks are rebrands as well. Lang tools is the oem. I have a large pair and a small pair. They are not as good as the full sets that are high quality......but they are decent and have served me well for many years.

 

[Jacks3am]

I adopted a set of hf's from my mentor and they do just fine, of course the snap on reverseable spring loaded set are amazing though! Look into otc possibly?

 

[rick carpenter]

I got the Lisle combination pliers (reversible with replaceable tips) to save some bucks and space in my road bag since I rarely use them...

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/combination-snap-ring-pliers-46000?gclid=CJjpw9P_y8ECFSEV7AodHhEAtw

... but if I was going to earn bucks with them I think I'd buy dedicated internal and external pliers.

 

[Buster21]

I have both the Channel lock and the Craftsman, and yes they are identical except for the handle color. I found my last Craftsman pair at K-Mart for half off, around $12.00.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the Irwin set with interchangeable heads, and the large $9 pliers from Home Depot under the husky label.. They have covered me with anything I've needed.. BUT you can buy the channel lock internal/external set with different tips from HD for the same price as both and they are a better set..

 

[owenst7]

Since I bought them, I've used my CL 927s for everything from Dana 60 wheel bearings to th350s and really can't complain. They do the job just fine and are no worse for wear. They are a jack of all trades, but do it well.

HF sells several styles. The cheap ones are absolutely terrible. The CMan clones are OK.

I do have a pair of knipex from when I was a vendor and there really is no comparison. If you only need them for a specific task, it might make more sense to just buy one nice pair.

 

[BirdMobile]

I've got the Tekton interchangeable model. It's a major piece of reeking feces. Hate it with a passion! I also have another Asian import "universal" of a slightly different design, you change tip pieces instead of the whole head. Can't remember the name, but I like it a lot better. Total PITA to reconfigure it though... but once it's set up it works alright.

I'm through with cheap-*** circlip pliers, I'm going to put together a set of Knipex precisions when I have the cash.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Snap ring pliers are a tool where you want to avoid products from Asia (Japan might be an exception) and stick with USA or German.

 

[Ncognito]

I'm through with cheap-*** circlip pliers...

I have nothing else to add.

My problem is I've used so many cheap ones that now I'm gun shy on purchasing a quality set. I've been considering a set of these. http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/346serie.htm