E Clip Tools

[mikeinri]

Hey guys,

I need a recommendation for a specialty tool for E-clips (removal and installation).

Yes, I know it can be done (and have done so) with screwdrivers, pliers, etc...

BUT, my problem is that these are installed on the outside of my (old) RV, so if (WHEN) they fly away using tools that won't securely hold them, I'll never find them again.

Here are some pics. These are part of the jalouise (louvered) window hardware. 4 of the windows are single pane, 2 are double pane. Each pane has at least 2 of these clips (and the E-clip ears do NOT have holes in them like external retainer rings do)...




One thought is to just pop the E-clips off, throw them away, and replace them with external retainer rings (with the holes). I have several tools for these...



I need to remove all of them to reattach the hardware to the window panes, as they are neither opening nor closing correctly.

Thoughts?

Mike

 

[Steve_P]

I have an old set by KD that apparently isn't made anymore. I rarely use it as it's typically easier to just use a small screwdriver or plier to remove and a plier to install. If you want the tool, it looks like this is a copy:

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01970A-Clip-Remover-Installer/dp/B000W94UEQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Engineer PZ-01 and PZ-02 pliers.

PZ-01 / PZ-02 | ENGINEER INC.-Global

Smart Pliers especially designed to remove, hold and insert E-Type clips, retaining rings, featuring the unique design of the grooved jaws and the magnetized tips to hold an E-Ring securely.

www.engineertools-jp.com

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

One thought is to just pop the E-clips off, throw them away, and replace them with external retainer rings (with the holes). I have several tools for these...

They look a bit rusty, so perhaps replacing them with the retainer rings you showed, would be a good idea.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have an old set by KD that apparently isn't made anymore. I rarely use it as it's typically easier to just use a small screwdriver or plier to remove and a plier to install. If you want the tool, it looks like this is a copy:

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01970A-Clip-Remover-Installer/dp/B000W94UEQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have that tool, and it has worked well for me over the years.

 

[cvairwerks]

I've always popped them off with a right angle pick or small flat blade and reinstalled with a flat blade or flat nosed punch.

 

[SRSemenza]

Nice complete review and demonstration of the pliers and the flat push type here .......................... and shows a couple other similar but different tools. This looks like the type of thing that is good to have them all depending on the situation.

Seth

 

[bwringer]

Engineer PZ-01 and PZ-02 pliers.

PZ-01 / PZ-02 | ENGINEER INC.-Global

Smart Pliers especially designed to remove, hold and insert E-Type clips, retaining rings, featuring the unique design of the grooved jaws and the magnetized tips to hold an E-Ring securely.

www.engineertools-jp.com

I don't believe I've ever encountered a situation "in the wild" where there's enough clearance for these pliers to work. In every application I've seen (including the OP's situation), the mechanism is hard up against the e-clip. In Engineer's own video and photos, they show that you need a sizable gap, so I guess I don't understand why in the world these pliers even exist.

That other tool set is much more realistic, but you still need a lot of room to get the tool in there from the side and push. And it still lets the clip fly off into Narnia.

BTW, if you can't get a finger in there to capture the clip, stick a decently strong magnet in the projected launch path and you'll have a good chance of catching the clip just before it achieves light speed. (Obviously won't help with stainless clips.) Even if you're not re-using the thing, you don't want it landing somewhere it can end up in a tire.

And in the OP's case, I'd absolutely replace the clips. They're almost certain to be damaged when they're removed; spring steel loses much of its sproingitude when it's that rusted. You can get nice assortments of e-clips cheap, or replacing with snap rings would work just fine as well.

 

[Dave455]

You get special tools for installing those “E” pattern circlips.

Generally pick them up where you get the clips.


For removal there are small tools with a low profile hook. I don’t have one to hand.

I must admit I tend to use flat nose pliers for removal.

 

[DGersic]

I have the E clip tool. Bought it decades ago. I don’t think I’ve ever found a situation where it was actually useful.

Put a finger on the clip and pry it out with a screwdriver.

If you’re worried about losing them, wrap a piece of fishing line through the E side hole. Or just buy a box of them from MvMaster Carr. I’ve never lost anything that I had plenty of spares on hand.

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks guys.

The magnet suggestion is a keeper!

I agree, the tight clearance will make this a significant challenge.

Mike

 

[djbmw]

You could also buy an eclip kit to keep on your RV so that you have replacements on board, in the event you lose a clip. The kits are less than $10 and contain a bunch of common sizes

 

[oldschoolcraft]

How are these different from circlips? Is it just a circlip with an extra protrusion in the rear center to make it E-shaped? Or is there something functionally different?

I think circlips usually/sometimes have a small hole in top or bottom for the tips of the pliers to fit in.