Lock ring plier recommendations

[kapster]

School me on lock ring pliers (for the rings without holes). This is something I don't need often, put the couple times I did it was a total nightmare trying to get them out without the right tool.

Im wondering if this something that one plier does most jobs, the rest are just nice to have. Is it worth having all four styles pictured by Wilde or at least a few different ones? My first thought was just the G409, then thought maybe the g407 and g409. About $39 for those two from Bowers tool, $77 for all four.

Just curious, is Wilde the oem for these pliers? I'm assuming so but they're available from so many it's hard to tell.

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

 

[afm]

I have the Proto J250G (which also appears to be a rebrand of the Wilde G409). They're pretty cheap on Zoro with a coupon, but they're pretty fat at the tip. I've never used them on anything smaller than 2" diameter, so that's never been a problem.

It's about a million times better than using a screwdriver. The shallow divot near the tip is an eye-saver, since it really grabs the ends if they happen to be pointy.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I recently bought the Icon set from Harbor Freight. I have only had to use them a couple of times but they have done what I needed.

You do need more than one pair of pliers for this. There are rings that have to be compressed to install or remove, then there are rings that have to be expanded to be removed. So that is at least two. You can probably get by for most things with those two. The variations as far as I am familiar are with tips that are in line with the handle (or straight), tips that are at a 45 degree angle from the handle, and tips that are at a 90 degree angle from the handle. I also believe there are different sizes of tips to handle different sizes of rings but my set has all the tips the same size which has been fine so far.

 

[Samuel D]

There are also pliers like the Facom 411A.17 (good photo of tips here). Anyone tried those or similar? I’m in the market for something like this, having struggled long enough with screwdrivers.

 

[MJK]

I have a pair of Wilde g409p that I use for external axle locking rings. They are plenty strong, hinge is tight, The design is really easy to use, the external 'circle indent' is very useful, and IMO they are good value for the $20 I paid.

Minor gripes: tips were slightly misaligned and the handle grips seem cheap.

Proto/SK/Lang appear similar enough (based on photos only) that I suspect Wilde is the OEM for them.

 

[afm]

You do need more than one pair of pliers for this. There are rings that have to be compressed to install or remove, then there are rings that have to be expanded to be removed. So that is at least two. You can probably get by for most things with those two. The variations as far as I am familiar are with tips that are in line with the handle (or straight), tips that are at a 45 degree angle from the handle, and tips that are at a 90 degree angle from the handle. I also believe there are different sizes of tips to handle different sizes of rings but my set has all the tips the same size which has been fine so far.

The ones with tips are for a different style of ring

There are also pliers like the Facom 411A.17 (good photo of tips here). Anyone tried those or similar? I’m in the market for something like this, having struggled long enough with screwdrivers.

Wow, those Facoms look nice with the flange to help capture the ring! They also look like they'd fit narrower gaps than the Proto/Wilde/etc. It looks like they're around $40.

 

[kapster]

Sounds like the 409 is the standard. Is there any point in getting any other styles such as the 407 or compound? I want to say the couple times I needed one, the 409 would have worked fine.

Going by the numbers Bowers tool has sold, the 409 and 407 are quite popular followed by the compound leverage; very few of the 408 sold.


Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

 

[MJK]

I've never needed anything but the 409s, and this is coming from a guy who owns 8 (?) pairs of different knipex circlip pliers.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I work with ALOT of rings in my day job. Can't imagine needing more than the 407 and 409. I have a pair of the 409 style that I knocked the leg back a little on a belt sander. If i only have room for 1 in my bag, those are it. Wilde are nice, do great. I believe they are a OEM for alot of people, I'm pretty sure MAC.

 

[kapster]

I think I'll go with the 409 and 407. According to snap on's site(which also look very close to the Wilde), the 408 is specific to GM output shafts but I have a hard time believing the 409 or 407 couldn't get you by. The compound leverage one is probably for huge retaining rings. I don't anticipate needing either of those.

Thanks everyone!

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[Steve_P]

The style on the LH with parallel opening jaws is the best choice IMO. I have it and a few others and only use that one.

 

[toplessHO]

Ditto on the Proto
I have 2 sets of them so I dont take the chance of losing one

 

[kapster]

The style on the LH with parallel opening jaws is the best choice IMO. I have it and a few others and only use that one.

Nooo! I already ordered the 409 and 407 Those seem like they'd be more for really big rings, no?

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[Steve_P]

Nooo! I already ordered the 409 and 407 Those seem like they'd be more for really big rings, no?

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

I've never had a situation where they didnt work - I use them on manual transmissions. The tip size is the same as the others.

The parallel jaw opening is a really nice feature and they also have a divot/recess on the tips that hold the ring. The others don't have that recess. The parallel jaw is an ancient design, 50+ years.

 

[hautpot]

Just bought the 408 version!

 

[kapster]

Just bought the 408 version!

Do you have a specific use for them or just in case?

Got the 409 and 407 Friday from Bowers tool via eBay. Quality stuff, both Wilde and Bowers.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[hautpot]

I have a very specific hard to reach lock ring. I hope they will work. Should be here next week and I shall update.