Snap Ring, C-Clip, No Holes? Tool Identification Help to Remove

[YoshiMoshi3]

I'm trying to remove this metal ring (red arrow). It's keeping the piece of metal (blue arrow) in.

There is a "+" shaped slot. The piece of metal that is rectangular in shape with shoulders sits in one of the "-" slots within the "+" slot. The metal ring (red arrow) goes around a slot cut into the cylinder (kind of like a piston ring on an engine). It appears to go in a bit on the two sides (green arrows below) but not at the top (orange arrow below).

It goes around maybe 60 % of the cylinder, it is perfectly cylindrical in shape (other than what I mentioned above about it going in a bit at the green arrows into the "+" slot.

At the ends of the ring (purple arrows) on the sides (parallel to the cylinder) it appears to be "/" (left side) and "\" (right side) in shape and not perfectly flat like "|".

Anyone know how to remove this ring? I need some kind of pliers, but not sure which kind. There aren't two holes in the ring for snap ring pliers. I'm not to familiar with snap rings, snap ring pliers, or these types of clips. I've never had to remove one before.

Thanks for any help in identifying the type of plier I need to remove this ring. I have tried regular needle noose pliers, my finger nails and can't remove it.

 

[1982fxr]

Two flat blade screwdrivers,

or properly I think they're called duckbill pliers.

 

[RTM]

Correct tool might be a Horseshoe clip pliers. The outside of the jaw looks like this. Mine are vintage Utica 534-7, and maybe too big for your job.
Hard to tell, your pix are really out of focus to see the ends of the clip.




Overall like this

 

[JeepYJ]

Proto® Lock Ring "Horseshoe" Washer Pliers - Proto Industrial

I found a pair of these on Amazon warehouse deals a while back when I had a big c clip horseshoe clip to remove. They’re nice.

 

[4xdog]

E-clip? Lots of ways to tackle those -- from screwdrivers or pliers that catch the edge.

 

[Xcursion88]

Best and safest and most efficient way...

A small flat punch, Hammer and your palm.

In a vise...
Your palm covers the whole unit while holding the punch with thumb and pointer finger.
Using other hand tap on punch against one edge of clip...
clip comes right out.
Your palm prevents losing it.

Good luck.

 

[Garcky]

Here's an image showing most types of retaining rings. Also a link describing them:

Types of Retaining Rings: Definition, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages - Engineering Learn

Types of Retaining Rings: Definition, Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages : What are Retaining Rings? Tapered Retaining Rings, Constant Section Retaining Ring

engineeringlearn.com

 

[Garcky]

E-clip? Lots of ways to tackle those -- from screwdrivers or pliers that catch the edge.

That's probably it.

 

[richfinn]

Small Vice Grips on the closed side and wiggle it free, less chance of the clip flying off never to be seen again

 

[david3921]

That's probably it.

More like a C type since he said this, "It appears to go in a bit on the two sides (green arrows below) but not at the top (orange arrow below)." I would try needle nose on both sides at the same time and pull out. It looks like there is enough room under the clip to gain a purchase.

 

[Garcky]

More like a C type since he said this, "It appears to go in a bit on the two sides (green arrows below) but not at the top (orange arrow below)." I would try needle nose on both sides at the same time and pull out. It looks like there is enough room under the clip to gain a purchase.

In the end, they're all Jesus clips...

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

I took some pictures, it sort of looks a e-clip. It defiantly doesn't go in at the top though, slightly different.

 

[qqzj]

Since I like to use missiles to kill mosquitos, I recommend this, a small one.

 

[kbeefy]

One screwdriver to hold it from rotating and another to tap the opposite end from it's home, camming it around the housing.

I sometimes can use some smooth jaw knipex as the 'pusher outer'.

 

[KnurledNut]

Can ya wedge a mini-pick in the top side and pry it off?

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I usually inset a screwdriver or pick in teh closed side to pry them off. Cover with a rag or the palm of my hand to keep them from flying.

 

[Zewnten]

Since I like to use missiles to kill mosquitos, I recommend this, a small one.

How would you use this to remove a spring clip?

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Got it off. Very interesting.

 

[david3921]

Got it off. Very interesting

How? It may help others that run across something like this.