Snap ring (circlip) plier recommendations please

[driftpin]

Yeah, I've read those same posts and challenged them with that same fact. And no data was provided to prove it. So.... I personally don't repeat stuff that others say. YMMV

Just wondering, how often do you use Wikipedia?

the poor reviews on HF's site

I looked at the [currently] 14 1-star reviews and decided they weren't worth picking-up. I have 50+ years' worth of tools acquisition, and these don't seem to be very good quality. I am not a professional mechanic. Guessing that I have probably a dozen-plus snap-ring pliers of various types, and one way or the other, I get the job done. One of the toughest jobs for snap rings I've found to be removing the internal snap ring on the hydraulic master cylinders of various motorcycles. Not-much room to navigate, and the tip dia needs to be very-close to the snap-ring hole size to grip properly for removal. In a pinch I've used a sharp awl to dislodge one side of the internal snap-ring, and then a long, thin-bladed slot-head screwdriver to work-around and to remove the snap-ring from the land.

 

[AEAdam]

Same here, for my limited use the interchangable ones are fine, but if I wanted a dedicated set and wasn't making a living with them that Icon deal is great. I have a set of Icon box wrenches and one of their pliers models. Decent tools for the non professional.

The problem is, you only have to use them once and need them to function. This tool is really different from others I can think of. Forget wear. When you need these, and I probably have as many as @oldschoolcraft, there's only one pair that fits, and you really need it to work. The price of all of them is worth it if you can get that one job done. Not exaggerating. (Sorry if I'm talking at you, brother. Don't mean to. Just trying to make a point that I hope will help somebody).

As I've mentioned, I'm rebuilding the head of my milling machine. I've been watching Barry's videos and he struggles with snap rings. I'm doing the exact same work using Knipex snap ring pliers and haven't had a single problem (Barry doesn't have Knipex models that I can tell). I've also bought SR pliers specifically for some of these snap rings.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

The problem is, you only have to use them once and need them to function. This tool is really different from others I can think of. Forget wear. When you need these, and I probably have as many as @oldschoolcraft, there's only one pair that fits, and you really need it to work. The price of all of them is worth it if you can get that one job done.

That's how I feel exactly. I dont think I've actually used any of mine yet. I needed them, struggled with a job a while back, and thought "never again"

I actually just went in and ordered the last 4 sizes I dont have.

@AEAdam not to thread hijack, but I'd be curious what other tools you find fall into this category where having high quality tools in advance of need for that one job that might occur makes it worth having as insurance.

 

[crashmtb]

@Brunel knipex.
check here https://www.primetools.co.uk/produc...ers-cutters-etc&product-brand=knipex&vat=incl

against Amazon etc

 

[Rusted Nut]

A few months ago, I broke my old snap ring pliers at 4:30 Saturday afternoon. Only thing open was Harbor Freight. Not a huge HF fan, but the icon set is a decent value. Are there better one out there, yes for more $$$’s.

 

[AEAdam]

@AEAdam not to thread hijack, but I'd be curious what other tools you find fall into this category where having high quality tools in advance of need for that one job that might occur makes it worth having as insurance.

Yeah that’s a hijack. And I’d like to hear others” views. Quick answer tho. I have multiple sets of sockets in different lengths or drive sizes. I’ve got alternatives for anything with a hex head, up to and including vise grips and extractor drills.

Ive got some alternatives for bit sockets, but not many. They really have to work. So I have the best bit sockets money can buy. Snap rings, again, not much of a safety net there. If your prybar lets you down, or your puller, what do you do? Think about the fasteners etc that can only be removed with one dedicated tool. Single point failure.

 

[Blind1]

So…

I’ve used the Icons on a few things with no issues. Did the exact job I needed.

I bought the set because my channellock interchangeable pair wasn’t getting the job done on an ac compressor clutch.

They certainly don’t feel “cheap”.

 

[Hakeem]

So…

I’ve used the Icons on a few things with no issues. Did the exact job I needed.

I bought the set because my channellock interchangeable pair wasn’t getting the job done on an ac compressor clutch.

They certainly don’t feel “cheap”.

Who are you going to believe, some guy on the internet or your lying eyes??

 

[Dave455]

Knipex have to be top of the list, both for quality and value.

You have a choice of regular


Or "precision"

I have some of both types. The precision probably have stronger tips, and I have them in the smallest sizes, but the regular are pretty good. The choice may come down to how frequently you use them.

I don't like the grips on the precision. They are the rough texture grips I hate.

Bear in mind that many folks giving advice are in the U.S. The advice that Knipex are good but costly applies there, but in the U.K. they are relatively inexpensive, so have to be favoured.

The Facom are lovely. Tough tips but smooth grips. Superb design, and made in France. Love these, but a little more costly than Knipex.

Hazet are also superb. Lovely design, and very practical.


All of the above are in a different league to these crude stamped things, even if they are relatively tough.

Consider if you really need a "set". Most times I need internal, seldom external. A complete set would include internal and external, 3 tip styles, and 5 sizes!