Snap ring plier size size

[bratwurst]

I’m a hobby mechanic and I need new snap ring pliers, I seen there is a lot of different once out there, but are the all the same size? What I mean is, are they all a standard size ?
I work on a lot of Volkswagen and Audi’s as a project!!!

 

[DFB]

Depending on the particular kit the tip dia. can come in many various sizes usually a min .038 all the way up to like .120.

.047 .070 .090 are all very common sizing plus often there are numerous angle choices like 45 and 90 degree besides straight.

Tips can also be permanently fixed to an individual tool (one piece is often desired in heavy duty applications) or interchangeable depending on preference

 

[Wamsutta]

They are sized by the tip diameter like DFB said. I prefer the fixed tip one piece pliers. I hate the kind with replaceable tips. My favorite brand is Imperial.

 

[Pontiac787]

I would recommend something like these. They will cover most/all of what you need and don’t take up much space.

https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-927-Precision-Retaining-Interchangeable/dp/B001B82G16?th=1&psc=1

 

[matt_i]

Verk on das VW?

You need der Knipex!



https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=groups&groupID=1365

Joking aside they are a game changer. I struggled and sweated with various "kits" and always hated seeing snap rings during a job due to the difficulty and the 99% efficiency rate I had at ruining the ring in the process. Now I walk to the drawer, remove the ring easily and without stress, and continue my day.

I have the "standard" versions, the "precision" use music wire tips, iow made of another material than the forging of the pliers handle/jaw. Its hard to know exactly which one is needed, I think I ended up with 9 individual pliers split somehow between internal and external and the various sizes of tip.

 

[Davefr]

When it comes to snap ring pliers you want "all of the above". Multiple tip sizes, straight/bent and both internal/external action. Get good ones because a snap ring launched into outer space can ruin your whole day.

 

[logical]

I don't use them very often, maybe not even once a year but still found it a giant pain to change out tips and reverse the pivot on those one pair does it all pliers. For $75 or less just get this Lang set (sold with other branding and different color grips also) and be done with it.

Sent from my garage.

 

[_Riddle]

I would recommend something like these. They will cover most/all of what you need and don’t take up much space.

https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-927-Precision-Retaining-Interchangeable/dp/B001B82G16?th=1&psc=1

I just bought this set and I'm very happy with it so far. I don't use snap ring pliers a lot but I think these will serve my needs very well.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the Knipex music wire style and they're awesome. And expensive. I also have a few old Milbar/Lang, and they work fine . I have no patience for changing out tips! The interchangeable tip style works ok with straight tips but the tips tend to move if they're angled. Plus they're huge which limits access. I had a pair years ago and trashed them due to frustration. The Lang set is the sensible choice if you dont want to spend more

 

[Davefr]

I have the Knipex music wire style and they're awesome. And expensive. I also have a few old Milbar/Lang, and they work fine . I have no patience for changing out tips! The interchangeable tip style works ok with straight tips but the tips tend to move if they're angled. Plus they're huge which limits access. I had a pair years ago and trashed them due to frustration. The Lang set is the sensible choice if you dont want to spend more

The other problem with interchangeable tip pliers is the little pouch of tips. Unless you're box is super organized, that little bitty pouch tends to get lost/buried.

 

[plinker]

The other problem with interchangeable tip pliers is the little pouch of tips. Unless you're box is super organized, that little bitty pouch tends to get lost/buried.

I keep the tips in a small Plano box. Works well & doesnt take up much room.


Never really had any issues with the interchangeable tip pliers myself, there have been a couple time where clearance was a problem however.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I would recommend something like these. They will cover most/all of what you need and don’t take up much space.

https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-927-Precision-Retaining-Interchangeable/dp/B001B82G16?th=1&psc=1

I have a set of these, but the tips still pissed me off. My buddy also has them and we were regearing a RZR transmission with them last week and they were a nightmare.

I don't use them very often, maybe not even once a year but still found it a giant pain to change out tips and reverse the pivot on those one pair does it all pliers. For $75 or less just get this Lang set (sold with other branding and different color grips also) and be done with it.

Sent from my garage.

I've had this set for a couple of years with no complaints. The Knipex or SnapOn are likely stronger, but the Lang are great for the money.

 

[DFB]

I have some of both types. With decent interchangeable tipped pliers like the older 7" Channelocks 907G I have, the tips firmly locate in slotted grooves. There is no movement.

Within the current 920 series of snap ring pliers they offer now, the 927's are larger at 8" and there is also one smaller 6" size the 926. Those two and including the one I have all come with .038, .047, and .070 sized tips. The one larger size the 10" #929. has .090, .108 and .120 tips.

All made in USA they say.

Can't say I've ever had any problems losing tips from not being organized but one nice thing with Channellock brand is you can always buy the tips separate.

I did pick up the ICON 8pc set last winter for $39.99 (but right now they are at $59.99)to have for larger fixed tips. They are all a long nose type pliers for good reach and have either .070 or .090 tips. Inside and outside selections with straight, 45 and 90 degree options.

There was a earlier thread about them at that time https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=416741&highlight=Icon+snap+ring&page=3

No matter what you choose most everyone generally agrees to stay away from the really cheap stamped ones.