Snap Ring Pliers discussion

[GrantCee]

I've read through some of the threads about snap ring pliers, and I'm confused. Perhaps you can tell me what would be best for me...

I'm not a full time mechanic, but I do all of my own wrenching on our 3 vehicles, tractor, and several garden tractors and tillers. I have a need for snap ring pliers maybe three or four times a year, some external and some internal, sometimes able to get them straight on and othertimes I need a right-angle approach. Sizes vary.

One of my major concerns are the external retaining rings on the front axles of our two Suzuki 4x4s, which don't have ends with holes - the ends are simply cut at a steep angle, which look a little like this:
> <
I take these off once a year to repack the bearings, and I need something that will remove and install them easily - along with all the more conventional kinds, of course.

I've made the mistake of buying cheap ones in the past, including a HF interchangeable set I got last year when it was on sale. Tried to use it this past weekend, "tried" being the operative word. That was a mistake, and I need to replace these with something that works.

I've gotten the impression that the Sears 12-piece set is very respected around here, but I keep thinking I'd be better off with a good interchangeable set. Less cash outlay, less room in the toolbox, etc.

Is there such a thing as a good interchangeable tool? I'm looking at the Channellock 927, mainly because I'm generally happy with the quality of their tools.

(Remember my use patterns before you reflexively blurt out "Snap-On"!)

 

[dirtrider]

I am also looking to upgrade my snap ring pliers and I'm going to go with Channellock.

 

[Big Vic]

in this case stay away from Snap-On I have broken more snap ring tips then i can remember mostly all from single uses. I don't even bother to get them replaced anymore, it hurts me to say that.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I too had this dilemma a while ago... i couldnt justify the cost/room of a entire dedicated set since i would only use it seldomly. I finally settled for the craftsman 2pc interchangeable set - http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947387000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

It has served me well so far, and seems of pretty good construction for an interchangeable system. I originally wanted the interchangeable one from channel lock, but kept on reading reviews on how the internal/external switching function breaks easily...

 

[ToddyB]

I have had some Craftsman interchangeable tip ones for years. They have not ever broke, but they slip more than fixed tip pliers. I usually grab for my cheap no-name taiwan set with all the different sizes to choose from.

 

[czgunner]

I love the Knipex set.
I can't stand the interchangeable tip style.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

in this case stay away from Snap-On I have broken more snap ring tips then i can remember mostly all from single uses. I don't even bother to get them replaced anymore, it hurts me to say that.

That is right the opposite of my experience with snap ring pliers. I settled in with Snap-on and Knipex and rarely break a tip. The ones that I use the most are for large (1 1/2 to 2") snap rings that are very stout and difficult to remove. They are very expensive to buy however and the Craftsman seem to have good reviews from most.

 

[motoguy]

That is right the opposite of my experience with snap ring pliers. I settled in with Snap-on and Knipex and rarely break a tip. The ones that I use the most are for large (1 1/2 to 2") snap rings that are very stout and difficult to remove. They are very expensive to buy however and the Craftsman seem to have good reviews from most.

Which Snap-On pliers do you have? Also, which Craftsman pliers get the good reviews? I need to pick up a set for work. Specifically, a set that can remove a 1 1/2" or so snap ring that's used to secure slack adjusters on tractors (Freightliner, mostly...Petes have grease zerts, and don't seize as often). These things are often frozen in place pretty good.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

What's the word on cman pro pliers? I was thinking of picking them up this weeekend.

 

[yogitech]

I've been using these http://www.tooltopia.com/astro-pneumatic-9401.aspx the past couple years daily and haven't really had any issues. The most commonly used one is just now starting to slip on occasion. Other than that their cheap and reliable.

 

[MotoDave]

My toyota manual hubs have the same external retaining ring setup. I picked up a set of these Proto lock-ring pliers: http://www.brtool.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=P+J251G

They have flat tips with indentations, that the pointy ends of the lock ring stay in. Makes the job much easier/safer.

 

[KU_MechE]

I've been using these http://www.tooltopia.com/astro-pneumatic-9401.aspx the past couple years daily and haven't really had any issues. The most commonly used one is just now starting to slip on occasion. Other than that their cheap and reliable.

Those appear to be the same set HF sells and they get bad reviews.
http://www.harborfreight.com/11-piece-snap-ring-pliers-set-92374.html

I've got these Channellocks and love them. Very strong and very fine tips. The reverse switch works great too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TG80SY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pipsters]

What's the word on cman pro pliers? I was thinking of picking them up this weeekend.

The Cman Pro's are made by A&E tools, who I believe make the Snap Ons.

On their website they even have the Cman colors on them, sears wants $40 for 'em in store:

http://www.aetools.com/2-pc-retaining-ring-pliers-set.html

I bought this set on Ebay for $65 shipped:

http://www.aetools.com/3-pc-quick-switch-retaining-ring-pliers-set.html

They are excellent. Made in the US in WI. You really don't need that 3-piece set, the larger one is really big, no real use for it that I can see at this point.

Oh, and just from what I remember about the Channellock pliers, they were rebranded A&E as well.

 

[evintho]

Keep an eye on CL. I've gotten the most obscure stuff off there! I check the tools section every morning. Picked up this set from a seller, across town for $20. They're definitely quality pieces. Made in Germany by RJ. RJ = R. Jung which is a subsidiary of Stahlwille.

 

[AdamtheMillwright]

i had a set of snap on and hated them so bought Knipex and couldnt be happier. here check them out

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1365&groupID=1457

and on those ones the spring is hidden inside the pliers so cant be damaged

u can pick them up at chadstoolbox

 

[bmwohio]

What's the word on cman pro pliers? I was thinking of picking them up this weeekend.

I have this pair and have no complaints so far with them. Have rebuilt about 20 ratchets using these and they work great

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947412000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

 

[yogitech]

Those appear to be the same set HF sells and they get bad reviews.
http://www.harborfreight.com/11-piece-snap-ring-pliers-set-92374.html

I've got these Channellocks and love them. Very strong and very fine tips. The reverse switch works great too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TG80SY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've never used the HF version, but, I can tell you the ones I've got have been abused and still keep up. Just my .02!

 

[kc-steve]

I feel your pain.

I have experienced similar problems with snap-ring pliers. I really never know what kind to keep around though because I work on many different things, from bicycles to ratchets. My decision has been to buy used snap-ring pliers so I can have a large assortment of quality tools. And I have the same philosophy with my hobby tool website. Currently, I don't have it completed yet so you won't see any used pliers available for a couple of weeks. I am still working on other things right now. But you can have a look inside here if you are interested.

http://junkyardtools.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_73_74_75

Steve

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Which Snap-On pliers do you have? Also, which Craftsman pliers get the good reviews? I need to pick up a set for work. Specifically, a set that can remove a 1 1/2" or so snap ring that's used to secure slack adjusters on tractors (Freightliner, mostly...Petes have grease zerts, and don't seize as often). These things are often frozen in place pretty good.

Hop on the truck and pick up the largest fixed set of snap ring pliers. have the entire set but if you are just needing the large ones, get the straight and the 90 and 45 degree ones in tip size .090.

The entire set is here: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...6&group_ID=771&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

But they can be found OEM for a lot less. Just do a search and the OEM set will look identical to these.

They have forged tips and are convertable from inside to outside.

 

[KU_MechE]

Hop on the truck and pick up the largest fixed set of snap ring pliers. have the entire set but if you are just needing the large ones, get the straight and the 90 and 45 degree ones in tip size .090.

The entire set is here: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...6&group_ID=771&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

But they can be found OEM for a lot less. Just do a search and the OEM set will look identical to these.

They have forged tips and are convertable from inside to outside.

??
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OUZBDM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jdcompman]

I have this set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00960546000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

Can be found under many different names.

Stay FAR away from the interchangable tip style. The tips flex and move and will just piss you off! A full set of convertible ones seem to be the best option IMO.

 

[pipsters]

Stay FAR away from the interchangable tip style. The tips flex and move and will just piss you off! A full set of convertible ones seem to be the best option IMO.

I personally haven't found this to be the case

 

[BJ42LX]

I have this set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00960546000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

Can be found under many different names.

I think that's the same as this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950464000P?keyword=009-50464&sLevel=0&prop17=009-50464

 

[mrholeshot]

I have the Craftsman 12pc snap-ring pliers set. Had them for many years and have been very satisfied with them. The ones with the interchangeable tips are trash can fodder (in my case) If I couldn't get the Craftsman I would spend the extra an buy the Snap-On. I have no idea what the Craftsman quality is like now.

 

[jay50]

Don't waste your money on the SO snap ring pliers, they at POS, tips break constantly.
Get the Cman Pro snap ring pliers.

 

[moparmuscle88]

i have an old (70's) KD set two pair internal and external, just the tips interchange, as well as a larger heavy duty racheting set of internal external... they are the most toughest pair of snap ring pliers ive had

 

[ETravis]

I really like the looks of the Knipex pliers. They look tough and sturdy. I've used their channel lock style pliers and really like them. What is the difference between the precision and regular circlip pliers? Just size of the tips?

 

[canuckian]

I have been using the ChannelLock interchangable tip set. They work well for what they are but I'm growing tired of having to empty them all out of the little pouch, picking the ones i want and putting all the little bits back in the pouch every time I want a different set of tips. I have a Snap On set on the way to me now. I hope they're not as bad as some others that have chimed in here say they are. got them new for less than half price so I guess I won't be too hurt if they ****. I'll still have the channellocks as a backup.

 

[trout]

I have the cman pro version of those ae/channel lock ones.
They're great but I find it easier to use the ones with the big flat area for the rings without a hole.

 

[GrantCee]

My toyota manual hubs have the same external retaining ring setup. I picked up a set of these Proto lock-ring pliers: http://www.brtool.com/default.aspx?page=item+detail&itemcode=P+J251G

They have flat tips with indentations, that the pointy ends of the lock ring stay in. Makes the job much easier/safer.

That's the kind of thing I need! Does anyone know if there are other options - particularly that might be a tad less expensive? The task doesn't really need parallel opening, which raises the price. I have no problem buying a pair if they're the only game in town (particularly since I like Proto) but there must be others available.

 

[trout]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947386000P ?

 

[homesale]

Are the Craftsman Professional Retaining Ring Pliers, Internal/External sold in a 2 piece set instead of the 3 piece set? I don't need the largest size pliers in the 3 piece set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947411000P?prdNo=23&blockNo=23&blockType=G23

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947412000P?mv=rr

---------------------

Craftsman Professional 3-Pc. Internal/External Convertible Retaining Ring Pliers

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947394000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

 

[pipsters]

Are the Craftsman Professional Retaining Ring Pliers, Internal/External sold in a 2 piece set instead of the 3 piece set? I don't need the largest size pliers in the 3 piece set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947411000P?prdNo=23&blockNo=23&blockType=G23

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947412000P?mv=rr

---------------------

Craftsman Professional 3-Pc. Internal/External Convertible Retaining Ring Pliers

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947394000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Yeah there is a 2 pc set of the two smaller pliers, I've seen it in stores, it's $39.99, so it would save you about $5 + tax.

 

[homesale]

The reviews on the Craftsman Professional Retaining Ring Pliers are only average.

Is there play in the Craftsman Professional Retaining Ring Pliers?
How are the interchangeable tips? Do they wear out easy?

 

[Skin]

tend to prefer the larger sets myself. As previously stated fiddling with set screws and tips gets kinda old. I like the changable tips for around the house stuff but not for real projects. The Cman Pros with the tips are also a bit on the bulky side.

 

[69dz302z28]

I use OTC retaining ring pliers daily. They are very strong and the tips, though non replacable, wear very well. They can be configured for external as well as internal. Very Hard to beat for the price.

 

[homesale]

Any one use Lisle Snap Ring Pliers?


Lisle 49200 Heavy Duty Snap Ring Plier:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009OR8ZM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

------------------

Lisle LIS49200 Convertable Internal/External Snap Ring Pliers:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JI2EB6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[homesale]

Reviews of the channellock snap ring pliers are not great:

http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-9...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-9...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

[nikonica]

+1 for these AE Tools/Hi-Tech/Snap-On/Whoever Else. I use them all the time and they are great. No flexing, all the tip sizes and angles one could ever need, and a much better feel than the stamped sheet metal 12-piece sets. I have many snap ring pliers in my arsenal, because I hate having a job held up by not having the right tool, but these truthfully are the only ones I actually need.

The Cman Pro's are made by A&E tools, who I believe make the Snap Ons.

On their website they even have the Cman colors on them, sears wants $40 for 'em in store:

http://www.aetools.com/2-pc-retaining-ring-pliers-set.html

I bought this set on Ebay for $65 shipped:

http://www.aetools.com/3-pc-quick-switch-retaining-ring-pliers-set.html

They are excellent. Made in the US in WI. You really don't need that 3-piece set, the larger one is really big, no real use for it that I can see at this point.

Oh, and just from what I remember about the Channellock pliers, they were rebranded A&E as well.

 

[GrantCee]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947386000P ?

Perfect! Thanks!