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Snap ring pliers for LARGE heavy duty snap ring

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chrisexv6

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Trying to replace the ball joints in my truck. I have the new ones pressed in, but the upper uses a snap ring on the underside of the control arm to retain it.

Thing is, I cant for the life of me expand the ring enough to clear the dust boot. Ive broken 2 sets of sears snap ring pliers trying to do it.

The ring itself is probably 1/8 or 3/16" thick and outer diameter is 2" (its a really heavy duty ring....the one that was on the truck from the factory pales in comparison)

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

-chris
 
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garfunkle24

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Sounds like you need some heavy-duty, ratcheting snap-ring pliers, such as these OTC:
31COcKKscJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-4513-Stinger-Heavy-Duty-Snap-Ring/dp/B0002STRG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1306698211&sr=8-1
 
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hammergodthor

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Oct 10, 2009
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475
You sound like you need what we use at work for transit bus suspension. You need to look at Wilde 517 and 518 retaining ring pliers. They are 15" long and are locking. Eipstein's has them for about 1/2 retail @ $51. Snap-On sells them also, but about $108 for a PR7.

The OTC kit previously mentioned is probably a better bet for only doing the job a few times, though (cheaper, lots of tips).

http://store.harryepstein.com/search?q=Retaining+Ring+Plier


wildeplier517.jpg
 
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Ign

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Butte Peak ND
Needed something similar when rebuilding my t-case, went to the Snap-On truck as I was in a hurry. Wouldn't normally do this but they had what I needed.
 
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shampoop

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I bought this set while i was in school for 1/2 off. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...6&group_ID=771&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

When we started rebuilding trannies I realized how important nice strong snap ring pliers were. These ones are very nice and strong. I just used one of the largest sized ones for removing the snap ring that's blocking the rear wheel bearing in my rx-7. It was extremely difficult and the outer diameter was just over 3 inches. It required so much forearm strength that it requires 2 hands to squeeze for the average person. The Snap on pliers are very thick and strong, so much so that at first you think "wow, kinda overkill". But after removing that snap ring plier I realized they aren't. I could tell that anything less probably wouldn't have been able to do it.

I absolutely hate snap rings and this set has worked fantastic for me so far. I'm really glad i'll never have to worry about them in the future.

I believed these are the exact ones i used for the wheel bearings. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=70070&group_ID=771 The most important part is that the tip is not too large or too small for the snap ring you're removing.
 
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speed bump

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Butte Montana
Never had a problem with my channellock snap ring pliers and Dana 44 ball joint snap rings.


Otherwise I suggest those big ones that everyone else is recommending
.
 
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chrisexv6

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CT
Thanks for all the help everyone!

I found a ratcheting external-only plier from McMaster (luckily they are close to me so I should have them the day after I order)

Someone mentioned its important to get the right tip size. I used a micrometer and measured the spreader holes in the ring at 0.130". The McMaster pliers come with either 0.108" or 0.120". Should I go for the 0.120" diameter tips?

Also debating angled vs straight, but at 15.00 extra per set, price adds up quick if I want to buy a 45 and/or 90 degree tip set too.
 
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shampoop

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chrisexv6 said:
Thanks for all the help everyone!

I found a ratcheting external-only plier from McMaster (luckily they are close to me so I should have them the day after I order)

Someone mentioned its important to get the right tip size. I used a micrometer and measured the spreader holes in the ring at 0.130". The McMaster pliers come with either 0.108" or 0.120". Should I go for the 0.120" diameter tips?

Also debating angled vs straight, but at 15.00 extra per set, price adds up quick if I want to buy a 45 and/or 90 degree tip set too.
Click to expand...

the .120 I meant it just as in making sure the tip size is not too large to fit into the hole, and not smaller than it needs to be. If 2 sizes fit into the same hole it's better to use the larger one because the ring wont slip out of your grip as easily, also you're less likely to bend or brake the tip off.

I think the 45* and 90* ones are just for clearance purposes if a straight one won't fit.
 
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tooljunkie4

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Apr 25, 2011
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Maryland
chrisexv6 said:
Trying to replace the ball joints in my truck. I have the new ones pressed in, but the upper uses a snap ring on the underside of the control arm to retain it.

Thing is, I cant for the life of me expand the ring enough to clear the dust boot. Ive broken 2 sets of sears snap ring pliers trying to do it.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Why not temporarily remove the dust boots during installation of the snap rings? The demands on your pliers will be greatly reduced, and you will be far less likely to over-expand the snap rings.
 
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