Snap Ring Pliers for ratchets

[Ohio Andy]

Goal: Buy snap ring pliers that can handle the snap ring on my ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2).

I have six USA made Ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2) that are old enough they need to be oiled. The Craftsman ratchets use snap rings, something I have not dealt with in the past. I purchased a cheap set of Workpro. The tips had burs on the ends so they would not work with the 1/4" ratchets (I did not try the larger ratchets). The only thing I liked about this set is the tool roll they came in.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GZCQP4N?tag=atomicindus08-20

Would this 4 piece Knipex set (comes with a pouch) work for these three ratchets?

https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-Tools-Circlip-Straight-9K001952US/dp/B002KN3BME?tag=atomicindus08-20

How about the Lang for $100? The primary disadvantage is more tools that will likely sit mostly unused:

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-12-Piece-Combination-Internal/dp/B005MVB6TG?tag=atomicindus08-20

If the 4 piece Knipex set is not small enough, how about the 6 piece; but no tool roll? I could put it in a drawer. This is probably the limit on what I am willing to spend. (about $130 I think)

https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-Tools-Circlip-Pliers-002001V02/dp/B00JO0S4V4?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have never used gear wrench, but, this set is like $50.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQIPWDI?tag=atomicindus08-20

I might be just as well served to just spend $20 and get something with replaceable tips, but that feels like an annoyance and I will probably lose the tips. But even if I do, I only spent $20.

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-1434-Internal-Retaining/dp/B00AA5K2IA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My Tekton ratchets do not use snap rings, but I will deal with those when the time comes. I have lots of screw drivers.

Note that some of these sets I took from links in another thread here, but, I just do not know if the sets will work with my tiny 1/4" Craftsman ratchets. I rarely use the Craftsman because I prefer my Tekton sets, but I still use them and I prefer to keep them usable. I can loan them out if needed (I don't usually do that, others rarely treat my tools as carefully as I treat my tools) or pass them down when (if) my kids leave home. Its not like I will get much money for them, the 36 tooth design is, although very usable, not as nice as the newer ratchets of decent quality.

 

[MichaelP]

re: "I purchased a cheap set of Workpro. The tips had burs on the ends so they would not work with the 1/4" ratchets"

How about using a needle file or Dremel-mounted abrasive stone/diamond point to remove the burrs?

 

[Ohio Andy]

I considered it, but then if they were still too large I could not just return them. I also did not know if it was intentional.

 

[MichaelP]

If they're still too thick, you'll work for 5 more minutes and make them thinner.

Frankly, I don't understand why you're ready to spend up to $130 to be able to lubricate a $20 ratchet.

 

[four.cycle]

I'm using a pair of run-of-the-mill reversible "Craftsman" snap ring pliers. They work fine for ME. I haven't had ANY difficulty disassembling any ratchet with them.
YMMV

these:

Craftsman 8 in. Alloy Steel Retaining Ring Pliers Mfr# CMHT47412 - Ace Hardware

Built to deliver twice the function of ordinary snap ring tools, these Craftsman professional retaining ring pliers internal/external swap easily between functions to make room in your box. Both pliers and the included color coded tips are crafted from rugged alloyed steel to deliver superior...

www.acehardware.com

 

[ChevyEFI]

I started with the replaceable tip reversible set. Replacing tips that broke and finding them sloppy was part of the experience. They got used with stamped lockring pliers on rebuilds.

The snapring pliers got replaced with individual pairs of Snap-On forged. These have been great. The three smallest sizes are a good range for minor stuff.

The lockring pliers got replaced with a Malco pair. Much thicker, and machined

Try taking a drill bit to see the size of the snapring openings. And buy accordingly. I would possibly try Knipex.

 

[Ohio Andy]

If they're still too thick, you'll work for 5 more minutes and make them thinner.

Frankly, I don't understand why you're ready to spend up to $130 to be able to lubricate a $20 ratchet.

Because if I need them once I might need them again.... and I have six ratchets that I want to lubricate... And I like nice tools. If the cheap set had just worked, I would have used them. I also did not know if the fact that all the tips were flared out at the end was intentional (like maybe if the bur fit through the hole then it might keep the rings from popping off... And I like nice tools.

My first ratchet set was given to me. The first time I used it the ratchet failed and I smashed my hand; and that hurt. So I purchased a decent Craftsman socket set.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Try taking a drill bit to see the size of the snapring openings. And buy accordingly. I would possibly try Knipex.

Smart, I had not considered that. One of those things that when it is said out loud you think "duh". I have plenty of drill bits.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I'm using a pair of run-of-the-mill reversible "Craftsman" snap ring pliers. They work fine for ME. I haven't had ANY difficulty disassembling any ratchet with them.
YMMV

these:

Craftsman 8 in. Alloy Steel Retaining Ring Pliers Mfr# CMHT47412 - Ace Hardware

Built to deliver twice the function of ordinary snap ring tools, these Craftsman professional retaining ring pliers internal/external swap easily between functions to make room in your box. Both pliers and the included color coded tips are crafted from rugged alloyed steel to deliver superior...

www.acehardware.com

And these I can just pickup today...

 

[MichaelP]

And I like nice tools.

Now you're talking! If you're looking for an excuse to buy a new tool, never hesitate to mention it. You'll meet full understanding and won't feel lonely on this forum. I'm one of those tool junkies too.

 

[bwringer]

This small Icon set from HF is quite nice, but I don't know if the tips will be small enough for your application. And of course it's a set of four with three pliers you probably won't need, at least not for ratchets, so $45 might feel a little steep.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-precision-snap-ring-pliers-4-piece-57796.html

The tips are listed at .047", which is 3/64". So if you can get a 3/64" or 1/16" drill bit into the holes on your snap rings, you should be fine.


The "convertible" replaceable tip style, as in that Craftsman set above, would be fine for your application as well, where you're dealing with relatively small snap rings and access is wide open. Where these things really fall down is on larger stuff where the tips slip, bend, and break when more force is required, or where access is limited and you can't get those chonky tips in there.

And finally, for itty-bitty stuff where the forces are low, this style of cheapo mini snap ring pliers actually works perfectly well. I'm not sure whether they would be correct for your ratchets, though. I'd guess they're a little small.

Tool Shop® Mini Snap Ring Pliers Set - 4 Piece

The Tool Shop® four-piece mini snap ring pliers set is guaranteed forever! The pliers are small enough to help you remove internal and external S and D retaining rings. Small enough to get into the tightest spaces, but made for superior control, this set is guaranteed to be the only mini snap...

www.menards.com

 

[KnurledNut]

The WorkPro set you bought all have the same tip size .070, just in 4 different styles.
There are basically four common sizes: .038, .047, .070, .090 although bigger and smaller do exist.

 

[Ricky Joe]

If your goal is to lubricate ratchets, just soak them in ATF. I’ve done that for years, just get a container and put the ratchet head in for a day or so.

 

[teufel666]

I bought this single plier, Knipex 48 21 J11 5-1/4" Precision Circlip Pliers, Internal, 90° Angled, 15/32"-1" Bore Dia., from Circle C years ago simply for doing ratchets. They've fit all my 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

As with most people I started out with the replaceable tip and reversible snap ring pliers. I hate them. Of course I still have them.

 

[M635_Guy]

And these I can just pickup today...

I'd get the HF ones over those. I never liked my swappable-tip pliers.

I have the bigger set. It was less then and on coupon, but happy I have them.

 

[four.cycle]

The "convertible" replaceable tip style, as in that Craftsman set above, would be fine for your application as well, where you're dealing with relatively small snap rings and access is wide open. Where these things really fall down is on larger stuff where the tips slip, bend, and break when more force is required, or where access is limited and you can't get those chonky tips in there.

Exactly.
Again, I have never had any issues disassembling any ratchets with that pair of snap-ring pliers, and I've opened up more than a few here to get them cleaned up and sold.
I'm having a difficult time imagining paying for a big full-blown set of snap-ring pliers if all you're going to do is use them to open ratchets.
Just my two cents.

 

[shakenfake]

Just buy whatever Knipex is required for the job. End of thread.

 

[bowtie57]

I've taken a bunch of snap rings off of ratchets (plenty of Craftsman 1/2) with the cheap Doyle tweezer pliers from Harbor Freight. I think they are $8. I do have snap ring pliers as well, but these do the trick easily and quickly.

 

[four.cycle]

One does not need a shotgun to kill flies.

 

[AEAdam]

I bought a set of Knipex snap ring pliers from Amazon. They are super nice but don't have pins small enough for my smallest snap rings. I bought the next size smaller, e.g. 49 11 A0 tips are .9mm (.035"). I like the forged gray ones with the textured handles.

 

[paulsomlo]

If you're going with Knipex, buy the 8 piece set from German Amazon, Amazon.de. I'm showing $126.88 delivered to Colorado.

 

[AEAdam]

One does not need a shotgun to kill flies.

Not sure what this means. I like nice tools to be sure. But is having the worlds most expensive tool necessary for every job? If that's your point, I agree the answer is no. Problem is, snap rings really ****. And the wrong tool can damage a snap ring, whose replacement could realistically end the ratchet's life (can't find it, too expensive etc). If there was ever a place to spend a bit more for a good tool, this is definitely one of those scenarios.

Could a pick and a tiny screwdriver work? Maybe, in a pinch. But having done that, I don't recommend it.

 

[charbar]

And finally, for itty-bitty stuff where the forces are low, this style of cheapo mini snap ring pliers actually works perfectly well. I'm not sure whether they would be correct for your ratchets, though. I'd guess they're a little small.

Tool Shop® Mini Snap Ring Pliers Set - 4 Piece

The Tool Shop® four-piece mini snap ring pliers set is guaranteed forever! The pliers are small enough to help you remove internal and external S and D retaining rings. Small enough to get into the tightest spaces, but made for superior control, this set is guaranteed to be the only mini snap...

www.menards.com

I clicked on this thread just to suggest that set. Those little things are handy as hell for the small stuff. For 5 bucks everyone should own a set of them.

 

[four.cycle]

^ The OP said his purpose and intent was to open ratchets.

Goal: Buy snap ring pliers that can handle the snap ring on my ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2).

My response is in that context.
I have yet to encounter a ratchet with a snap ring that I was not able to easily remove with those low-end "convertible" (innie-outie) snap ring pliers I bought at Sears for about $30 bucks.
Ergo: I can see no reason to shell out Snap-on money (or Lang) to accomplish the task.

I perfectly understand your point, but on the flip side of "Never bring a knife to a gunfight" is "If the other guy only has a knife, there's no need to load up your .50 Caliber Barrett".

 

[whateg01]

Just buy whatever Knipex is required for the job. End of thread.

...but it wasn't.

 

[whateg01]

...

I perfectly understand your point, but on the flip side of "Never bring a knife to a gunfight" is "If the other guy only has a knife, there's no need to load up your .50 Caliber Barrett".

I know which one sounds more fun though!

 

[whateg01]

.... And the wrong tool can damage a snap ring, whose replacement could realistically end the ratchet's life (can't find it, too expensive etc). If there was ever a place to spend a bit more for a good tool, this is definitely one of those scenarios.

Too expensive to find the replacement part. Also spend a bunch of money on the tool.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I purchased the Channel Lock 927 8" pliers with adjustable tips. I chose it because it is made in the USA and it looks close to the Craftsman set that was not in stock.

Rather than providing a lot of text, here is a list of things:

1. These pliers are very large and the spring on the handle is very strong.
2. Easy to remove the snap ring with the large tip on the 1/2" ratchets.
3. I needed a smaller tip for the 1/4" ratchet and the wrench is too large to use straight pins and even then bulky.
4. I needed to use pliers to pull one pin and a new pin will not push all the way back in (I assume a manufacturing defect). This makes it difficult to align the lengths because you cannot simply push them in all the way.
5. The holes on the pliers are so far apart that I could not remove the 1/4" unless I angled the 90 degree tips in towards each other. Doing this I could make it work, but only barely.

I ordered a set of knipex and will return the Channel Locks.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I bought a set of Knipex snap ring pliers from Amazon. They are super nice but don't have pins small enough for my smallest snap rings. I bought the next size smaller, e.g. 49 11 A0 tips are .9mm (.035"). I like the forged gray ones with the textured handles.

I ordered a set and added the smaller ones. At least I will have them in the future.

 

[whateg01]

It seems like people don't understand that there are different sized snap rings. You can't make a set of snap ring pliers infinitely strong for the heavy snap rings and also fit into tiny snap rings.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Too expensive to find the replacement part. Also spend a bunch of money on the tool.

The kits to fix the older Craftsman internals are no longer manufactured and therefore more expensive than a new ratchet; well more expensive than my 90 tooth Tekton ratchets. If the ratchet actually failed, I would just drop a new ratchet into the Craftsman sets I own.

I played with a craftsman Professional ratchet (72 teeth I think). It felt fine, but not serviceable at all. Probably OK but I prefer to be able to take them apart if possible. You can take apart the new overdrive sockets, that are "180 teeth), which really means 90 teeth with two pawls. The heads are huge and I don't think I need 2 degrees of slop over the 4 degree of slop I have with my Tekton ratchets in case things are tight. And if it really mattered, I would just replace the ratchets in the sets; but nostalgia and if I am at home and I need something better I will just grab a Tekton ratchet - or use it as an excuse to buy one of the new overdrive ratchet.

To me, the most interesting thing on the new overdrive stuff is the ability to handle a 70% rounded off bolt, which has nothing to do with the ratchet and I could probably get that off with a Knipex Cobra wrench (or similar)... if I can get to it with a Cobra wrench.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I clicked on this thread just to suggest that set. Those little things are handy as hell for the small stuff. For 5 bucks everyone should own a set of them.

And that would probably handle it... but I did order the Knipex already.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I purchased the Channel Lock 927 8" pliers with adjustable tips. I chose it because it is made in the USA and it looks close to the Craftsman set that was not in stock.

Well, both brands ****.

Hope that helps in ypur future shopping.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Well, both brands ****.

Hope that helps in ypur future shopping.

I laughed for a long time at this. Yes, these were very painful to use.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I am dealing with older Craftsman 1/4" (44807), 3/8" (44808 / 44811), and 1/2" (44809).

As mentioned by ChevyEFI above, I measured the eyelets on the snaprings. The 1/4" and 3/8" measured at 1/16" and the 1/2" has a 5/64".

For the 1/4" and 3/8" I found that it is possible to use the smaller snapring pliers (Knipex 48 11 J0 / 48 21 J01) or one size up (Knipex 48-11-J1 / 48 21 J11). The 1/2" is best suited for one size larger (Knipex 4811 J2 / 48 21 J21). My preference is the straight internal Knipex pliers:

• 1/4" use 48 11 J0 (1/32", 0.035", 0.9 mm tip)
• 3/8" use 48 11 J1 (3/64", 0.051", 1.3 mm tip)
• 1/2" use 48 11 J2 (5/64" 0.07", 1.8 mm tip)

Although I an use the 48 11 J1 on the 1/4", it was simply easier with the smaller wrench. Also, the Knipex are really nice.

Also, a "shout out" to Tekton, I used their mini needle nose pliers. I used the smooth jaw (PMN03001) rather than their serrated jaw (PMN01001) because the part attached to the selector switch did not want to come out and my larger needle nose pliers could not easily grab the part.

The first set of 3 ratchets took MUCH longer than the second set of 3 ratchets. My most used set were pretty dirty on the inside, and it is clear that my 3/8" sees much more use (based on the wear on the internals). The grease was dried up in all six and the most used ratchets were rather dirty inside. I did not expect the 1/4" to be so dirty, it was actually the worst but the 3/8" showed the most wear.

If you have never take apart an older Craftsman Ratchet, you need to hold this small metal ball in a hole with a spring while you drop the selector gear into place. I made a few tools to help with this but the easiest turned out to be something I made from a stainless steel cotter pin. If anyone cares, I can look up the size, but that worked very well to hold things in place, much better than the hairpin I tried first.

So, thanks for all the help, I am now the proud owner of some Knipex snapring pliers and I managed to disassemble and clean my 6 Craftsman ratchet wrenches.

 

[paulsomlo]

Well jeez, that was fast! Most people come on here looking for recommendations, never to be heard from again - you exceeded all expectations - a fine job!

 

[shakenfake]

These pliers are very large and the spring on the handle is very strong.

I feel bad for you if this was a legitimate complaint about these pliers…

 

[Ohio Andy]

Well jeez, that was fast! Most people come on here looking for recommendations, never to be heard from again - you exceeded all expectations - a fine job!

I really wanted to clean them and I wanted to make sure I had the correct pliers. I created a partial table of tip sizes for Knipex snapring pliers. I have chosen to NOT take some things apart in the past because I lacked the pliers and that is no longer true. I thought that I would prefer the 90 degree pliers but found that I preferred the straight for this task.

Table . Knipex Snap Ring Red Pliers

Model	length	Shaft	Tip	Tip	Tip	Type
48 11 J0	5 1/2"	5/16" to 1/2"	1/32"	0.035"	0.9 mm	Straight Internal
48 11 J1	5 1/2"	15/32" to 1"	3/64"	0.051"	1.3 mm	Straight Internal
48 11 J2	7 1/4"	3/4" to 2 23/64"	5/64"	0.07"	1.8 mm	Straight Internal
48 21 J01	5 1/8"	5/16" to 1/2"	1/32"	0.035"	0.9 mm	90 degree Internal
48 21 J11	5 1/8"	15/32" to 1"	3/64"	0.051"	1.3 mm	90 degree Internal
48 21 J21	6 1/2"	3/4" to 2 23/64"	5/64"	0.07"	1.8 mm	90 degree Internal
49 11 A0	5 1/2"	1/8" to 25/64"	1/32"	0.035"	0.9 mm	Straight External
49 11 A1	5 1/2"	25/64" to 1"	3/64"	0.051"	1.3 mm	Straight External
49 11 A2	7 1/4"	3/4" to 2 23/64"	5/64"	0.07"	1.8 mm	Straight External
49 21 A01	5 1/8"	1/8" to 25/64"	1/32"	0.035"	0.9 mm	90 degree External
49 21 A11	5 1/8"	25/64" to 1"	3/64"	0.051"	1.3 mm	90 degree External
49 21 A21	6 1/2"	3/4" to 2 23/64"	5/64"	0.07"	1.8 mm	90 degree External

I decided to be very specific on what I used for the next person that might need to answer the same question. For me I even needed to figure out if I needed Internal or External.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I feel bad for you if this was a legitimate complaint about these pliers…

Yes, two complaints, and perhaps I should have elaborated.

Let me start by saying that with straight pins, it was easy and fast to remove and install the ring from the 1/2" ratchet. No problems there. All the problems I saw were with the 1/4" ratchet. I did not remember if I tried the 3/8" ratchet.

The replaceable tips stick into the end of the pliers. Those ends are very large. So large, that with the straight pins, the end of the pliers hit the ratchet in a way that I could not physically stick those pins into the snapring. So, I needed to use the 90 degree tips.

The end of the pliers are so large that if I simply insert the 90 degree tips so that they angle down, it is not possible to sufficiently compress the ring so that it can be removed. To get them so that they were close enough, I had to leave the tips not fully seated so that they stuck further out (so that the angle of the ends would help bring them closer together) and I had to angle the tips (rotation) so that they were closer together. getting the position correct took a few tries. Even when I got them loose, it was very finicky and took a few tries to get them out and more tries to get them back in.

It is my opinion that if the pliers were smaller it would have been a much easier thing to have done (like it was for the 1/2" ratchet).

In all of this, the fact that the spring was very heavy, I was needing to do very fine control of a difficult thing and the heavy spring simply made it more difficult.

If it was the only tool I had, I would use a grinder to make the ends smaller that I could have used the straight tips without hitting the ratchet; that probably would have eliminated the majority of the problem. Well, assuming that the tips were long enough that they could sufficiently compress the snap ring. I do not know if they were or not since I could not get them in the hole.

I hope that clears things up.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Just buy whatever Knipex is required for the job. End of thread.

yeah, I took your advise on that, but I had to figure out which ones would work. And now I know! I had read elsewhere on this forum that they were the best, which I assumed the easiest to use, etc...