Snap Ring Pliers - what do you use?

[mikeweb]

I was wondering what you guys use for snap ring pliers. Im not a pro, just your avg weekend mechanic.

I was looking at the Channellock brand external/internal set however im not sure how strong/reliable it is in comparison to others. I have a set that looks the same as the Irwin brand (I have a NAPA branded set) so im wondering if I should get rid of it and get a channellock set

What do you guys use?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...s&cm_ite=558644&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=558644

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...36?cm_sp=Upsells-_-Top Sellers-_-Product Page

 

[Theloniousmonk]

bearings/shafts in various assemblies will be retained w/ inner or outer rings, ratchet heads are often assembled w/ them. stay away from the multi-piece pliers, imo, they don't hold up well. get a set of solid machined pliers in a few different sizes. used them more often in indust. than i do now in automotive.

 

[Deskmechanic]

man i think this topic comes up about once every three weeks.

 

[mikeweb]

^ I've read them, I guess this thread is in direct relation to channellock type vs others

 

[Deskmechanic]

I think there are only a couple of mfg. I personally do not like the stamped ones like those above. I have a pair of Craftsman just like the channelock ones and don't really like them either because they just are not that solid.

The best are the forged ones with handles like real pliers. Knipex ones look nice but I have not personally used them. I have an ancient pair of internal ones that is marked 'germany' that are my favorite. I have used Snapon and like them.

Don't mess with convertible ones, just get separate internal and external.

 

[Monte]

From which material are the tips made ??

 

[MotoDave]

For my use the craftsman set of reversible snap-ring pliers has worked well. I also like knowing if I break the tips off I can exchange them easily.

I've never had any luck with the interchangeable tip style like the first set you posted.

 

[tw33k2514]

Since you are not a professional mechanic the ChannelLock set will probably work just fine. They worked great for me until I rebuilt a T56. That is when I had to movie to dedicated pliers. I have the OTC set myself, and it works great.

 

[Rockaholic555]

I've just got some of the craftsman standard ones. Work pretty good on fork seals and such. I guess I never really looked at the fancier versions but the simple ones seem to do fine for me.

 

[mrholeshot]

I use the Craftsman 11 or 12 peice set. About 100 dollars and as good as any.

 

[padronanniversary]

knipex. Watch for the closeout amazon sales. I must have at least 15 now in different sizes, and i have not spent $100 yet

 

[oldwheelieguy]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014DKIK4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I am a professional mechanic and I have had these for a while and havnt had an issues with them.

 

[mooman]

I have the Channellock set and have not had an issue with them. I've only used them around the house, so they don't see alot of use.

I gotta say, that Astro set from Amazon looks tempting.....

 

[solitaire]

Anyone know the general quality of Astro Pneumatic tools?

 

[jdkenyon]

I'm curious how the Astro compare to these from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=2756

 

[Jared]

I have a set from knipex, they werent cheap but they sure work good.

 

[jeffk14]

I'm curious how the Astro compare to these from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=2756

Or the set from Northern Tool.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200245974_200245974

They all look identical.

 

[Indy_500]

I'm curious how the Astro compare to these from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=2756

harbor freight snap ring pliers ****, cheap snap ring pliers **** for that matter, i like harbor freight but cheap snap ring pliers just don't work

 

[Skin]

for occasional use i use the vise-grip pictured, zero issues with it. Really cant fault it, especially since it was about $10. Perfect for the weekend warrior, just my 2 cents.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

those irwin ****..........................stay away from those... they **** big time!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Skin]

completely disagree. i've had much worse experience with those cheap individual plier sets. I have yet to break or deform one of those removable tips on the VG but i've somehow managed to mushroom quite a few of those asian individuals.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

I've got the craftsman pros with interchangable tips. works well for everything i've needed them for. I can say though that if there is any one tool too spend a little extra money on, snap ring pliers are it. a cheap china pair will ruin your day in a hurry and cost you a lot of valuable time.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

completely disagree. i've had much worse experience with those cheap individual plier sets. I have yet to break or deform one of those removable tips on the VG but i've somehow managed to mushroom quite a few of those asian individuals.

I have a set of the Visegrips, they ****!
Why they flex to much, the joint *****, the spring, with the pin *****,
The craftsman pros are much better.....

 

[Elroy]

This subject has been approached before and Elroy's recommendation hasn't changed

Same here:

They don't have a real big range and many times these are just too small. The nice thing about these is that they will hold the diameter setting.

 

[JASTECH]

I have the Craftsman and tips, works fine so far
and it's about 20 yrs old.

Thanks, JASTECH