Snap ring pliers

[bullfrog123]

Time to get a more useful or at least a useable set of snap ring pliers. I have 2-3 pair of the normal parts house ones that you can change the tips on but they are just about to be thrown into the nearest snow bank. Also a pair of small Craftsman ones you change the entire head on that are too small for most jobs.

Time for a set of fixed tip pliers that are worth a crud. Not looking to spend $200+ but don't want some $30 flea bay junk either.

Whats out there for good price and good quality?

Thanks.

 

[AA/FC]

This question gets asked a lot. The general answer on this site is Knipex..... which I agree with. Look up Knipex snap ring pliers on amazon.

 

[Dan_s_young]

Knipex, they even beat the snap on ones in my opinion....

 

[Superbec]

a knipex 4 set should be $60 ~ and cover most needs , will not cover huge or very small rings though, you get the actual sizes online .

 

[CobraRed]

I have the Astro set just because I saw them when looking for a set and know I could warranty easily on here with the Astro guy.

Come to think of it, Astro guy you should do a giveaway in exchange for people reviewing them on Amazon because the reviews don't reflect how nice these are assuming you don't use them as a can opener:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GE0PFHM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pstemari]

I have the Astro set just because I saw them when looking for a set and know I could warranty easily on here with the Astro guy.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GE0PFHM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Whoa. Those look just like the Knipex, and $25 for a set of for???

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

We generally don't worry about Amazon reviews too much unless we can help a customer with warranty, especially in the early stages of an item. We primarily sell through professional tool distribution.

I've seen items of ours on Amazon that have under 5 reviews that we sell pallets of every day.

 

[firworks]

Those Astros were featured in a recent South Main Auto video on rebuilding a brake caliper (around 13:50):
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C-JMYbUTRRI?t=830" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[md21722]

Time to get a more useful or at least a useable set of snap ring pliers. I have 2-3 pair of the normal parts house ones that you can change the tips on but they are just about to be thrown into the nearest snow bank. Also a pair of small Craftsman ones you change the entire head on that are too small for most jobs.

Time for a set of fixed tip pliers that are worth a crud. Not looking to spend $200+ but don't want some $30 flea bay junk either.

Whats out there for good price and good quality?

Thanks.

There was a thread on this last week with some options.

 

[M_George]

I recently bought a pair of Channel Lock snap ring plyers with interchangeable tips. Work great, no fear of launching the snap ring. They have a switch that changes from an inside ring to an outside ring. What's best is they are made in USA. I found the best price at Lowes $22. They are $29 at HD

 

[engineer2]

I've been eying the Kastar/Lang Hand Tools KAS3495 set, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[bixxjs]

I'm thinking about upgrading my stock of now mostly useless circling players.A work mate is trying to get me to buy his snap-on/bahco set that he's never used.

 

[Sco Deac]

The KC Tool of the Day is a Knipex set depending on what size you need. https://www.kctoolco.com/knipex-00-21-25-8-piece-precision-circlip-pliers-set-with-case/

 

[Is0ld0ut]

I have been eyeing these tektron ones for some medium sized rings. They come in different length sets.
Has anyone used them?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L0CRFI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[malibu101]

I've had a Lang for a long time. I think this one- http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnp...164110844142&gclid=CL2L7_Ch7dECFQdXDQodSNQNYw

I would buy another one right away if I lost my current one. It came with interchangable tips and the right angle tips have saved the day a time or two.
I REALLY like how flipping a switch changes it from internal to external.

EDIT- I got home and looked. I don't have the above. I have a Lang 1434 like this- http://www.langtools.com/sku-1434-quick-switch-pliers-with-tip-kit/

 

[firworks]

Considering how often people call Tekton "Tektron" I guess maybe I shouldn't feel so bad when people call me Fireworks.

 

[KnurledNut]

I was doing some work at a friends shop, where they used circlip pliers daily.
It was a heavy duty industrial application.
Time was money in this setting.
They had tried most professional brands, regardless of price.
They all broke.
But the Knipex were the ONLY ones that lasted any length of time.
(We are talking months VS days.)

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I've been eying the Kastar/Lang Hand Tools KAS3495 set, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

I just hopped of GJ and took a shot at the KAS3495 set.

I have been dreaming about ordering a set for a couple years. Finally did it.

tooldiscounter.com price is $58.31 for this set. shipping and sales tax brought it to around $72. A couple sites I checked were out of stock, and prices vary quite a bunch.

 

[weeniewawa]

I have been eyeing these tektron ones for some medium sized rings. They come in different length sets.
Has anyone used them?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L0CRFI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the set you posted and they work for what I needed them for. Not heavy use but they look well made

 

[Is0ld0ut]

Thanks! I just use them occasionally for my watercraft. The hf ones were not up to the task. My friends craftsman adjustable worked though didn't seem like they would last with the replaceable tips.

 

[gnxtc2]

I've been eying the Kastar/Lang Hand Tools KAS3495 set, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Do it.....I bought the set and couldn't be happier. The 45* tips work great.

I've read that Lang makes the pliers for Snap On.

https://www.jbtoolsales.com/lang-tools-3495-12-piece-combo-snap-ring-pliers/

Billy T.
[email protected]

 

[four.cycle]

I've read that Lang makes the pliers for Snap On.

Yeah... Lang (formerly Kastar) makes them for all kinds of other outfits, along with a number of other items that are re-branded for their contract accounts.
But feel free to pay five times as much if you want "Snap-on" stamped on the handles.

 

[thatguysb]

those interchangeable ones are a waste of time on heavy duty application IMO, i broke one on a job a while ago. Changing ball joints on a pickup. I swapped over to a fixed, never looked back. Ill still keep these interchangable ones around, seems like a good buy if you into anything 1" Diameter and under

 

[southalabama]

I've got a pair of the Craftsman Pro interchangeable tips. I've recently bought a couple different Knipex off amazon along with a couple pairs of S&K and an Armstrong all at closeout prices.

I find areas of my tool collection and shop where I'm needing improvement and recently it was on snap ring pliers. Still looking for a few more.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

those interchangeable ones are a waste of time on heavy duty application IMO, i broke one on a job a while ago. Changing ball joints on a pickup. I swapped over to a fixed, never looked back. Ill still keep these interchangable ones around, seems like a good buy if you into anything 1" Diameter and under

Snap ring pliers tend to weed themselves of frail members over time. Being aided by improper size or use speeds up the process. It is possible to have have a drawer full of snap ring pliers and still lack the proper one... It is not too unusual to buy a specific style or size for a specific job like You mentioned. Some gain a unique appearance after their encounter with a die grinder. A snap ring plier assortment is something that is guaranteed to grow without watering.

 

[pi_guy]

Often the snap ring pliers are job specific. Some times it helps to move the clip first before you try pliers. Tap it so it moves and other times it is loaded so pushing it back against what it is retaining gives a little clearance.

Yes the collection grows over time.

 

[WWheeler]

I use a set of Armstrong snap ring pliers at work that flip a lever to switch between internal/external and best of all are ratcheting which is awesome imho. They work so much better than any snap ring pliers I've ever used it aint even funny. I've also got a 4 pc snap on set that I almost never use because they aren't worth a damn compared to it. When you spread or squeeze open a snap ring the ratcheting action holds it in place on the tips so you don't have to fight the snap ring on or off. It's used almost daily working with larger snap rings at work (2"-4"-ish) and I don't think I've ever had one slip off or not go on or off on the first try with those pliers.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I think all snap ring pliers pretty much ****. Yes, including the much-loved Knipex ones. I have the 8pc precision set, and while they're OK, they aren't anything to write home about. The large forgings make it difficult or impossible to get the tips into tight spaces...which is where you usually find snap rings.

Are they rigid? Yes. Is the fit and finish good? Yes. Do they make snap ring install/removal less frustrating? Slightly--sometimes. Will snap rings still find a way to launch themselves into orbit? Most likely.

 

[engineer2]

Do it.....I bought the set and couldn't be happier. The 45* tips work great.

I will the next time one of the kids hits a curb and I have to change a wheel bearing, LOL.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Often the snap ring pliers are job specific. Some times it helps to move the clip first before you try pliers. Tap it so it moves and other times it is loaded so pushing it back against what it is retaining gives a little clearance.

Yes the collection grows over time.

Sounds like we have been down the same path a few times.. Good point about tapping to release the tension on the side of the snap ring. Not everyone understands the reason for doing the tapping, and some attempt to use the snap ring plier as a pry bar to pry the snap ring out of it's groove instead.

I have a question to do with a newbe who wants to borrow a snap ring plier.. I have a very obviously experienced reversible snap ring plier reserved for loaner duty; a WALDES TRUARC #1340. I have reshaped the tips for a specific job numerous times. It is pushing 50 years old, and I still use it now and then.
Do You have anything similar? It is a wonder that old tool has lasted his long. It is hard to keep a straight face when I tell someone: "this is a good one". Fact is, I realize this myself.

 

[WittHay]

I totally agree with "Yes the collection grows over time"

Especially when you get into gearboxes and run into those snap rings without the holes. Some have some really strange beveled angle ends. You buy one type of plier and it doesn't work too well and then you try a different plier next time

 

[ChevyEFI]

The snapon forged have 4 sizes in 90, 45, or 0. So 12 pair total. For $200 you could skip the 45s and nearly get the other 8 pair.
I was done with the tip replaceable style too and bought some of the forged.
They're not quickly switchable however.

 

[md21722]

I have never used the Lang snap ring pliers, but judging on the Amazon reviews at least a few think they are cheap import junk. I doubt Snap On is rebranding these same units... I ran into something similar today. Snap On sells Vacula (Made in Sweden) blow guns & accessories for something like $33-62.50. You can buy what LOOKS the same from Mac/Matco for $30-40. At least the Matco ones are made by PTP in Taiwan. But they LOOK identical. As far as I know the PTP stuff is decent for the money, but if those Lang's are Chinese who knows what you're going to get when the inspector leaves & they turn the dial from normal to fast on the production line...

 

[WittHay]

A lot of people might not need a full 12 piece retaining ring plier set. As others have suggested just get a few high quality pliers for whatever you are working one.

i like the Proto ones myself, easier to change than Snap-on. My Proto's were more expensive than Snap-on, so I can't see the Langs's being made in the USA for the price they sell for.

 

[trx125]

I use snap ring pliers on everything from chainsaws, car engines, transmissions, gear boxes, and hydraulic cylinders and the such. I have used almost every type of snap ring plier made in some shape, form or fashion. I have used the HF/box store brands to snap on and their equivalents, some work ok and some will put your eye out. I recently broke down and bought the Knipex 8pc set and as of this moment, I have yet to lose a snap ring in the across the room abyss. I'm just a full time diy'er but I'll have to say I don't see myself going to anything else in the foreseeable future.

 

[anurag1990]

I think all snap ring pliers pretty much ****. Yes, including the much-loved Knipex ones. I have the 8pc precision set, and while they're OK, they aren't anything to write home about. The large forgings make it difficult or impossible to get the tips into tight spaces...which is where you usually find snap rings.

Any pics to show how knipex snap rings dont fit into tight space? I'm just curious to know it, coz they are on my future wishlist.

 

[maxpower_hd]

My Tekton ones sucked. I would not recommend them. I might replace with Astor but I'm leaning toward knipex

 

[L.Cheapo]

Any pics to show how knipex snap rings dont fit into tight space? I'm just curious to know it, coz they are on my future wishlist.

I'm currently traveling internationally on business, but when I get home and have a chance, I may be able to find something. My issue was getting the internal and external snap rings off an automotive A/C compressor clutch shaft...which was the reason I bought the Knipex to begin with.

 

[paulsomlo]

My issue was getting the internal and external snap rings off an automotive A/C compressor clutch shaft...which was the reason I bought the Knipex to begin with.

Funny you mention that - the last time I used snap ring pliers was to disassemble the A/C compressor on a Ford Escape. My Craftsman convertible ones couldn't reach down into the bore and I ended up using small screwdrivers or something. What should have taken seconds, took at least half an hour. I swore I would get something far better for the job, and the Knipex was at the top of the list. I guess I'll have to rethink that.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Funny you mention that - the last time I used snap ring pliers was to disassemble the A/C compressor on a Ford Escape. My Craftsman convertible ones couldn't reach down into the bore and I ended up using small screwdrivers or something. What should have taken seconds, took at least half an hour. I swore I would get something far better for the job, and the Knipex was at the top of the list. I guess I'll have to rethink that.

There are several different ways the various manufacturers fasten their clutches to the housing and shaft. This particular Denso unit had a large snap ring, which any pliers tool could have removed, and one much smaller snap ring, on a shaft, inside of a bore. The closeness of the holes in the snap ring to the shaft it was on made it nearly impossible to get the pins of the Knipex pliers into the holes, due to the size of the forgings the pins are inserted into.

This design would have worked:

This design made it difficult:

Sorry for the large pics, needed to be able to see the tips. Ignore the 90* vs flat, I used these pics only to show the tip design.

Don't get me wrong, the Knipex are NOT junk by any means, they just aren't very good in tight quarters.