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Snap ring plies set

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Hoist_service_tech

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Looking for opinions on purchasing a snap ring pliers set. I need to get a set, but don't want to spend Snap-On prices. Normally, it would be my 1st choice, but financials are limited due to me accepting a new position. I have been looking on Ebay and there are many brands to choose from, but most of the brand names I know nothing about their quality. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Skin

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Stride makes most of the 12pc convertible sets you see floating around, they're widely rebranded so just get whatever is cheapest. Craftsman use to sell the master set but its gone now. If its going to be mainly for larger snap rings like wheel bearings and such get a locking set. Stride has a 2pc set with interchangeable tips, also widely rebranded. Heres a couple examples of what i'm talking about.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kastar-12Pc..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item43b2f7eed3&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-7750-ret..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item35c196b7f2&vxp=mtr

Watch out for imposter sets as they're complete junk (HF and Astro Pneumatic)

Lastly if you only need a couple sizes for a very specific job, do yourself a huge favor and get Knipex Precisions (solid piano wire tips). They're pricey at $20-$25 a pair but they're one of the only brands that will hold up to repetitive use and abuse without the tips snapping.
 
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jmm

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I have some of the French made SK pliers. They're very good. You probably won't find them new anywhere -- but if the specs are the same on what SK offers now, I'd jump on them. Also have a pair of Knipex, they're the best I've ever used. Unless someone bought it already, Ash had a set of Knipex snap ring pliers in the classifieds for a good price. He's one of the best sellers on GJ.
 
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ilovevocs

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I have been salivating over the knipex snap ring pliers for a long time. I just have too many other things I'm spending money on right now. I have been getting buy with the crappy HF set but cringe every time I hit a snap ring in an assembly. Best of luck on your search.
 
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sberry

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I agree about the rebranding here, I bought a kit or 2 under ATD maybe at the auto parts store for around 50 or so, they have been just fine. This falls in to the if it really doesnt work I will upgrade catagory. I must have them but dont use them like a ****** shop either.
A bubble flare kit I bought a while back the same way, I borrowed my Buds and had it a day too long and he said, keep it he charged another set to my account. I used it a couple times, a 400$ one just not worth it.
They spec the quality, the finish isnt always super but havnt got any of that stuff that didnt work. I bought some jackstands a while back and there must be 2 companies that make the most of them, one was a gage heavier.
 
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redwrench60

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Skin

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The 12pc wilde set is the same thing as the kastar set I posted except the wilde set is nearly $60 more. Once again, they're both made by Stride.
 
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Skin

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Stride is the parent company of Imperial and Milbar. One in the same.
 
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redwrench60

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Skin said:
Stride is the parent company of Imperial and Milbar. One in the same.
Click to expand...

Ahhh, I learned something. That explains the resemblance. Does Stride actually manufacture them or just oversee the production? In other words, where are the Milbar, Wilde and Imperial retaining ring pliers made?
 
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Jawn

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Skin said:
The 12pc wilde set is the same thing as the kastar set I posted except the wilde set is nearly $60 more. Once again, they're both made by Stride.
Click to expand...

I'm not so sure about that. The Kastar set you linked looks like it may be the thumbscrew type, vs the Wildes being the "Qtr-turn" kind.

Not saying they don't share common parentage, but I think they may be different models.
 
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Skin

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Jawn said:
I'm not so sure about that. The Kastar set you linked looks like it may be the thumbscrew type, vs the Wildes being the "Qtr-turn" kind.

Not saying they don't share common parentage, but I think they may be different models.
Click to expand...

Looks like you're right. Always thought the thumbscrew style were old KD. Not sure. The quarter turn convertibles are definitely a Stride product though.

redwrench60 said:
Ahhh, I learned something. That explains the resemblance. Does Stride actually manufacture them or just oversee the production? In other words, where are the Milbar, Wilde and Imperial retaining ring pliers made?
Click to expand...

Their primary plant is in Ohio, no idea if that's consolidated manufacturing for all products though.
 
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MattPersman

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If you only need one or a few sizes then buy good ones like snap on or knipex. Nothing pisses you off like bad snap ring pliers :)
 
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