Snap-Ring/Retaining-Ring/Circlip Pliers

[TheMadMech]

I'm looking to get a nice set of Snap-Ring pliers. At work they have a set of Proto 360B which are good. Never had a problem with the set. That said, I love my Knipex tools and was wondering if their Circlip Pliers offerings were as good as their pump pliers?

Opinions?

 

[Tenex]

I think the general consensus here is that Knipex makes the best snap-ring pliers. If those are too pricey then you might consider this set from Lang.

 

[mdtaylorjr]

I have the newer snap on forged ones and they are great. Never bent a tip like other sets and they have good weight to them making them easy to handle and release the clips. Not cheap though a 5 pc set was like $150 and the 12 piece set was over $300 if I remember. I have the 12 pc.

 

[four.cycle]

I may be mistaken, but I seem to recall a similar discussion in another thread. Unless I'm mistken, that Proto set above is actually manufactured by Kastar:

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...e&kw=KAS3495&gclid=CLes1aO24MoCFUiGfgod0NkF8w

and the merits of it were discussed in yet a different thread here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136592

(among other places - Google: "kastar snap ring pliers garage journal")

 

[TheMadMech]

I'm hoping to find a Knipex set which functionally matches the Proto Set 360B. Price isn't the issue, size is. As an industrial maintenance mechanic I have to lug this stuff everywhere with me. Anyone able to find a Knipex set to match? The closest I've found is This set sold by Crawford which I can't even find on the Knipex site.

 

[justme-]

Does it have to be pliers? Check out the KD/Gearwrench 2012 and 2011. Those two will replace the whole sets and this the 2011 is out of production its fairly easy to find online and the standard KD tips kit (742? I think) will fit as replacements if you ever break a tip.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I have a Gedore set from KCtoolco.com

http://www.kctoolco.com/gedore-8000-a-0-circlip-pliers-external-3-10mm-p/gr6701380.htm

 

[Yv.]

Knipex are great.

 

[P51Boilermaker]

I've got a universal one from channel lock that switches from internal to external snap rings. Came with a set of different sized tips too. I've only used it twice but for the home garage it works. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TG80SY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[winlinmac]

Channel lock is great. Avoid Irwin at all cost

 

[AndrewDouglasBird]

I have a pair of the Channellock ones and an old set of KD non-reversible ones. The biggest problem I've found with them is the little inserts that go in the tips. They aren't very strong and like to break if much force is put on them. Pliers with the tips forged in that are non-replaceable would not have this problem I would think.

 

[iajonesy]

Always use the biggest tip that will fit the snap ring. I've seen more broken tips from guys using the first tip they find that fits easily but is actually too small. Also try to loosen the snap ring by tapping on it a little bit so that it will break any rust loose, that helps save tips too.

Mike

 

[winlinmac]

Also check out Wilde as well, they seem to be up to par with Channellock. Some say the older Channellock 907 is better than the new ones offered by Wilde and Channellock.

 

[Rich.]

I'm hoping to find a Knipex set which functionally matches the Proto Set 360B. Price isn't the issue, size is. As an industrial maintenance mechanic I have to lug this stuff everywhere with me. Anyone able to find a Knipex set to match? The closest I've found is This set sold by Crawford which I can't even find on the Knipex site.

Here it is on the Knipex site;
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1373&groupID=1492

Out of interest, does anyone know the difference between their precision kit above, and their standard set here;

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1373&groupID=223

Which style is it that is highly rated?

Thanks
Rich