Snap Ring Solution for Motorcycle Kit?

[bwringer]

Once in a while I encounter the need to deal with a snap ring "in the field", usually a 10mm or 12mm external ring holding a shift or brake lever. There are also larger internal snap rings retaining the wheel bearings in some motorcycle hubs.

The usual solution is to prod and pry and squeeze with screwdrivers, pliers, fingernails, and other improvised odds and ends, running the risk of damaging tools, damaging the snap ring or the part, or just losing the damn thing when it flies off and disappears in the weeds.

Any ideas for a decent lightweight, compact, carry-able snap ring solution?

Even some trick to improvise something effective might be enough; it doesn't come up all THAT often, but when you're facing a stubborn snap ring in the middle of nowhere with no tool, you can waste a lot of time and effort.

I've found some "mini" snap ring tools on Amazon that could do the trick, at least for the smaller snap rings.

Any other ideas?

 

[kelpaso1]

Logic would be to just buy a couple snap ring pliers of the size you would need. Get the reversible kind that you can use for both internal or external. Both can be kept in your pocket.

 

[Tallpilot]

The problem with snap ring pliers is they are mostly junk. I just bought a Knipex set because I am tired of fighting with them even as rarely as I do it. However everyone speaks fairly highly of the Astro set. It would be cheap and small enough to work for your field kit.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GE0PFDQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Nick Danger]

What about the Sears multi-tip snap ring pliers?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-retaining-ring-pliers-internal-external/p-00947412000P

 

[kelpaso1]

What about the Sears multi-tip snap ring pliers?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-retaining-ring-pliers-internal-external/p-00947412000P

Those style are complete junk. Just buy a couple fixed tip style from SO, Knipex, or Astro.

 

[bwringer]

What about the Sears multi-tip snap ring pliers?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-retaining-ring-pliers-internal-external/p-00947412000P

Have had those a while; they're WAY too big and heavy for what I'm thinking.

I'll also agree they're not the best solution even in the garage; the replaceable tips are fiddly, bendy, and crappy, and the nose of the tool is too big to get into a lot of places it needs to.


I'm pondering taking a small pair of needle nose pliers and grinding the tips; could be used in a pinch for external or internal, small and light, may have other uses...?

I'm also planning on experimenting a bit with using wire or strong string; if you could poke it through the little holes and then pull in two directions, it seems like you could manage most reasonably sized snap rings.

 

[LXCam]

I got a set of the Astro ones last year, they're spectacular, every bit as good as my snap on sets. Internal or external plus you can change the tip angles and it actually holds plus the tips are replaceable.

https://www.ebay.com/i/231576790004...6%26rvr_ts%3D1e5f53411640ac8034777dfbfff3317c

 

[Tallpilot]

I understand space and weight are at a premium but I can't think of anything lighter than 1-2 pairs of fixed pliers that would actually work well. Otherwise your current needle nose and pocket screwdriver technique is what you will have to work with.

 

[DFB]

I have the Channellock with interchangeable tips similar to the Craftsman that has been linked. Its all I use. Most motorcycle snap rings are much smaller then lets say hydraulic cylinders

They will do the job for ya a hell a lot better than improvising with screwdriver...come on give me a break what ya do when the snap ring goes flying out "in the field"

For the very little occasion you may encounter a reason to remove a snap ring roadside retaining like maybe some lever pin they will not be not **** and will be about the most compact you can get (hey but don't lose those tips Honestly how many change out wheel bearings on the side of the road.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have a Lyle heavy duty reversible pair with different tips and they work decent. I recently bought an internal and external pair of Knipex. They far exceeded my expectations. The tips are hardened and angled so the snap ring doesn't go flying. I highly recommend them.