Special snap ring tool?

[f121]

I was recently faced with a snap ring on a gearbox pinion shaft had didn't have holes to locate a tool in, just fairly pointy machining on the ends. I managed to use my regular knipex snap ring (circlip if you're British) pliers, but it was very very fiddly and frustrating.

Is there a special tool for this style snap ring? Maybe spreading pliers with two concave cups to locate the points of the snap ring?

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Yes. I have 4 different versions for those.

The ones one the left, work for those, but are designed more for the ones with flat ends.

Knipex special Circlip pliers.

The middle ones are specific for your type of ring. Knipex 4521200

The last ones work for both types. They are made by Wilde for Snapon, Proto, etc. I bought the Proto version as it was cheapest at the time. AKA horseshoe washer pliers. I also have these Wilde ones as well. They are for larger sized rings, so depends on the shaft size you are dealing with.

I wouldn't say, one is better than the other. I have all of them, as I have ran into multiple situations where one works the best and the others dont. If its a large, thick ring, get the compound. If its smaller rings, the other options are better.

 

[f121]

That's brilliant, thankyou. I'll order a set of the knipex and the proto to cover my bases.

 

[Mooky]

Get a “robust” one! The only Snap On tool I ever broke was that plier type on a transmission ring like yours.

 

[joe_padavano]

I got the Knipex for rebuilding transmissions. It's money well spent.

 

[javyLSU]

I love this place... If it exists, you will find it here.

 

[ecotec]

Get a “robust” one! The only Snap On tool I ever broke was that plier type on a transmission ring like yours.

They have a 14”ish version for that ring. Lock ring pliers 700a. They might be called something different now.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Get a “robust” one! The only Snap On tool I ever broke was that plier type on a transmission ring like yours.

Are you talking about the compound pliers? If so I agree the larger ratcheting ones are better for big thick rings.

 

[bdbecker]

I've been happy with my 9" angle and straight tip pliers from Wilde. Seem to be good value for the money.

Snap Retaining Lock Ring | Wilde Tool

wildetool.com

 

[f121]

I love this place... If it exists, you will find it here.

Yup! I did a bunch of googling and couldn't find anything, had the answer in seconds here.