Strongest convertible snap ring pliers

[mdnelson86]

I need to get some new snap ring pliers for my service truck. I work on tractors and farm equipment mostly, so I run into some pretty strong snap rings and need a set that will handle most of what I deal with. I have the knipex set in my shop, but really like to have a convertible style in the service truck where space is limited, however most of the convertible style pliers I’ve used are either pretty flimsy, or don’t last too long before something goes wrong with the mechanism.

What’s the best option for convertible snap ring pliers that will hold up?

 

[matt_i]

I feel like if I worked out of a truck in field service then I want the absolutely best no-frustration tools in my possession.

The Knipex work, better than anything else, in my opinion. I'd prioritize finding a way to fit them in.

 

[bobcatdan]

Any pliers with removable tips is junk in my book. Overall I feel the USA made Lang snap ring pliers that everybody puts their name on are fine. Snap on are the same idea, but they start making them themselves a number of years ago. Theirs are forged like a normal pliers compared to stamped steel. Either way, you could get away with four pliers, 12 is you want 45's and 90's. I have never used the knipex, but they look nice, just that I would need a minimum of 24 to cover my basic needs.

 

[kd3pc]

I'm with Matt, I spent a frustrating hour trying to remove one clip from the PTO of my Z830 mower. I have since bought the snap on set to put it back together, and they seem to be easily able to handle this task.

I went through at least 3 pliers with the removable pins, none survived the task.

get the best stuff and save your fingers

 

[kelpaso1]

Any pliers with removable tips is junk in my book. Overall I feel the USA made Lang snap ring pliers that everybody puts their name on are fine. Snap on are the same idea, but they start making them themselves a number of years ago. Theirs are forged like a normal pliers compared to stamped steel. Either way, you could get away with four pliers, 12 is you want 45's and 90's. I have never used the knipex, but they look nice, just that I would need a minimum of 24 to cover my basic needs.

Exactly...

 

[Wrench97]

Snap on. you pay more upfront to save aggravation in the long run.

 

[rlitman]

Snap on. you pay more upfront to save aggravation in the long run.

I don't think they MAKE a convertible type. They sell this type under Blue Point:

They're ****! I've seen the same pliers sold as Craftsman, and Channellock over the years, and the internal mechanism falls apart. I REALLY wanted to like them, because the "magical" reversing feature is so cool, but I've been let down more than once now by them.

Same as these:

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WA0YW8TvL._SR500,500_.jpg[/IMG]

There's a tiny cast piece in the switch mechanism that fails too easily under stress.

I also own the previous generation from Channellock that has two pieces you slide to reverse. It's not as magical as the current ones, but it has a rock solid mechanism. However, I don't think that's been on the market for a long time.

The truth is that good snap rung pliers with replaceable tips don't really exist, but you can often get away well enough with one handle for opening and a second for closing action. Just forget about the all-in-one option.

 

[mdnelson86]

Thanks guys, I guess I haven’t found a decent pair because one doesn’t exist. My experience with the replaceable tip style has been pretty much the same as what has been mentioned.

Looks like I’ll be getting a few more of my most used knipex styles for the truck. I do really like the knipex, but every inch of space in the truck is extremely valuable. The snap ring pliers are far from my most used tools, but when you need them, you need them. I can probably get by with just a couple internal and external though.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The forged red handle pliers Snap-On has are convertible with a screw. Obviously less convenient than the e-z reverse type with replaceable tips, but they work better.

 

[seanb02]

I've got a set of those Blue-point ones shown above. They generally will do the job, but not very well. Have the 12 piece Snap-on set on order now, they have a promo going on the green handled ones for Saint Patricks day, so I jumped on that. Rest of my Snappy pliers are red, but will settle for the green ones.

Debated on a set of the Knipex ones, but haven't felt them in my hand or seen any in person. Warranty is faster on the Snap-on ones as well.

 

[WittHay]

The convertible type with the replaceable tips just dont work. The Knipex are easily available locally but I dont care for them

Have a set of the Snap-on forged type in one tool box and a set of quarter turn Proto's in another. The Protos get used the most.

The quarter turns are made by Imperial Stride and I think Mac has a variation that uses a push button

 

[Shadowdog500]

+1 on convertible Tip’s being junk. I tried these years ago and just gave up on them. I have several different sizes of craftsman “Made in USA” non convertible ones that work great but I’m sure you can’t get them anymore.

 

[AngryBeaver]

+27 on the replaceable tips being junk. this is one of those areas where one universal tool just doesn't work well, unless you are playing on a electronics work bench......

as a fellow service truck tech...I would highly recommend a set of snap ons. they are pricey, but they are worth their weight in gold. they have some new HD ones that are fantastic for larger things like cylinders.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Until you use them, you will miss the fine details that make for great snap ring pliers, like the end of the tips being ever so slightly fatter to hold on the snap ring. I have had pair of convertible tip ones in a box that has a MAC sticker. I have seen the same ones in Proto and Snap-On stickered boxes. I've had them since 1980, they are OK. But one of our new German machines came with a tool box and it had some snap ring pliers, boy are they nice. For the big stuff, +100mm, we had couple of pairs of Snap-On . They had replacable tips, but they bolted on. If you find them used, they are worthwhile and then buy new tips.

 

[Super Mech]

I worked in a machine shop when I was younger and they had a KD snap ring pliers that you would turn the handle like a screwdriver to open or close the tips. The tips were removable but of very high quality. I removed some very tough snap rings with those. Wouldn’t mind having one of those in the shop these days.

 

[rlitman]

I worked in a machine shop when I was younger and they had a KD snap ring pliers that you would turn the handle like a screwdriver to open or close the tips. The tips were removable but of very high quality. I removed some very tough snap rings with those. Wouldn’t mind having one of those in the shop these days.

I have a pair of those. They come in handy sometimes. Looks like this:

 

[Skin]

I guess i'll go against the grain and say I've never had a problem with my replaceable tip pliers. I own both sizes that Lang makes in ratcheting precisely because they ratchet and lock and as far as I know this is the only way you can buy them (convertible tip/reversible). I only really use them on big snap rings or snap rings in a bore (assuming I can fit the pliers).

If you want a set for general use Snap-on just redesigned theirs and they look great. Of course they cost a **** ton of money.

 

[Super Mech]

I have a pair of those. They come in handy sometimes. Looks like this:

That’s them! Are they still available? I have a Snap on set that are just ok IMHO
I would like to get my hands on one of these.

 

[VinceG]

here are the Gearwrench version
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RH3882/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Super Mech]

here are the Gearwrench version
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RH3882/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thank you. Ordering right now.

 

[Jazz1]

I have Challenger convertible type pliers, no issues but Im not working on snap rings over 2". Mechanism has never caused issue.

 

[1cargarage]

I have 2 convertible tip sets:

The CHANNELLOCK 927 work fine for the minimal use they get from me (mainly small AC motors etc)

Also, I have the FACOM 470 21 pc. set I bought it hoping that a dedicated inner and dedicated outer would give me a bit more control/versatility. The Facom pliers themselves are very nice - no slop, and include a travel-limiting screw.

They're both far from great. In fact, I'll say 100% I wouldn't buy either again. The main complaint I have with both is that the interchangeable tips are extremely sloppy. With both the Channellock and the Facom, the tip pairs don't line up with each other with regards to tip height/projection and angle (for the angled tips). The latter is mainly due to the fact that the tips are made from hexagonal stock and the set screw on the pliers forces them to rotate such that the screw tightens onto one of the hex sides - fixing its rotational orientation (hopefully that makes sense).

The FACOM set is probably the most expensive set of interchangeable tip pliers on the market (maybe not) and it's still quite far from satisfactory.

Someday when I can justify or have a regular need for better ones, I'll probably get the dedicated Knipex ones (updated versions with the spring steel tips) or a set of the newer Snap On convertible (internal/external) pliers.