Tools for large snap rings

[Skyking1992]

I need to remove a snap ring in a torque tube from a C5 Corvette. The ring is approx 6 inches in diameter. I've done it before with a large needle nose pliers. That's not the best and might be a good way to lose a finger if your not careful. The one I'm working on now is fighting me a bit and I can't seem to get the pliers to work. I found a tool on flea bay, but it seems like a lot of money for something I rarely use.

Any other ideas?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lang-Tools-Extra-Large-Snap-Ring-Pliers-Formerly-known-as-Hi-Tech-brand-87-New-/221570840641?hash=item3396a6b841:g:NeEAAOSw44BYIJeS[/URL]

 

[R.Grundy]

automatic transmission snap ring pliers ?

 

[brownbagg]

harbor freight

 

[matt_i]

Best buy the tool and do it correctly. Otherwise you permanently tweak the ring into a curl, or scar up the groove, so many things can go wrong.

The big tools that I am familiar with have a ratcheting feature on the pliers so you don't have to hold it in compression the entire way.

 

[isb cornbinder]

When I was doing transmissions HAZET snap-ring pliers were the most preferred tool.
The price of a tool is nothing when you compare it to the charge at a dealer of local shop.

 

[bob15]

Snap On: https://store.snapon.com/Interchangeable-Tip-Set-Pliers-Retaining-Ring-Internal-External-2-pc-Blue-Point--P797298.aspx

I believe Kent Moore makes them for Snap On

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have SK snap-ring pliers. They are identical to Snap-On, MAC and OTC.

 

[Skyking1992]

Thanks for the help guys - I'll see what I can find.

 

[matt_i]

I forgot to mention, I really love the Knipex snap ring pliers. My favorites. I think Grrrrainger carries them amongst probably other less expensive sources.

 

[Nexussian]

When I was working on Turbochargers I had to deal with larger snap rings (retained the compressor cover).

I bought some large snap ring pliers from Matco.

They look like these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HMQ0GA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They work as well as any pliers I've used on snap rings.

It's not really any cheaper though.

 

[Skyking1992]

Thanks for the help guys. Just a follow up - I haven't had time to search out and order the proper tool. I've used a large long nose pliers in the past, but this one just didn't want to cooperate. Every time I tried to compress the snap ring, it would slip off the end of the pliers. I ended up heating and bending the jaws of my pliers so that they were more perpendicular to the snap ring. It was still a fight, but I was able to get it out without incident. We'll see how it goes together when the time comes. Maybe I should order the correct tool after all!

 

[kbs2244]

If you do not need professional quality, HF sell both expand and compress the ring as a set.

 

[Skyking1992]

I actually looked at the HF set today. Everything they had was for much smaller snap rings. The one I'm working on is about 7 inches in dia. I did actually use the HF long handled needle nose pliers. They are about 14 inches long and cost $10 or less. That's why I didn't mind heating and bending the jaws. If they break, I can throw them away.

 

[619DioFan]

I actually looked at the HF set today. Everything they had was for much smaller snap rings. The one I'm working on is about 7 inches in dia. I did actually use the HF long handled needle nose pliers. They are about 14 inches long and cost $10 or less. That's why I didn't mind heating and bending the jaws. If they break, I can throw them away.

Don't waste your money on the large HF snap ring pliers set. I bought them to remove a wheel bearing snap ring. they started to bend before the snap ring was half way compressed, they failed to remove the ring. Astro Pnuematic sells a 2 piece set of large size snap ring pliers that are far better.

 

[leadfoot415]

I use these, works great and has interchangeable tips.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STRG8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dbabicky]

I use these, works great and has interchangeable tips.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STRG8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

ATD also has a set like this for around $80-$90. You can get them through CARQUEST and Bumper-Bumper. I'm sure other parts houses can get them too. We have the ATD set at the shop and they work great on Ford Exploder rear wheel bearings and many other applications.

 

[bixxjs]

If you don't want to buy the tool then you're going to have to pay a workshop to do the job for you.
Which is cheaper and more beneficial to you?

 

[flat tire]

Astro 9402 16" Snap Ring Plier Set - 2 Piece



by Astro Pneumatic Tool



2.6 out of 5 stars
12 customer reviews









List Price: $55.40
Price: $36.83 & FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Details
You Save: $18.57 (34%)











In Stock.








Want it Thursday, Feb. 16? Order within 18 hrs 21 mins and choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details




Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.















amazon










• Internal/External heavy duty Circlip Pliers Set
• Features replaceable tips and spring ratchet locking mechanism to securely hold against circlip tension
• Range: Internal = 3-1/2”" to 3/8" (for 3-1/16" - 6-1/4" Snap Rings), External = 1/4" to 3-3/16” (for 3-1/2" - 6-1/2" Snap Rings)
• Length 16"" (400mm), Tip Size 0.12"" (3.0mm) - 0º 45º 90º Set