Tools for very small e-style retaining rings

[water-works]

I have a project I'm working. Some controls have e-style retaining rings that are ridiculously small. OD's in the 5mm range.

What tools do you guys use to install and remove such small e-style retaining rings? For removal I've tried a toothpick and it works but getting back on is proving to be a big problem. My needle nose pliers are to large. Perhaps I need to buy a super micro sized set of needle nose? Is there a specific tooL for working with these little animals?

Like this but without the bend.

 

[Outlawmws]

I pop them off using a small screwdriver if if really small a metal pick, and yes, it sounds like you need to invest in suitable needle-nose.

 

[crewchief888]

the tool is called an e clip installer.

last one i bought was from skycraft surplus in orlando fl. it's been at least 20 years....

havent seen one since

probably better off with a small pair of needlenose.

if it's in a place where it may pop off and disappear, i always found wrapping a small piece of wire through it prevented it's loss, and me saying many, many bad words

 

[383 240z]

That why they are called Jesus clips. When they pop off you say "Jesus, where did that go??" Keith

 

[MotoDave]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#e-clip-tools/=m6yhe1

If that doesn't work, look for McMaster p/n 93821A215 or similar.

 

[larry_g]

http://www.ochiai-if.com/enu/ochiai/html/eth.htm

Also look at the site above to find the size of the E-ring you have and then match it ti the proper tool.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[woody 73]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#e-clip-tools/=m6yhe1

If that doesn't work, look for McMaster p/n 93821A215 or similar.

Woody says "Jesus" look at the price for each tool!

 

[Sirdowski]

I've always just held two flat head screw drivers in the same hand and put whatever is lying around in between them if I need them spaced more. Usually just using different sized screw drivers works.

 

[jfleisher]

I use one of these,

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-detail.aspx?pn=849-600

$10