Tools that grab from the inside

[dukefx]

I'm looking for tools (I'd imagine some pliers) that grab onto the interior walls of certain objects like tubes or a closed profile, maybe something meant for separating 2 objects. I imagine some form of pliers that open when you squeeze the handle and the jaws would look outwards of course. I know there are too many shapes and sizes for something general to exist, but even specialized tools would be welcome. I needed something like this so many times now that I really need to get some sort of tool for such... if tools like this exist.

 

[antman213]

strong hand tools make a spreader plier, you will find welding related pliers like this but I've also seen plumbing pliers for swaging like this with multiple steps for different sizes

 

[Tools4Me]

I find external retaining ring pliers very useful for that sort of thing. The types with diamond textured paddle style tips. Not perfect, but often a workable solution for light duty to middle duty jobs. Companies like Snap-on, Craftsman, Proto, and others all still make them or made them at one time. The tip styles vary a bit, so pay attention to that if you need something specific. They are one of the only ways I know of to clamp the inside of something relatively small in diameter without getting into the realm of expanding collars or internal pipe extractors.

I attached an image of a pair of Craftsman 4735 pliers for visual reference.

Ridgid 342 internal pipe wrenches work well for removing standard sized things like pipe ******* from the inside.

Ridgid pipe extractors also work well for trade sized pipe. Other brands make similar tools, and they also come in a rotating cam style design like the ones made by Proto.

 

[blairjw]

I have these and used them for the same thing as you are asking... I needed to remove brand new brake cyl pistons, they have a depression in the middle, I was able to grab the walls and pull and twist. I wish these had curvature to the face, but they worked anyhow.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QWTB149/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dukefx]

Both the welding pliers and the ring pliers look quite promising, thanks for the suggestions. If only we could have something like that in a pliers wrench style with flat and rounded jaw versions.

Edit: the Expand-O™ pliers from Strong Hand Tools is also something I can imagine using.
Edit2: I've found battery terminal pliers, but no teeth and suitable only for a very small amount of sizes.

 

[RTM]

Edit: welll that post turned out poorly, lets try to fix it, get all the pix, etc

I just grabbed an old Utica 534-7 listed as a horseshoe clip plier. It will open to about 1-1/4".

 

[KnurledNut]

Ive used these panel clip removers for a few light duty tasks. The slim tips can get in some tight spots. They could even be ground down to a chisel tip if needed. These pictured are Lisle, but I have the HF ones I bought for one use and they have come in hand a few times since:

 

[joe_padavano]

I just grabbed an old Utica 534-7 listed as a horseshoe clip plier. It will open to about 1-1/4".

These are designed to remove and install external retaining rings. I use mine for rebuilding automatic transmissions.