What type of piston ring expander do you prefer?

[Rustypigeon]

Do you prefer the simple type like to top picture or the ones that support the sides like the bottom picture? I have never used a piston ring expander before and might be rebuilding an engine this winter.

 

[txvwnut]

I use the exact same black handled ones above. Before those I just used my fingers and sometimes still do.

 

[senlow]

Two thumbs!

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

The black handled...or my hands.

 

[sberry]

I got a pair, would have to really look to find them. Have used C snap ring pliers too but usually use thumbs also. Wouldn't buy them unless I absolutely had to.

 

[Wamsutta]

I use the red handled type, but mine don't have red handles. They're bare steel handles with no padding. They came that way from Briggs & Stratton. Didn't know they came with padding until clicking on this thread. Now I feel cheated.

 

[anndel]

I have and use the black handle version which is Blue Point branded.

 

[Packard V8]

Before those I just used my fingers and sometimes still do.

Two thumbs!

The guys in the rebuilder shops don't bother with ring expanders - too slow. They roll them on by hand.

jack vines

 

[apollo11]

Two thumbs!

 

[American Locomotive]

I just use my hands. I think the only time I've ever broken a piston ring, was with a piston ring expanded oddly enough.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Two thumbs!

Endorsed

 

[finn]

We outlawed the black handle type in the engine lab of the oem that I worked at.

They tend to chip the plasma facing off the ring at the tips.

Our experimental mechanics all fit rings by hand on prototype lab engines.

Production lines used a pneumatic cope.

 

[bob15]

I was taught to use my hands. I've never used a ring expander.

 

[Showkey]

Another vote for hand install.

 

[rharman]

Done a ton of motorcycle engines and never used anything but my thumbs. I think the pliers make it too easy to over-expand.

 

[Tracs]

I just use my hands. I think the only time I've ever broken a piston ring, was with a piston ring expanded oddly enough.

Agreed. I've rebuilt 5 V8 engines and never used a expander, just my hands.

 

[71firebird400]

Skip the expander and use the saved money on a dedicated ring compressor sleeve for your bore size.

 

[seber]

Thumbs and screw type pipe clamp. But then I don't do it as a profession.

 

[Rustypigeon]

Thumbs it is. Thanks guys.