Retaining Ring Pliers_Need A Good Set

[djl]

Recommendations please.  Have some that work well on small snap rings but have difficulty with tough ones like the two the hold the IPB in place or the MDG case bearing.  I think the ratcheting type for those would work best.  Have looked on line and see several "sets" one for internal and one for external with a variety of tips.  Or should I be looking for a single tool for the tougher retaining rings?

[Hossamania]

I have the same problem with the clutch cable retaining ring. Haven't found a good tool for it yet. Interested in the forthcoming answers.

[moscooter]

 
I got real fed up with those near worthless (made in China) crap sets.   I went up to my local car repair shop and asked what day the Snap On truck comes by.   With that info,  I was there at the garage next time he showed up and I purchased a set of good Snap On snap ring pliers.  They convert for both internal and external types and now solve any such needs I have.

[djl]

I got real fed up with those near worthless (made in China) crap sets.   I went up to my local car repair shop and asked what day the Snap On truck comes by.   With that info,  I was there at the garage next time he showed up and I purchased a set of good Snap On snap ring pliers.  They convert for both internal and external types and now solve any such needs I have.

OK, so what did you buy?

[TweekmyTwin]

i use this.. works great
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/toolsplus/lang-tools-87-extra-large-snap-ring-pliers-13.jpg

[Scooterfish]

The Snap On ones are probably made by Stride. You may want to search for Stride. Knipex is also a good name in pliers.

[wfowill]

I've always had good luck with the Snap On pliers. Pricey for sure.

[Pete_Vit]

I have the same problem with the clutch cable retaining ring. Haven't found a good tool for it yet. Interested in the forthcoming answers.

go to your neighborhood tattoo or piercing shop, they have a tool small enough I think that will work for ya Hoss, used for belly bands... 
and ....NO I don't have any piercings 

[moscooter]

I got real fed up with those near worthless (made in China) crap sets.   I went up to my local car repair shop and asked what day the Snap On truck comes by.   With that info,  I was there at the garage next time he showed up and I purchased a set of good Snap On snap ring pliers.  They convert for both internal and external types and now solve any such needs I have.

OK, so what did you buy?

Each set,  you can unscrew the pivot knob and put them back together in the other (hole),  and it reverses the action from inner types to outer types.

[Karl H.]

Knipex 

[Admiral Akbar]

If you want some quick and cheap go to harbor freight.. The big ones work OK but they typically need some mods.. 

http://www.harborfreight.com/11-piece-snap-ring-pliers-set-92374.html#reviews

You typically need to make sure the pins on the end are the same length and only a little bit longer than the hole they go through.. Best prep work for them is to grind the ends so they are equal then tap on the ends with a small ball peen hammer til the mushroom just the slightest.. The small ones done this way work great on lever pin snap rings.. Big ones will do the MDG bearing provided the snap ring is not too stuck (it has a taper).  I've not bent mine but some of the reviews say they have so temper on the tools may not be that consistent..

[mrmike]

If your hunting for a deal you can find some nice used snap ring pliers on E-bay, that's how I got mine.


Mike

[DOM]

I found some really nice ones at McMaster Carr.  They carry industrial stuff and their selection of tools is pretty good.

[rageglide]

I have a set of Craftsman pliers that appear to be the same as Moscooters Snap-On versions.  Black finish, not silver and no sexy Snap-On logo..
http://www.sears.com/2pc-snap-ring-plier-set/p-00937907000P

[IronMike113]

I've always had good luck with the Snap On pliers. Pricey for sure.

They work and they don't matter how you would break them,warranty for life....... 

Matco would be my next Choice........

[hd06]

Found a real nice set at Napa part # 3151

[Slammers]

Channellock. Made in USA

https://www.channellock.com/929-Retaining-Ring-Plier.aspx

[johnnynitro]

I had got one at Sears a few years ago ! Heavy Duty with interchangeable tips ! Allot like the channellock one

[HighLiner]

Heard good things about Lang brand.  Made in the USA.

[FSG]

I like the right angled ends on them that way the ends remain parallel to one another from closed to opened or visa-versa

available in all sizes and in kits

[jmorton10]

I've always had good luck with the Snap On pliers. Pricey for sure.

I agree, the SO work very well (that's all I use).

I'm not sure I give the best advice however, I used to be a Snap-On dealer so I have tons of SO tools & a lot of them I didn't have to pay for LOL.

~John

[98FXD]

 I use  Channellock 

[Ohio HD]

NWS, made in Germany, the best I've ever used, and owned.


http://nws-tool.com/products/nws-175-62-a01-circlip-pliers?variant=1590324289

[Snowyone]

I don't like the ones with the replaceable bits.  Always losing one because they never come in a decient container.  Most of mine are snapon that can be inside or outside by removing piviot screw and swaping sides.

[DOM]

I hate the ones with the replaceable bits too.  Better to have a quality tool that you don't have to mess with.  I do have the replaceable bit ones for emergency use though.