BigBear Posted March 30, 2011 #1 Posted March 30, 2011 I'm looking to purchase a GOOD set of snapring pliers. Any suggestions? I bought a set from Sears when I did maintenance on the rear hub...and they were JUNK (IMHO). Getting ready to put on another rear tire, so I thought I would lube the hub/pins again since I'm 3/4 of the way there anyway...seems like these two items should go together!!! As always...thanks for the suggestions/comments!
saddlebum Posted March 30, 2011 #2 Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) I have always prefered a set of single purpose snap ring oliers over the multipurpose type. they are inexpensive, strong, slim enough to fit into most tight places and come in a variety of sizes and angle both for inside or outside snap rings. check this link to a sample of some http://www.princessauto.com/workshop/hand-tools/clamping-gripping-tools/snap/lock-ring-pliers/8007364-4-pc-7-snap-ring-pliers-set The tips are tapered so to fit the snapring hole exactly for larger snap rings I simply grind the ends back until the tip fits. A perfect fit allows the pliers to hold the ring better so you don't have to listen to it fly across the room. Edited March 30, 2011 by saddlebum
SilvrT Posted March 30, 2011 #3 Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) I have always prefered a set of single purpose snap ring oliers over the multipurpose type. they are inexpensive, strong, slim enough to fit into most tight places and come in a variety of sizes and angle both for inside or outside snap rings. check this link to a sample of some http://www.princessauto.com/workshop/hand-tools/clamping-gripping-tools/snap/lock-ring-pliers/8007364-4-pc-7-snap-ring-pliers-set The tips are tapered so to fit the snapring hole exactly for larger snap rings I simply grind the ends back until the tip fits. A perfect fit allows the pliers to hold the ring better so you don't have to listen to it fly across the room. Those listed seem to work opposite of what seems to me they should. IMO, when you squeeze the handles together, the plier should open whereas those listed appear that you have to pull the handle apart to release/open the snap-ring. In other words, those listed appear to work the same way a normal plier would work, squeeze the grip to tighten/close the plier. The kind I have, which are the ones that have interchangeable tips, work as I mentioned. (or am I seeing things wrong?) Edited March 30, 2011 by SilvrT
saddlebum Posted March 30, 2011 #4 Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) Those listed seem to work opposite of what seems to me they should. IMO, when you squeeze the handles together, the plier should open whereas those listed appear that you have to pull the handle apart to release/open the snap-ring. In other words, those listed appear to work the same way a normal plier would work, squeeze the grip to tighten/close the plier. The kind I have, which are the ones that have interchangeable tips, work as I mentioned. Actually if you look closer you will see they are of both types two open when you squeeze the handles for external lock rings and two close when you squeeze the handles for internal lock rings, it is in the way the pivot is designed. If you look closly you will see how the handlse of the one pair crossover at the pivot, while the handles of the other set do not, they remain parrellel acting on the same principal as tetter totter. The problem I have always found with the interchangable type is A) because the tips ar often offset they do not hold the ring as well and B) they do not reach into deep bores as well. and C) if the snap ring is of a very rigged nature the interchangable tips often just rotate in the tool if you try to use the offset tips. Edited March 30, 2011 by saddlebum
KiteSquid Posted March 30, 2011 #5 Posted March 30, 2011 I bought the set a THIS link and cannot complain about them. They do cost a lot, but they are forged..... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/32900/32824.JPG
SilvrT Posted March 30, 2011 #6 Posted March 30, 2011 Actually if you look closer you will see they are of both types two open when you squeeze the handles for external lock rings and two close when you squeeze the handles for internal lock rings, it is in the way the pivot is designed. If you look closly you will see how the handlse of the one pair crossover at the pivot, while the handles of the other set do not, they remain parrellel acting on the same principal as tetter totter. The problem I have always found with the interchangable type is A) because the tips ar often offset they do not hold the ring as well and B) they do not reach into deep bores as well. and C) if the snap ring is of a very rigged nature the interchangable tips often just rotate in the tool if you try to use the offset tips. aahaaaaa... I do see that now ... well what can I say, it's was still morning and I hadn't woken up .... but it's just after noon now and at least one eye is functioning at about 90% I do agree about the interchangeable tips but for the amount I use them (like maybe a couple times a year if that) ... that's all I need.
flb_78 Posted March 30, 2011 #7 Posted March 30, 2011 I have SnapOn, Mac, and Knipex snap ring pliers. Ive had no luck with Craftsman or Harbor Freight.
Snaggletooth Posted March 30, 2011 #8 Posted March 30, 2011 I had a set of both internal and external from Sears that I have used since the early 70's. One finally gave out and I was in the middle of a project. Ran over to NAPA and they had a really well made combination one for both int/ext for about $35.00. Like the other one mentioned just flip two levers to change it. Great tool, very strong with interchangabe tips. Holding up very well. With the others I could always see them flex. Not this one. Mike
twigg Posted March 30, 2011 #9 Posted March 30, 2011 I bought the set a THIS link and cannot complain about them. They do cost a lot, but they are forged..... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/32900/32824.JPG Very nice Meanwhile, back on Earth, I have bought motorcycles for less than that Make sure that, whatever set you get, has at least one set of "long reach" jaws. You will find them very useful when you want to fit master cylinder re-build kits!
bongobobny Posted March 30, 2011 #10 Posted March 30, 2011 I have a "better" set from Sears and for the most part they work OK but a couple of years ago I acquired a set from Cummins Tools and they seem to work just fine! I have had a couple of instances where I have had to modify a pair to get into a particular location, mostly can't reach in far enough. A little time on the bench grinder fixed that...
Iowa Guy Posted March 30, 2011 #11 Posted March 30, 2011 I bought the set a THIS link and cannot complain about them. They do cost a lot, but they are forged..... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/32900/32824.JPG WOW! ya, I think that I will just keep borrowing the snap on set from my buddy who owns the local Good Year store.
BigBear Posted March 31, 2011 Author #12 Posted March 31, 2011 I bought the set a THIS link and cannot complain about them. They do cost a lot, but they are forged..... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/32900/32824.JPG LOL....you can't hide money! :mo money: Thanks for all of the input...for as much as I would use them, I think I'll look for a cheap forged set and grind accordingly!
KiteSquid Posted March 31, 2011 #13 Posted March 31, 2011 Very nice Meanwhile, back on Earth, I have bought motorcycles for less than that Make sure that, whatever set you get, has at least one set of "long reach" jaws. You will find them very useful when you want to fit master cylinder re-build kits! The first time I used them, I got my moneys worth out of them...
KiteSquid Posted March 31, 2011 #14 Posted March 31, 2011 LOL....you can't hide money! :mo money: Thanks for all of the input...for as much as I would use them, I think I'll look for a cheap forged set and grind accordingly! I hope you are looking for inexpensive vice cheap, as cheap would not be GOOD as the title of this thread indicates was your preference.
KiteSquid Posted March 31, 2011 #15 Posted March 31, 2011 The retaining ring plyers I posted about were from Snap-on but were labled Blue Point, so I assume they are manufactured by someone else for Snap-on.... Can anybody find the same set elsewhere for a lower price?
KiteSquid Posted March 31, 2011 #16 Posted March 31, 2011 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/32900/32824.JPG http://atdtools.com/images/pics/ATD-915.jpg Do these look a lot alike??? I cannot comment on the quality of the set from ATD tools but they are about $70......
twigg Posted March 31, 2011 #17 Posted March 31, 2011 The first time I used them, I got my moneys worth out of them... Don't get me wrong ... If I could afford those, I would buy them in a heartbeat
BigBear Posted March 31, 2011 Author #18 Posted March 31, 2011 Don't get me wrong ... If I could afford those, I would buy them in a heartbeat Me too! And if I had a need for them more than once a year....I would LOVE to have the SNAP-ON set. Are they other RSV maintenance items that require different plier sizes?
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now