3 best snap ring plier sets

A snap ring plier set is a collection of specialized hand tools designed for the installation and removal of snap rings, also known as retaining rings or circlips. Snap rings are commonly used in various mechanical applications to secure components onto a shaft or within a bore.Snap ring plier sets are essential for tasks where snap rings need to be manipulated. Here's what you need to know about snap ring plier sets:

  1. Snap Ring Types: Snap rings come in two primary types—internal snap rings and external snap rings. Internal snap rings fit inside a bore or housing, while external snap rings fit around a shaft. Snap ring plier sets typically include tools for both types.

  2. Components: A typical snap ring plier set includes multiple pairs of pliers, each designed for specific snap ring sizes and types. These pliers have special tips and jaws that allow for the secure gripping and manipulation of snap rings.

  3. Types of Pliers: Snap ring plier sets may include the following types of pliers:

    • Internal Snap Ring Pliers: These pliers have angled tips that allow them to reach into a bore or housing to compress and install internal snap rings.
    • External Snap Ring Pliers: These pliers have tips that expand to grip the ends of external snap rings and compress them for removal or installation.
  4. Size Range: Snap ring plier sets typically cover a range of snap ring sizes to accommodate various applications. The pliers in the set will have different-sized tips or jaws to match different snap ring diameters.

  5. Material and Durability: Snap ring pliers are often made of durable materials such as hardened steel to withstand the forces involved in snap ring installation and removal.

  6. Spring-Loaded or Fixed Tips: Some snap ring pliers have spring-loaded tips, which make it easier to manipulate the snap rings by automatically opening the jaws when released. Others have fixed tips that require manual control.

  7. Reversible Tips: Some snap ring pliers have reversible tips, allowing you to switch between internal and external snap ring functions with the same pair of pliers.

  8. Comfort and Grip: Many snap ring plier sets are designed with ergonomic handles that provide a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.

  9. Storage Case: Snap ring plier sets often come in a storage case or pouch to keep the pliers organized and protected when not in use.

  10. Applications: Snap ring plier sets are commonly used in automotive repair, machinery maintenance, and various other industrial and DIY applications where snap rings are employed to secure components.

Having a snap ring plier set on hand is essential for anyone who works with machinery and components that use snap rings. These specialized pliers make it easier to manipulate and install these small but crucial components, ensuring secure and reliable connections in mechanical systems.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best snap ring plier sets on the market
  

Lang Tools (3495) 12-Piece Fixed Tip Combination Internal/External Snap Ring Pliers Set

Lang Tools

Based on 669 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lang Tools model 3495 12 piece combination internal/external snap ring pliers is one of the most versatile set of pliers on the market. These heavy-duty, fixed-tip snap ring pliers assist you in removing or installing internal or external snap rings on a wide variety of applications. Each pliers has a center screw and spring washer which allows for easy convertibility for internal and external ring applications while providing a strong and secure hold in use. The 3495 set features four popular sizes- 0. 038", 0. 047", 0. 070", and 0. 090"- in straight, 45-degree, and 90-degree tip angles.

  • Pliers have a knurled center screw with spring for easy changing and a secure hold
  • Features 0. 038", 0. 047", 0. 070", 0. 090" tip diameters in straight, 45-degree and 90-degree angles
  • Comfort grip made of low-temp, high-impact material providing extra durability
  • Packaged in a plastic blow molded case for protection and easy use

User questions & answers

Question: So why does it say one day shipping and it takes over 4 days to get it but you take my $ out that day It looks like a nice setbut didnt have on time
Answer: Amazon doesn’t like you. So they might have placed a hold on it just for fun.
Question: What are the handles made of? Material
Answer: The handle is made of 1050 steel and covered in PVC material.
Question: What are the dimensions of the case? Want to make sure it will fit in my toolbox
Answer: It is about 8x10 and 3 to 4 inches thick. This is a great set and it doesn't matter what brand you get the case will be about the same size, and sometimes the exact same case. I do not regret this purchase it is perfect for the application's I needed them for.
Question: Were are these snap ring pliers made
Answer: USA

KNIPEX Tools 00 20 04 SB, Precision Circlip Snap-Ring Pliers 8-Piece Set

KNIPEX

Based on 379 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Made In Wuppertal-Cronenberg, Germany. In Addition To Quality, Innovation And Performance, Other Important Cornerstones Are Sustainable Actions And Value-Guided Orientation.

  • Eight of Knipex best selling Precision circlip pliers in one kit - includes foam tool storage tray
  • Heavy duty for continuous operation - up to 10 times longer service life than turned tips
  • Tips are made of high-density spring steel and offer a high level of protection against excessive stress and strain
  • Contains Internal Circlip Pliers: 48 11 J1, 48 11 J2, 48 21 J11, and 48 21 J21
  • Contains External Circlip Pliers: 49 11 A1, 49 11 A2, 49 21 A11, and 49 21 A21

User questions & answers

Question: Do these pliers have the set screw to make small adjustments and not over stretch your circlips
Answer: no
Question: Origin above says china. i thought knipex were german. what's the truth
Answer: Knipex is a German manufacturer of pliers for professional use. The headquarters are located in Wuppertal-Cronenberg. For four generations, Knipex has been an independent, owner-managed family company. WikipediaHeadquarters: Wuppertal, GermanyFounded: 1882, Wuppertal, GermanyCEO: Ralf Putsch
Question: What is the warranty on this set
Answer: If you scroll down in the discription you can click on the KNIPEX warranty information and see what it says for yourself and make a decession basied on what you read.
Question: Are all of the pliers in the set spring loaded? I just got mine and only two of them are spring loaded
Answer: The 2 shorter handle pliers (straight and bent) in the top left compartment should both be spring assisted... and the 2 longer handle pliers (straight and bent) in the very bottom compartment should both be spring assisted. To spot the spring loaded pliers in the picture (as well as my personal set) look for the pliers that appear to be open in the picture. So you should have a total of 4 pliers with a spring load and 4 pliers without. This would be the difference in pliers used for internal snap rings vs external snap rings. So "Rick's" answer below, is incorrect, if in fact he has the exact same set as these... or he better check his pliers again... because he should return them for the right ones...lol. Hope this helps.

Product features

Knipex 00 20 04 SB, 8-Piece Precision Circlip Snap-Ring Pliers Set

Knipex’s Precision Snap Ring Pliers feature spring steel tips that will last longer than typical snap ring pliers. Significant pressure is exerted on snap rings when they are put on or taken off. Sometimes, this pressure is transferred to the pliers tip which can subsequently cause breakage, especially when the tip is poorly cnstructed from pressed steel. Knipex’s Snap Ring Pliers are forged from a solid piece of Chrome vanadium steel. These pliers are much stronger, perform more consistently and will last much longer (up to 10X longer) than other pliers. The tips of the Snap Ring Pliers feature a grooved surface that acts to hold the snap ring on the tips of the pliers more securely. These spring steel Snap Ring Pliers are available in several diameter sizes with internal and external tips in a straight or 90° angled design. They are available individually or in popular sized sets.

Quality in Every Detail

Sometimes we give our pliers a really hard time. We try to destroy them to find out what makes them good and long-lasting. Because we don't want to leave anything to chance, we take a long, careful look.

The steel Knipex uses is precisely hardened with a maximum of 0.8% carbon and defined parts of chromium and vanadium, guaranteeing optimum cutting performance and service life — even though it requires special production and costs a bit more. But our high product demands require this.

Knipex also looks closely at the small details. The angles, the sharpness, the hardness, the toughness of the cutting edges. The precision and smooth movement of the joint. The handle design and the finish. We keep reviewing these subjects, we research, we test, and we improve our pliers.

Cal Hawk Tools CPLSR11P Heavy Duty Snap Ring Pliers Set (11 Piece)

Cal Hawk Tools

Based on 513 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Heavy-duty heat-treated carbon steel; comfortable Insulated vinyl handles for sure grip contents:; 1-pc. 5-1/2 bend pliers (tip size: .038); 1-pc. 6 straight pliers (tip size: .038); 1-pc. 5-1/2 bend pliers (tip size: .047).

  • Heavy-Duty heat-treated carbon steel
  • Comfortable insulated vinyl handles for sure grip contents:
  • 1-Pc. 5-1/2 bend Pliers (tip size: .038)
  • 1-Pc. 6 straight Pliers (tip size: .038)
  • 1-Pc. 5-1/2 bend Pliers (tip size: .047)

User questions & answers

Question: how to do change cal hawk snap ring pliers from internal to external
Answer: The center screw comes out and you adjust them. IMO I would get a better set as these are not tool grade steel.
Question: Are they spring loaded
Answer: Not spring loaded, but work well
Question: Is the info on Cal Hawk accurate, if so, explain why only two sizes in an eleven piece. Thanks
Answer: No, they are not heavy duty. They are quite flimsy.

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