12 best armstrong pliers

Armstrong Pliers, specifically Snap Ring Pliers, are a type of hand tool used in various mechanical and automotive applications. Snap ring pliers are designed for the installation and removal of snap rings, which are small retaining rings often used to secure components on shafts or inside bores. These pliers come in different designs to accommodate various types of snap rings, including internal and external snap rings.

Armstrong Tools, known for its quality hand tools, was a reputable manufacturer of Snap Ring Pliers and other hand tools.However, it's worth noting that Armstrong Tools was acquired by Apex Tool Group, and the brand has transitioned into the Apex Tools brand.

Snap Ring Pliers typically feature interchangeable tips or jaws to fit different sizes and types of snap rings. They can be an essential tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts working on tasks like automotive repairs, machinery maintenance, and other applications where snap rings are commonly used.

Keep in mind that the availability and specific models of Armstrong or Apex Tools Snap Ring Pliers may vary depending on your location and the latest product offerings, which may have evolved since my last knowledge update in 2023.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best armstrong pliers on the market
  

Armstrong 67-370 6-1/4-Inch Needle Nose Pliers, Extra Long Thin

Armstrong

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It's not just STRONG. It's ARMSTRONG. That's the credo we live by for Armstrong Industrial Tools. The demanding industrial and commercial environments of today call for the highest quality, durable, and strongest tools we can provide. Armstrong got it's start in 1890 and created it's first line of drop forged wrenches in 1909. For over a century we have prided ourselves of manufacturing only the highest quality, Made in the USA, hand tools for the industrial end user. Whether working on transmission lines or repairing boilers, or building main reduction gears, Armstrong tools have the innovation and strength to get the task done safely and quickly. They are designed and manufactured for professional tool users and continue to be manufactured with uncompromising quality.

  • Extra Long, Thin Needle Nose Design for Working in Extremely Confined Areas
  • Jaws Have Diamond Serrated Gripping Tips for Gripping and Twisting
  • Solid Flush Rivet for Smooth Action and No Handle Wobble When Cutting
  • Textured Black Over Blue Double Non-Slip Dip Grips for Working Comfort
  • Manufactured From High Alloy Steel Using the Most Up-To-Date Manufacturing Process and Heat Treat for Greater Strength and Durability

Armstrong 67-405 Curved Jaw Locking Pliers 5-1/2"

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Armstrong Tools 67-405 Plr Qr Lck Curv Jaw 5

  • Armstrong 67-405 Curved Jaw Locking Pliers 5-1/2"
  • Aligned teeth provide superior gripping power over standard vertical teeth.
  • Easy release pliers lock with one hand and release with the push of the handle.
  • Wide adjusting screw for adjusting the jaw opening and locking pressure.
  • Cushion grip handle allow for increased comfort and reduces fatigue

Stanley Proto J399 5-7/8" Proto Retaining Ring Convertible Pliers

Proto

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stanley J399 Proto Retaining Ring Convertible Pliers - 5-7/8-inch Converts from internal to external or vice versa, when pivot screw is moved to adjacent tapped hole. Use with either External or Internal Retaining Rings. Fixed tips are precision formed and induction hardened for accurate fit and long wear. Use the largest diameter tip that will fit the retaining ring being removed or installed.

  • Converts from internal to external or vice versa, when pivot screw is moved to adjacent tapped hole
  • Use with either External or Internal Retaining Rings
  • Fixed tips are precision formed and induction hardened for accurate fit and long wear
  • Use the largest diameter tip that will fit the retaining ring being removed or installed
  • Made in USA

Stanley Proto J278G Proto 8-1/16" Combo Slip-Joint Pliers w/Grip

Proto

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stanley J278G Proto Combination Slip-Joint Pliers w/Grip - 8-1/16-inch Has two jaw positions and shear type wire cutter. Plastisol grips for added comfort. 8-1/16-inch Overall length.

  • Has two jaw positions and shear type wire cutter
  • Plastisol grips for added comfort
  • 8-1/16-inch Overall length
  • Made in USA

User questions & answers

Question: Made in China
Answer: its usa

Stanley Proto J250G Proto 9-Inch Lock Ring Horseshoe Washer Pliers

Proto

Based on 530 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stanley J250G Proto Lock Ring -inch Horseshoe-inch Washer Pliers - 9-inch For spreading both soft iron horseshoe lock washers used on brakes and tempered steel lock rings used on gear and bearing shafts. Plastisol grips for added comfort. 9-inch Overall length 0.49-lbs Weight.

  • For spreading both soft iron horseshoe lock washers used on brakes and tempered steel lock rings used on gear and bearing shafts
  • Plastisol grips for added comfort
  • 9-inch Overall length
  • 0.49-lbs Weight

User questions & answers

Question: I purchased this lock ring plier in june of 2018, and one of the tips broke today/normal use. does this tool have a warranty
Answer: Stanley Proto supposedly offers a lifetime warranty on their hand tools. I bought a wrench a while back for a special job and the pin that held everything together snapped. I contacted Proto and sent them pictures. They wanted me to pay to ship it to them and then they would replace the pin. Not what I would consider professional in a warranty service. I shouldn’t have to pay to ship the broken tool to the manufacture for them to honor the warranty. So in other words, if you are willing to pay to have your broken pliers shipped to Stanley Proto, they may end up replacing them.
Question: Can this be used to remove threads from a candelabra bulb that broke off in the socket
Answer: I don't know why it would not work. I have used standard needle nose. Bend the metal base that was part of the bulb so you can get a grip on it. This might work well if you have limited room.
Question: What is the width of the tip, while closed
Answer: 0.1365" measured with a digital caliper. Allow some 'wiggle room'.
Question: How wide do these open? I need to know for sure, not about
Answer: I need pliers that work on lock ring that has a forty five cut . Don't need pliers that work on snap rings with eyelet to remove

Wilde Tool G253.Z/CC 10" Water Pump Slip Joint Pliers-Zinc

Wilde Tool

Based on 246 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Some 95 years ago in Kansas City, Missouri, brothers Paul and Otto Froeschl thought of an idea for the ordinary straight-nose pliers; angle the nose 32 degrees to create greater leverage and gripping power.  Thus was born the original Wilde Wrench, the first pair of angle nose pliers granted U.S. Patent #1,800,447.

  • 10 inch Length
  • 7 Adjustments
  • 2-1/8 inch Jaw Opening
  • Grip Tight Clip; Pipe Wrench Style Teeth
  • Made in USA

User questions & answers

Question: Do you end up with finger pinch if these slip
Answer: I haven't had mine slip. So, don't know.
Question: Are they stainless steel? Curious my ppl
Answer: No, these pliers are forged from a custom blend of steel. They are finished with a rust-preventative coating of zinc.
Question: are the black oxide more or less prone to rust compared to the zink finish
Answer: The zinc is a rust-preventative coating that's fixed and layered on top of the steel. The black oxide converts the surface of the actual steel to the black color, which also helps prevent rusting. Salt tests for rust show that zinc is better at preventing rust than black oxide, but the margin is minimal. Wilde polished pliers are dipped in a dry-to-touch rust-preventative oil and marketed to the automotive market. The zinc is designed for use around water in the plumbing market. The black oxide tends to be more-desirable for industrial and service applications.
Question: How far do the jaws open
Answer: i CAN USE THEM ON 1/2 AND SOMETIMES 9/16 THE 9/16 IS A STRETCH

Channellock 927 8-Inch Snap Ring Plier | Precision Circlip Retaining Ring Pliers | Includes 5 Pairs of Interchangeable Tips | Made in the USA

Channellock

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Solid construction and unmatched reliability. CHANNELLOCK Retaining Ring pliers have the kind of accuracy and engineering that'll keep them in your toolbox for years to come.

From the Manufacturer

The Channellock 927 - 8-Inch Retaining Ring Plier - has a capacity of 1/4-Inch to 2-Inch external, and 3/8-Inch to 2-Inch internal. It includes tips: .036, .047, .070 straight. .036, .047 90°. This 8-Inch Retaining Ring Plier converts from internal to external rings with a simple switch of the red tab and has a heavy duty return spring. It is heat treated for longer life. Sealed air pocket CHANNELLOCK BLUE comfort grips.

  • External: 1/4" to 2", Internal: 3/8" to 2" Includes tips: .039, .047, .074 straight and .039, .047 90¡
  • Change from internal to external rings with a simple switch of the tab
  • Includes 5 pairs of color coded interchangeable tips
  • Heavy duty return spring
  • CHANNELLOCK BLUE grips for comfort
  • Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question: Do you sell different sized tips separately
Answer: As the description states they are "Black Alloy Steel", and will rust if exposed to extreme conditions. Normal operations(not marine environment) will normally outlast the equipment application. Hope this helps.
Question: Will these work effectively on e clips without holes in em
Answer: I tried on my greenworks electric but couldn't find the right size out of all of the choices. It would be hit or miss. Not sure what the wrist pin is but what I wanted it for was to hold the chain keeper? so the chain didn't slip off the slots.
Question: Is this heavy enough for a 3" diameter, 1/4" wide (not thick) snap ring
Answer: Since they come as an assortment the range in thickness from .015" - .045"
Question: The picture says made in the usa, the summary description at the top says made in china and the text on the bottom says made in the usa. which is it
Answer: Sorry but I don't know what a wrist pin clip is.

Product features

927 8-inch Convertible Retaining Ring Plier

CHANNELLOCK Retaining Ring pliers have the kind of accuracy and engineering that'll keep them in your toolbox for years to come.

Internal and External Rings

Change from internal to external rings with a simple switch of the tab.

Interchangable Tips

Includes five pairs of color coded interchangeable tips.

Return Spring

Heavy duty return spring.

Internal and External Rings

Change from internal to external rings with a simple switch of the tab.

Interchangable Tips

Includes five pairs of color coded interchangeable tips.

Made in U.S.A.

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Convertible Snap Pliers, 6-1/2-Inch (2078900)

IRWIN

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Convertible Snap-Ring Pliers can be used for internal and external use eliminating the need for an extra set of pliers. With four interchangeable tips for ease of moving from one project to the next, these pliers feature ProTouch grips for more comfort and reduced hand fatigue and are backed by the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee.

The Irwin Vise-Grip 6-1/2-Inch Convertible Snap Ring Pliers combine two tools into one by delivering pliers for internal or external use. The tool includes four interchangeable tips for ease in moving from one project to the next, and a ProTouch grip that provides extra comfort for less hand fatigue.

From the Manufacturer

IRWIN 6-1/2" Convertible Snap Ring Plier - One pair replaced two for internal or external use, includes four interchangeable tips and features ProTouch grip for comfort and reduced hand fatigue.

  • For internal and external use, eliminating the need for 2 sets of pliers
  • Includes four interchangeable tips for ease in moving from one project to the next
  • ProTouch grips provide extra comfort for less hand fatigue
  • Durably constructed for a long life.Jaw Length:6.5 inches. Jaw Width 1-7/20 inches. Jaw Thickness: 1 inches
  • Backed by the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee
  • 1 pair of IRWIN VISE-GRIP snap ring pliers replaces 2 for internal or external use
  • Pliers include 4 interchangeable tips for ease in moving from 1 project to the next

User questions & answers

Question: will these work on 1/4 in. external rings, i'm trying to change small bearings on a bandsaw
Answer: i know i used mine on small lock rings. it depends on the holes in the particular rings i guess. if they will accept the ones provided with this particular set. i believe it would work but best to double check the specs on both ring and attachments. this is a handful to manage, this i know for sure.
Question: Can these be used to put pinless peepers/beaky blinders on chickens
Answer: No
Question: Will this remove automotive wheel bearing snap rings? How durable? I am mechanic. Would use 3-5 times a month, dont do too much suspesion work
Answer: I'm also a mechanic and the answer is no, the tool is not that strong. I used mine to remove the snap ring in my Honda Civic AC compressor and it was barely up to the task.
Question: Are these reversible? Do they work to open and close
Answer: Yes. They have 4 sets of tips, easy change!

Proto J196 Safety Wire Twister Reversible Pliers, 8-3/4"

Proto

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stanley J196 Proto Safety Wire Twister Reversible Pliers - 8-3/4-inch Reversible safety wire pliers provide right and left twist capability often eliminating the need for a second plier. Meet SAE Aerospace Standard AS 567 Twister Requirements. Provides all of the features of standard Proto Safety Wire Pliers. J196 designed for wire sizes .020-inch - .041-inch. J197 designed for wire sizes .020-inch - .060-inch. J198 designed for wire sizes .020-inch - 0.60-inch.

  • Reversible safety wire pliers provide right and left twist capability often eliminating the need for a second plier
  • Meet SAE Aerospace Standard AS 567 Twister Requirements
  • Provides all of the features of standard Proto Safety Wire Pliers
  • J196 designed for wire sizes .020-inch - .041-inch
  • Made in USA

User questions & answers

Question: Regarding the J196 pliers, is the length you’ve given of 8-3/4 inches an overall length or just the length of the pliers portion of the unit
Answer: Overall length is 9".

CRAFTSMAN Snap Ring Pliers Set (CMMT14115)

Based on 831 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Snap rings or retaining rings hold components or assemblies onto a shaft or in a housing When installed in a groove. Many products and household items rely on snap rings to keep a structure in place, and craftsman's snap ring Pliers allow you to install, fix or replace crucial snap rings.

  • Set includes 4 interchangeable heads - 2 straight, one 45° and one 90°
  • Interchangeable heads allows you to work at different angles
  • Automotive mechanical applications
  • Full Lifetime Warranty, refer to "Warranty & Support" section below for full details

User questions & answers

Question: Will this set work with 4mm external snap rings
Answer: No, they will not work with the CMMT14115.
Question: can I get a replacement Broken spring
Answer: Hi Matt We're sorry to hear of the trouble you are having with the CMMT14115. We would appreciate the chance to speak with and assist you. Please contact us at 1-800-544-6986. Please also reference case #12610182. Thank you Deeris
Question: Are these US made
Answer: The country of origin of the CMMT14115 is Taiwan.

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

WORKPRO 4-piece Snap Ring Pliers Set - Heavy Duty 7-inch Internal/External Circlip Pliers Kit (Tip Diameter 5/64'')-Straight/Bent Jaw - Cr-V Steel - For Ring Remover Retaining- Storage Pouch Included

WORKPRO

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • ✅ Premium Construction - All the tools are made from hardened CR-v steel with a fully polished, electrophoretic coated ,black finish which makes them extremely durable, long-lasting
  • ✅4 Piece 7-inch Snap Ring Pliers - Our 7-inch Snap Ring Plier Set includes External and Internal Straight Jaw Snap Ring Pliers, External and Internal Bent Jaw Snap Ring Pliers, and compact storage pouch. The tip diameter is 5/64-inch.The external range is 29/32'' -1-25/32'', while the internal range is 29/32'' -1-25/32''
  • ✅ Highly Durable, Secure and Safe to Use - The snap ring pliers feature premium spring-loaded,bi-material ergonomic handles which provides overall control, makes them more comfortable and secure than others
  • ✅ Ideal for Multi-applications - Our snap pliers set is ideal to remove and install externally placed retaining rings. It also provides instant holding power and is easy to reposition during assembly, fastening, and gluing work
  • ✅ Reliable Organization - It comes with a compact, 600D polyester roll-up pouch with cover and special pockets that allows for easy storage and added flexibility. Just pack up your tools and carry them anywhere with you when need.

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a warranty on these pliers
Answer: Absolutely, limited lifetime warranty
Question: Where are they made
Answer: As most of national brand, it’s made in China with high quality
Question: Would these work for changing gaskets on Appion vacuum rated hoses or yellow jacket seal roght fittings
Answer: Dear customer, if the size of the pliers tips match the gaskets, they will work. The diameter of tips are 5/64''.
Question: Difference between internal and external
Answer: Internal Circlip Pliers are used to remove rings "inside" an object and are removed by compressing the ring smaller. The Internal pliers compress the ring smaller when the handles are squeezed. On the contrary, external circlip plier spread an external ring wider to release the clip when the plier handles are squeezed. Hope that helps.

Product features

WORKPRO 4-Piece Snap Ring Pliers Set - Heavy Duty 7-inch Internal/External Circlip Pliers Kit -Straight/Bent Jaw - Cr-V Steel

  • Our 7-inch Snap Ring Plier Set include:

1x 7-Inch Straight Tip Internal Circlip Pliers

1x 7-Inch Straight Tip External Circlip Pliers

1x 7-Inch Bent Tip Internal Circlip Pliers

1x 7-Inch Bent Tip External Circlip Pliers

1x high quality Storage Pouch

  • Specs:

Tip diameter: 5/64"

External use: 29/32'' -1-25/32''(23-45mm capacity)

Internal use: 29/32'' -1-25/32''(23-45mm capacity)

  • Our WORKPRO 7-inch Snap Ring Plier Set provides you with both internal and external versions of straight jaw and bent jaw snap ring pliers, so you'll have the right pair for almost any job! Plus, with a handy carrying pouch, you'll never have to search too long to find the right pliers for the job!

RELIABLE ORGANIZATION

  • It comes with a compact, 600D polyester roll-up pouch with cover and special pockets that allows for easy storage and added flexibility. Just pack up your tools and carry them anywhere with you when needed.

High Quality Tip

  • Constructed of hardened CR-v steel with a fully polished, electrophoretic coated ,black finish which makes them extremely durable and long-lasting

Premium Spring

  • Premium spring-loaded provides overall control

Ergonomic Handle

  • Ergonomic bi-material soft handles makes pliers more comfortable and secure than others

CR-v Construction

  • Made from high quality CR-v steel for durability and strength

Latest Reviews

View all