10 best flat snap ring pliers
Flat snap ring pliers, also known as circlip pliers or retaining ring pliers, are specialized hand tools designed for the installation and removal of flat snap rings or retaining rings. These rings are commonly used in various mechanical and automotive applications to secure components such as bearings, shafts, and gears onto a shaft or within a housing.Flat snap ring pliers are essential for safely and efficiently working with these types of fasteners. Here are some key features and information about flat snap ring pliers:
Purpose: Flat snap ring pliers are specifically designed for handling flat snap rings, which are circular metal rings with two flat ends that fit into grooves or channels on shafts or within housings to secure parts in place.
Types of Snap Rings: There are two main types of flat snap rings: internal and external. Internal snap rings fit inside a bore or housing, while external snap rings fit around the outside of a shaft. Flat snap ring pliers are available in both internal and external configurations to accommodate different types of rings.
Design: These pliers have specially shaped, flat-tipped jaws that are engineered to securely grip and manipulate flat snap rings. The jaws may come in various shapes and sizes to match the specific design of the snap ring being worked on.
Operation: To use flat snap ring pliers, the jaws are inserted into the holes or openings on the snap ring. When the pliers are squeezed, the jaws either expand or contract, depending on whether you are working with an external or internal snap ring, allowing for easy installation or removal.
Materials: High-quality flat snap ring pliers are typically made from durable materials such as forged steel to ensure strength and longevity.
Spring-Loaded: Many flat snap ring pliers feature a spring-loaded mechanism that keeps the jaws open when not in use, making them easier to handle and reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Variety: There are various styles and sizes of flat snap ring pliers available to accommodate different snap ring sizes and configurations.
Safety: It's important to wear safety goggles when working with flat snap ring pliers, as there is a risk of the snap ring or pliers slipping during operation, potentially causing injury.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can help extend the lifespan of flat snap ring pliers and ensure smooth operation.
These pliers are commonly used by mechanics, machinists, and individuals working on automotive repairs, industrial machinery, and other equipment where snap rings are used as fasteners. Choosing the right type and size of flat snap ring pliers is crucial for effectively and safely handling snap rings in various applications.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best flat snap ring pliers on the market- 【APPLICATION】 Spreading both soft iron horseshoe lock washers used on brakes and tempered steel lock rings used on gear and bearing shafts.
- 【DESIGN】 Plastisol grips for anti-slip and added comfort. Spring loaded action reduces muscle fatigue for easy one-handed operation.
- 【MATERIAL】 Premium top-quality chrome vanadium steel, drop forged and heat treated for strength and durability, additional black oxide finishing improves the corrosion resistance of the surface and effectively prolongs service life of the plier. The antirust oil may be appeared on the tools, it will not effect the function.
- 【DIMENSION】 (200 x 100 x 12.5)mm / (L x W x H).
- 【CUSTOMER SUPPORT】 Backed by SPEEDWOX lifetime guarantee. We value every single customer feedback, always friendly customer service behind SPEEDWOX products, 100% MONEY BACK guarantee.
User questions & answers
Question: | What is the width of the serrated surface for gripping the clips |
Answer: | The width of the serrated surface is 0.275 inches and the depth is 0.385 inches. |
Question: | What is the maximum spread |
Answer: | I get 1.456" over the jaws fully extended. Great tool, like all Knipex tools. I disassemble and re-assemble equipment with lots of heavy split rings. These are solid and well engineered. |
Question: | Does this tool have a recessed groove in each jaw for gripping and expanding a wire ring-type hose clamp |
Answer: | No, these pliers would be inappropriate for your application. There is no recessed groove. They are better suited for large heavy snap rings. I use them for transmission and drive axle work. |
Product features
Industrial Grade Lock Ring Pliers 8"&11"
· Material: Chrome Vanadium Steel
· Handle: PVC Handles
· Surface Treatment: BLACK OXIDE FINISHING
Special 90 Degree Angle Tips
· Flat head design for professional disassemble and assemble of circlips without holes.
Sturdy Spring
· Good elasticity, can effectively relieve hand fatigue and facilitate one-handed operation.
PVC Handles
· Providing comfortable grip, non-slip and durable.
Well Made Lock Ring Pliers
· Max opening to 45mm of 11" pliers and 30mm of 8" pliers, suitable for various types of circlips.
· Excellent for spreading snap or lock rings retaining, great gifts for friends and families who love doing mechanic works.
About SPEEDWOX
· Over 60 years of OEM manufacturing experience, speedwox can provide stable high quality products.
· We devote ourselves to make SPEEDWOX as a well-known hand tools brand, to provide customer more high quality and practical hand tools for a long term.
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 |
Product description
Lock Ring Pliers are used for removing and installing all types of lock rings.
- Skin-packed
- Specially designed jaws are knurled on the end to prevent slipping
- Spreads lock rings commonly found on transmissions, master cylinders, brakes and other applications
- Country of Origin : China
User questions & answers
Question: | What are the largest size it will spread?ie ball joint |
Answer: | It doesn't really matter. The brush is a "Lisle" tool, the company makes (imports) professional quality tools! |
Question: | where are these made? COO |
Answer: | Hard / stiff wire brush. Narrow and good for tight spaces between calipers and rotor |
Question: | What's the overall length of the tool |
Answer: | Yea but use them before you remove the headers |
Question: | this photo is horible Are these flat upright on the end for C rings with no hole |
Answer: | They are 3/4”. |
Product description
Durable nickel chromium steel construction. Machined jaws for maximum gripping strength. Induction hardened cutting edge stays sharper, longer.
- Applications: Brakes, Transmission, Pedal Shift, Clutch Shafts, Piston Rings, Farm Equipment and Machine Tools
- Spreads, Removes and Installs Ring without Holes
- Points are Not Guaranteed for Warranty
- 1-1/2 inch Jaw Opening; Right Angle Tip
- Made in USA
User questions & answers
Question: | What is the measurements from the pivot to the tip? I need to know the length, width, and thickness please |
Answer: | The distance between the end of the tip to the center of the pivot (rivet) is 3". When the pliers are opened in full, there are 2" from the back of the "throat" to the tip. When open, the distance from tip to tip is slightly larger than 1-1/2". The width of the face of the pliers at the pivot 3/4" and the depth is 3/8". |
Question: | What is the difference between the angle and straight tips |
Answer: | The angle tip pliers (G409P) have a dimple which helps to grip springs. The straight tip pliers (G407P) have less surface area on the tip and do not have a dimple. Both of those pliers are machined with a cross-hatch knurl that help secure the grip. |
Question: | What is the maximum spread on these pliers |
Answer: | I measured 41mm of spread fully opened |
Question: | Do the tips have a dimple in them |
Answer: | Yes and it's on of the best tools out there for removing and installing c-clips and other types. |
Product description
SK lock ring pliers stand up to heavy day-to-day use. They're specially designed to spread the snap-lock rings found on brakes and transmissions. Easy-to-hold plastic grips provide user comfort.
- Straight Tip Lock Ring Pliers 9"
- Built for durability
- Comfortable grips
- Stand up to heavy day-to-day use
- Made in the U.S.A
User questions & answers
Question: | I’m looking for pliers that are reverse lock (opening) ie...the pliers are in the closed position & the handles are used to open them up |
Answer: | These go inside a snap ring and open up the ring as you squeeze the handle in but do not lock |
Question: | When do you use these and when do you use the angled version |
Answer: | Transmission shaft snap rings mainly on tractors, some are offset, that’s where the angle one come in handy |
Question: | What is the size of the tip? I need it to fit in a 1/4" opening |
Answer: | I HAVE THAT 7635. AT IT'S SMALLEST .135. JUST OVER 1/8in. IT TAPERS BACK AND WILL FIT YOUR 1/4in. |
Question: | Hi, How wide do the jaws open on these lock ring pliers? Thanks |
Answer: | 1 5/8 inch |
Product description
PLIER SNAP RING 16" 2 PC (BMC). 1 Internal. 1 External. Heat treated tip. Soft grip handle. Includes 4 quick-change snap ring tips: 2- 45 degree, 2- 90 degree
- Includes both internal and external snap ring pliers for snap rings inside a bore or around a shaft
- Uses a spring ratchet locking mechanism to securely hold against circle tension and work with non-standard circlips
- Interchangeable tips are made with hardened, heat treated steel for durability and black oxide finish prevents corrosion
- Comes with straight tips attached and includes 4 quick-change snap ring tips: 2- 45 degree, 2- 90 degree
- Specs: spread: 3-1/4"; internal pliers capacity: 3-1/16" to 6-1/4"; external pliers capacity: 3-1/2" to 6-1/2"
User questions & answers
Question: | will these work for 3.5" internal rings |
Answer: | Yes. I ship fast and immediately upon receipt of purchase. |
Question: | What is the reach of the tips? Is it greater than 30 millimeters |
Answer: | These are traditional Post-it Notes. If you are looking for the alternating side notes to use with a dispenser, search for Post-it Pop-Up Notes. |
Question: | What are the size of the tips |
Answer: | No. |
Question: | Where can I buy more tips |
Answer: | good question! |
Product description
For spreading snap or lock rings retaining parking brake adjuster cams to brake shoes, attaching pedals to shafts, inside transmissions, etc. Knurled outer jaw surface for positive grip on ring. 3/4-in jaw opening. Comfort grip handles. Lifetime warranty. CAUTION: This product contains chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm.
- For spreading snap or lock rings retaining parking brake adjuster cams to brake shoes, attaching pedals to shafts, inside transmissions
- Knurled outer jaw surface for positive grip on ring
- Comfort grip handles
- For spreading snap or lock rings retaining parking brake adjuster cams to brake shoes
- Also attaches pedals to shafts, inside transmissions, etc
- Knurled outer jaw surface for positive grip on ring
- 3/4 inch jaw opening
- Comfort grip handles
Product features
Powerbuilt Lock Ring Pliers
This nice quality lock ring pliers is just the ticket for removing and installing lock rings and snap rings on brake systems, transmissions and more. The jaws feature a knurled surface for added grip on rings. 3/4" capacity.
Any automotive specialty tool makes an automotive repair or maintenance task easier, but Powerbuilt takes the concept of ‘help’ a big step further.
Every package comes with professionally written usage instructions and photos that take you step by step through proper tool usage.
Dependable Powerbuilt specialty tools offer power, precision and style. They meet or exceed applicable ANSI standards.
- Removes and installs lock rings
- 3/4" spread capacity
- Heat-treated carbon steel construction
- Black oxide finish
- Meets or exceeds ANSSI standards
Product description
SK lock ring pliers stand up to heavy day-to-day use. They're specially designed to spread the snap-lock rings found on brakes and transmissions. Easy-to-hold plastic grips provide user comfort. Angle tip for more access.
- Angle Tip Lock Ring Pliers 9"
- Built for durability
- Comfortable grips
- Stand up to heavy day-to-day use
- Made in the U.S.A
User questions & answers
Question: | Alltrade 940759 Powerbuilt Digital |
Answer: | It is a very beefy well made tool and should last several life times. It was to big for the eclips I wanted it for. I wanted it for 8x1.3mm clips and it was all but impossible to get its lips under the ends of the eclip to pry it open. I think it would work pretty good on eclips that are bigger, say 1-1/2 to 2x times bigger. |
Question: | how wide do the jaws open |
Answer: | Hi, they open 1" 11/16 wide |
Question: | Are for the lock rings with no holes at end, like for c-clip type lock rings? Not necessarily for snap rings with the holes at the ends |
Answer: | These are not for snap rings with holes, They are for normal C-clip retaining rings. (these retaining rings usually have pointed ends ) |
- Snap ring pliers are forged from a solid piece if chrome vanadium steel with fine polishing,according to hardening,temper and anneal to confirm stronger.Pliers black electrophoretic coated design which makes the pliers durable and long-lasting.
- We supply 6 sizes of 7 Inch and 4 size of 9 Inch retaining pliers to meet your different requirements.The snap ring pliers are available in several diameter size with internal and external tips in a straight,45 degreeor 90 degree angled design for 7 Inch,tips diameter 0.07 Inch and straight,90 degree angled desigh for 9 Inch,tips diameter 0.09 Inch.
- Comfortable handle with concave-convex feeling design,reduce friction,anti-slip.The snap ring pliers with self-opening spring-loaded handles which provide overall control,make them more comfortable and secure.
- Our snap ring pliers is a good helper for installing inner spring ring and outer spring ring.It can be not used only to install spring rings,but also to remove them.Industrial grade ergonomic handle,comfortable to hold and can be used for long time.
- WISEPRO always uphold the quality of survival,if having any issues,please don't hesitate to contact us anytime.we will reply you in 12 hours.
User questions & answers
Question: | This price is for a Set of 7 pliers |
Answer: | YES |
Question: | What is the maximum spread at the tips for the 9" external straight circlip pliers |
Answer: | About 1" |
Question: | What is the maximum spread at the tips for the 7" external 45 degree circlip pliers |
Answer: | 1.25 inches |
Product features
Snap Ring Pliers
7" straight tips external circlip pliers
7" bent angled tips external circlip pliers
7" straight tips internal circlip pliers
9" straight tips external circlip pliers
9" bent angled tips external circlip pliers
9" straight tips internal circlip pliers
9" bent angled tips internal circlip pliers
High Quality
The key parts of the product are processed strictly according to the design materials,and the special heat treatment is carried out,with high strength and wear resistance,not easy to deform and durable.
Forging Process
Snap ring pliers are forged from a solid piece if chrome vanadium steel with fine polishing,according to hardening,temper and anneal to confirm stronger.The tips coated with black electrophoresis makes it durable and long-lasting.
Usage Method
Clamp the circlip with the groove of the circlip pliers mouth,firmly hold and press the handle of the circlip pliers,and then the circlip can be disassembled.
Product description
CTA Tools 8840 Lock Ring Pliers are designed to spread all types of snap rings found on transmissions, brakes, clutch shafts, etc. They are spring loaded with single-piece forged jaws for extra strength and durability. The 8840 features comfort coated handles and has an overall length of 8.25-inches or 21-centimeters. Whether tuning up your ‘68 Corvette or changing the oil on a John Deere tractor, CTA can supply you with the tools needed to do the job. California Prop 65 - Warning, This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- Heavy Duty Lock Ring Pliers
- Single Piece Forged Jaws
- Spring Loaded
- Heavy-Duty Construction Allows for Strength and Durability
- Comfort Grip Handles
Latest Reviews
View all
Outdoor Umbrellas
- Updated: 09.07.2023
- Read reviews

Flashlight Colors
- Updated: 12.05.2023
- Read reviews

Battery Operated Lawn Mower
- Updated: 05.07.2023
- Read reviews

Sheepskin Fleeces
- Updated: 08.01.2023
- Read reviews

Fitness Bag For Men
- Updated: 26.04.2023
- Read reviews