

These mechanics retaining ring plier is also known as snap.

DESIGN: Each retainer ring plier uses a spring ratchet locking mechanism to securely hold against circle tension and work with non-standard snap-rings or sometimes referred to as circlips.APPLICATION: Big snap ring pliers or sometimes known as circlip pliers, retaining ring pliers or C-clip pliers are designed for installing or removing snap rings, jesus clips, and seeger rings which is a type of fastener that functions like a retaining.Secondly, you’ll need to identify what type of C-clip installation or removal you’re performing - internal or external.
#SNAP RING PLIERS HOW TO#
When it comes to knowing how to use circlip pliers, the key is first to make sure that you’re using the correct ones for the task at hand.įirst and foremost, selecting the best circlip pliers for a given job means knowing exactly what size of retaining ring you’re working with. In the sections below, we’ll examine some of the different types of circlip pliers on sale and help you to identify how and when each kind is supposed to be used. However, it’s still important to choose the right pair of C-clip pliers for the type and size of the snap ring you’ll be using. These tend to be found in far more widespread use than other, non-standard varieties and sizes. Although C-clips can come in a fairly wide range of sizes, they’re most often sold around a more limited range of ‘standard’ gauges. Individual pairs of snap ring pliers are usually made to work only with circlips of certain specific diameters. This makes it far easier to manipulate and manoeuvre them into place. Circlip pliers, on the other hand, have tips shaped precisely to fit between the grip holes of circlips. Standard plier models generally have flattened or sharpened tips, depending on the particular applications they are intended to be used in. As you can see from the image, the main difference between retaining ring pliers and normal pliers is that circlip pliers feature a tip specially designed for working with circlips. Circlip pliers, or circlip removers, are therefore an essential piece of kit for anyone who works regularly with this type of fastener.Ĭirclip pliers are a particular type of hand tool designed for installing and removing C-clips. The majority of circlips feature a small hole in a lug at either end, which allows for the installation or removal of the circlip plier tips. Once fitted in place, the spring pressure effect ensures that they don’t move or slip out of place. This open-ended ‘horseshoe’ design gives them a certain amount of spring tension. They also prevent lateral (sideways) movement as a result of their unique design and shape, which acts as a self-locking mechanism once installed around a suitable part.Ĭirclips themselves tend to have open ends, rather than being a complete ring. The key selling point of C-clips is that they allow for the easy rotation of shafts and dowel pins when installed. Circlips are generally deployed where components are required to be kept fitted on shafts or housings, as well as with a range of bearings used in mechanisms designed to twist, spin, turn, rotate, or pivot.
