Circlip pliers

Snap ring pliers: everything you need to know

Snap ring pliers are hand tools fitted with tapered tips. Thanks to them, you can easily install or dismount circlips of arms, bearings and CV joints in a car.

What are the types of snap ring pliers?

Depending on the intended purpose:

• External. Referred to as EX. The tips of the tool close as the handles are squeezed and the fastener becomes smaller. These pliers are necessary for removing circlips of hub bearings.
• Internal. Labelled as IN. When the handles are squeezed, the jaws open. The fastener becomes larger in diameter. These tools are most often used when dealing with drive shafts.
• Adjustable. Compatible both with external and internal fasteners.

These pliers also differ from each other in the following parameters:

• The shape and length of the tips. For example, they can either have straight or 15 °, 45 ° or 90 ° angled tips. Angled tools are especially handy when accessing hard-to-reach places and instruments with long tips are useful for removing snap rings from recessed areas.
• The length of handles. The more their length, the less force have to be applied.
• The size of the fasteners compatible with the pliers. For instance, there are tools which are intended for working with accessories of a very small diameter, for example, 8–13 mm. Some tools are designed for fasteners with a diameter above 85 mm.
• The material they are made of. As a rule, tips are made of steel and have a zinc or chrome coating.

A lot of manufacturers offer tools sets that contain several interchangeable tips with different parameters. The price of such sets is lower than the total price the accessories bought separately.

Tips on using snap ring pliers

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. You shouldn’t use the tool as an alternative to pliers or industrial tweezers. It is allowed to use only the tools that work properly. It is not recommended to remove large circlips with instruments fitted with very thin tips as it might cause their failure. In order to clean a device, use a dry cloth. Metal parts require regular lubrication.

AUTODOC: convenient online shopping

In our catalogue, there is a wide assortment of products for automotive repairs. Thanks to the AUTODOC mobile application, you’ll be able to order snap ring pliers, pliers, industrial tweezers and other things from any place convenient for you using your smartphone. If you want to make purchases inexpensively, keep up with the promotions running on our website and take part in them. In case you need more information about the promotion terms and conditions or about services provided by our online shop, ask our managers from the online customer support service.