Which type do you use? One pair with interchangeable tips, or fixed ends on multiple pairs? External snap ring only, or a set that can be converted to internal rings as well? A mix of all of the above? I'd like to get a better grasp on opinions from others before I buy any new ones.
The one I use the most has fixed tips, but the tool can be switched from external to internal use by switching the center pivot thumbscrew.
I'd have to look at the brand name. The tips have not worn down and it is 30? yrs old.
That one is for rings with the holes. I also have a nice one for flat-no-hole external rings. It has a double X linkage to multiply the action. works real slick.
I've got the old KD removable tip ones but those are only good for weak small rings.
Depending on the snap ring, I go with fixed tip, dual purpose. If it is a fairly heavy ring, like on a tranny mainshaft, or heavy equipment, I like the fixed tip single purpose for the simple reason that they have less flex and dont twist as easy as the flat dual purpose. I have a set of dual purpose that I bought from snap on, and have used for years. good pliers, but spendy. Westward makes a good single purpose plier, but the downside is that you will need to buy both internal and external pliers, in varying sizes and tip angles. Stay away from the interchangable tip ones, as on average they are really cheap pieces of ca-ca, and you will end up eating a snap ring or losing some skin if you use them.
I have heard good things about the Knipex. Judging from the quality of my Knipex pliers they should be good ones & will be what I will get when the time comes.
I have the older style Craftsman rigid ext/internal pliers in the two sizes they offered, but I ran into an application where I needed a pair with a 45* bend in the jaw. I made it work with what I had (a bit of tool miss-use, some warranty clause breakage, and a ton of ingenuity....). I'm almost leaning towards buying a good mix of all. In due time of course. Right now, Channellock has a decent looking pair of interchangeable tip pliers, and further down the road I'll improve what I have. Thanks guys for the input. I appreciate it.
oh, BIF, Dan and Sam, I don't know if I'd ever want to see your toolboxes.... :thumbup:
That type is what we prefer too. Dad and I used to rebuild automatic transmissions for family and friends all the time. Dad had a few odd and end ones. One of the friends noticed this years ago and bought him (us) a really nice set of them. No clue what the brand name is though.
We did manage to destroy one of them by using it for something it was not made for. OOPS!
I, personally, never had much luck with the changeable tip ones.
Check out Gearwrenches snap ring pliers. Pretty impressive. http://www.gearwrench.com/pdf/newproducts.pdf It's on page 30 of the file. On another site, on of the guys tried out the Double X and was really impressed. The tips open wider but the handle does not have to open as wide to compensate.
I like the single purpose ones, but it is the most expensive way to go. We use some Snappy and Proto units at work. Surprisingly the Snappys broke a tip so I have to catch up with the guy to get a replacement. The Protos usually bend so they get replaced about every 6 weeks or so.
I'd like to try the Knipex. Who distributes them?
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