What Is A Good Snap-ring Set

KCTractors

Member
Location
Central Wi
I am trying to get some snap-rings off Massey Harris 50 transmission. Worked on it for 4 hours and still didn't get the last one off. Who makes a good snap-ring removal tools? I have S-K set now but they keep slipping of the ring. I think that points are to light.
 
Look closely at the tips. The straight ones sometimes have a slight angle on the tip. Turn them so the angles are pointed out for external rings, in for internal. Also use the straight ones whenever possible, and use the largest ones possible.

I prefer the fixed jaw pliers over the reversible kind with the pins. They're more rigid, have more travel.
 
If there's such a thing as a good snap ring set I haven't found it. As mentioned use the largest tip you can get in the hole. How big the ring is determines what you need to remove it. If it's a large heavy ring you need a large heavy tool. I have one for large rings that is two feet long and it takes all I have to ratchet it together.
 
The best I have found are Mac snap ring pliers. If your using the ones with different pins you change in the tips they are ALL junk. You need good one piece snap ring pliers. I have a set of Mac ones that I have had to close to 25 years. There are 3-4 different sizes and several of the type for flat snap rings. I gave around $150 for the entire set.
 
I have an assortment from mac tools, reversible, i am happy with em. I can post a pic tomorrow from the shop.
 
I have a full set of snap on and I'm quite happy with them. There are some rings I still have trouble with, but that's the nature of snap rings sometimes.
 
I have three different sizes and brands and that's not enough !!!
5 to 18 inches and I still find myself grinding the points or buying other sets
frustrating LOL
Pete
 
If the snap rings are still available, sometimes just destroying them and going back together with new ones is cost-effective.
 
heres a pic of my set from mac tools.

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Channellock model 927 retaining ring pliers, google it, price $29. That style is made by different manufacturers, I have one that has given good service. it will handle larger snap rings.

KEH
 
I bought the Channelock 927 tool with ratcheting action and interchangeable tips. It was not capable of removing a 4" snap ring because the tips were flexing too much. I had to borrow a Snap On tool with fixed tips and it removed the snap ring with no problem. I would not try to use my Channelock tool for anything over about 2". Beware of any off brand snap ring pliers. If the heat treating is poor and the tips flex, it is dangerous and annoying to have a snap ring launch across your shop when the tool does not retain the snap ring safely as you are re-installing it.
 
No matter what snap ring I encounter, most times I do not have the right tool to get it off. So, I go and buy one for the application. The problem here is that there are so many different types and sizes of snap rings that it is nearly impossible to have all of the tools you need.
The ones with the interchangeable tips are pretty good for most light applications, but the tips are prone to flexing. A decent set is made by K-D Tools.
For the heavier but still small diameter snap rings, you almost need a whole set of different sizes and types. Some have different size holes in the ends, some are internal, some are external, and some are thicker than others.
This is one of those questions that has an infinite number of answers. Like figuring the value of PI.
 

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