Removing C-Clip?

Tree-Farmer · Apr 14, 2019

Is there a secret to removing a C-clip retainer ring? I have one on a front wheel of my riding lawn mower, which had a flat. But I can't get it out with the normal C-ring pliers. They keep slipping off. I finally have to pry it out with a screwdriver, which ruins it, if I can even find it across the shed, where it goes flying. Then I have to buy a new C-clip.

I'm thinking the problem is probably because it has grease on it, from the wheel. The pliers won't stay on the C-clip with grease in the hole.

I've noticed the 2 holes in the C-clip are much bigger than my cheap pliers. If I bought better pliers, would the post fit the hole better, be the right size?

Any thoughts on how to take out a C-Clip? Or a better tool?

Thank you!

SVcummins · Apr 14, 2019

That is a snap ring and yes if you had pliers to fit the holes you could take it off put it on easily

Dieseltech · Apr 14, 2019

Larger pliers needed, and SRAIGHT pliers would work better as the small insert pliers you have will twist, then pop out of the ring ends.

Jim.ME · Apr 14, 2019

Yes, the tips should closely fit the holes. Your photo shows your pliers have replaceable tips. Usually several different sets of tips come with that type plier and you change the tips to fit the holes and/or angle you need.

Bob · Apr 14, 2019

It's a THICK, tough snapring and needs a good-quality HD tool to remove it.

The angle "pins" on your tool easy deform, allowing them to pop out of the ring without expanding it.

You need a tool like THIS:

<img src = "https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/612xrvREhsL._SX466_.jpg">

Eric in IL · Apr 14, 2019

If it were me, I would find a socket that just fits over the axle but still contacts the snap-ring. A couple raps with a hammer should drive the bearing in a little. Now try the pliers again.

marloweg · Apr 14, 2019

your pliers is your problem

whereswaldo · Apr 14, 2019

I have a pair that's reversible-spread or squeeze and the tips are part of the tool. One plier does both types. Home Depot has them as 'Husky 8" Snap Ring Pliers'. Under $10.00 and Lifetime guarantee.

Wicksfield · Apr 14, 2019

If the tire isn't leaking at the bead, just plug the hole with one of those tubeless tire plugs and cement. Makes life easy by not having to take the wheel and tire assembly off. It's what I do and have good luck with it.

gab · Apr 14, 2019

I used to have a pliers like yours, it's junk, never had a problem with this style.

showcrop · Apr 14, 2019

Like Bob said your cheap one deforms. I had one of those, and finally got a set like gab's and threw the other away.

rustred · Apr 14, 2019

that is a snap ring not a c clip. it takes external snap ring pliers to remove them. that's a walk in the park. plus many people do not know that on those snap rings one side is slightly rounded and one side is square the square side goes to the outside in that case.

in-too-deep · Apr 14, 2019

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Knipex.

Traditional Farmer · Apr 15, 2019

As others have said you need a pair of good quality snap ring pliers hard to find these days.

Removing C-Clip?

Tree-Farmer

Member

SVcummins

Well-known Member

Dieseltech

Well-known Member

Jim.ME

Well-known Member

Bob

Well-known Member

Eric in IL

Well-known Member

marloweg

Well-known Member

whereswaldo

Member

Wicksfield

Member

gab

Well-known Member

showcrop

Well-known Member

rustred

Well-known Member

in-too-deep

Well-known Member

Traditional Farmer

Well-known Member

Similar threads