What are retaining ring pliers?
Retaining ring pliers (snap/circlip pliers) grip a ring’s holes or lugs so you can compress internal rings into a bore or expand external rings over a shaft. Proper tips prevent slipping and help the ring seat cleanly in its groove.
How to choose retaining ring pliers
- Ring location: Pick internal pliers for rings in bores, external pliers for rings on shafts, or a convertible pair if you need both.
- Tip angle & reach: Straight for open access, 45° for offset work, 90° for tight spaces or vertical bores.
- Tip diameter: Match the tip to the ring’s hole size to avoid cam-out and damage.
- Tip style: Fixed tips are robust; replaceable tips offer flexibility across sizes.
- Duty level: Choose heavier-duty or forged-tip models for frequent use or larger rings.
Common tip diameters
| Typical tip sizes (in) | 0.038 | 0.047 | 0.070 | 0.090 |
| Use notes | Small rings & electronics | Light-duty general | Common shop size | Larger/heavier rings |
Tip size should fit the hole closely; too small slips, too large won’t seat.
Straight vs 45° vs 90° tips
- Straight: Best control when you can approach head-on.
- 45°: Good sightline into housings and guards.
- 90°: Reaches around obstructions and deep bores.
Installation basics
- Verify ring size and groove dimensions; deburr edges.
- Select pliers with tips that fit the ring’s holes snugly.
- Wear eye protection. Compress (internal) or expand (external) only as much as needed.
- Seat the ring fully in the groove; check engagement all around.
Troubleshooting & tips
- Ring slips off tips: Upsize tip diameter or switch to forged/fixed tips.
- Hard to reach: Use 45° or 90° tips or longer-reach pliers.
- Ring distortion: You’re over-compressing/expanding. Use less travel and keep the pliers aligned.
- Frequent tip wear: Move to hardened or replaceable tips for heavy use.
Why buy retaining ring pliers from AlbanyCountyFasteners.com
- Internal, external, and quick-switch convertible options
- Straight, 45°, and 90° tips in common diameters
- Contractor-friendly packs and fast shipping
- USA-based support for sizing and application questions
FAQs
Quick answers to selecting tip size, tool type, and using pliers safely with snap rings.
Do I need internal or external pliers?
Internal pliers compress rings that seat in a bore. External pliers expand rings that seat on a shaft. Convertible pliers switch between both.
Which tip size should I pick?
Measure the ring’s hole diameter and choose the nearest tip size that fills the hole without forcing. Common tips are 0.038, 0.047, 0.070, and 0.090 in.
When do angled tips help?
Use 45° or 90° tips when guards, housings, or depth block a straight approach.
Can I reuse snap rings after removal?
Often yes, but replace any ring that’s bent, cracked, or won’t seat securely after reassembly.
Are replaceable-tip pliers worth it?
They’re useful if you handle many ring sizes. Fixed forged tips offer maximum strength for repeated production work.
Any safety must-dos?
Wear eye protection, keep the tool aligned with the ring, and only compress/expand as needed to clear the groove.