Pliers are the king of all tools. It is the master tool that has passed from generation to generation and is still rocking in the mechanical and electrical world. Pliers have created a constant space in the toolbox because of their multifunctionality purposes. Now, with the evolution and variations in the tool industry, manufacturers have developed numerous different types of snap ring pliers. For instance, if you have brought a new machine to your home and want to assemble it, in this case, snap ring pliers will be the foremost thing you will depend on. Many professionals like mechanics, plumbers, or electricians need a variety of different sizes for this tool to accomplish their work efficiently.
It is essential to understand everything related to snap ring pliers in detail if you are looking forward to buying one. This article will let you know about different types of snap ring pliers. As the name suggests in the title, you will be introduced to the installation and usage of this fantastic tool. As a bonus reward, a buying guide is also mentioned in this post that will help you find the perfect and worthful snap ring plier for yourself. So, let’s dive right into the other descriptive sections without further ado.
How do snap ring pliers operate?
The name of snap ring pliers is enough to understand the utility of this tool in everyone’s life. Snap ring pliers are experts in installing and removing snap rings. There is no doubt that numerous pliers are readily available in the market, but all do not perform the same function. Likewise, snap ring pliers have specially manufactured tips that handle snap rings. Generally, standard snap ring pliers models consist of a more compacted and sharpened shape tip that further allows the holding of the snap ring into the hole more precisely. Moreover, this also enables an efficient way to manipulate and relocate the snap ring whenever required quickly.
As mentioned earlier, there is a wide range of snap ring pliers that vary according to the size and purposes. As the snap ring differentiates in size, it also needs distinct snap ring pliers. Therefore, this makes the selection criteria of the right pair of snap ring pliers more essential.
Classification of snap ring pliers
You must be curious to know about the several different types of snap ring pliers that will definitely be going to help in your present and future tasks. Precisely, the primary two types of snap ring pliers are internal and external. These internal (pliers with internal snap rings) and external (pliers with external snap rings) pliers have contrasting structures and features. These two require a mismatched repositioning tool. Furthermore, snap ring pliers are also divided into convertible or reversible snap ring pliers based on the working direction of snap rings. You will also become acquainted with straight and bent tips snap ring pliers. Undeniably, these all have their individual performance and usage activities. Still, after knowing about each one in detail, the best choice will depend on your needs and the access conditions you will encounter most often.
1. Outer snap ring pliers:
The fundamental characteristic of outer or external snap ring pliers is the availability of a retaining ring that fits the shaft accurately. This facility makes these pliers used for the purpose of installing and removing. You can easily differentiate outer snap ring pliers from others by how they work. Applying the pressure on the handles causes the tips of the pliers to open and vice versa. You can also accordingly set the angle or expand the snap ring slot over a shaft.
2. Inner snap ring pliers:
The primary structure of the inner snap ring pliers includes the sitting of snap rings inside the bore. It is how they work. Working with this type of plier is as easy as watching television. For instance, when you apply pressure or squeeze the handles together, the tips of the plier will come close to each other. However, when you put the snap ring in place, the pressure will get released from the handles, and the ring ensures its reach to the maximum diameter. Internal snap ring pliers do incisively work in the opposite way as outer or external snap ring pliers.
3. Long nose snap ring pliers:
This type of snap ring plier is an ideal solution when it becomes difficult to insert or remove snap rings at hard-to-reach places. All-in-all, longnose snap ring pliers assist longer shafts or bores. Because of the presence of more extended tips, this plier works in a more manageable and effective way. It is an easy-to-use or user-friendly tool that gives access to the ring in the master cylinder or more confined spaces.
4. Reversible snap ring pliers:
Reversible snap ring pliers are well-known as adjustable or convertible snap ring pliers. They are one of the most economical and methodical pliers. They are multifaceted, and their operation can be adjusted to anything between internal and external snap ring pliers. A reversible snap ring plier model is handy and comes with a lever that helps change the operation.
On the other hand, Some models consist of bolts that pair up with the hole when screwed up. For an easy understanding, this model has two different parts that act individually and get re-joined for switching between external and internal types.
5. Straight tip snap ring pliers:
As the name implies, these types of pliers incorporate straight tips. This type of tool is obliging in reaching a shaft for the purpose of installation or removal of the snap ring.
6. Angled tip snap ring pliers:
Angled tip snap ring pliers prove to be worthwhile in the case when the circlip is in a tight position, and the straight tip plier is not working entirely in removing it. This variety of pliers has bent tips. Specifically, the standard angle is between 45 to 90% of the bent, but it is not burdensome to get other angles.
All-in-all buying guide for best snap ring pliers
Snap ring pliers are an all-in-one tool that will be your backbone in the maintenance of different devices, for example, electrical tools, motors, vehicles, etc. Before buying the best snap ring plier for yourself, many factors or considerations are necessary to consider. So here is the complete buying guide that will help you in picking out suitable handy pliers.
1. Durability
There is no doubt that all the types of snap ring pliers give the best performance in themselves. You should always be aware of your specific requirements for this tool. For instance, if you are in need of a plier that does not lose grip or get bent quickly, then a fixed tip plier will be the best decision to buy. It will not only be effective but will also save your precious time.
2. Handy tool
You all must agree that a penny saved is a penny earned. However, if you buy a tool that does not support your tasks and activities, it will be useless. So, why not think about the frequency and work of using the snap ring pliers before buying them? All-in-all, if you go for a snap ring plier with an ergonomically designed handle, it will make your challenging tasks much more accessible. Just be informative and particular about the needs and requirements you want from the tool, and your purchase will automatically be worthwhile. Try to get the answers such as, Is it open or close enough for removing and installing the snap rings? Is it good enough for fitting into a tight space? And if you get positive results, just grab the piece and enjoy your peaceful work.
3. Size of snap ring pliers
Everyone wants to put their hands on snap ring pliers that are worth the splurge. If you are a skilled electrician or mechanic, you must be aware that a circlip of different diameters comes along with every snap ring plier. The spread of the Jaws determines them. So, it is a required task that you must consider the size of the rings that you want your plier to work with and then purchase accordingly. Anyways, if you do not have a well-versed knowledge about the dimensions and do not know which one to buy, then give a chance to snap ring pliers set that includes different ranges of size. Indeed, you will not regret buying it!
4. Price
How many of you believe in the old axiom saying, “You get what you pay for!” But from the majority point of view, this is not true. Not every expensive thing is worth it. Always bear in mind that the quality of the product matters more than the price. If you buy a low-quality product, either cheap or costly, you are wasting your money if the product does not offer you durability and strength.
On the other hand, if you purchase a high-caliber product with a slightly higher price and ensure super durability, congratulations! You have invested in the absolutely right tool. Investing in good quality products will pay you back for a longer time. Furthermore, if you are a first-time buyer, you might be in doubt about which model or type is suitable with the cost. Always keep in mind that money does not grow on trees. So, go for something that qualifies your needs and does not overload your pocket. You can always put your hands on the snap ring pliers set because it fulfills all your demands and needs at a budget-friendly price.
The final thought
Now that you have understood the utility and the factors that you need to contemplate before buying snap ring pliers, you will never fail in making the acquisition. Snap ring pliers are a magnificent tool that holds a special place in your toolbox. S, open up your minds, do thorough research, consider your needs and requirements, and then place your hand on the best snap ring plier. Hope you will find this article worth reading!