Snap ring Pliers

**lbnaz** · #1 03-29-2020, 03:39 PM

Looking for what you think the best pair of snap ring pliers are out there. Trying to get the middle bearing retainer snap ring off muncie 4 speeds. Its inevitable that builders install it backwards on the shaft making it almost impossible to remove. I have a good set of SK with offset tabs that work good if you can get straight on it. The problem being most of the time the speed-o gear is still on shaft blocking the removal of the reverse gear. Which causes you to have to be at an angle. The typical ones that you install tips on don't even touch it. Thanks in advance. Larry

**Lynn** · #2 03-29-2020, 03:46 PM

You are correct. The replacable tip pliers don't get it done. I have some old Blue Point and some Snap-on. I am sure there are other good ones. This is one area where bargain brand won't cut it.

**scuncio** · #3 03-29-2020, 04:00 PM

The Icon kit from Harbor Freight is actually quite good.

**Lynn** · #4 03-30-2020, 01:17 AM

Thanks for posting that Tony. I never seem to have enough. At that price, it would be nice to have them as spares. They do wear out eventually. I rarely get anything from HF, as it is so hit and miss. Bought four little bottle jacks last year and three of the four leaked down over night; one with nothing on it. Just the weight of the shaft caused it to bleed down. So, when a buddy vouches for something there, I know I can go ahead and purchase. I used to keep up with the HF Fail/Pass thread over on the Garage Journal, but rarely have time these days.

https://www.harborfreight.com/Precis...-Pc-63841.html

marxjunk · #5 03-30-2020, 06:52 PM

i have some out of the air craft industry from the estate of a retired airplane mechanic..must be 50 years old..at least...i have enough to share a pair or two..what are ya looking for..

the quality is unreal..very plain, but high end military grade stuff..if it doesnt break the set up i need for work..i will sell the spares

**Billohio** · #6 03-31-2020, 01:08 AM

I had to find a set today. One of our tractors has tracks instead of tires and 3 of the bogie wheels were leaking. Our pliers were not big enough and NAPA was the only place close that had a set. They are about a foot long. The snap ring was 4 inches and felt like that thing was ready to fly off and do some damage!! The pliers have teeth that catch and you dont have to keep pressure on them the whole time. Worked really well

**ssl78** · #7 03-31-2020, 02:13 AM

I usually take a chisel to the snap ring on the muncie if I cant get it off with pliers. They break pretty easy

**lbnaz** · #8 03-31-2020, 01:00 PM

The chisel is how I have been removing them most of the time. When there put on backwards it's about the only way. Just trying to avoid damaging the shaft. I would like a pair that's long enough(10-12") and strong enough to go in at an angle(30-45 degree) over the reverse gear and spread the snap ring. Maybe even a pair that has the angled tips. Most of the kits you see are not stout enough to grab and spread the ring. The aviation ones sound interesting I can be reached at 5203492337. Thanks, Larry

**lbnaz** · #9 04-01-2020, 01:00 AM

Anyone ever used this pair.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Retaining-R...nd!85704!US!-1

**Billohio** · #10 04-01-2020, 01:55 AM

Those are similar to mine but the rachet on mine goes more straight across the handles. When you squeeze it, the next tooth catches and is a nice feature. Mine does have a lever along the handle to release the rachet. I tried to get a picture today but my phone wouldnt resize it for some reason. I will see if I can get something.

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