ChannelLock Retaining Ring Pliers

Snap ring (or retaining ring) pliers allow you to take out the snap rings that hold shafts in place or keep them from pulling out of their holes depending if the shaft is captive or removable. The rings are used to hold assemblies together in alignment, typically in electric motors or control systems like throttle or clutch cables on motorcycles or ATVs.   I usually call them snap rings because that's how I learned to call them but they are also called retaining rings so either term is correct.

This pair of snap ring pliers is made in the USA and has a typical design descended from the original snap ring pliers that had lots of loose parts and required two pairs to service both inside and outside retaining rings.  This pair has a simple switch that allows it to double for either type of fastener. The only loose parts are the little ends of various sizes that have to be interchanged to fit different sized rings.

As mentioned above, Snap Rings come in two types, internal and external, depending on whether they are installed on the exterior of the pin or on the inside of a bore hole holding the shaft or pin in the bore.

These pliers convert from inner to outer configuration by flipping the small switch that changes the geometry of the handle movement to make the ends move opposite directions with the same squeeze of the handles. Inside rings are made smaller to remove from the bore while external rings get expanded to come off the pins they are mounted on.

Like most snap ring pliers, the handles are spring-loaded and always open against tension so when you squeeze them together they expand the jaws for an external ring and contract them for an internal one. The jaws and tips are all forged steel hinged in an X configuration.

These pliers are a product of ChannelLock of Meadville, PA. They are made in USA and guaranteed for life against defects in materials and workmanship. They have to be returned to the factory for assessment so the guarantee is not as good as the one Sears gives on their Craftsman line. 

The handles come with five sets of interchangeable pins that hook into the snap rings with various tip sizes to suit rings from 1/8" to 1" in diameter. The pliers will fit most snap rings you come up against in household repair jobs.

The pliers are as well made as the usual snap ring pliers and have deluxe soft blue plastic handles for comfort and sure grip.

If you are doing any carburetor work or cabling like a motorcycle or All Terrain Vehicle you will find these pliers are just the ticket to quickly take care of the cables.

Recommended: Yes