Removing or installing circlips in machinery or equipment calls for precise control and grip to easily wrangle that little c-shaped piece of metal. Circlip, or snap ring pliers as they’re also known, are the handy tools you need to get the job done.
Circlip pliers FAQ/H2>
What are circlip pliers used for?
Circlip pliers are tools that help remove or fasten circlips. Also called c-ring or snap ring, circlips are simple metal fasteners in a c shape designed to flex a little to fit into a groove, either on the inside or outside of a cylinder, bore or shaft, often to hold a bearing in place. When a bearing fails or needs maintenance you have to remove the c-clip to get to it, which is where your trusty circlip pliers come in. The tips of circlip pliers are designed to fit into the very small holes (aka ears) on the circlip to help you remove or install it. Here’s a few of the circlip pliers types and what they’re good for:
- Small circlip pliers: Ideal for delicate and precision work in tight spaces.
- Large circlip pliers: Suitable for handling bigger circlips in heavy machinery.
- Long circlip pliers: Provide extended reach for accessing hard-to-reach areas.
- Mini circlip pliers: Compact and easy to manoeuvre for small-scale tasks.
Should circlip pliers be straight or bent?
Circlip pliers can be bent or straight, and which kind you need depends on the circlip you’re trying to access. Sometimes you need straight circlip pliers, say if you’re reaching for a circlip inside a cylinder, or long nose circlip pliers if it’s deeply recessed. But depending on where it’s located and what’s around the circlip, straight pliers might not cut the mustard. Luckily circlip pliers are available in a range of different angles, such as 45 or 90 degrees, to help you reach any snap ring with ease.
What is the difference between external and internal circlip pliers?
The difference between external and internal circlip pliers is where the circlip you’re tackling is located. For instance, if the circlip is gripped around the outside of a cylinder, you’ll need external circlip pliers. These will expand the c-ring when you squeeze the handle, allowing you to hold the circlip open and slide it off the cylinder. If the circlip is inside a cylinder, you’ll need to make the circlip smaller to take it out, so the best circlip pliers will be internal ones that squeeze the ears (those small holes) of the circlip together. Adding a good combo of pliers like the Knipex circlip plier set to your tool kit will ensure you’re all set for any tricky circlip situation!
