snap ring pliers?

[steinbru at vnet.ibm.com]

Ref:  Your post of Mon, 8 Jul 2002 11:29:17 -0700 (attached)

I have two kinds:  a pliers type by Craftsdude (Sears:)  which switches
from inner to outer w/ a couple of sliding studs, and one from my local
parts store tool rack which operates by a scissors-jack like screw (you
turn the handle).  The first is heavy duty and works fine for most jobs,
the second holds the positon it's adjusted to during placment or removal
and fits in tight places.  Both have an assortment (of easily lost:)
straight, off-set, and right-angle bits with various size tips.  Both
are well made and relatively inexpensive ($12 and $14 respectively as I
recall).  Invaluable additions to your tool box!  --Gary

----------------------------- Note follows ------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 11:29:17 -0700
From: "Bernard Littau" <bernardl at acumenassociates.com>
To: <WAUFX at aol.com>, <quattro at audifans.com>
Subject: RE: snap ring pliers?

> Hey all-
>
> I need some snap ring pliers to do the shifter bushing on my 90q.
> I went to
> Home Depot, looking for Channelock tool #904 and my local one did not have
> it. Searching on Harbor Freight, I find snap ring pliers of the "external"
> and "internal" variety.
>
> I feel like a fool for asking, but what's the difference? The rings the
> pliers will be used on are the ring that goes around the shifter stick and
> the ring that hold my new door lock cylinder in place...advice?

Hi Megan,

Internal snap rings need to have the two ends moved closer together to be
removed; they are held in place along their outside edge.

External snap rings need to have the two ends moved further apart to be
removed; they are held in place along their inside edge.

Harbor freight sells several snap ring pliers kits as I recollect, even one
that can deal with both internal and external snap rings with a single tool;
it has interchangeable tips, too.

Some of the stuff from Harbor Freight is flimsy -- I had trouble with the
front wheel bearing snap rings.  The rings you mention sound small.  A
possible problem with the one-tool-that-does-all is it's bulky -- might be a
problem in tight quarters.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq