Quality set of snap ring pliers

[4gfun]

I want to check the compressor wheel sizes and post pictures of the compressor housing so I can make a decision on how to proceed but from the looks of this circlip I am going to need a solid set of snap ring pliers. I went to harbor freight today and lost the gamble. The pins on the pliers bent immediately.

I don't want to break the bank for a simple tool but want something that will take the ring off. Sears is too far from here. An online set would be ok. I would rather wait than drive too far if it can be avoided.

Advance Auto and Autozone are within reasonable driving distances for me but I am scared to buy more junk.

Thanks

 

[Colt4G63 also]

You may need to crack the clip loose from it's groove before you try to tackle it with the snap ring pliers. Try sticking a pointy punch or customized screwdriver in the hole at an angle, and tap it with a small hammer to break it free from the groove.

 

[96ETT]

Pics or description on the customized screwdriver?

 

[4gfun]

It's already looose but still need the quality snap ring pliers. Looked around locally and all they had was junk.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

Pics or description on the customized screwdriver?

You can just file a notch into the edge of a small flathead so it grabs onto the hole in the clip better.

 

[3kgt2nv]

mac, snap on, matco. snap ring pliers are one of those things that cheap ones always brake pins or pins bend.

 

[4gfun]

Thanks, willing to spend the money on a good quality tool, but there are too many options available. Not sure which size to get.

 

[3kgt2nv]

without spending a ton craftsman has a set of 4 thats like 40-60 bucks that work properly and arent made of cream cheese

 

[ed1380]

a pair of needle nose pliers with the tips ground down to fit.

 

[3kgt2nv]

I am a right tool for the job kinda guy. not a big fan of killing tools for a 1 time use application

 

[moronthr33]

Snap-on for the win!

 

[Jon91TSi]

I have always used 45* or 90* head pliers for turbos that have large circlips. I have found that using snap ring pliers usually doesn't work because of the amount of tension on these suckers. I have never had a problem using these types of pliers.

 

[3kgt2nv]

pm justin and ask what he uses

 

[4gfun]

I've got 3 sets of 16 inch longnose pliers from autozone. They seem to get in the clips holes alright but when I squeeze the pliers don't go anywhere and eventually just slip off. I don't want to grind them up either since advance and harbor freight only sell 11 inch longnose and these suckers have helped me out for other purposes.

 

[7"exhaust_tip]

Auto parts store snap ring pliers are just as crappy as the harbor frieght ones. If you aren't going to use them much go for crafsman. If you are then obviously snap on or mac.

I had to figure all of this out the hard way......

 

[4gfun]

Unreal guys....dollar tree needle nose pliers did the job...literally 1 dollar....have been laying around for years and I have neglected to replace them since they work and I am cheap. I squeezed and wife put a flat blade screw driver under the c-clip...it popped right out. It had also been soaking in liquid wrench for a while. I know that I will be crying when it is time to get it back together but this worked great.

Thanks for the support.