Tool Recommendation for axle snap ring

[FV90]

Apparently I don't have the correct pliers for the huge snap ring that holds the axle in my Vee. Any recommendations?

[SR Racing]

KD makes a tool available at NAPA and other stores that has multiple tips and adjusts with a screw mechanism to lock the ring open or closed. Works great.

Whoops just looked. I was wrong. The ones above aren't KD. However, these will work. http://www.kd-tools.com/3152.htm

I will see if I can find out the type we have and post here.

[FVartist]

I use this http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... ir=catalog Being a snap-on it is expensive, but you might find a hybred in a tool bin at your local hardware store at a lower price.

Bruce

[FV80]

I found a cheap one at Harbor Freight IIRC that works perfectly. It's HEAVY duty and gets that snap ring out without any problem. I also have one of the 'screw type' snap-on pliers that were mentioned. They are a PITA - possibly because I've been using them for over 20 years and they are worn out. I now prefer the new set from HF.

I don't see my new one at HF.com now, so may have gotten it somewhere else. It does NOT have the changeable tips - I have had LOTS of trouble with that type. These pliers are dedicated to this single task and therefore don't need to have the tips changed I'm pretty sure that there are NO markings on it, but will try to remember to look when I get back home tomorrow.
Steve

[problemchild]

I take the grinding wheel to a pair of need nose pliers. I lttle knotch about 1/8" up each needle and you have heavy-duty snap ring pliers that are perfect for this job.

[VORT94]

I did the same thing that Greg (Problemchild) did with needle nose pliers - worked better than the 2 or 3 snap ring pliers I bought or borrowed.

[SR Racing]

These are the ones we have. I have had them for 10+ years and they are by far the easist ones to use (in this application) that I have ever used.

http://www.brandsplace.com/0246-kd-2012.html

[Veefan]

I purchased these on e-bay, hard to beat the price $31.81 including shipping for both types. The locking ratchet comes in real handy when trying to re-install snap rings, they are 16", very heavy duty and include spare tips.

[ external image ]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-PC-16- ... otohosting

[jpetillo]

I think the ones in the link below were the ones Jim was talking about. They are KD and I got them at NAPA. They're a little pricey, but very strong - not perfect, though. They are adjustable so you don't have to hold pressure. My Harbor Freight set kept bending. I think the other Harbor Freight suggestion above was for a better set. These KD ones from NAPA did the trick on the rear snap ring.

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/N ... ing+Pliers

[hars550]

I just took a pair of old needle nose pliers and grinded down
the ends to fit the hole in the ring.
They worked perfect. Regular snap ring pliers are to flimsy.

[FV90]

Thanks for the help - went with an $8 11" long straight pliers that got a little grinding on the end and have gotten the old worn out axles out and getting the new ones back in tonight to get ready for Barber.

[SR Racing]

My Harbor Freight set kept bending.

Yep... The best price and quality that Harbor Freight has is on their ballast. You can buy ANYTHING off the shelf and it makes great ballast. (and that is about it.)