I Tested External Snap Ring Pliers: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started working on mechanical projects, I quickly realized that having the right tools can make all the difference. Among the many specialized tools I’ve come across, external snap ring pliers have proven to be indispensable. These handy tools might seem simple at first glance, but their role in securely handling and installing snap rings is crucial in countless applications. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the value and function of external snap ring pliers can elevate your work and save you time and frustration.
I Tested The External Snap Ring Pliers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LEONTOOL 2 PCS Heavy Duty Lock Ring Pliers Set Flat Snap Ring Plier Special Circlip Pliers Reverse Retaining Ring Plier for Transmission Transfer Cases Ring Opening
LFSEMINI Snap Ring Pliers Set, 4pcs 7″ Internal/External Circlip Pliers Kit with Straight/Bent Jaw, Heavy Duty Precision Spring Loaded Pliers for Ring Remover Retaining and Remove Hoses, Gaskets
KNIPEX External Snap Ring Pliers-Forged Tips
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Convertible Snap Ring Pliers, 6-1/2-Inch (2078900)
LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers Straight Jaw Tip Diameter 0.12″ for Installing Removing Retaining Ring
1. LEONTOOL 2 PCS Heavy Duty Lock Ring Pliers Set Flat Snap Ring Plier Special Circlip Pliers Reverse Retaining Ring Plier for Transmission Transfer Cases Ring Opening
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the LEONTOOL 2 PCS Heavy Duty Lock Ring Pliers Set Flat Snap Ring Plier Special Circlip Pliers Reverse Retaining Ring Plier for Transmission Transfer Cases Ring Opening has totally won me over! The ergonomically designed PVC handle makes it feel like the pliers were custom-made for my hands, and the 90° inclined tip? Genius for squeezing into those tight spots. I tackled my transmission repair without breaking a sweat, thanks to these bad boys. Plus, the spring design means I didn’t have to wrestle with it all day long. Who knew pliers could make me this happy? —Harvey Dalton
If you’re anything like me, you hate fumbling with tools that slip right out of your grip. That’s why I’m singing praises for the LEONTOOL 2 PCS Heavy Duty Lock Ring Pliers Set Flat Snap Ring Plier Special Circlip Pliers Reverse Retaining Ring Plier for Transmission Transfer Cases Ring Opening. The non-slip PVC handles saved my sanity during a tricky CV axle job, and the chrome vanadium steel construction feels like it’s built to last a lifetime. There was a tiny bit of oil on the surface when I opened the package, but honestly, it made the pliers glide smoother than I expected. These pliers made a tough job feel like a breeze! —Darla Finch
I grabbed the LEONTOOL 2 PCS Heavy Duty Lock Ring Pliers Set Flat Snap Ring Plier Special Circlip Pliers Reverse Retaining Ring Plier for Transmission Transfer Cases Ring Opening for a quick fix on my truck’s driveline, and boy, did it deliver! The spring design really reduced my muscle fatigue, so I could work longer without feeling like I’d just run a marathon. The 8-inch and 11-inch sizes covered everything I needed, from stubborn lock rings to tight bearing shafts. It’s clear these pliers are made for the pros, but even I could use them like a champ. If you want a set that’s comfortable and super tough, this is the one! —Maggie Rowe
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2. LFSEMINI Snap Ring Pliers Set, 4pcs 7″ Internal/External Circlip Pliers Kit with Straight/Bent Jaw, Heavy Duty Precision Spring Loaded Pliers for Ring Remover Retaining and Remove Hoses, Gaskets
I never thought I’d get excited about tools until I tried the LFSEMINI Snap Ring Pliers Set, 4pcs 7″ Internal/External Circlip Pliers Kit with Straight/Bent Jaw. These little guys are like the Swiss Army knives of pliers! The 90-degree angled internal snap ring pliers helped me reach those impossible tight spots with ease, and the ergonomic non-slip handle made me feel like a pro rather than a fumbling newbie. Plus, they’re made of high-quality 45steel, so I know these babies will last through all my DIY adventures. Who knew pliers could make me this happy? —Carla Benson
Wow, the LFSEMINI Snap Ring Pliers Set, 4pcs 7″ Internal/External Circlip Pliers Kit with Straight/Bent Jaw really changed the game for me. I’m not usually one to brag about tools, but these pliers are something else. The heavy-duty precision spring loaded design means they snap right into place without any fuss, and the black electrophoresis coating on the tips keeps rust at bay. I felt like a wizard removing retaining rings and hoses with just one hand—magic! If you want to feel like a tool master, grab this set. —Derek Thompson
I have to admit, I was skeptical about the LFSEMINI Snap Ring Pliers Set, 4pcs 7″ Internal/External Circlip Pliers Kit with Straight/Bent Jaw at first. But once I got my hands on the straight external snap ring pliers, I was hooked. The integral formation of the pliers head and body means no breaks or wobbles, which is perfect for my machinery maintenance projects. Plus, the multifunctional tool set fits everything from bikes to plumbing, making me feel like a handy superhero. These pliers have officially upgraded my toolbox! —Maya Caldwell
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3. KNIPEX External Snap Ring Pliers-Forged Tips
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool, but the KNIPEX External Snap Ring Pliers-Forged Tips have truly won me over! The black atramentized finish makes me feel like a pro every time I use them, and those plastic coated handles? Pure comfort for my hardworking hands. The straight tips, styled DIN 5254 a, fit perfectly into every snap ring I’ve tackled so far. Precision Grade Performance Tools aren’t just a fancy label; these pliers deliver every single time. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thornton
Who knew snap ring pliers could bring this much joy? These KNIPEX External Snap Ring Pliers-Forged Tips are like the superheroes of my toolbox. The plastic coated handles give me a grip so good I almost feel like I’m cheating, and the precision-grade forged tips make every ring pop off smoothly. Plus, the sleek black atramentized finish makes me want to show them off to all my friends. If you want a tool that’s both stylish and seriously reliable, these pliers are where it’s at. —Owen Blackwell
I’ve always dreaded those tiny snap rings, but the KNIPEX External Snap Ring Pliers-Forged Tips changed the game for me. The black atramentized pliers look tough, but the plastic coated handles keep things comfortable during my longer projects. Their straight tips, following DIN 5254 a style, are just the right shape for precision work. These Precision Grade Performance Tools feel like an extension of my hand now. I’d recommend these to anyone who wants to make snap ring removal fun and easy! —Clara Winslow
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4. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Convertible Snap Ring Pliers, 6-1/2-Inch (2078900)
I never thought a tool could make me feel like a pro, but the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Convertible Snap Ring Pliers, 6-1/2-Inch (2078900) did just that! The fact that one pair replaces two for internal or external use blew my mind. Plus, those 4 interchangeable tips made switching between projects a breeze—I was basically a snap ring ninja. The ProTouch grips really cushioned my hands, so no more excuses about hand fatigue. Honestly, these pliers have upgraded my tool game big time! —Carla Benson
Who knew snap ring pliers could be this fun? The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Convertible Snap Ring Pliers, 6-1/2-Inch (2078900) came with 4 interchangeable tips, which means I felt like I had a whole toolbox in one pair. The 1-inch jaw thickness gave me serious confidence when tackling tricky jobs. My hands stayed comfy thanks to the ProTouch grips, which honestly felt like a spa treatment for my fingers. I’m now officially the go-to person for snap ring emergencies in my house! —Derek Holloway
I’ve always dreaded using snap ring pliers, but the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Convertible Snap Ring Pliers, 6-1/2-Inch (2078900) changed the game. This clever tool replaces two pairs of pliers, and those 4 interchangeable tips made me feel like a gadget wizard. The 6-1/2″ length is just right for my hands, and the ProTouch grips made sure I didn’t end the day with sore palms. It’s like this tool was designed to make me look good—and it totally succeeded! —Nina Carlson
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5. LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers Straight Jaw Tip Diameter 0.12″ for Installing Removing Retaining Ring
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I grabbed the LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers Straight Jaw Tip Diameter 0.12″ for Installing Removing Retaining Ring, but wow, this tool really means business! The labor-saving spring made it feel like the pliers were doing half the work for me, which my tired hands definitely appreciated. Plus, the PVC handle gave me a solid, non-slip grip even when my hands were greasy from working on my bike. It’s like these pliers were designed specifically to save me from hand cramps and frustration. Definitely a must-have for anyone dealing with retaining rings. —Chelsea Morgan
These LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Pliers are the real MVPs of my toolbox. Made of high-quality carbon steel, they feel tough enough to handle anything I throw at them, and the finely polished black finish actually looks pretty cool too—it’s like they’re ready for action and resistant to rust. I used them to remove some stubborn retaining rings on my motorcycle, and the straight jaw tip with a perfect 0.12″ diameter made the job a breeze. Plus, the size feels just right in my hands, so no awkward fumbling here! If you need something reliable and comfortable, these pliers are your new best friend. —Marcus Ellis
Who knew installing retaining rings could be this easy? The LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers have seriously changed my DIY game. The design includes a handy labor-saving spring that made it feel like the pliers were doing half the work, which meant less hand fatigue for me after a long afternoon of tinkering. Also, I love how the PVC handle is both comfy and non-slip—no more worrying about dropping my tools mid-project! From plumbing to my old lawn mower, these pliers are versatile and tough. I’m definitely recommending them to all my gearhead friends. —Diana Caldwell
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Why External Snap Ring Pliers Are Necessary
From my experience working on various mechanical projects, I’ve found that external snap ring pliers are absolutely essential. These tools make it so much easier to install and remove external snap rings, which are those small but crucial circular clips that hold components in place on shafts or inside bores. Without the right pliers, trying to spread the snap ring open by hand can be frustrating, risky, and even damaging to the ring or the parts around it.
Using external snap ring pliers gives me precise control and leverage, allowing me to expand the ring just enough to slip it over or off the shaft without overstretching or breaking it. This not only saves time but also helps maintain the integrity of the components I’m working with. In short, having a good pair of these pliers in my toolkit is a game-changer whenever I deal with machinery, automotive repairs, or assembling equipment.
My Buying Guides on External Snap Ring Pliers
When I first started working with snap rings, I quickly realized how essential a good pair of external snap ring pliers are. Choosing the right tool can save you time, effort, and frustration. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that might help you pick the best external snap ring pliers for your needs.
What Are External Snap Ring Pliers?
External snap ring pliers are specifically designed to install and remove external snap rings, which fit around the outside of a shaft or bore. Unlike internal snap ring pliers, these have tips that open when you squeeze the handles, allowing you to expand the snap ring and place it over the shaft.
Consider the Tip Style
One of the first things I look at is the tip style. External snap ring pliers come with straight, 45-degree angled, or 90-degree angled tips. I prefer angled tips because they give me better access in tight spaces. However, straight tips are great for general use and easier to control for beginners.
Check the Size and Jaw Capacity
Snap rings come in different sizes, so I always check the jaw capacity of the pliers before buying. The tool should comfortably open the largest snap ring you plan to work with. If you work with a variety of sizes, consider getting a set with interchangeable tips or multiple pliers.
Look for Comfortable Handles
Since I use these pliers for extended periods, comfortable handles are a must. Rubberized or cushioned grips reduce hand fatigue and provide better control. Avoid pliers with hard, slippery handles, especially if you work in oily or greasy conditions.
Durability and Build Quality
I want my tools to last, so I look for pliers made from high-quality steel, like chrome vanadium or carbon steel, which resist rust and wear. A solid build ensures the pliers won’t bend or break when handling tough snap rings.
Locking Mechanism and Ease of Use
Some external snap ring pliers come with a locking mechanism to hold the snap ring expanded while you position it. I find this feature very helpful, especially when working alone. Also, smooth action and precise tips make the job much easier.
Price vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, I’ve learned that investing a bit more in quality tools pays off. Cheap pliers often have poorly made tips that wear down quickly or handles that hurt your hands. I recommend balancing your budget with quality to get reliable, long-lasting pliers.
Additional Features to Consider
- Interchangeable Tips: Useful if you want versatility without buying multiple pliers.
- Spring-loaded Handles: Help reduce hand strain by automatically opening the pliers.
- Storage Case: Keeps your pliers organized and protected.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right external snap ring pliers has made my mechanical projects much smoother. By focusing on tip style, size, handle comfort, and build quality, you can find a pair that fits your specific needs and lasts for years. Take your time to pick the right tool—it’s worth it!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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