Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Snap Ring Pliers

Old Jul 14, 2014 | 09:49 AM
  #1  
axekick's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Tx
Default Snap Ring Pliers

What snap ring pliers do you guys have on hand for these trans builds? I just got some cheap ones on ebay and I feel like even though I have the proper tool for the job, the ouput shaft snap ring is a real bitch! I spend too much time on it. Would it be easier with a better set of pliers? Any tips?
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 10:08 AM
  #2  
mrvedit's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Default

Originally Posted by axekick
What snap ring pliers do you guys have on hand for these trans builds? I just got some cheap ones on ebay and I feel like even though I have the proper tool for the job, the ouput shaft snap ring is a real bitch! I spend too much time on it. Would it be easier with a better set of pliers? Any tips?
I mostly use a pair like this:
https://www.marlincrawler.com/hardwa...ap-ring-pliers

Or this:
Amazon.com: OTC 714 Horseshoe Lock Ring Plier: Automotive Amazon.com: OTC 714 Horseshoe Lock Ring Plier: Automotive

They are more specifically called "horseshoe lock ring pliers". Google that to see similar tools.

I did grind mine down a bit specifically for the output shaft snap ring. With the right tool it that ring is no problem.

This thread is very similar to your problem:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ard-gears.html
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 10:13 AM
  #3  
axekick's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Tx
Default

Thanks for the links! I got good at it last time I went through the build but after not doing it for a while I'm out of practice. I think I'll see if one of those other tools works better.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 12:36 PM
  #4  
hrcslam's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,610
Likes: 4
From: Maricopa, AZ
Default

Yeah, modifying those pliers that mrvedit shared would work.

That ring is a bitch. What I found works best for me was two angled scribes. I can get that snap ring out in seconds with two angled scribes. But, modified snap ring pliers would probably be easier yet...

Last edited by hrcslam; Jul 14, 2014 at 07:09 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 12:39 PM
  #5  
axekick's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Tx
Default

Can you show me what kind of scribes you're talking about?
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 02:12 PM
  #6  
hrcslam's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,610
Likes: 4
From: Maricopa, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by axekick
Can you show me what kind of scribes you're talking about?
I have a set similar to this one. I used the two with the tips angled.



Harbor Freight has a no name set for a few bucks. But be wary, the cheap ones tend to bend and break, while a name brand set will be hardened and can handle the strength of the snap ring.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2014 | 02:23 PM
  #7  
axekick's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Tx
Default

That's great. I have a no name set still in the package but I'll pick up a decent set if it seems like it will work. Thanks for the advice.
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:34 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE