If you are a mechanic, jeweler, or computer electronic technician, chances are that you will require the use of snap ring pliers, with some degree of regularity. Obviously, differing factors will determine the size, style, and number of snap ring pliers that an individual must own. Vocations which most frequently require snap ring pliers include:
- Small Engine/Equipment Technicians
- Automobile/Truck Technicians
- Appliance Technicians
- Electronic Technicians
Snap Ring Plier Sizes
Snap ring pliers are categorized by size. The size of the tip, which is either integrated into the construction of the snap ring plier or removable to accommodate a number of sizes, determines the size category in which the snap ring plier is placed. For instance, an assortment of snap ring pliers with integrated tips will typically include multiple pliers with tip sizes which range from .030 to .050-inches in diameter, and are recommended for use on snap rings which range in size from half-inch through one-and-a-half-inches in diameter. This set is only an example. Light-duty sets are also available, which contain smaller sizes, as are heavy-duty sets, which contain larger sizes.
Snap Ring Plier Tip Design
In addition to the different tip sizes and plier configurations, the tip designs also vary. Again snap ring plier sets which feature an integrated tip design, will contain multiple pliers; some will have a straight tip, some a bent tip of forty-five degrees, some a tip of ninety- degrees, and possibly some extended tips. Pliers with integrated tips and a fixed design will contain an internal plier and an external plier for every tip variation. Pliers with integrated tips and a convertible design will contain only one plier for each tip variation. Snap ring plier sets which feature removable tips will typically contain two sets of pliers, external and internal, or one set of convertible pliers and an assortment of tips in varying design; bent (in several varying degrees), extended, and straight. Yet another tip design features an interchangeable set of tips with the pivot built into the tips. This type of snap ring plier set contains one set of plier handles and several different tip/pivot variations which can be interchanged to fit the application.
Snap Ring Pliers – Convertible or Fixed?
Snap ring plier size and design aren’t the only considerations; snap rings are manufactured in two basic configurations, internal or external. External snap rings are installed in a locking groove around the outside diameter of a shaft, or rounded housing. This type of snap ring is released by spreading the edges of the ring out, so that it may be released from the groove. The internal snap ring is installed into its particularly sized locking groove which is fabricated into a rounded opening, bore, or housing. It is released from its locking groove by squeezing the opposing ends together, allowing it to be removed from the locking groove.
Since external snap rings must be spread apart and internal snap rings must be squeezed together, a solution must be reached in order to accomplish both tasks effectively. This can be done by employing two separate sets of snap ring pliers, called fixed snap ring pliers, or one set of snap ring pliers what can be converted to either type of tool, called a convertible snap ring plier. In order to service both external and internal snap ring applications, a tech must have access to the appropriate tools. Internally and externally locking snap rings can be serviced one of two ways:
Convertible Snap Ring Pliers
This type of snap ring plier can be used to service both internally and externally locking snap rings. There are several variations on the convertible design. Snap ring pliers which are designed to service both internal and external snap rings are referred to as convertible snap ring pliers. This type of plier normally features a thumbscrew as the pivot, which may be removed, allowing the pliers to be converted from an internal snap ring type to an external snap ring type, or vice-versa. Design variations include:
- Snap ring pliers with convertible handles
- Snap ring pliers with convertible handles, and interchangeable tips
- Snap ring pliers with removable tip assemblies, which allow the size and function (internal/external) to be converted with a single action. This type of plier is designed with one set of handles and multiple interchangeable tip/pivot assembly variations.
- Snap ring pliers which are converted using a trigger, or latch for conversion.
Fixed Snap Ring Pliers
This type of snap ring plier will feature either an integrated tip design or removable tips and will service either an internal snap ring, or an external snap ring but not both. This type of snap ring plier is normally sold in kits, with several diverse angle and size configurations. Fixed snap ring plier sets will contain a fixed internal snap ring plier and a fixed external snap ring plier for each of the tip variations.
Techs with ample time to spend converting the snap ring pliers back and forth will find the convertible type plier more economical, although not always as durable as the fixed type with integrated tips. Technicians who work with snap rings daily may find the fixed type plier more convenient, faster, and more durable. Personally, I have both types and I find them each useful for certain applications. I favor convertible pliers for smaller applications and fixed pliers for larger repairs.
Types of Snap Ring: What They Are, How To Use Them And Which Type Is Best For Your Needs
Snap rings are often used in a variety of industries, such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing. In this article, we will discuss the different types of snap rings, their uses, and which type is best for your needs.
What is a Snap Ring?
Snap rings are an important type of seal that can be found in a variety of places, including engines, pumps, compressors and other mechanical components. They are also used in some types of joints, such as those found in car doors and certain types of sporting equipment. What is a snap ring? Technically, it’s a ring made from metal or plastic that has been given a series of ridges or “snaps” along its circumference. When the ring is compressed, these ridges make contact with each other, creating a tight seal that prevents liquid or gas from escaping.
There are three main types of snap rings: plain, single-thread and double-thread. Plain snap rings are the simplest type and are usually used in applications where a simple seal is required. Single-thread snap rings have one row of snaps on each side of the ring, while double-thread snap rings have two rows of snaps. The best type for a particular application depends on the number and location of the threads on the ring.
The main use for snap rings is to prevent fluid leaks. They can be used in many different applications, including automotive and industrial components, medical devices and construction equipment.
How to Choose the Right Snap Ring
If you're looking to replace a snapped ring, you have a few different types of snaps to choose from. You can use a standard snap ring, a locking snap ring, or a hybrid snap ring. Here's a closer look at each type:
Standard Snap Ring
A standard snap ring is the most common type and is simply a metal band with two round teeth on it. You fit this ring over the object's fastener and then use your fingers to press the teeth together. This type of snap is generally good for items that don't need to be sealed tight, like bolts and screws.
Locking Snap Ring
A locking snap ring allows you to secure an object by using a special key that fits into the ring's opening. When you put the key in, it clicks into place, preventing the teeth from coming apart. This type of snap is great for items that need to be tamper-proof, like door locks and padlocks.
Hybrid Snap Ring
A hybrid snap ring combines features of both the standard and locking snap rings. The band has two sets of teeth - one set that fits over the fastener like a standard snap ring, and another set that clicks into place when you put the key in. This makes it a good choice for items that need to be tamper-proof but also need to be removable.
Types of Snap Rings
There are a variety of types of snap rings, each with its own specific purpose. Knowing the different types and how to use them is essential for ensuring proper ring performance.
The three most common types of snap rings are circlip, Groove and Teeth. Circlip rings are the simplest type and use a simple clip to hold the ring together. Groove rings use slots in the metal to create friction, while teeth rings use teeth on one or both sides of the ring to grip objects.
Circlip rings are the most common type and are used most often in applications where durability is critical. Groove rings offer increased grip and can be used in applications where safety is a concern, such as when working with sharp objects. Teeth rings are less common but offer higher grip strength and can be used where durability is not as important, such as when using less-sturdy objects.
It's important to choose the right type of snap ring for your needs. To learn more about each type and how to use them, read our article on types of snap rings.
Use of a Snap Ring
A snap ring is a small metal ring that is used to connect two metal pieces together. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of metals. The type of snap ring that you need to use depends on the type of connection that you need to make.
Types of Snap Rings:
Threaded Ring
This type of snap ring is used when you need a tight connection between two pieces of metal. They are threaded on one side, so that they can be tightened with a wrench.
Flat Ring
This type of snap ring is used when you need a loose connection between two pieces of metal. They are flat on one side, so that they can easily be inserted into slots in the other piece.
Clip Ring
This type of snap ring is also called a claw ring, and it is used when you need to attach one piece of metal to another with lots of pressure applied. Clip rings come in several different sizes, so that they can fit any connection.
Conclusion
Snap rings are a type of fastener used to connect two pieces of metal. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which allows them to be fitted to a wide range of objects. In this article, we will discuss the different types of snap ring and their respective uses. We will also provide you with advice on how to choose the right one for your needs, based on the object you are connecting and the conditions under which it will be used.
