Circlip Pliers

About Circlip Pliers

Circlip pliers are precision hand tools designed specifically for installing and removing circlips – the spring steel retaining rings (also known as C-clips or snap rings) used to secure components on shafts or within bores. These specialist pliers feature fixed or interchangeable tips that locate into circlip holes, allowing you to compress or expand them safely during fitting and removal. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range including both internal circlip pliers (for clips fitting inside housings) and external circlip pliers (for clips around shafts), available in straight-nose and bent-nose configurations to suit different access requirements.

Our selection includes trusted brands such as Knipex, Facom, Draper, and BlueSpot, ranging from budget-friendly options for occasional DIY use through to professional-grade tools built for daily workshop demands. You'll find individual pliers with fixed tips, versatile 4-in-1 reversible designs that convert between internal and external operation, and comprehensive sets with interchangeable tips supplied in foam trays or EVA inserts for organised tool storage.

Applications

Circlip pliers are essential tools for numerous trades and industries:

• Motor mechanics and automotive technicians – gearbox assemblies, suspension components, engine rebuilds
• Plant engineers and maintenance fitters – servicing industrial machinery, hydraulic systems, production equipment
• Agricultural engineers – repairing and maintaining farm machinery and implements
• HGV and plant mechanics – commercial vehicle transmissions and hydraulic assemblies
• Electronics and appliance repair technicians – accessing secured components in consumer goods
• Bicycle mechanics – gear systems, suspension, wheel assemblies
• Production line workers – assembly operations using circlips as fasteners
• DIY enthusiasts and home mechanics – vehicle repairs, lawnmower maintenance, household equipment

Choosing The Right Circlip Pliers

Internal vs External: Determine whether you primarily work with circlips inside bores (internal) or around shafts (external). For versatility, consider reversible 4-in-1 designs or comprehensive sets from MyToolShed.co.uk covering both applications.

Straight or Bent Nose: Straight-nose pliers suit applications with good access, whilst bent-nose designs (45° or 90°) are essential for reaching recessed circlips within deep housings or behind obstructions.

Fixed vs Interchangeable Tips: Fixed-tip pliers are robust and simple but limited to specific circlip sizes. Interchangeable tip sets offer superior versatility across various diameters, providing better value for diverse applications.

Size Capacity: Match the pliers' capacity to your typical circlip diameter range. Electronics work typically requires 3-10mm capacity, automotive applications need 10-50mm, whilst heavy industrial use may demand specialist large-capacity tools.

Quality Grade: Budget options from BlueSpot suit occasional DIY use, but professional tradespeople requiring daily reliability should opt for premium brands like Knipex, Facom, or Draper Expert, which offer superior precision, durability, and smooth operation.

Safety Information

Circlips are under spring tension and can release suddenly during removal, potentially causing eye injuries or flying into inaccessible areas. Always wear eye protection meeting EN166 standards when using circlip pliers, and position yourself so released clips won't cause injury. Inspect circlips before reinstallation – replace any deformed or damaged clips rather than reusing them, as failure could result in mechanical breakdown. Maintain your pliers properly; worn or damaged tips can slip from circlip holes, causing hand injuries or component damage. Replace tools showing excessive wear, particularly rounded or bent tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between internal and external circlip pliers?

Internal circlip pliers compress clips inward for fitting inside bores – the tips move apart when you squeeze the handles. External circlip pliers expand clips outward for fitting around shafts – the tips move together when squeezed. The operations are opposite, so using the wrong type won't work.

Can reversible circlip pliers replace separate internal and external tools?

Yes, 4-in-1 reversible circlip pliers convert between internal and external operation by repositioning a spring mechanism, making them popular with mobile tradespeople. However, some professionals prefer dedicated pliers for frequent use, as they offer slightly faster operation without conversion steps.

Why do circlip pliers keep slipping off during use?

This typically indicates worn or damaged tips, incorrect tip size for the circlip holes, or poor quality pliers with excessive pivot play. Verify your tips aren't rounded or bent, ensure correct sizing, and check the pliers fully engage both circlip holes before applying pressure. Quality brands like Knipex and Facom maintain precision better than budget alternatives.