X-Large Universal Convertible Retaining Ring Pliers

The GearWrench X-Large Universal Convertible Retaining Ring Pliers are for internal and external snap rings and for sizes ranging from 1 13/16 to 4 inch internal and 1 1/2 to 4 inch external rings. I like the ratchet system that locks the pliers in place, the comfortable rubber coated handles that are easy to keep your grip and also the assortment of tips supplied with the pliers.

I have been a builder remodeler for 49 years, and as such I have many opportunities to use a tool like this GEARWRENCH X-LARGE UNIVERSAL CONVERTIBLE RETAINING RING PLIERS. These pliers are a valuable tool to have when removing or installing retaining rings. And they come with several sizes of pins to use for different size retaining rings. They also can remove and install inside or outside retaining rings. Gearwrench tools are always of high quality as well, so these are a very good example of that.

Ratcheting retaining ring pliers is awesome! I didn’t know these were a thing, but it saves from accidentally flinging a ring across the shop, and that makes these pliers worth it in and of itself—how much time is spent chasing flying parts? Take that off your labor costs with these ratcheting retaining ring pliers from GearWrench. Easily flip between internal and external snap rings with the thumb switch, and the included hex wrench makes switching the tips between 15 and 90 degrees, or different size rings, easy. Tip sizes are .090, .108 and .120. This all-metal tool is made-in-the-USA tool with a lifetime warranty. In my mind, it cannot be beaten.

Retaining ring pliers are one of those tools you don’t think you need until you realize a pair of needle nosed pliers isn’t going to get a snap ring on… or off. While these pliers are bulky (not for tight spaces), it’s helpful that they easily convert between internal and external use with the slide of the switch marked “INT” and “EXT.” Keep in mind these pliers are for internal snap rings between 1 13/16” - 4” (46-100mm) and external snap rings between 1 1/2” - 4” (38-100mm)... so not the small sizes needed for say a lawn mower, which means this is not a “buy one and done” tool. Given this tool handles large snap rings, it has a ratchet lock to hold snap rings in position. The ratchet lock took some getting use to, but it is well designed and helpful. The “ergonomic comfort grips” aren’t that comfortable but get the job done. The removable/replaceable, angled, alloy steel tips are color coded, but not labeled, so it’s a bit of a “try and see.” The tool comes with a storage pouch for the included tips, extra screws, and hex key. The pliers have good leverage and remove snap rings with ease as long as you have easy access (I have other Gear Wrench snap ring pliers for those hard to reach places and they’re great!). In the short time I’ve used these, they appear to be a quality tool made in the USA. Lifetime Warranty too!

Good tool and does the job. It is nice that is has an internal and external function along with the ratcheting. The INT or Internal function allows you to start NARROW and as you squeeze it ratchets OUTWARD. You simply stop when you can get the retaining ring off. Be careful not to keep going more than the minimum to remove or you will stretch the ring to far. The Ext or External function allows you to start WIDE and as you squeeze it ratchets INWARD. You simply stop when you can get the retaining ring out. Go only as far as you need. Using this is far better than ruining the clip with needle nose pliers and FAR safer than using two ice picks and muscling it. Buy it!

I work on a variety of things from smaller lawn and garden equipment to automotive and farm. As it is for larger snap rings it does the job it was designed for well. And it comes with replacement tips for various situations. It switches from internal to external removal with the flip of a switch. It ratchets nicely and then locks in place, which is a feature that many snap ring tools do not offer. There's also an included allen wrench and set screws for replacing tips.

I realized I needed these retaining ring pliers after I spent time searching the lawn for a retaining ring that got away from my needle nose pliers and a screw driver as a pry bar. And then spending hours trying to find a replacement. These pliers are the real deal, they are large enough for any job and they have different tips to fit any retaining ring. I love the locking mechanism I highly recommend these pliers!

This is a very handy tool to have. It is convertible, switching from internal to external with just the flip of a lever. Size is extra large, so it works when the normal ones are not big enough. Tool comes with a variety of tips and an Allen wrench to change them out. The best feature is the ratcheting lock that captures your progress as you squeeze. They are well made and sturdy. Great tool to own.

I got this set of snap ring pliers to work on my truck as well as my snowblower. Note that it is for larger snap rings, but it does the job it was designed for well. And it comes with enough additional replacement tips that i was able to take two sets of replacements and grind them down a bit for removal of smaller rings. This was preferable to an additional set of pliers just for smaller rings. If you're a professional you may want a separate set for smaller rings. This set very easily switches from internal to external removal with the flip of a switch. It also ratchets nicely and then locks in place. The handles are comfortable And the replacement tips lock in place easily with the included allen wrench.

So far, soooo good. Much better than the others I have.