Review/ introduction to: Blue-Point (Snap-On) Convertible Retaining Ring Pliers

[six-point socket]

Hi all,

I'm continuing with a tool I only very, very rarely need: Retaining Ring Pliers.

Now there are a lot of different Retaining Ring Pliers available, for a good reason - sometimes you need straight external pliers, then you need offset 90° internal pliers - and of course they all come in different tip sizes.

Of course you can go and purchase a (full)-set of Retaining Ring Pliers (and if you need them everyday or make your living with them, you should do so) or you decide to give this US made Blue-Point Convertible Retaining Ring Pliers a chance.

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It comes with 5 pairs of tips: (0°) .036", .047", .070", (90°) .036", .047". The jaws open internal from 3/8" to 2" and external from 1/4" to 2" - that actually covers a lot of tasks one might encounter in household applications and you can always buy additional tips if you need more/different sizes.

Really neat is the lever that is used to switch from internal to external operation, it's spring loaded - so you just push it into the desired operating position, give the pliers a light squeeze and they "magically" change from internal to external or vice versa.

As much as most of us love tools, sometimes it's great to cover a lot of rarely executed tasks with one tool at a fair price - rather than spending a lot on a set you'll never take full advantage of - not that there's anything wrong with that [eek]  [big grin].

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Cheese]

Oliver, I really enjoy your reviews, you do a good job and they're interesting. [big grin]

The interesting thing here is that the Snap-On unit is an internal AND external pliers.

I have both internal & external snap ring pliers, however the issue always is, that the tips you need to use on the external pliers are on the internal pliers. So you have to gather the 2 pliers, a screw driver, loosen screws, exchange tips, tighten screws and finally you'll actually be able to use the pliers. And the next time around...yep the same thing will happen again.

I'm gonna get a hold of my local Snap-On guy...thanks.

 

[six-point socket]

Thank you very much!  [smile]

What you describe is exactly the reason why I chose this model  [smile]

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Birdhunter]

Without prejudice, I found Blue Point tools to be less well finished than "real" Snap-on tools.

 

[six-point socket]

Hi,

up to a certain point that is definitely true, that's why I only buy Blue-Point when there is no Snap-On equivalent.

In case of this pliers, or the adjustable aluminum wrench (which review I just posted) however quality, fit and finish is well within Snap-On standards.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Cheese]

And if I remember correctly, certain Snap-On tools were/are only available under the Blue Point moniker. Small 1/4" drive air ratchets seem to ring a bell along with metal punches & drifts. Maybe it's changed over the years, but there is a reason why my 1/4" air ratchet has the Blue Point name on it.