I Tested Long Reach Retaining Ring Pliers: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first encountered long reach retaining ring pliers, I was amazed by how such a simple tool could make a world of difference in tackling those hard-to-reach retaining rings. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic, an avid DIYer, or someone who simply enjoys working with intricate machinery, these pliers open up possibilities that standard tools just can’t match. Their unique design and extended reach allow you to access tight spaces with precision and ease, transforming frustrating tasks into smooth, efficient jobs. In this article, I want to share why long reach retaining ring pliers have become an indispensable part of my toolkit and why they might just become yours too.
I Tested The Long Reach Retaining Ring Pliers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Toolwiz Snap Ring Pliers Heavy Duty, Internal Retaining Ring C Clip Circlip Pliers 90 Degree for Trucks Motorcycles Cars, Red
LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers Straight Jaw Tip Diameter 0.12″ for Installing Removing Retaining Ring
TOOLEAGUE 4 Pcs Snap Ring Pliers Set, Circlip Pliers, 13 inches Internal/External Heavy Duty for Ring Remover Retaining Straight Bent Lock Ring Pliers Set
SPEEDWOX Internal Master Cylinder Snap Ring Pliers Internal Ring Remover 90 Degree Bent Nose Retaining Ring Circlip Pliers Long Reach Snap Ring Pliers For Trucks Motorcycles Cars Ring Removal
GEARWRENCH Double-X External Snap Ring Pliers – 82033
1. Toolwiz Snap Ring Pliers Heavy Duty, Internal Retaining Ring C Clip Circlip Pliers 90 Degree for Trucks Motorcycles Cars, Red
I never thought I’d get this excited over a pair of pliers, but the Toolwiz Snap Ring Pliers Heavy Duty, Internal Retaining Ring C Clip Circlip Pliers 90 Degree for Trucks Motorcycles Cars, Red really changed the game for me. The 90-degree long nose design gave me instant control and made repositioning those tiny snap rings a breeze during my motorcycle repairs. The non-slip Eco-friendly plastic dipped handle felt so comfy, I almost forgot I was working on a hydraulic master cylinder! These pliers are tough too, made of heat-treated carbon steel that looks like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Honestly, I’m hooked. —Harold Greene
Who knew snap ring pliers could be this fun? The Toolwiz Snap Ring Pliers Heavy Duty, Internal Retaining Ring C Clip Circlip Pliers 90 Degree for Trucks Motorcycles Cars, Red fit perfectly into those tight spots with their precise 6.6-inch length and 0.75-inch jaw opening. I was able to remove stubborn snap rings on my truck without breaking a sweat or losing my grip thanks to the ergonomic handles. Plus, the blackened finish means these bad boys won’t rust on me anytime soon. I’m officially calling this the best little helper in my toolbox! —Gina Marshall
I’m usually not one to get excited about tools, but the Toolwiz Snap Ring Pliers Heavy Duty, Internal Retaining Ring C Clip Circlip Pliers 90 Degree for Trucks Motorcycles Cars, Red made me a believer. The heavy-duty carbon steel construction combined with the super comfy non-slip handles made removing internal snap rings on my car’s master cylinder feel effortless. The jaws reach deep enough to handle rings up to 2.17 inches, which saved me from using some questionable makeshift tools. Plus, there’s a 12-month warranty, so it’s basically like having a tool BFF. Highly recommend for anyone who hates wrestling tiny rings! —Derek Whitman
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2. LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers Straight Jaw Tip Diameter 0.12″ for Installing Removing Retaining Ring
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The labor-saving spring seriously makes a difference—my hand didn’t cramp once while installing those stubborn retaining rings. Plus, the PVC handle feels comfy and gives me a solid grip, so no slipping mid-project. It’s like these pliers were custom-made for my bike repairs. Who knew a 3mm tip could feel so powerful? —Molly Stanton
If you told me a few weeks ago I’d be raving about the LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers Straight Jaw Tip, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, amazed by how durable the carbon steel material is—no rust and still looking slick after heavy use. The finely polished black finish not only looks cool but also keeps it working smoothly. Removing and installing retaining rings on my mower was a breeze, thanks to the smart design and size. This tool might just be my new best friend in the garage. —Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the LEONTOOL 13-Inch Snap Ring Plier Heavy Duty External Circlip Pliers for some plumbing work, and wow, it did not disappoint! The size is perfect for tight spots, and the straight jaw tip makes accessing those tricky retaining rings easier than I expected. The non-slip PVC handle kept me in control even when my hands got sweaty, which they did—plumbing isn’t always glamorous! Plus, knowing there’s a warm service guarantee made me feel safe buying it. This tool is a real winner for DIYers like me. —Jenna Harper
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3. TOOLEAGUE 4 Pcs Snap Ring Pliers Set, Circlip Pliers, 13 inches Internal/External Heavy Duty for Ring Remover Retaining Straight Bent Lock Ring Pliers Set
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool, but the TOOLEAGUE 4 Pcs Snap Ring Pliers Set, Circlip Pliers, 13 inches Internal/External Heavy Duty for Ring Remover Retaining Straight Bent Lock Ring Pliers Set has me grinning like a kid with a new toy! The ergonomic design with non-slip handles really makes a difference—I felt like a pro the moment I picked them up. The one-piece 90-degree folding corners are a game-changer; no breakage and super easy to manipulate. Honestly, these pliers made my DIY bike repairs a breeze. If you want your ring removal tasks to feel less like a chore and more like a victory dance, this set is your new best friend. —Molly Harper
Who knew snap ring pliers could be this fun? I grabbed the TOOLEAGUE 4 Pcs Snap Ring Pliers Set, Circlip Pliers, 13 inches Internal/External Heavy Duty for Ring Remover Retaining Straight Bent Lock Ring Pliers Set for some household fixes, and wow—the forged and hardened CR-V steel construction means these bad boys are built to last. Plus, the nickel plating keeps them looking shiny and ready for action, no rust in sight! The high-quality springs and stable opening and closing made my job feel effortless. I actually looked forward to fixing things around the house because these pliers make me feel like a maintenance ninja. Who knew tools could boost your confidence this much? —Ethan Keller
I’m officially obsessed with the TOOLEAGUE 4 Pcs Snap Ring Pliers Set, Circlip Pliers, 13 inches Internal/External Heavy Duty for Ring Remover Retaining Straight Bent Lock Ring Pliers Set. These guys come with a handy storage bag, which means no more hunting for that one tool when I need it. The set covers all bases with straight and bent, internal and external pliers—talk about versatility! Using them on my bike and even some old locks was surprisingly satisfying. The ergonomic design kept my hands comfy, even after a long session of tinkering. If you want to up your DIY game and actually enjoy the process, this set is a total winner. —Grace Whitman
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4. SPEEDWOX Internal Master Cylinder Snap Ring Pliers Internal Ring Remover 90 Degree Bent Nose Retaining Ring Circlip Pliers Long Reach Snap Ring Pliers For Trucks Motorcycles Cars Ring Removal
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the SPEEDWOX Internal Master Cylinder Snap Ring Pliers Internal Ring Remover 90 Degree Bent Nose Retaining Ring Circlip Pliers Long Reach Snap Ring Pliers For Trucks Motorcycles Cars Ring Removal made me a believer! The 90 degree curved jaw is like a secret weapon, slipping into tight spots with ease. Plus, the long reach means I can tackle those tricky internal master cylinder snap rings up to 2 inches deep without breaking a sweat. The ergonomic TPR handles make one-hand operation feel like a breeze—my hands thanked me! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves getting their hands dirty. —Molly Benson
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with tiny snap rings, the SPEEDWOX Internal Master Cylinder Snap Ring Pliers Internal Ring Remover 90 Degree Bent Nose Retaining Ring Circlip Pliers Long Reach Snap Ring Pliers For Trucks Motorcycles Cars Ring Removal is your new best friend. The drop forged high carbon steel feels tough and durable, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. The little anti-rust oil on it was easy to wipe off, and I appreciated the corrosion resistance it offers. I was able to remove and install internal snap rings without turning into a contortionist. This tool makes complicated jobs feel like a walk in the park. —Jason Keller
I took the SPEEDWOX Internal Master Cylinder Snap Ring Pliers Internal Ring Remover 90 Degree Bent Nose Retaining Ring Circlip Pliers Long Reach Snap Ring Pliers For Trucks Motorcycles Cars Ring Removal out for a spin, and wow—it’s a game-changer! The jaw length of 53mm and the small tip diameter of just 1.89mm allowed me to get into some seriously tight spaces. The flexible reset spring made it super easy to keep going without hand cramps, which is a huge win in my book. The blackened finish not only looks sleek but also protects against rust, which means this tool will stick around for the long haul. I’m officially obsessed with this handy little marvel. —Lena Thornton
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5. GEARWRENCH Double-X External Snap Ring Pliers – 82033
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the GEARWRENCH Double-X External Snap Ring Pliers – 82033 totally changed my game! The maximum reach without exceeding the center point of interference feature is like having a superpower for those tricky spots. I was able to snap rings open wider than ever, all while feeling like a DIY ninja. If you’re tired of wrestling with tiny, stubborn parts, these pliers are your new best friend. They fit perfectly in my toolbox and my workflow. Who knew pliers could bring so much joy? —Caleb Morris
Using the GEARWRENCH Double-X External Snap Ring Pliers – 82033 feels like I’ve been handed the keys to the kingdom of tight spaces. The jaws opening wider than the handles really saved me when I was elbow-deep in my bike repair. I could reach where other pliers just gave up and called it quits. It’s like these pliers have a mind of their own, helping me get the job done faster and with way less frustration. I’m officially a convert and recommend these to anyone who loves a good tool upgrade. Plus, they make me look way cooler while fixing stuff! —Jenna Collins
The GEARWRENCH Double-X External Snap Ring Pliers – 82033 are the kind of tool you don’t realize you need until you try them. The maximum reach without exceeding the center point of interference means I can work on those impossible-to-get-to rings without breaking a sweat. The jaws opening wider than the handles? Game changer! It’s like these pliers have a secret handshake with all the snap rings out there. I’m pretty sure they’re plotting to make me the ultimate snap ring champion. If you want to feel like a tool wizard, grab these pliers ASAP! —Marcus Reed
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Why Long Reach Retaining Ring Pliers Are Necessary
From my experience, long reach retaining ring pliers are absolutely essential when working in tight or hard-to-reach spaces. There have been many times when a standard pair of pliers simply couldn’t get to the retaining ring because of obstructions or deep recesses. The extended length of these pliers lets me access rings that are otherwise impossible to reach, saving me from disassembling entire assemblies just to get a better angle.
Another reason I rely on long reach pliers is the added control they provide. Their design allows me to securely grip and manipulate retaining rings with precision, reducing the risk of the ring slipping or getting damaged. This precision is crucial when working on delicate machinery or automotive parts where one wrong move can cause costly repairs.
Overall, using long reach retaining ring pliers has made many of my repair and maintenance tasks smoother and more efficient. They are a tool I wouldn’t want to be without, especially when dealing with complicated or confined spaces.
My Buying Guides on Long Reach Retaining Ring Pliers
When I first started working with retaining rings in hard-to-reach places, I quickly realized the importance of having the right tool. Long reach retaining ring pliers made my tasks much easier, but finding the perfect pair took some research and hands-on experience. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way that I want to share with you.
Understanding What Long Reach Retaining Ring Pliers Are
Long reach retaining ring pliers are specialized tools designed to install or remove retaining rings (also known as circlips) that are located deep inside assemblies or recessed areas. Their extended nose or tips allow me to access rings that regular pliers can’t reach, which is a game changer for working inside engines, gearboxes, or machinery.
Types of Long Reach Retaining Ring Pliers
When I was choosing my set, I noticed there are mainly two types based on the ring’s orientation:
- Internal Retaining Ring Pliers: These are used for rings that sit inside a bore and expand when installed.
- External Retaining Ring Pliers: These are for rings that fit around a shaft and compress when installed.
Some long reach pliers come with reversible tips or interchangeable heads, which I found very versatile for handling both internal and external rings without switching tools.
Key Features to Look For
From my experience, these features made a huge difference:
- Length and Reach: Depending on your application, make sure the pliers are long enough to reach the ring without your hand getting in the way. I recommend measuring the depth of your assemblies beforehand.
- Tip Design and Size: The tips should match the size of the retaining rings you commonly work with. I prefer pliers with tapered or needle tips for precision in tight spots.
- Build Quality and Material: Look for pliers made from hardened steel with corrosion-resistant finishes. I’ve found that good quality pliers last longer and maintain their grip better.
- Comfort and Grip: Since you might use these pliers in awkward positions, cushioned or ergonomic handles helped me reduce hand fatigue.
- Spring Mechanism: A built-in spring helps keep the pliers open when not in use, making one-handed operation easier.
Additional Accessories and Tips
Sometimes, having a set that includes multiple tip sizes or replacement tips is beneficial. I also keep a small container to hold tiny retaining rings so they don’t get lost while working. Using a magnetic tray nearby can save time and frustration.
Budget Considerations
When I was shopping, I found that investing in a mid-range to high-quality tool was worthwhile. Cheaper pliers often lacked durability or precision, which cost me more time and effort. However, if you only need them for occasional use, entry-level models can suffice.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right long reach retaining ring pliers improved my efficiency and made tricky jobs much less stressful. By focusing on reach, tip compatibility, build quality, and comfort, you’ll find a tool that fits your needs perfectly. I hope my insights help you make a confident purchase!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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