Snap Ring On Outside of Shafts

[Marshytaco]

I'm referrring to the snap ring that goes on the very end of the front axle shafts. I could not get that darn thing on the shaft to save my life. How have you guys done it? I have some crummy snap ring pliers but there just isn't much to grab onto with them. I was thinking I would try to get another set of hands in there to help push it on there once it's spread. I was also thinking of trying to either drill two small holes in or notch with the grinder to give me a place to put the pliers into.

I could get it spread, but then I didn't have a third hand to push it on the shaft. I tried with the wife's help, but that didn't work too well. But, she did try and got a little grease on her hands in the process...

Any suggestion would be appreciated.

[GOT COPE?]

But, she did try and got a little grease on her hands in the process...



:clap: good job cammie.

those snap rings can be a pain. dont know of anytips or tricks.

[crawlrunner]

I think I ended up straightening it a bit and hammering it on and then squeezing it closed again. Getting it back into the birfield is another battle ...

[TRoss]

I think these are what you need. They're not "pin" type snap ring but the "C" type.. I think... I gotta get a pair myself.. uh, eh, of pliers that is. They're under the axle stuff... http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/axles.htm

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/TRoss5/ring_pliers_200.jpg

[Marshytaco]

I think these are what you need. They're not "pin" type snap ring but the "C" type.. I think... I gotta get a pair myself.. uh, eh, of pliers that is. They're under the axle stuff... http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/axles.htm

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/TRoss5/ring_pliers_200.jpg

That's definitely what I need. The ones I have been using I have to pull apart rather than squeeze to get the ring spread. It's a shame I'm so cheap and impatient that I won't order those and have to wait to get them from CA.

Thanks for the suggestion, that's the way to do it, for sure!

[4inT100]

or man up and get some good ones. I think I got mine from Lowes or HD..they're innies and outies. I'd let ya borrow them...or spend the $20 you'd spend on gas picking them up to buy your own :D

[TRoss]

or man up and get some good ones. I think I got mine from Lowes or HD..they're innies and outies. I'd let ya borrow them...or spend the $20 you'd spend on gas picking them up to buy your own :D

You got "C" type pliers at Lowes? Wow, I'da never thought they would have them.

I have a couple sets of reversable snap ring pliers for inny/outty type snap rings and have used them on "C" rings... but they're still a pain.

Good luck with it!!

[4inT100]

ah my bad, didn't really look at the type. They are just reversable ones. I used them on the hub snap rings. Better than nothing I guess.

or you could change the type to one that has a hole or notch.

[Marshytaco]

I saw similar pliers on Northern Tool's website for $8. I think I will be dropping by there this evening after work to see if they have them in stock so I can get this stuff done and have the right tools for future use.
Thanks everyone!

[gregers05]

marshall you can use two of the really really small screw drivers or punches that will fit in the holes and then squeeze them together with a pair of pliers.

[4inT100]

These ain't gots no holes. Just the slanted edges.

[STOMPER]

I found mine at Vato Zone or Advance

[Marshytaco]

I went to Auto Zone on my way home and they didn't have anything. I'm going to try a socket about the size of the shaft and see if I can force it on there over the shaft and into place. Wish me luck...I should really just buy the right tool, but I'm sort of a tool like that...

[Marshytaco]

JACKPOT!!! 1 1/4 inch socket with some grease to hold the ring in place let me put pressure on it to get it over the shaft and BINGO!!!

Who needs some expensive tool...I'm such a hack! A cheap hack at that!

[rock_solid]

The separating pliers really do work great but i'll have to try the socket next time..:welder: