What Are Circlip Pliers? Types and Selection Criteria
Circlip pliers use their tip pins to flex a retaining ring so it can be fitted into, or removed from, its groove on a shaft or inside a bore.
Circlip pliers are pliers whose tip pins are inserted into the holes of a retaining ring (circlip) to flex it and fit it into, or remove it from, its groove. Circlips hold parts such as bearings, gears, pulleys and bushes axially on a shaft or in a bore, so circlip pliers are used in motor, gearbox, pump and vehicle maintenance.
Types of circlip pliers
| Type | When the handles are squeezed, the tips | For which circlip |
|---|---|---|
| External circlip pliers | Open | External circlip on a shaft |
| Internal circlip pliers | Close | Internal circlip in a bore |
Both types are made with straight tips and bent tips. Straight tips are used where the circlip is reached head-on, bent tips where access is narrow or at an angle. On spring-loaded models the spring returns the tips to their starting position when the handles are released, so the hand tires less in repetitive work.
Selection criteria
- Circlip type: A circlip on a shaft needs external circlip pliers; a circlip in a bore needs internal circlip pliers. One expands the circlip and the other contracts it, so they cannot replace each other.
- Circlip diameter and pliers length: The longer the pliers, the larger the circlip diameter they handle. For example, İzeltaş's 170 and 180 mm internal circlip pliers are given for 19–60 mm circlips, and its 210 and 225 mm internal circlip pliers for 40–100 mm circlips. For external circlip pliers, check the diameter range on the product page or the packaging.
- Tip shape: If the circlip can be reached squarely and without obstruction, choose a straight tip; if it sits deep inside a part or there is an obstacle beside it, choose a bent tip.
- Pin diameter: The tip pin must sit in the circlip hole without play. A pin that is too large does not enter the hole; one that is too small lets the circlip slip and fly off.
- Handle: The PVC-coated handle is for grip; these pliers are not insulated tools for live working.
Common mistakes
- Removing a circlip with a screwdriver: The circlip flies off, and the circlip and its groove get deformed.
- Flexing the circlip more than necessary: The circlip deforms permanently and no longer holds in its groove; open or close it only enough to pass the shaft or bore diameter.
- Working without safety glasses: A circlip slipping off the pins can fly off at high speed; wear safety glasses.
- Using a length that does not suit the diameter: The pin of a large pliers does not enter the hole of a small circlip, and small pliers cannot flex a large circlip far enough.
Related standards
- DIN 5254: Specifies pliers for external circlips (shaft circlips).
- DIN 5256: Specifies pliers for internal circlips (bore circlips).
- DIN 471 / DIN 472: Specify the shaft and bore circlips that the pliers fit and remove.
Circlip pliers in the Welibaba catalogue
The Circlip Pliers category has 8 active products, all from İzeltaş, made of chrome vanadium steel, chrome-plated with PVC handles and sold per piece:
| Type | Straight tip | Bent tip |
|---|---|---|
| External circlip pliers (spring-loaded) | 180 mm, 225 mm | 170 mm, 210 mm |
| Internal circlip pliers (springless) | 180 mm, 225 mm | 170 mm, 210 mm |
Other pliers such as combination pliers, long-nose pliers and cutters are in the Pliers and Cutters category.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell internal from external circlip pliers?
Squeeze the handles: if the tips open, they are external circlip pliers; if they close, they are internal circlip pliers. An external circlip sits on the shaft, an internal circlip sits in a groove inside the bore.
What length of circlip pliers should I buy?
It depends on the diameter of the shaft or bore the circlip sits on. 170–180 mm lengths are used for small and medium diameters, 210–225 mm lengths for larger ones; check the exact range on the product page.
Should I choose straight or bent tips?
If the circlip can be reached comfortably head-on, a straight tip transfers force better. If the circlip sits deep inside a housing or there is an obstacle beside it, a bent tip brings the pins to the holes more easily.
Can one pair of pliers handle both internal and external circlips?
The İzeltaş pliers in the catalogue have a single function: external circlip pliers only open and internal circlip pliers only close. If you work with both circlip types, buy both pliers.