If you've ever been tinkering in the shed on a weekend—working on a bit of machinery, the car, or even an old appliance—you might have come across a weird-looking metal ring sitting in a groove and realised you were completely stuck. You can't get it off with normal pliers, and trying to use a screwdriver is a one-way ticket to a scratched part and a busted knuckle.

Mate, what you've found is a circlip, and you need a very specific tool to deal with it: circlip pliers.

So, What the Heck Are Circlip Pliers?

Circlip pliers, also known as snap-ring or retaining-ring pliers, are a special type of plier designed to do one job perfectly: install and remove circlips.

A circlip is a type of fastener that sits in a machined groove, either on the outside of a shaft or on the inside of a hole (a bore). Its job is to act as a shoulder to stop a bearing, pin, or other part from sliding out of place. It's a simple, clever bit of engineering, but it's a real pain without the right tool.

The Two Key Types: Internal vs. External

This is the most important thing to get right. While they look similar, the two main types of circlip pliers do the exact opposite thing when you squeeze them.

Internal Circlip Pliers: Squeeze to Open

These are for circlips that are fitted on the inside of a bore or housing. You can spot them because when you squeeze the handles together, the tips at the end open apart. This allows you to compress the circlip to pull it out of its internal groove.

External Circlip Pliers: Squeeze to Close

These are for circlips that are fitted on the outside of a shaft or pin. They work like normal pliers: when you squeeze the handles, the tips close together. This expands the circlip, allowing you to lift it up and over the end of the shaft.

Bent vs. Straight Tips: Getting into Awkward Spots

To make life easier, both internal and external pliers come with either straight tips or tips that are bent at a 90-degree angle. The bent ones are a lifesaver for getting into tight, hard-to-reach spots where a straight tool just won't fit. A good set will often have interchangeable tips.

A Quick Word on Installation & Safety

This is one job that is strictly not for a professional, as it's a task that you can absolutely do yourself, but you'll need to know which tool to use. If you're working on a project that involves both mechanical and electrical components, such as a large appliance or a piece of machinery, it is critical to know your limits. While you can handle the mechanical parts, any work on motors, switches, or wiring must be done by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional can safely disconnect and reconnect the power, ensuring the job is done to Australian standards.

Having the right tool for the job, like a proper set of circlip pliers, is what separates a frustrating amateur effort from a clean, professional result. This principle is just as crucial, if not more so, in the electrical world.

While you might not find circlip pliers there, you'll find the same commitment to professional-grade gear at a trusted supplier like Schnap Electric Products. They are a leading Australian supplier of the high-quality, specialised components and tools that licensed electricians and professional installers use every day. From precision terminal crimpers to high-performance circuit breakers, they provide the reliable gear needed to ensure any electrical installation is done safely and to the highest standard. So, whether your project is mechanical or electrical, starting with a quality supplier like Schnap Electric ensures you have access to the right stuff for a job well done.