What are circlip pliers made of?

	Circlip pliers must be strong enough to exert the necessary force to expand or compress the circlips, yet be light enough to be easy to carry and use.
	There are many different types available and the quality of the materials used to make them will likely be reflected in their price and brand reputation. Specifications should give you an idea of ​​the quality of the instrument; stronger and more durable pliers are more likely to be designed for regular or professional use.
Steel
	The tips and body of circlip pliers are usually made from steel due to its strength and versatility. The quality of the steel used will depend on the manufacturer, higher quality steel is used for tools that are meant to be used more frequently.
	Often, the steel used for snap ring pliers is heat treated to improve strength. The steel used is usually an alloy of iron and carbon. Additional elements are then added to improve the strength, toughness and corrosion resistance of the tool.
	High carbon steel The higher the carbon content of steel, the stronger it will be; however, it will be slightly more brittle than lower carbon steel, as these are the properties that carbon imparts to steel. As a result, high carbon steel is not suitable for intensive regular use.
	Chrome-vanadium steel The addition of chromium and vanadium to steel gives it strength, toughness and corrosion resistance. Vanadium also improves the steel's ability to work at high temperatures and makes it more wear resistant. Although chrome vanadium steel may be more expensive, it will be strong enough for regular use and should not wear easily.
	Chrome nickel steel Steel with the addition of nickel and chromium also has increased strength, toughness and corrosion resistance. The addition of nickel to tool steel reduces the likelihood of it being adversely affected by elevated temperatures. While chromium-nickel steel is likely to be the most expensive, it is also likely to be the most wear resistant. The strength of the tool will not be affected if it is to be used at high temperatures.
	steel spring Spring steel has a high yield strength, which means it can be bent, twisted, or compressed significantly and still return to its original shape without being damaged or deformed. This steel is commonly used for circlip pliers tips and it gives the tool some flexibility to work with tougher circlips without damage.
	What steel? High carbon steel circlip pliers are likely to be the cheapest. However, they are more suitable for occasional use as they can be more fragile. Chrome vanadium and chrome nickel steel pliers are usually more expensive tools, but they are more suitable for regular or professional use. Nickel chrome circlip pliers are best suited for use at higher temperatures such as hot engines.
	Spring steel tips give the pliers more flexibility while maintaining strength, but can add to the price.
plastic
	Circlip pliers usually have plastic-coated handles for easy grip. This will make the tool easier to use and prevent slipping. Retaining ring pliers without plastic coated handles can be cheaper, but less comfortable with regular use.