How to choose pliers?

	Circlips are used in a huge number of different machines, so they are available in many variations. You will need to select a pair of circlip pliers that are suitable for the circlip you wish to use them with. Below are a few things you need to consider. For more information see: What are the types of pliers? и What additional features can circlip pliers have?
Retaining ring type
	The first thing you should consider is the type of circlip or circlip you are working with as there are different tips and types of pliers available for different types of circlips. For example, standard circlip pliers have tips designed to grip the circlip holes, while circlip pliers can have textured tips that hold the flat ends of regular section circlips.
Size
	Each set of circlip pliers will have a minimum and maximum circlip diameter that they can work with, or a range of distance the tips can open and close, depending on the size of the tool. These characteristics are important and circlip pliers should only be used with circlips of the correct size. Special circlip tools are available for use with very large circlips over 400 mm (15.7 in.) in diameter.
	Also check the diameter of the tips of the pliers. You should use the largest lugs that fit into the circlip holes; this helps prevent the retaining ring from slipping. If you need to work with different types and sizes of circlips, you may need to purchase a kit containing a variety of circlip pliers, or you may need circlip pliers with interchangeable heads or tips.
Position
	You also need to consider the position of the circlip as different angled tips will allow you to reach the circlips in different places. Circlips that are located inside mechanical parts such as motorcycle hydraulic master cylinders may require circlip pliers that are generally longer or have longer tips.
Energy
	Retaining rings used in machines that generate large axial forces, such as automotive engines, are usually stronger and will therefore require heavy duty pliers. These retaining rings provide the strength needed to withstand high loads, but this can make them difficult to remove or install because they cannot be stretched or compressed as easily. To avoid straining a pair of circlip pliers with these stronger circlips, you may want to consider heavier circlip pliers instead.
Environment
	The environment in which you use the tools may affect the choice of tools. In general, pliers should never be used on very hot components, or exposed to elevated temperatures at all, as this can weaken them. If you need to use circlip pliers near electricity, you'll need to make sure you have a pair with insulated handles; they protect against electric shock, which ordinary plastic handles cannot do.
Number of use
	Think about how often you will be using the circlip pliers and whether you will be using them with different circlips. If you work with different sizes of circlips but don't need to use circlip pliers often, you may want to consider pliers with interchangeable heads or tips. They won't be as strong as fixed head pliers, but they will be cheaper than buying separate pliers to use with different circlips.
	For regular or professional use, you may want to consider high quality snap ring pliers with fixed heads for added durability. You can also make sure the pens have a soft grip as this will make them more comfortable to use for extended periods of time. If you will be using pliers for different circlips, you may need to purchase several different pairs, or you can buy a set that contains different circlips.