What additional features can circlip pliers have?

	In addition to different circlip plier designs, some models come with additional features to make certain tasks easier. Some circlip pliers may not have any of these additional features, but others may have more than one.
Interchangeable heads
	Some circlip pliers have heads that can be removed and replaced with ones that have tips at different angles. They come in a set consisting of a handle and four sockets: two straight, one 45 degree and one 90 degree.
	Typically they can work with retaining rings from 9.5 mm (0.38 in.) to 50 mm (2 in.). The heads can be attached to the handles in different positions, which switches them between inside and outside. For more information see: How to change heads on pliers
	This can save you from having to buy different pairs of pliers for different types of circlips, but within a limited range of sizes. However, interchangeable head circlip pliers are usually made from cheaper steel, so they are usually not as strong as fixed head pliers. As a rule, they are more suitable for occasional use than for regular use; professional users such as engine technicians and mechanics will likely need stronger pliers.
Replaceable tips
	Many circlip pliers have interchangeable tips, which means the same tool can be used with different sizes of circlips in different positions. They can be supplied in separate inner and outer pairs, or they can be adjustable and have the ability to switch between inner and outer configurations.
	Tips can usually be easily installed by screwing or inserting them into the head of a pair of pliers, and they come in a variety of sizes and angles. Their advantage over adjustable head circlip pliers is that they can be used with a large number of different sized circlips. For more information see: How to change tips on pliers
	Color coding Many circlip pliers with interchangeable tips have different tip colors for different sizes; this makes them easily recognizable during operation. Colors may vary between manufacturers and should be specified in the specifications.
Adjustable tips
	These pliers allow you to adjust the angle of the tips from straight to 45 or 90 degrees. This can be useful when working with circlips in different positions, such as inside an engine. They have screws that make it easy to adjust the tips.
Stopper
	Some circlip pliers have a locking feature that can be used when there is a risk of overstretching the circlip. The lock is used to set the maximum distance the pliers can open, which prevents possible overstretching. This feature is useful when dealing with smaller, thinner, or weak retaining rings found on small mechanical parts such as remote control car models.
Long Tips
	For access to longer holes or for circlips located in hard to reach areas, you can purchase circlip pliers with extra long tips. Both straight handpieces and contra-angles are available in long handpiece versions.
Insulated handles
	When working near live electrical components, it is important to use tools with insulated handles to minimize shock reaching the user's hands. Most circlip pliers have plastic-coated handles, but most are not insulated and therefore do not provide electrical protection. If circlip pliers have insulated handles, this must be stated in the specifications.
Compound action
	For more severe applications, you can use circlip pliers, which have a complex action. Here, a second hinge is added to the pliers, increasing the leverage created without the need to increase the force required to operate the tool or its size. They can be useful when penetrating deep into mechanisms or on large circlips such as piston rings.