We’ve heard it a hundred times from end-users: “These pliers broke after a few jobs!” Bent tips, snapped points, twisted metal—you name it. But here’s the truth we’ve seen 1000% across garages, shops, and forums (Garage Journal, Reddit r/Tools, Practical Machinist, etc.): It’s almost never the tool’s fault—it’s how it’s being used.
“Most pros think they’re using circlip pliers “correctly” because they’ve done it the same way forever… but that muscle memory is exactly what snaps tips.
Common culprits we see everywhere:
- Using pliers too small for the ring → tips slip, twist, and bend under uneven load.
- Forcing the ring when it’s seized/stuck → massive leverage on the tips instead of freeing the ring first (PB Blaster, heat, or picks help!).
- Wrong angle or partial seat → tips pop out and take side loads they weren’t designed for.
- Overstretching/compressing beyond spec → the ring fights back and the tips pay the price.
We’ve watched countless videos and forum posts where guys grind tips, swap cheap sets every season, or curse the air when a ring flies. The pattern? Misuse disguised as “tough job.” Quality tools like ours (Cr-V / Cr-V-Ni steel, precision tips) hold up for years when used right—but no plier is invincible against abuse.
Here are real-world close-ups of what broken tips often look like (twisted, bent, or snapped from side force or overload):
Our extra-long and specialty circlip pliers are engineered for the real world: durable chrome-vanadium (or Cr-V-Ni) construction, ergonomic PVC grips that stay put in oily hands, and precision-machined tips that seat perfectly when you do your part.
Quick refresher on the lineup (with the right tool = way less risk of breakage):
External Circlip Pliers
These handle snap rings that go around shafts (external rings):
- 1857 — External Circlip Plier, Bent Pattern (Extra‑Long)
- 1851 — External Circlip Plier, Straight Pattern (Extra‑Long)
- 1857‑S3 — Mini External Circlip Plier, Bent Pattern
- 1851‑S3 — Mini External Circlip Plier, Straight Pattern
- 1857‑J7 — External Circlip Plier, Bent Pattern (Japanese Type)
- 1851‑J7 — External Circlip Plier, Straight Pattern (Japanese Type)
📌 Internal Circlip Pliers
These are for rings inside bores or housings:
- 1856 — Internal Circlip Plier, Bent Pattern (Extra‑Long)
- 1850 — Internal Circlip Plier, Straight Pattern (Extra‑Long)
- 1856‑S3 — Mini Internal Circlip Plier, Bent Pattern
- 1850‑S3 — Mini Internal Circlip Plier, Straight Pattern
- 1856‑J7 — Internal Circlip Plier, Bent Pattern (Japanese Type)
- 1850‑J7 — Internal Circlip Plier, Straight Pattern (Japanese Type)
As someone wisely put it: "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
Truth
Use the right size, seat the tips fully, apply smooth/even pressure, and free stuck rings first. Your pliers will thank you (and last way longer).
Stop the cycle of broken tips and flying rings. Grab the right Hans SKU for your jobs, dial in the technique, and feel that satisfying “snap” without the drama. Your toolbox (and sanity) will thank you.What’s the worst circlip disaster you’ve had? Bent tips? Flying rings across the shop? Share below—we love these war stories and might have the perfect fix!
Built for Pros – Why HansTools?
- Manufactured in Taiwan for consistent quality.
- Heat-treated, precision-machined, and tested to ISO standards.
- Compatible with most major brands while offering better value.
