Circlip pliers come in two basic configurations: internal and external.
Internal circlip pliers work in the same way as standard pliers – when the handles are squeezed together, the blades close. External circlip pliers work in the opposite way – when the handles are squeezed together, the blades open.
How do internal circlip pliers work?
An internal circlip fits inside a bore, in a groove, exerting a spring pressure on the inside of the bore, holding the circlip in place. To remove or install the circlip, circlip pliers are required to contract it, reducing its size. The circlip can then be taken out or placed within a bore easily.
To contract the circlip, internal circlip pliers have tips which close when the handles are pushed together. When the handles are released, the circlip will return to its original size and shape.
Internal circlip pliers work as two levers which pivot across each other, like scissors.
How do external circlip pliers work?
An external circlip sits in a groove which is on the outside of a shaft.
While an internal circlip must be compressed to fit inside a bore, an external circlip must be expanded to fit over a shaft and clip into the groove. Once in place, it will hold tightly around the shaft, applying pressure.
External circlip pliers have tips that open when the handles are closed. This means the circlip can be expanded easily, and will return to its original size when the handles of the circlip pliers are released.
External circlip pliers also have two levers, but they pivot against each other.