How to change the heads on circlip pliers?

28th February 2020


	How to change the heads on circlip pliers


	Shop for Circlip Pliers


			Some circlip pliers come with interchangeable heads, which can be swapped so that the one tool can be used with different circlips. The heads have differently angled tips, so they can reach various places, and can be fitted so as to work as either internal or external circlip pliers.

			Step 1 – Remove fastening screw There will usually be a head already attached to the handles by a pin and a spring, so your first step is to take this off. The opposite end of the pin has a small movable T-bar that holds it in place against the spring.

			Push the pin against the spring and move the T-bar so that it is parallel to the rest of the pin. Release the pressure against the spring and the pin will come out. The head will now be detached.



			Step 2 – Remove head The two holes at the bottom of the head will be sitting on two small pins at the top of the handles, near where the joining pin goes in. Once the head is detached it will simply pull off these pins.

			Step 3 – Choose a replacement head You can then select the head with the tips you want to use. Where the circlip is installed will determine which angle of tips you will need. The head can be attached on one side for internal pliers and on the other for external pliers.

			Step 4 – Replace head For internal circlip pliers… …Close the handles slightly so that the pins which protrude below the joining hole line up with the holes at the bottom of the head. Push the head onto these pins.

			For external circlip pliers… …Close the handles slightly so that the pins above the joining hole line up with the holes at the top of the head. Push the head onto these pins.

			Step 5 – Secure with pin Hold the head in place and put the spring against it. Line it up with the joining hole. Move the T-bar part of the pin so it is parallel to the rest of the pin, then push it through the spring and the joining hole.

			Push the pin against the spring, as the other ends comes out of the other side, and move the end of the pin into the T-bar shape. When you release the spring, the pin will now hold in place.