CONVERTIBLE SNAP RING PLIERS (VEH24127)

The CTA Tools 8850 Convertible Snap-Ring Pliers is a premium, heavy-duty automotive specialty tool engineered to install and remove internal and external retaining rings (circlips). Featured on CTA Tools Official Product Page, its definitive advantage is its rapid-switching capability, allowing technicians to carry a single specialized tool to service both internal (expanding) and external (compressing) mechanical clips.

Core Technical Specifications
Manufacturer Part Number: 8850 (CTA8850)
Overall Tool Length (OAL): 7-1/2 Inches (19 cm)
Internal Application Range: Fits bores measuring 3/8" to 2" (10mm to 48mm)
External Application Range: Fits shafts measuring 1/4" to 2" (7mm to 48mm)
Manufacturing Origin: Proudly Made in the USA

Key Mechanical & Performance Features

1. Quick-Conversion Push-Button Mechanism
The pliers incorporate an internal sliding pivot design driven by an intuitive thumb-switch selector. Instead of forcing the operator to disassemble the handle halves or unfasten central pivot pins to alter jaw direction, shifting the comfort grip tab instantly changes the leverage layout. Moving the tab toggles the tool seamlessly from Internal mode (pinching handles closes the tips together) to External mode (pinching handles spreads the tips apart).

2. Comprehensive Interchangable Tip Suite
To handle varying retaining ring eyelet openings across foreign and domestic assemblies, the tool comes equipped with 5 sets of interchangeable precision-ground steel tips:
Straight Tips: Includes three distinct thicknesses: .036" (0.9mm), .047" (1.20mm), and .070" (1.80mm).
90° Angled Tips: Includes two thicknesses: .036" (0.9mm) and .047" (1.20mm) for accessing tightly recessed ring pockets or working inside narrow blind housings.

3. High-Security Set-Screw Tip Anchoring
The interchangeable tip segments seat deeply into robust mechanical guide channels at the nose of the jaws. They are locked down via dual hexagonal set screws using an included hex key wrench. This rigid mounting configuration eliminates standard flex, sway, or tip slippage while compressing or expanding high-tension industrial clips.

4. Solid Steel Chassis & Ergonomic Grips
The core handle assembly is stamped from heat-treated alloy steel to prevent jaw bowing or bending under heavy manual pressure. The handles are insulated with dual-layer, oil-resistant contoured comfort cushions, providing slip-resistant control even when hands are coated in grease or hydraulic fluid.

Typical Automotive Application Scope
This tool is commonly specified for compact, high-tension retention rings found throughout drivetrain components, including:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Transfer Gears: Servicing the angle gear collars and output shaft ring seats on modern platforms like Volvo assemblies via iPd USA.
Transmission & Transaxle Rebuilds: Retaining synchronizer hubs, countershaft bearings, and input clutches.
Brake Components: Removing deep internal circlips inside master cylinders and caliper parking brake actuator mechanisms.