spärrtång

A spärrtång, often translated as retaining ring pliers or circlip pliers, is a specialized tool designed for installing and removing internal and external retaining rings, commonly known as circlips or snap rings. These rings are used in various mechanical applications to secure components on shafts or within housings.

There are two primary types of spärrtång: those for internal rings and those for external rings. Internal ring pliers are used to expand the ring to fit inside a bore or housing, while external ring pliers are used to compress the ring to fit onto a shaft. The jaws of the spärrtång are typically thin and pointed, designed to fit into the small holes or slots present on the ends of retaining rings.

The operation of a spärrtång involves squeezing the handles together. For internal pliers, this action spreads the jaws, expanding the internal ring. For external pliers, squeezing the handles compresses the jaws, shrinking the external ring. The pointed tips of the jaws engage with the holes or slots on the ring, allowing the user to manipulate it.

Spärrtänger are essential for mechanics, engineers, and hobbyists working with machinery, automotive components, bicycles, and many other mechanical assemblies where retaining rings are employed. Their specific design ensures that the delicate retaining rings are handled without damage and can be precisely positioned or removed. Different sizes and styles of spärrtänger exist to accommodate the wide variety of retaining ring dimensions and types.