Abstract: A snap ring removal tool is adapted for removing a split snap ring from a cylindrical shaft. The tool has a receptacle at the end of a handle for holding the shaft lengthwise and ring-engaging means connected to the handle for engaging the snap ring at points on opposite sides of the split in the ring. Urging the ring-engaging means transversely toward the shaft pushes the ring off of the shaft. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a unitary pry bar-like member having a head portion which is laterally offset from a handle portion. The head portion has a longitudinal slot extending toward the handle a short distance to define a shaft receptacle between two parallel legs. A U-shaped shaft guide depends from the ends of the legs. The ring-engaging means is defined by the ends of the legs. A second embodiment is a pliers-like tool which includes two intersecting elongated members pivotally connected together at their intersection.