Abstract: A tool for retracting pistons into cylinder bores is disclosed, with a narrow gap between facing pressure plates allowing use of the tool in tight places, and ratcheting spreading of the facing pressure plates causing outward moving of the pistons, enabling work to be performed. One of the pressure plates is reversible to change the minimum narrow gap from a first width to a second width. In each of the orientations, the plates are movable towards and away from one another.

Abstract: A tool for retracting pistons into cylinder bores is disclosed, with a narrow gap between facing pressure plates allowing use of the tool in tight places, and ratcheting spreading of the facing pressure plates causing outward moving of the pistons, enabling work to be performed. One of the pressure plates is reversible to change the minimum narrow gap from a first width to a second width. In each of the orientations, the plates are movable towards and away from one another.

Abstract: A pliers switchable for use with external snap-rings and internal snap-rings. The pliers has a first member with V-shape track, a second member with an aperture, and a switch mechanism. The second member and the switch mechanism are translatable along the V-shape track, and the switch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the first and second members in and out of a “locked” position.

Abstract: A pliers switchable for use with external snap-rings and internal snap-rings. The pliers has a first member with V-shape track, a second member with an aperture, and a switch mechanism. The second member and the switch mechanism are translatable along the V-shape track, and the switch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the first and second members in and out of a “locked” position.

Abstract: A convertible retaining ring pliers has a pivot, first and second jaws and first and second handles rotatably secured about the pivot. A pair of transfer pins is slidably disposed for selective movement in the jaws and the handles for establishing alternative operating positions enabling the jaws to move either inwardly or outwardly as the handles move inwardly. A switching mechanism is provided for simultaneous shifting of the transfer pins in the jaws and the handles. The switching mechanism includes reaction member housing assemblies which are mounted on opposite ends of the pivot and disposed on opposite external surfaces of the handles. A switchplate structure is rotatably mounted for side-to-side movement about the pivot, and is slidably positioned between at least one reaction member housing assembly and the external surface of one of the handles.

Abstract: A convertible retaining ring pliers has a pivot, first and second jaws and first and second handles rotatably secured about the pivot. A pair of transfer pins is slidably disposed for selective movement in the first and second jaws and the first and second handles for establishing alternative operating positions enabling the jaws to move inwardly as the handles move inwardly and allowing the jaws to move outwardly as the handles inwardly. A switching mechanism is mounted to the handles and pivot for providing simultaneous shifting of the transfer pins in the jaws of the handles. The switching mechanism includes first and second flexing spring plates which are mounted on opposite ends of the pivot and disposed on opposite external surfaces of the handles. Each of the spring plates includes a pair of boss pins engageable with opposite ends of the transfer pins.