Snap Ring

Putting the snap ring around the clutch shaft is the toughest job of the entire construction process. I nearly broke those rings when stretching them to get them around the shaft. There exist snapring pliers, but who buys those to install just two snap rings?
The first time, I put a rope through the holes at the ends of the snap rings, so that I could pull and move them at the same time. This way is tricky, if you pull the ring too far it will bend or even break!
I can recommend the following procedure. Put a screwdriver (width 4.5 mm) between the opening by bending the ring. This is not so difficult as the ring bends much easier than it opens. Now use flat pliers to re-flatten the ring with the screwdriver still between the ends. The screwdriver keeps the ends at the same distance while the pliers 'convert' the bending into a flat opening. If your screwdriver is wide enough you now have the ring between the pliers and you can just put the ring over the shaft.
To remove a snap ring, you can try to get a small screwdriver under the ring. The widest part of the ring, just opposite to the opening, is the toughest part. Try pushing the ring backwards so that this end comes free. Once this widest part is free, work out to both sides from there.

© W.Pasman, 16/4/1