[ARC5] Retaining rings...

[Michael Hanz]

Totally agree on their value for their purpose, Craig.  I have three of 
them by two manufacturers, and they have been real workhorses around 
here.  They work perfectly to break loose a mated plug and chassis 
connector that have been tight for years.

However, with all of the plug pliers I have seen, the "working width" of 
the plastic inserts (in contact with the workpiece) is less than the 
width of the pliers.  The gap is close to the width of a ARC knurled 
retaining ring thickness for chassis mount connectors (0.110"), which is 
what Matt was talking about.  😭  Unless you grind off some of the steel 
portion off one side of the pliers, the plastic grabber will slip off 
the ARC knurled ring.  The closest I can get is with a Facom 410.S which 
has a 0.090" edge gap, and the .020" grabbing surface is just not enough 
to do the job of breaking it loose.  Believe me, I have tried many times 
with high hopes, but...

Mike  KC4TOS

On 8/19/2025 10:11 AM, Craig Cantwell via ARC5 wrote:
> Before using hard tools or trying to cut the old ring, spend the $15 
> to $45 FOR A SET OF Cannon Plug pliers. They have good grip and the 
> soft jaws reduce or eliminate any damage to the rings. If one has 
> never used a set, here's what they look like. Should be a set in 
> everyone's tool box for those hard to loosen plugs and rings.
>
> CANNON PLUG PLIERS (CRESCENT® BRAND) from Aircraft Tool Supply 
> <https://www.aircraft-tool.com/detail?id=52910N>
>
>
> 	
>
>
>     CANNON PLUG PLIERS (CRESCENT® BRAND) from Aircraft Tool Supply
>
> CANNON PLUG PLIERS (CRESCENT® BRAND) - Designed to safely install and 
> remove Cannon plug collars. Made of non-sp...
>
> <https://www.aircraft-tool.com/detail?id=52910N>
>
>
> Craig
> KF5JOT
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