Snap ring removal tool and method of using same

摘要

This invention relates to an internal snap ring removal tool which is characterized by a first cylindrically-surfaced clamp-forming element clampable onto a surface of the snap ring exposed outside its groove while the cylindrical surface of the aforesaid element lies in essentially tangent relation to the bore of the part containing the snap ring, and an eccentrically-bored collar that encircles the clamp-forming element for relative rotation therearound in contact with the bore of the part housing the snap ring thereby camming the snap ring free of its groove. The invention also relates to the method of using such a tool for removing snap rings which includes the steps of clamping the cylindrically-surfaced clamping tool onto a portion of the snap ring exposed outside its groove while holding the surface of the tool tangent to the bore of the part housing the ring, placing an eccentrically-bored collar around the clamping tool and rotating the latter around the cylindrical clamping tool surface without turning it so as the cam the ring free of its groove.