A system and a method are disclosed for disconnecting clips. A clip separation tool includes two arms, the arms having jaws to receive connected clips at a distal end of the arms and handle portions on a proximal end for a user to engage the tool with his hand. A pivot mechanism is coupled to the arms, where, responsive to a force applied to the handle portions, the arms rotate relative to each other around the pivot mechanism such that the distal ends of the arms pivot away from one another and the proximal ends of the arms pivot towards one another. A spring biases the arms to rotate to an equilibrium position that is attained automatically under spring loading once the proximal ends of the arms are relieved of loading. The clip separation tool disconnects connected clips as the force causes the arms to rotate around the pivot mechanism.

A tool, such as pliers, is configured to permit two modes or configurations of operation, such as for use in manipulating internal and external retaining rings. In one mode of operation, tool tips are moved towards one another when handles of the pliers are compressed towards one another, and in a second mode of operation, the tool tips are moved away from one another when the handles of the pliers are compressed towards one another. The modes of operation may be selected, such as by rotating a rotatable selector which controls connection of first and second handles of the pliers with first and second tool bodies.

A pliers switchable for use with external snap-rings and internal snap-rings is disclosed. A jaw assembly with easily changeable tips is provided, and to be more convenient for the end-user, a spring loaded tip release mechanism and jaw assembly is provided.

Adjustable pliers includes a first plier half, a second plier half coupled to the first plier half, and a stud disposed in a slot of the second plier half. The first plier half includes a first handle and a first working tip opposite the first handle. The second plier half includes a second handle and second working tip opposite the second handle. The slot extends along a path from a first end of the path to a second end of the path, the path extends in a first direction at the first end of the path and extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction at the second end of the path. A performance parameter is defined, at least in part, by a relationship between dimensions of the slot or of the second working tip.

A plier tool for expanding a friction ring having a first opposing end and a second opposing end can include a first arm including a distal portion comprising a first protrusion extending distally from a central axis and a first projection extending outwardly from the first protrusion away from the central axis, the first projection configured to engage the first opposing end of the friction ring; and a second arm including a distal portion comprising a second protrusion extending distally from the central axis and a second projection extending outwardly from the second protrusion away from the central axis, the second projection configured to engage the second opposing end of the friction ring.

A cutting implement including a metal substrate and a coating is provided. The coating has zirconium PVD (ZrCRTiNO), which provides protection against corrosion of the metal substrate. In some instances, the zirconium PVD provides protection from corrosion for at least 200 hours. A layer of titanium nitride (TiN) can be added to the coating to increase the hardness of the metal substrate. In such an embodiment, the layer of titanium nitride (TiN) is applied before the zirconium PVD (ZrCRTiNO). Titanium nitride (TiN) coated steel is 3 to 5 times harder than uncoated steel. Thus, a combination of titanium nitride (TiN) and zirconium PVD (ZrCRTiNO) as a coating on a metal substrate can increase the life of the metal substrate by providing increased hardness and anti-corrosive properties.

A plier assembly for retaining rings comprises first and second handle assemblies and a drive assembly. Operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly. As the first handle assembly pivots relative to the second handle assembly, a first support block of the first handle assembly pivots relative to the first handle assembly and a second support block of the second handle assembly pivots relative to the second handle assembly such that a first support block longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a second support block longitudinal axis.

A pushbutton plier device and a method for converting a plier tool is provided. The pushbutton plier device includes a locking assembly. The locking assembly has a pushbutton and a housing. The pushbutton has a pushbutton body. The pushbutton body has at least one blocking member recess. The housing has a housing body. The housing body is configured to selectively contain a blocking member. The pushbutton plier device has a first plier handle and a second plier handle. The first plier handle has at least one first plier handle aperture. The second plier handle has at least one second plier handle aperture. When the first plier handle, the second plier handle, and the locking assembly are selectively joined together in a predetermined position, the locking assembly, located within the first plier handle aperture and the second plier aperture, secures the first plier handle to the second plier handle.

A tool for removing/installing a heavy duty snap ring that is otherwise difficult to access with standard snap ring pliers. The pliers have end configurations that provide additional clearance for the operational use of the tool within confined areas. The tool also includes a locking mechanism to hold the snap ring in an open configuration for removal/installation to the axle shaft.

A plug for retaining a filter screen in a fluid port of a servovalve, comprises an annular body, the annular body comprising: opposed first and second axial end surfaces, a radially inner surface extending between the first and second axial end surfaces, a radially outer surface extending between the first and second axial end surfaces and at least one recess formed in the radially inner surface for receiving a tool for removing the plug from the port. A tool for removing the plug comprises a pair of handles pivotally mounted to one another about a pivot, each handle having a plug gripping portion extending therefrom beyond the pivot, each plug gripping portion comprising an outwardly projecting tooth for engaging in the recess of the plug when the plug gripping portions are moved apart by operation of the handles.