I bought some 3mm external circlips like the picture below but my circlip pliers are too big to fit then. The gap between the hooked ends of the clip is about 1.7mm. Does any one know where I can get a tool to fit them?

 

Have you tried a tapered punch in the side. That looks like it is not made for conventional/older circlips.

 

I have a bradawl (smooth tapered point) but the problem is that the clip slides back down the taper.

 

The taper may be too much, but that sounds more like a user problem than lack of suitable tool. What you need is a small taper to enter, then a straight section. It looks like a piece of music wire might work too.

Do you have feeler gauges? They are usually non-tapered, but can be wedged in the gap. I would even try a toothpick.

 

Here is one that is supposed to go down to 2 mm external circlips:
https://www.fine-tools.com/snap-ring-pliers.html
As far as I can see it doesn't state that gap distance (1.7 mm) anywhere.

 

Here is one that is supposed to go down to 2 mm external circlips:
https://www.fine-tools.com/snap-ring-pliers.html
As far as I can see it doesn't state that gap distance (1.7 mm) anywhere.

It does state the tip diameter is 0.6mm so they would probably do the job but expensive for fitting just 8 clips.

 

Small screwdriver blade in the slot and twist it?

 

Yes I tried that. 'Ping' - that's one one circlip I won't see again.

I am thinking of using a 3mm threaded rod, nuts, and lock nuts instead if there is enough space for all the nuts.

 

Did it once with surgical tweezers placing a rubber piece between the 'arms' to keep them apart and squeezing with fingers to force the tips to fit the circlip.

 

I bought some 3mm external circlips like the picture below but my circlip pliers are too big to fit then. The gap between the hooked ends of the clip is about 1.7mm. Does any one know where I can get a tool to fit them?
View attachment 229654

Look on Amazon.com for 'snap ring pliers'

 

Look on Amazon.com for 'snap ring pliers'

There are some small ones on there. Thanks.

 

A large sewing needle should have a suitable taper.