Piston ring pliers / expander help

[Flat6]

Bit of a work related question from me this morning..

I'm look for names of manufacturers of good quality piston ring pliers, or any other related tools (such as ring compressors). I need to purchase a large quantity and have our own company branding added (for use as customer gifts) so would rather go to the manufacturer than retailers (like Machine Mart).

Any ideas?

[stevieturbo]

I wouldnt be surprised if all the typical brands you see for sale are made in the same factory anyway. Most appear very similar.

[Simon says]

stevieturbo said:

I wouldnt be surprised if all the typical brands you see for sale are made in the same factory anyway. Most appear very similar.

That's true many of the generic tools i.e hose clip pliers, oil filter removers, brake flaring tools etc are, this is certainly the case with Sykes-pickavant, Franklin, Britool, Blue point amongst others

[triumphkryten]

I recently bought a cheap pair of Clarke ones from Machine Mart, which have done the job fine for both a MGB and a Stag V8 - they are a bit limited if you have cast oil control rings due to the V design on the tips but that could be easily overcome with a little light bending.

The piston ring compressor was also a cheap Clarke one, and did the job every bit as well as the Blue Point one that someone thought looked better in their toolbox.....

I'm not saying they would be up to daily use, but for the occasional job Clarke stuff isn't all bad, and surprisingly good value