snap ring trick?

[jsohn]

I am rebuilding my T-176 and have gotten it all back together but the snap rings that go on the shaft to locate the front and rear bearings are kicking my butt for 2 days now. Since they do not have holes I cannot use my snap ring pliers and my drill blew up on me. Does anyone have a trick to install these lockrings?

 

[hdgapeach]

May need to get another style of snap ring pliers. There is a plier that has blade looking ends on it rather than the posts you're attempting to use now. The blades fit between the ends of the snap ring and push (or spread) the ends of the ring apart giving you the extra diameter to slide the ring over the shaft. Should be able to pick up a set at most any of the better parts houses (NAPA, Car Quest, etc.).