Chainsaw Repair

Is there a trick to installing these that someone can relay to me???

+1 on what 660 said. Also it sort of depends on the type of clip you are installing. I know of three types of clip used in chainsaws. They are those shaped like a 'C', those shaped like a small 'e' and those shaped like the 'e' but with two ears. There are also two variants of the 'e' shaped ones. Some with longer ears than others. There is much discussion on the long eared versions being less desirable than the shorter version becasue the longer ear is viewed as being weaker.

If you are using the 'C' shaped ones there are tools that make these a snap to install, one of the members makes this tool.

The ones shaped like an 'e' are not difficult to install, you grab the ear with a small pair of bent needle nose pliers, slip the rounded portion of the ear into the groove in the piston, cover the clip with your finger or thumb and wind them in using the pliers. The same method works on the 'double eared' version.

There are also different sizes of wire used to make the clips, so you must make sure that the wire fits the groove in the piston. Lastly circlips used in chainsaws can range from 8-15mm, the smaller of which are a huge PITA to install no matter the type.

Try NOT to deform or put too much stress on the clip when installing them. There is also much discussion on the orientation of the open space in the clip after installation, some prefer a 12 oclock position others 6 oclock most agree that 3 or 9 oclock is bad.

Roger, if you get roundtuit, please post a picture. Thank you, Tim.

Ok guys sorry I did not get back sooner things got busy here for a little bit.

I have done this to two needle nose pliers one pair is angled and one pair is straight.  Nothing fancy and those clips are still tough to get in but that little slot in the end keeps it from popping out so easy.

For the C-clip ones that are a pain to get in, I took a small pair of needle nose pliers that are short nosed.   I ground the tip down a little and then I filed a small groove in the tip that would hold the C-clip and prevent it from popping out.   That is the only tool I use and it has worked for me.

Same for me works great.  Installing Stihl type I use small screwdriver w notch cut in tip offset to one side.  First one I made I used a carb screwdriver found it to be a little small for pushing 12mm clips.  Made another w larger screwdriver works even better.
Shep