e-clip technique
 

I had my first damage in awhile the other day. I lost the 3 mm cross pin in a rear driveshaft U-joint. I have just lost 2 e-clips trying to replace it. I know after a few more I will finaly get them on, but I was hoping one of you guys would have a better way. I am using a pair of needle nose pliers.

Any ideas?

A steady hand and a really good small set of needle nose pliers. A small amount of grease will help the eclip to stick where you want it if you have to reposition it. A large white towel will help with the dropped clips. It is a pain in the azz, that is for sure!

Tamiya sells a tool for 2-3mm e-clips. I bought one but rarely used it. It helps if you try to install the e-clips inside a plastic bag. If you drop or flies off, you'll find it right away.

Thanks guys. Going to try the towel and grease.

Mark, that does not sounds good when taken out of context! HAHAHA

If I would have said towel and lube but that is another thread.

I actually used a magnet on the opposite end of the cross pin and a better pair on needle nose pliers and the clip went right on.

Now back to my towel....

Yep, I have heard that the magnet trick works well, and no grease to have to clean up!

As far as the towel goes... wash it before it gets crusty.

I use my fingers to push the clip half on, and then finish it off a set of needle nose pliers. 1 tip in the gap and the other pushing down the middle of the clip. Works every time. I keep magnets close when I am prying them off though.

I do the same with the magnet. The clips will stay in place while you use a good set of small needle nose to press them on.

i use a small magnetic screwdriver to get them on and then a dab of CA to keep them there.....

I usually position them with my fingers, and press them with a flat screwdriver. PB is nice, since they have a narrowed end, so the eclip can't come up at the 'wrong' end..

trust you to read it that way. LOLOL

i usually go the needle-nose pliers route

When installing clips, I position them where they need to go, stick my finger on top of it lightly, and use pliers to snap them on. The finger is just to provide enough friction (don't anything linc) to keep it in place and from flying off into oblivion.

Removing them is similar, but I just stick a small flat-bladed screwdriver in the gap and twist gently. In this case, my finger keeps the clip from spinning on the pin.