KNIPEX 46 11 A1 Circlip Pliers
- Cutting Width: 0.4 inches
- Material Type: Blend
- Grip Type: Ergonomic
- Handle Material: Plastic
Last refreshed Aug 4, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A precise, purpose built tool for internal circlip work rather than a general plier, worth having if retaining rings are a regular part of your repair work.
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ASIN: B0002YYM80Model: 46 11 A1Category: Pliers
Overview
The Knipex 46 11 A1 is a precision circlip plier for internal retaining rings, built with straight tips to reach into bores and housings. At 3.12 ounces it's light enough for repeated use in tight mechanical work.
Knipex's 46 series covers circlip pliers built specifically for installing and removing retaining rings, and the internal, straight tip configuration on this model is meant for rings seated inside a bore or housing rather than around an external shaft. That makes it a fit for mechanics and technicians working on gearboxes, bearings and similar assemblies where circlips hold parts in place.
- Internal circlip pliers
- Straight tip design
- 3.12 ounce weight
- Plastic covered handles
Who it's for
Suits mechanics, technicians and hobbyists who regularly work with internal retaining rings in bores or housings. Not the right choice for external circlips on shafts, which need a different tip style, or for general purpose gripping tasks.
Pros and cons
- Purpose built for internal circlip work
- Straight tips reach into bores and housings
- Light weight for repeated precision use
- Only works on internal rings, not external ones
- Requires matching the correct ring size range
- Not a substitute for a general purpose plier
Performance notes
Circlip pliers like this one work by spreading the plier tips apart to compress an internal retaining ring, letting it slide in or out of its groove inside a bore. The straight tip design on this model is built to reach directly into that bore, which is why it's specific to internal rings rather than the external, shaft mounted type.
Specifications
| Brand | Knipex |
|---|---|
| Model | 46 11 A1 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Cutting Width | 0.4 incheslower than 73% of 198 pliers |
| Item Weight | 0.2 poundslower than 84% of 253 pliers |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Blend |
| Handle Material | Plastic |
| Color | Red And Silver |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Included Components | Knipex - 46 11 A1 |
| Warranty & support | |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Workmanship and Materials |
| Other details | |
| Grip Type | Ergonomic |
| Specific Uses For Product | Fleet and plant maintenance. |
| Item Type Name | Knipex - 46 11 A1 |
| Specification Met | DIN 5254 A |
Closest rivals on specs
The Army Painter TL5032 Pliers- Item Weight 0.2 vs 0.24 pounds (-17%)
Hakko CHP-170 Cutter 3 Pack- Item Weight 0.2 vs 0.16 pounds (+25%)
- Cutting Width 0.4 vs 0.3 inches (+33%)
LEONTOOL 2-in-1 Snap Ring Pliers 10-40mm- Item Weight 0.2 vs 0.26 pounds (-23%)
Frequently asked questions
Are the Knipex 46 11 A1 pliers for internal or external circlips?
Internal. They're built with straight tips to reach retaining rings seated inside a bore or housing.
How much do the 46 11 A1 pliers weigh?
3.12 ounces, based on the listed spec.
Can these pliers be used as general purpose pliers?
No, they're purpose built for circlip work rather than general gripping or cutting tasks.