Lisle 33500 Piston Ring Installer

Ok, just for reference, the last time I did a ring job was about 25 years ago. But it's that time again, and this time, I sought a ring expander to avoid the problems with using your fingernails to put the rings on. I looked over a number of modestly priced tools and found this one. It works as advertised. Honestly, I found a few others that appeared to be pretty much the same for a couple of bucks less. I bought this one specifically because it's sold by a family business in the US - the Lisle corporation. The package says Made in USA - I can't tell if that's the tool or the package - but in any case, I'm happy to spend a little more to support a local business. Upon further inspection and actual use, I think I can put my finger on why this is better than other products that might look the same. That's because of the quality assurance that Lisle seems to provide. When you're expanding piston rings, everything has to be lined up just right or the ring will twist. For those who understand geometry, I'm saying that the tool and the ring all have to be on a plane - to be perfectly flat. I took a good look at this tool in that regard. First, the hinge is perfectly aligned - there's no play or slop, but it operates smoothly. Second, the jaws - the part where the tool meets the ring - are perfectly aligned. The result is that you can expand the ring smoothly and without it twisting. One hint is to be gentle when you're expanding the rings. You don't want to expand them any more than necessary to get over the piston. Take your time, and this tool will do its job for you.

Works really well, have installed rings on 383 sbc pistons now and on a set for a Lq9 with forged Pistons with no issues, makes getting the rings on way easier and they seem plenty durable enough to use a lot of times.

Really easy to use and seems to be made pretty well. Made doing my job very easy and cost effective.

Works good. Whenever I buy specialty automotive tools I check if Lisle has an option first as their tools have always served me well. Also the description said made in China, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the set I got were made in USA!

A bit flimsy but they work ok if you are careful.

Great Product, made Ring Installation fast and easy.

works as it should --easy to use

Best buy

Tool जैसा दिखाया गया था वैसा नहीं है बहुत बेकार टूल है इसको मत खरीदे असंस कंपनी की जितने भी टूल होते हैं सब बेकार होते हैं बिल्कुल ना खरीदें lisle कंपनी का tool दिखाया गया था लेकिन दूसरा tool दिया गया है मुझे बहुत बेकार लगा

Simple and works

The piston ring pliers work fine :) They did the job that they was purchased for But if I had it to do over and knowing what I know now I would have purchased there adjustable set

Nice tool, works perfect and very affordable.

Used this for ttr230 top end, worked good.