Removing a retaining ring

[Murderbydeath]

I'm not sure I'm posting in the right subforum, but I hope I am!

I need help removing a retaining ring from a lock cylinder that I removed from a doorknob lock. I want to disassemble the lock completely and re-pin it for picking practice, but I can't seem to be able to get this retaining ring off without a retaining ring removal tool. Any tips on how to get it off without damaging it too much so that the lock can be reassembled?

Here is a picture of the cylinder. You can see the retaining ring pretty clearly: http://i.imgur.com/KI8jmIk.jpg

[Squelchtone]

Don't bother with the C clip on that lock. Much easier to repin that lock by removing that chrome bible cover which looks like it is just snapped on. Gently remove it and you will be able to snap it back on later. You may want to open your lock inside a large zip lock bag so the springs and pins don't go flying everywhere.


Squelchtone

[Murderbydeath]

You may want to open your lock inside a large zip lock bag so the springs and pins don't go flying everywhere.

This is what I was afraid of. The Ziplock bag is a great idea though. Thanks, Squelchtone.

[cledry]

Those clips pop off very easily. I can't imagine why anyone would pop the slide off of the bible instead of removing the clip. Easy way is to use your pin tweezers to push the clip off, or you can hold one side of the clip stationary with a finger and use the side of the tip of a small flat screwdriver to pop the free edge loose. Takes all of a second or 2. Then you don't have to worry about losing small bits.

[Raymond]

Darn, Cledry, You said what I was going to say almost word for word.
No need to waste the time to load from the top. I usually use my tweezers to remove retainers both methods mentioned. Just apply pressure on one side to keep the ring from spinning on the plug. Then scrape the other end off toward you. The finger applying the pressure will keep it from flying away. Just pay attention and do it.

[Murderbydeath]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone! I'll let you know when I get the dang thing off. I think it's kind of old and it's very resistant to my efforts.

[ARF-GEF]

You can also simply use 2 small screwdrivers.
Be careful the C clip can easily snap off quite forcefully, use a protective eyewear.

[GordonAlexander]

Don't bother with the C clip on that lock. Much easier to repin that lock by removing that chrome bible cover which looks like it is just snapped on. Gently remove it and you will be able to snap it back on later. You may want to open your lock inside a large zip lock bag so the springs and pins don't go flying everywhere.


Squelchtone

With all due respect to our esteemed Admin, I advise that the practice of popping the cap is not a good idea. This cap will pop off, but if you do it constantly you run the risk of damaging it and having it pop off unintentionally when you exert pressure from picking or simply inserting a key. Luckily, these are the easiest clips to remove. Simply use your tweezers to push both sides simultaneously. Below is a pic of the end of a Kwikset cylinder removal tool. This end of the tool is designed to remove clips efficiently http://imgur.com/B97scak

[Evan]

With all due respect to our esteemed Admin, I advise that the practice of popping the cap is not a good idea. This cap will pop off, but if you do it constantly you run the risk of damaging it and having it pop off unintentionally when you exert pressure from picking or simply inserting a key. Luckily, these are the easiest clips to remove. Simply use your tweezers to push both sides simultaneously. Below is a pic of the end of a Kwikset cylinder removal tool.

If you have a real Kwikset pinning kit you can do it either way, as a supply of the caps is included as well as a follower tool... It really is MUCH faster to pop the top, dump all the pins out and replace with new pins and springs from the pinning kit and finish it off with a new cap when done...

~~ Evan