Circlip removal

If you ignore the purely spring shaped results, then image searches for "knob spring" or "compression ring" includes what you want.

Maybe "knob puller" for the tool?

Oooh er missus!

Is it possible to compress the spindle so that the clip just slips off?

I can't see any other way for it to come off. Circlips may be great but decent tools to remove the many varieties cost a small fortune.

No, the point of the clip is to compress the plastic tabs so they friction fit onto the motor shaft, and hence don't slip when the motor turns. The motor shaft stops the tabs being compressed any further.

I would guess the insertion tool stretches the clip so that it goes over the shaft. I don't mind destroying the clip (side cutters? might be tricky on spring steel) if I can find a source of new clips and a way to install them.

It's possible a starlock clip (or several) might do the job of holding the fan on in place of this clip, assuming there is clearance - I might have to try that.

Theo

Can't you open up the clip by twisting a screwdriver (possibly an offset one) in its gap? Or put some sort of bar across the top of the fan to avoid damaging it and act as a fulcrum to lever the clip upwards?

Thanks, that looks like it. I find a few on ebay for 'knob pressure spring', although for specific models of ovens with no dimensions. Nothing on Farnell for various permuations.

They seem to be for removing the knob (eg guitar volume) from the shaft, rather than removing the clip?

Theo

I'll try three small screwdrivers and applying leverage through the slots. What I'm worried about is breaking the plastic tabs that attach the fan to the shaft, because there would be no way to fix that afterwards. So the pressure has to be between the shaft and the clip, rather than any sideways pressure on the plastic.

Theo

Could be that the corrosion on the circlip is making it stick to the plastic, so a bit of WD40 might help. If it doesn't help, I'd try wrapping the circlip with a bit of kitchen towel soaked in boiling water. It might expand it enough to loosen its grip. You don't want that much hot water which might soften the plastic, so it's a judgement call as to when to try to lever the circlip off once it's hot.

That's what 3D printers are for...:-)

There’s no retaining ridge so the only thing holding it on is spring compression (and a bit of rust). It was undoubtably just pushed on so should just pull off.

How about

Tim

Having said that, I’d probably just put some oil on it, grab it with a pair of pliers end on and twist it back and forth whilst pulling. You can overthink these things you know… ;-)

Tim

That's a good thought. Reminds me that I have a pair of relay pliers that have a similar kind of parallel narrow prongs - I might see if they will fit (the slots are about 1mm gap so regular pliers are out)

Yes but key here is not to break the plastic. Just poking at it with a screwdriver I've been at risk of doing so, so I want something to direct the force a bit more carefully.

Theo

Your sideways photo looks as if there's a groove at the top of the shaft that projections on the plastic jaws fit into. If so, brute force to pull the fan up the shaft would break the projections. I would wedge a screwdriver between the two jaws next to the open side of the clip to expand it a bit. Then wedge something between the ends of the clip to stop it contracting when you remove the screwdriver. Maybe the clip would then be loose enough to slide off the jaws.