What is an alternative to snap ring pliers?

if you have an old pair of plyiers grind the tips down

ANS 2 - Investing in a set (2 pliers and 8 bits) of snap ring pliers will save a LOT of frustration. Holes in rings are very precise and at least 4 sizes in common use. -A set costing less than $20 will give you opening and closing pliers and 2 each of the common bits.