I recently discovered what is, as far as I have been able to find, the Mercedes-Benz of retaining ring pliers: Milbar Cam-Lock convertible retaining ring pliers, so slick they prompted me to ...

The Xuron® Model 496SS Split Ring Pliers sells for $32.35 (list) and is made in the U.S.A. A complete catalog of innovative, ergonomic hand tools is available online.