What is the proper name for the circular spring clips as seen in the picture below? Is there a special tool to open them up without risking them pinging off everywhere? I'm sure I've seen one used before.

Did the Mr Muscle clean on my BILs Passat yesterday, and really struggled to get one of those buggers back on in the depths of the engine.

1. C@rp
   
2. I normally use a toggle wrench to get them off.
   
3. If I can get the right size easily, I always replace them with proper Terry Jubillee clips.
   

Ive always used mole grips on them.

Mole grips were fine with the one on the MAF, but where the intake attaches to the turbo, the drive shaft was a bit in the way.

Eventually managed after a bit of swearing, brute force and bashed knuckles.

Whoever came up with that crap should be shot...in the nuts...twice...

Edited 22 April, 201313 yr by DaKKs_152