Split ring pliers

An apparatus (10, Figure 1) for opening a split ring (80, Figure 3B) includes a pair of levers 12, 14, which are pivotally coupled together 16 to define opposed first and second jaws 20, 22. Corresponding handles 24, 26, are for opening and closing the jaws. A member 30 is mounted on the first jaw. The member has a wedge-shaped profile, tapering from a base region 32 adjacent the first jaw to a tip region 34 spaced from the base region. The tip region is configured for insertion between adjacent helical turns 82, 84, of a split ring when gripped between the jaws. The tip region has an arcuate peripheral edge 36 which extends from at least one lateral side of the first jaw to the other. The arcuate peripheral edge extends at least partially around a longitudinal axis 38 extending along one lever from the first jaw towards the corresponding handle. The arcuate peripheral edge may extend at least 180 degrees or 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis. The member may include first and second surfaces which are curved, frustoconical, concave, or convex.