Problem with Piston Pin Keepers

[dommi7]

I need a little advice here- I'm rebuilding a 41EL. My pistons came without pin keepers. I bought a bunch of piston pin keepers 22581-32 from Dixie. These are the L cross section type. I have the proper tool 12052-32 to install them. But these keepers shatter or break every time I try to install them. I can't even slide them down the tool. Has anyone had a similar experience?
I guess I'll try another vendor - the ones I have are very stiff and brittle. Can anyone recomend a reliable source?
I measure the pin OD at ~0.793" and the keeper groove at 0.750". Can anyone confirm I'm using the correct part?

Thanks in advance,
Ralph

[flat-happy]

i've never broken one and it sounds like you have the right stuff but i cant confirm the dimensions tonight. i always put the opening in the snap ring at 12:00 or 6:00 because they will jump off or break if you put the opening at 3:00 or 9:00 sometimes but not all the time

[T. Cotten]

I have broken an NOS OEM keeper upon installation, but never a modern generic repop!

I attributed it to crystallization with age.

....Cotten

[dommi7]

I picked up another set this morning from Lee's Speed Shop (Thanks Lee!). Hopefully tonight I can get them installed. (Cross your fingers, knock on wood)

[dommi7]

I installed my new keepers last night - this set was allegedly from Eastern. No problem, everything went together well, pistons and cylinders are installed.