Method of removing and replacing split ring shaft locks

Claim 1

A mechanical shop process for the removal and assembly of a split ring shaft lock wherein said shaft lock comprises a split ring and a collar for enclosing and holding said split ring in a groove on a shaft comprising the steps: placing a shaft, with installed said shaft lock, in a tubular die of a dimension wherein a shoulder of the tubular die engages said collar and then passing on the shaft whereby the collar is moved from over said split ring; placing the shaft between the spring biased jaws of a split ring removal assembly having additionally and extensible arm operated by a lever and wherein the end of said arm is pressed against the end of said shaft when said lever is operated enabling the split ring to be removed from said shaft; reinstalling said split ring by placing it in a split ring holding groove in an end of said tubular die and pressing the shaft through the split ring until the split ring is positioned in the groove on the shaft; and placing the end of said shaft in a second tubular die having a shoulder adapted to support said split ring and then pressing said collar back over said split ring.