Channelocks? ! ? ! ?

For removing a set that you don't want to use ever again I actually agree that they would work great. But then so would a pipe wrench. And I mean that seriously. The light didn't come on until I read your Channelocks suggestion.

However I would never use either tool on a ring that I intended to use again if I cared about the bike being worked on. I've had some lock rings that were stinking tight and it would have been way beyond impossible to remove them without leaving serious marks in the metal. Same with tightening. The proper torque applied with any toothed pliers or pipe wrench would leave serious markings in the rings and certainly ruin the nickel or chrome plating on them leading to rust issues. If you've managed to install rings with your Channellocks and they did not leave marks or fall off then you're darn lucky. I would not recomend the same procedure for anyone else unless they don't care about their parts becoming marked or rusty. I've seen a lot of your other posts that had nothing but great information. But I'm afraid this one made me shake my head.