This is the pair of pliers that I used to build my lockring tool. If you look at the tool the ends are tapered to just about the same size as the notches on the lockring. All you have to do is use a metal file to file the edges so everything is square and the tool will not slip out of the notches. You want the plier ends to have as much contact with the notches as possible. Once you actually buy the pliers you will see how easy it is. I have never had mine slip and when I first started using them I just used the stock pliers, without the filing of the jaws, and never had a problem.