I did that job with a pair of Harbor Freight circlip pliers- take his
advice, spend the money if you have it and get a better set.
I also put together a variation of the tool he describes (threaded rod,
nuts, washers) except I also had a couple rectangular pieces of steel (2.5"
x 1" x1/4", IIRC) that I drilled a hole through. Using those pieces, the
nuts and various size washers, you can make a sort of 'press' to get the
pins out (and in, if necessary)- it goes pretty smoothly with no 'banging'.
I've never seen the actual VW tool that you're supposed to use for this job
but I was told it was the same principle.

Cya,
Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Guzyk" <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: &^%(^&%&^%$b wrist pin clips!

> I've had best results with Craftsman circlip pliers.
>
> Forget about Harbor Freight, Kragen, or other POS tools...you get
> what you pay for when it comes to circlip pliers.
>
> Once you get the clip off, you need to pull the piston pin.  This is fun
> also.
>
> An easy way is to use a long 3/8 threaded rod (available at any
> hardware store), put it through the pin then place a nut on the end
> while the rod is between the pistons (use a small telescoping magnet
> to help get the nut on since there is no room for your fingers).
>
> Put a sliding weight from a dent puller onto the threaded rod and a
> big washer and nut on the other end.  "slide away" and the pin will
> come out.
>
> If you don't have a dent puller weight use a piece of pipe or even a
> hammer to bang on the washer end and pull out the pin.  It will be
> tough at first but will come out with a few medium blows.  The 3/8
> nut is big enough not to go through piston pin but small enough not
> to get caught up on the other circlip.
>
>
>>
>>>  What's the secret to getting these things in and out (the circular wire
>>  > clips that secure the wrist pins in the piston)?
>>>