Snap ring expander

A method of installing a snap ring into a bore of a structure comprising the steps of:

• constricting a snap ring from an original configuration to a constricted configuration from which the snap ring attempts to resiliently expand back towards the original configuration;
• applying a force to the snap ring when the snap ring is in the constricted configuration and disposed within the bore, the force applied by an engagement surface of a ram tool, the force including an axial component and a radial component, the axial component directed in the axial direction of the bore to cause the snap ring to move through the bore towards a retention groove formed therealong and the radial component directed in a radially outward direction of the bore to urge the snap ring to expand back towards the original configuration upon reaching an axial position of the retention groove, wherein the step of constricting the snap ring from the original configuration to the constricted configuration includes the ram tool pushing the snap ring through an inwardly tapered portion of a passageway formed through a funnel tool and leading into the bore of the structure, wherein the funnel tool includes an alignment key configured to be received within a keyway formed in the ram tool as the ram tool moves through the passageway of the funnel tool;
• disposing the snap ring in the tapered portion of the passageway with the snap ring located relative to the alignment key;
• and
• disposing the funnel tool to axially align the alignment key thereof with the keyway of the ram tool.