I am wondering if the rings with that "pigtail" thing in the center are easier to use than just a regular old split ring? Does anyone use that type of ring, and are they reliable like a traditional split ring?
Same reliability for either, albeit poor unless you tape over them so they do not catch on lines and fabric. The inner pigtail does aid in getting the ring on the pin.
Okay thanks. I am thinking of switching out all the split rings with something easier to use and thought I'd try the pigtail rings.
Just curious, what is the easiest to use, but reliable and not going to disengage when it comes to things, to keep pins in place with no worries? I've never had a split ring fail or back out of a pin, but they are a pain in the butt, now that I'm older anyway, so just looking for an alternative solution that is easier on the fingers and fingernails.
Edited by martyr on Dec 02, 2017 - 05:30 AM.
martyr wrote: what is the easiest to use, but reliable and not going to disengage when it comes to things
These are easiest:
https://www.murrays.com/product/22-9491/
Just remember to keep them covered with something, as these pigtail rings do not rotate freely around like the others. Use good tape (self-amalgamating) or a shroud cover to protect them.
Marty, I second your second-guessing the use of these EZ rings. The ones I've purchased are softer than a similar closed ring, and can be deformed easily by shroud covers, jib flogging and trap line acrobatics. Even if taped in place, I don't trust them anymore for standing rigging. I'm just not that lucky a guy.
It's really about what you are comfortable with, not us, but if you try using a small staple puller or a cheap ringding plier, you may find that closed cotter rings become less of a PIA.
I didn't know that such pliers existed. Thanks for the advice and thanks to all for the responses.
nohuhu wrote: ringding plier
Whaaaaaaat?
Where have those pliers been all my life?
I searched the net for them and most are small- intended for beading or jewelry making.
The opening they create is also small.
The Xuron brand looks beefiest, and seems to open the ring well.
$15.
Nohuhu, what brand do you use for sailboat size ring dings? Is it worth keeping track of yet another pair of pliers?
I've been using the staple pullers, which work well, but they are not usually stainless and are awkward to pack in a dry bag.
There are dozen brands of split ring tools. Most made for working with fishing tackle, some for jewelers. Rapala's mini pliers may be the right thing for our singular purpose. Was looking for something under 5," with a sheath. Most are longer and made of stainless or alum.
Some are pretty fancy. 
There's even one folding multi-tool with the slip-ring function
https://www.amazon.com/Booms-Fishing-Multi-tools-Lanyard-6-7-Inches/dp/B013DKZXAA/ref=sr_1_60?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1512611277&sr=1-60&keywords=split%2Bring%2Bpliers&th=1
I've got a pair of Rapala pliers that are long needle nose type and have a beak-like end just like those Xuron pliers. I found them once when I was fishing and kept them and never knew what they would be used for, but I'll bet they will work for opening split rings!!!
Replacing as many as possible of these rings with quick pins, snap shackles, etc., is good investment. I did on main and sheet blocks and other places. Will not change on shrouds and stay adjusters and rudder pins, i think that's pretty much it. I tried spring clips for rudder pins but didn't work well and don't trust them anymore. These work fine: 
Edited by Andinista on Dec 08, 2017 - 06:05 AM.
If only this multi-tool had ring-ding pliers, I'd blow a couple hundred bucks on it. 😎
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/leatherman--tread-multitool-bracelet--16648552
[quote=nohuhu]If only this multi-tool had ring-ding pliers, I'd blow a couple hundred bucks on it.
It should come with a leather jacket.
I use these in a couple of places:
1. On my side stays to pin the shroud to the adjuster plates. Once attached, both are covered by either a tight-fitting molded cover or a length of PVC pipe to protect from lines and people catching the rings.
2. On the gooseneck pin that holds the boom to the mast and hangs free, but all nearby lines are kept clear by bungee cords in a web.
Everything else is a forged shackle excepting the oversize quick pin I use for the mainsail clew, allowing quick de-powering when arriving on the beach or dock.
klozhald wrote: I use these in a couple of places:
1. On my side stays to pin the shroud to the adjuster plates. Once attached, both are covered by either a tight-fitting molded cover or a length of PVC pipe to protect from lines and people catching the rings.
2. On the gooseneck pin that holds the boom to the mast and hangs free, but all nearby lines are kept clear by bungee cords in a web.
Everything else is a forged shackle excepting the oversize quick pin I use for the mainsail clew, allowing quick de-powering when arriving on the beach or dock.
I use these type too (i use what ever i have around)
these are extra susceptible to fouling (getting caught on shorts, sheets and anything that touches it) if you don't have covers (i.e. side stays) these really need to be taped up (as all ring-dings really do) otherwise you are asking for it
as per the shackles - (for any new sailor reading this) i learned (the hard way when i saw my windward side stay unattached while on the wire) to use a tool to secure them, you can't make them tight enough via human hands that your boat can't beat!
Edited by MN3 on Dec 14, 2017 - 07:57 PM.
MN3
MN3 wrote: use a tool to secure them
I keep a small pair of vice grips in the pouch on the tramp.
Having loose shackles sucks.