Shimano CT-561P Split Ring Pliers Offshore Straight 185 x 50 x 16 mm Bk 462725
- Pliers & Hook Remover
- Plastic
- Ergonomic
- 1
- More reviewed than 75%
A dedicated heavy split ring plier that reviewers repeatedly call the tool they wished they had bought years earlier for bluewater and big-lure work.
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How it ranks among the 106 pliers & hook removers we track
4.6★ across 544 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
544 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
50+ bought on Amazon last month.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 106 pliers & hook removers we track - how the scorecard works · full pliers & hook removers data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jul 5, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
The Shimano CT-561P is an offshore split ring plier built for opening heavy-duty split rings when swapping hooks on larger lures, sized 185 x 50 x 16 mm and finished in black.
Reviewers consistently position this above lighter jewelry-style split ring pliers, which struggle to open the heavier rings used on bigger lures and trolling rigs. The jaw opens on a diagonal about 0.175 inch (4.45mm), so it is built for rings at or above that size rather than small tackle. One buyer even uses it for keychain rings, showing the build handles more than just fishing tackle.
- 185 x 50 x 16 mm offshore split ring pliers
- Diagonal jaw opening about 0.175 inch (4.45mm)
- Black finish, model CT-561P
- Includes cutter function
Who it's for
Fits anglers working with heavy split rings on trolling gear, jigs, and larger lures who have outgrown small jewelry-style pliers. Not needed if you only work with small, light split rings, where a cheaper basic tool will do.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Buyers who fish bigger lures and heavier trolling rigs repeatedly say this solved a problem smaller jewelry-style split ring pliers could not, especially on heavy-duty rings. Multiple reviewers call it the best split ring plier they have used, citing solid build quality and a cutter that outperforms typical side cutters, with one even using it for keychain rings.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Opens heavy-duty split rings that smaller pliers cannot
- Works across a range of ring sizes, not just large ones
- Built-in cutter functions better than typical side cutters
- Overkill if you only work with small split rings
Specifications
| Brand | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Model | CT-561P |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 3.5 ounces |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Handle Material | Plastic |
| Color | Black |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Other details | |
| Grip Type | Ergonomic |
| Specific Uses For Product | snap_rings |
Other Shimano pliers & hook removers
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in pliers & hook removers.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano CT-561P Split Ring Pliers Offshore Straight 185 x 50 x 16 mm Bk 462725This product | 4.6 / 5 | 544 | 4.1 / 5 |
| ZACX Fish Lip Gripper PliersZACX | 4.7 / 5 | 15,936 | 4.5 / 5 |
| KastKing Cutthroat 7 inch Fishing Split Ring PliersKastKing | 4.6 / 5 | 6,420 | 4.5 / 5 |
| TRUSCEND Easy Use Lockable Fishing Pliers with Tungsten Carbide CutterTRUSCEND | 4.6 / 5 | 2,200 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Booms Fishing H01 Small Fishing Pliers Scissors Braid Cutters Stainless Steel Fishing…Booms | 4.5 / 5 | 1,500 | 4.3 / 5 |
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Questions about the Shimano CT-561P
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
What size split rings does this work with?
The jaw opens about 0.175 inch (4.45mm) on the diagonal, so it handles rings around that size and larger, roughly #7 to #10 rings per one reviewer.
Is this better than smaller jewelry-style split ring pliers?
Reviewers say yes for heavy-duty use. Smaller pliers struggled to open rings on bigger lures, while this pair handled them without issue.
Does it cut as well as it opens rings?
Yes, reviewers note the cutter works better than the usual side cutters found on similar tools.