I own a bunch of snap ring pliers and have never used them for the axle shaft ring...
I use TWO blade screwdrivers.
one to hold one end of the ring still and the other I use to push the free end of the ring off the shaft....
Once that ring moves more than about 1/4" you can then get a screw driver between the shaft and the "Belly" of the ring.
That ring doesn't need to slide off the shaft as it's only purpose is to hold the splined washer in place and keep tension on the spindle back-side seal.
AD
That's how I've done them for years. If it's stubborn, I use two blade screwdrivers and give one a quick tap with a hammer. The more exciting part is getting them back on without having them get halfway on then launch themselves off into outer space.
As far as removing the spindles....
A couple years ago I bought a set from Summit Racing, it was like $50 and had a spindle removal tool along with 4 or 5 popular spindle nut sockets. The spindle removal tool is supposed to be used with a slide hammer, but I've never done that. I just thread it on as much as I can then give it a good whack with a 3 lb sledge. Tighten it back up and give it another whack in the other direction. Once I get some separation at the knuckle, I jam a 1/2x14 screwdriver in the separation to help force it apart as I beat on it. Usually doesn't take long to get 'em off that way. Then they get a wire wheel and a liberal slathering with anti-seize before being put back on.
For removing a stubborn passenger side shaft on the front axle, I've used a selection of prying implements at the U-joint for the wheel. Usually that's been enough to get it to slide apart (after removing the clamp) at the slip joint. I give it a good slathering with wheel bearing grease before reassembly too.
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NOT what I wanted to do.. believe me.
Been there, had one rusted so bad it wouldn't budge and the stub shaft broke in the middle of a snow bank. Had to torch it off.
I was gonna tell you that when I removed my spindles (the part the bearing ride on) I tried a slide hammer and broke it (the tool) I dint have it threaded on enough. 
