I am pretty meticulous and compulsive about using the smallest split rings necessary for my EDC rig. This means lots of ripped fingernails and thumbnails.
I recently purchased a very inexpensive solution at a local tackle shop: a pair of braid line scissors with split ring opening tip. These scissors have a special tip designed to help anglers easily open tiny split rings on lures….very convenient!
They are about 5″ long, and their blades are half cutting edge, half gripping edge (like piers). They cost about $8..I keep them in my gear drawer and they work great for opening and holding open even the smallest splt rings…no more torn fingernails. Just wanted to share!