When should you use a retaining ring?

When should you use a retaining ring?

Retaining rings are used to hold components onto a shaft or into a bore. The smooth, round finish of most shafts or bores makes them difficult to attach to with alternative methods, whereas retaining rings clamp around them and create a shoulder that keeps parts in place.

How do you put a snap ring on?

How do you get a snap ring on?

  1. Put on a pair a pair of safety glasses.
  2. Insert the tips of a needle-nose or circlip pliers into the holes at the end of the snap ring.
  3. Open the pliers so the arms of the snap ring are pulled back and the loop of the ring widens.
  4. Slip the expanded snap ring over the groove of the wheel.

How do external retaining rings work?

Retaining rings are designed to fit into a machined groove either on the inside of a bore or on the outside of a shaft. These components reduce vibration, retain two parts of an assembly, and can withstand axial loading.

What are the most commonly used retaining ring fasteners?

Spring steel
Spring steel – The most commonly used material. Stainless steel – Includes steel alloys, bronze and plastics.

How does an external retaining ring hold in place?

The areas of the ring that protrude out from the shaft hold it in place. See below for our entire list of external retaining ring dimensions and configuration drawings. If you do not see a ring that meets your specs, you can custom-design your own external snap ring right on our site!

How big do retaining rings have to be?

External retaining rings, also known as retaining rings for shafts, have a diameter specified for the shaft and groove sizes it fits around. Both industrial retaining ring types, also known as a retaining clip, have a thickness dimension. Measurements will be expressed in inch or millimeters.

How are retaining rings installed without tooling?

More often than not, Spirolox retaining rings can be installed by hand without tooling. This is done by separating the turns, inserting one end of the ring over the shaft (or through the bore) and into the groove, then spiraling the rest of the ring into the groove. Depending on your application, this process may not be so simple.

How do you put a retaining ring on a shaft?

This is done by separating the turns, inserting one end of the ring over the shaft (or through the bore) and into the groove, then spiraling the rest of the ring into the groove. Depending on your application, this process may not be so simple. Heavy-duty single-turn retaining rings and hard to reach grooves can make installation difficult.

What’s the best way to install a retaining ring?

Install rings that have wide “ears.” Slide the retaining ring in between the jaws of the tool and push the ring onto a shaft. Hold open retaining rings without holes, such as flat- and pointed-tip lock rings. Also known as Eaton- style, constant- section, and horseshoe snap rings. Install and remove rings inside a bore or around a shaft.

How does a side mount retaining ring work?

Side-Mount External Retaining Rings Also known as E-style rings, these rings have three prongs that make contact with the shaft and provide a wider shoulder than other external rings for a larger retaining surface. Use a side-mount retaining ring tool (sold separately) to push them into the groove from the side of the shaft.

What’s the purpose of retaining rings and clips?

Retaining Rings and clips come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are primarily used for internally or externally securing a shaft to prevent the shaft from sliding out of its position.

What do you call a reinforced retaining ring?

Also known as reinforced E-style rings, these rings are reinforced to withstand faster rotation than other side-mount retaining rings. Use a side-mount retaining ring tool (sold separately) to push them into the groove from the side of the shaft.