Round Wire Rings

Round Wire Rings for Precision Applications

Round wire rings, also known as round section wire rings or round wire snap rings, are a type of constant section retaining ring with a split ring formed and cut from round wire that are designed for rounded grooves in external and internal shaft or bore applications. Although round wire rings offer precise fitment, they possess less load-bearing capacity than square and rectangular counterparts.

Round wire rings are available in multiple materials, finishes, and gap ranges, making them a versatile choice for various applications, usually precision focused. Our selection includes standard retaining and specialized fit solutions.

Product Benefits

Round wire rings offer several key advantages, including:

Suitable for automotive, industrial, aerospace, electronics, and machinery applications, these rings are available in a variety of materials, finishes and types to support a wide range of retention needs.
Designed for rounded grooves, round wire rings hold tighter tolerances than other snap ring styles, meaning the ring fits securely in the corresponding groove without any play or looseness.
Various gap ranges support axial and radial installation making for ease of assembly, maintenance, and removal.
Made from reliable materials, round wire rings are durable and offer long-lasting performance, even in moderate load applications.

Application Considerations

When selecting round wire rings, consider these factors to ensure the best fit for your application:

Size: Huyett offers round retaining rings for application with shaft diameters of 1/4" to 2-1/4".
Material: Choose from carbon steel, spring steel, and stainless-steel options to ensure durability in different environments.
- Carbon steel is a popular choice for retaining rings because it offers a strong and durable hold. Though it lacks the natural corrosion resistance of stainless or spring steel, it can be coated with finishes like phosphate to improve durability and resistance to wear.
- Spring steel is ideal for retaining rings due to its high tensile strength, elasticity, and fatigue resistance, allowing it to securely snap into place while withstanding repeated stress.
- Stainless steel retaining rings provide corrosion resistance and durability in harsh environments, making them a top choice for applications exposed to moisture, chemicals, or high temperatures.
Finish: Plain, oil dip or phosphate coating
- Oil dip finish is a thin layer of oil residue left after dipping that provides extended shelf-life protection against rusting.
- Phosphate finish is a thin external layer created by chemical application and can serve as a base for paint or oil, provide corrosion resistance, and reduce friction.
Gap range: A wide variety of gap ranges allow for both axial and radial installation, providing ease of use across applications. Huyett's line of round wire rings have gaps ranging from .208" to .983" (1.00 mm to 32.00 mm).
Installation tools: Round wire rings can be installed with common hand tools such as screw drivers. While snap rings can be easily installed and removed with snap rings pliers, which have specialized tips that fit into lugs at each free end of the ring.
Design Considerations: Round wire rings have a constant section and tend to hold tighter tolerances, providing lower radial clearance. However, round wire retaining rings typically have a lower load-bearing capacity than square or rectangular wire rings. For more demanding environments, square or rectangular wire rings, with their larger loader bearing shoulder, are an effective alternative.