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Snap rings offer an economical solution for keeping components secured or providing a shoulder for them on grooved shafts. These fasteners often help reduce the need for more expensive machining operations that alter the shaft and instead provide a reliable addition to serve supportive purposes. 

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Introduction to External Retaining Rings

Snap rings - sometimes referred to as circlips, external retaining rings, external housing rings, or seeger rings - are stamped, tapered section, external retaining rings. These axially installed rings are often used in applications to secure parts on grooved shafts, pins, or studs.
The protruding section of the ring provides a shoulder for retaining parts, reducing cost of machining shoulders. Snap rings are found in a variety of applications including automotive transmissions and hub assemblies. This is one of the more common retaining rings varieties that incorporates a tapered design in axial installations.

Application Considerations

Snap rings retain mating components on shafts - considering that function, there are several key points to consider before buying these fasteners to ensure your choice will support the performance requirements of your application.
  • Shaft Size: What is the diameter of the shaft in your application?
  • Shaft Groove Size: What is the groove depth, diameter, and edge margin?
  • Thrust Load: How much force will be applied to the retaining ring along the shaft? Will it be a shock or a constant force?
  • Rotation: Will the shaft rotate? If so, what speed is the rotation?
  • Installation: Will you need to install the retaining ring radially or axially? Do you have the room for your required installation method?
  • Environmental Conditions: Will the retaining ring be exposed to water, temperature changes, heat damage, lubrication, chemicals, or other environmental elements?
These considerations are important to think through so you can make sure your fastener offers the correct features for optimal performance.

Benefits

These fasteners offer a range of benefits for shaft component applications. They are:
  • Cost Effective: They are not only economical as a single fastener, but they often replace the need for purchasing two fasteners for an application; instead of drilling a hole in the shaft and using a washer and cotter pin to hold a shaft in place, you can machine grooves and simply use one retaining ring.
  • Simple: They feature a simple design and offer easy installation and removal through the use of snap pliers.
  • Versatile: They are used in a wide variety of applications, from aerospace and machinery to electronics and toys.
  • Low Risk: Since the ring encompasses the groove and presses into it, the load is evenly distributed; this reduces the risk of damaging or deforming the shaft.

Snap Ring Product Line

Huyett offers high-quality snap rings through our Rotor Clip® product line. At Huyett, you can shop our selection of Rotor Clip retaining rings with low MOQs, 24-hour shipping for in-stock parts, and 5% off all online orders over $100!

What is the Difference Between a Snap Ring and a Retaining Ring?

In many cases, you'll see retaining ring and snap ring used interchangeably; however, Huyett distinguishes between the two.
The difference between these two components is the specificity of the name - retaining ring is the blanket description for the broad fastener category. For instance, a spiral ring is a type of retaining ring. Snap ring specifically refers to external retaining rings, which are designed to attach to the outside of a shaft.

How to Remove Snap Rings

To remove an installed snap ring, you'll need a pair of external snap ring pliers. These pliers feature small tips on the ends that fit into the ring's lug holes (the holes machined into the open - or free - end). The tips will either extend at a straight or a 90°angle, which allows you to approach the ring either parallel or perpendicular to the shaft.
The first step in the removal process is to pick a pair of pliers and insert the tips into the lug holes. Then, squeeze the plier handles; this will force the tips open, releasing the ring from its groove. Finally, once its released from the groove, remove it from the shaft.
To see how to use standard and convertible straight tip retaining ring pliers, watch our tutorials here:

How to Measure Snap Rings

There are two key measurements to take to make sure your fastener is the right size for your application. They are:  
  • The internal diameter (ID)
  • The ring thickness (the height of the metal) 
To learn how to take these measurements, watch our "How to Measure External Housing Rings (snap rings)" tutorial here:

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