What is a retaining ring?
Retaining rings are often used as fasteners that exert a radial clamping force to the outside of a shaft or the inside of a bore or housing. Used in both grooved and grooveless applications, retaining rings provide a shoulder or load bearing surface that positions and limits movement of parts. They also take up end play crated by accumulated tolerances from retained parts. There are a few key advantages to using retaining rings over other types of fasteners including reduced machining costs, simpler product designs, and more efficient assembly. For detailed information on the different types of retaining rings offered by Huyett, check out the FAQs below. If you want to learn more about the history of retaining rings, check out our
blog.
What are the types of retaining rings?
There are 4 key types of retaining rings which have many sub‑types. The 4 key retaining rings types are tapered section, constant section, spiral, and circular push‑on.
What are some common uses for retaining rings?
Common uses for retaining rings are to secure a component to a shaft or in a bore. Applications range far and wide, from hub assemblies on cars and trucks to the grooved shaft of a conveyor roller.
What is the difference between external vs. internal retaining rings?
The primary difference between internal and external retaining rings is their application. Internal retaining rings are designed for retaining parts inside a bore or housing. They may feature lobes at the ring opening that protrude into the inner diameter of the ring. External retaining rings are intended for placement on the outside of the shaft, often in a machined groove. These rings may be designed with prongs around the inner portion of the ring to grip a shaft. They may also have lobes at the ring opening protruding away from the ring's center allowing for simple installation with
retaining ring pliers.
How do you measure a retaining ring?
Retaining rings are primarily measured by 3 criteria:
- Groove Size — The diameter, width, and depth of the groove the retaining ring will fit.
- Ring Diameter — The free diameter or diameter of the clip prior to installation. Internal retaining rings are measured by their outer diameter, and external rings are measured by their inner diameter.
- Ring Thickness — Thickness should also be measured to ensure proper fitment in the intended groove.
Can you re‑use retaining rings?
Retaining rings manufactured from spring steel, or other materials with spring‑like qualities, can be reused as long as there is no visible wear or damage that compromises the integrity of the ring. Rings that do not possess spring‑like qualities, such as x‑rings, should not be reused since repeatedly closing and opening the ring reduces its structural integrity.
What's difference between a retaining ring vs snap ring vs circlip?
Retaining ring, snap ring, and circlip are terms often used interchangeably referring to the same part — a retaining ring with spring like features that is used to retain a part on a shaft or inside a housing or bore.
Crescent Rings
What is a crescent ring?
Crescent rings, or C‑Clips, are radially‑assembled retaining rings that snap into the machined groove of a shaft creating retention. Crescent rings have a similar design to
E‑Clips minus the teeth and deep sets. Their section height is narrow, providing good clearance capabilities, especially when clearance is minimal.
How to install and remove crescent rings:
- Insert the closed end of the C‑Clip into opening of the applicator, leaving the open ends of the clip facing away from the applicator.
- Next, while still seated in the applicator, position the open ends of the clip in the groove of the shaft and firmly press into place.
- Inspect the clip to ensure it is seated evenly and securely in place.
Crescent rings can be installed in high capacity production environments using automated tooling.
Removing a crescent ring can be accomplished using simple hand tools. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, firmly grasp the closed end of the c‑clip and pull away from the shaft until it is free from the shaft.
Crimp Rings
What is a crimp ring?
Crimp rings, also called crimp circlips, are a "C" shaped wire formed retaining ring installed axially on a grooved shaft or rod. The gap at the opening of the ring allows for radial installation and is crimped closed to provide secure fitment to its mating part.
Can you reuse crimp rings?
Since crimp rings are manufactured from material that lacks spring‑like properties, they do not return to their original shape when bent and should not be reused once removed.
Where can I buy external crimp retaining rings?
These niche, hard‑to‑find fasteners are available at Huyett! As the master distributor and manufacturer of non‑threaded fasteners, Huyett carries a wide range of unique, hard‑to‑find fasteners. If you don't see what you're looking for, give our friendly, experienced Sales team a call to help you find the right solution for your application!
D-Rings
What is a D‑Ring and how do they work?
D‑Rings are simple, sturdy, and inexpensive wire form fasteners identified by their "D" shape. The smooth edgeless design provides a strong, durable anchor point for use with tarps, tents, collars, straps, belts, and more. D‑Rings are a great choice over circular rings when limited material movement is desired. The corners of a D‑Ring limit slide through whereas circular rings allow sliding around the entire circumference of the ring.
Where can I buy D‑Rings?
Huyett is a master distributor and manufacturer of wire form retainers. With one of the largest inventories in the industry, we have a wide selection of
D‑Rings to fit a variety of applications. If you do not see what you are looking for, contact us to speak with our friendly, experienced Sales team!
E-Clips
What is an E‑Clip?
E‑clips, also known as E‑rings, are three pronged, stamped clips that fit into machined grooves of smaller diameter tubes and shafts. E‑clips are installed radially and have a wider shoulder than their C‑clip counterparts. This wider shoulder provides a larger retaining area, yielding higher thrust load capacities.
How are e‑clips measured?
E‑clips are measured by three criteria:
- Groove size — The diameter, width, and depth of the groove where the e‑clip will be applied.
- Clip diameter — Ring size is determined by measuring the clip's free diameter, or the diameter of the clip prior to installation. Internal retaining rings are measured by their outer diameter, while external rings are measured by their inner diameter.
- Clip thickness — Measurement of the clip's profile to ensure proper fitment in the intended groove.
What's the difference between e‑clips and c‑rings?
Visually, e‑clips possess a third inner tab that distinguishes them from c‑clips. This added feature, as well as the longer tabs, makes e‑clips more suitable for deeper grooves as well as provide greater thrust load capacities than c‑clips. C‑clips, on the other hand, offer good clearance capabilities due to their narrow section height.
How to install and remove E-clips:
E‑clips, or E‑rings, can be installed radially using an applicator or simple hand tools. To install an E‑ring:
- Insert the closed end of the E‑clip into the opening of the applicator, leaving the open ends of the clip facing away from the applicator.
- Next, while still seated in the applicator, position the open ends of the clip in the groove of the shaft and firmly press into place.
- Inspect the clip to ensure it is seated evenly and securely in place. E‑clips can also be installed using automated equipment in high capacity assembly applications.
Removing an E‑ring can be accomplished using simple hand tools. Using a pair of needle‑nose pliers, firmly grasp the closed end of the c‑clip and pull away from the shaft until it is free from the shaft.
Grip Rings
What is a grip ring?
Radial grip rings, also called RG Shaft Rings, are a stamped self‑locking retaining ring that is radially assembled to shaft applications such as the bars on expandable security gates. Due to their self‑locking design, radial grip rings can be installed on shafts with or without a machined groove.
How to install grip rings:
Installing grip rings is a fairly simple process and can be done without any special tools. To install, position the ring at a 90‑degree angle to the desired position and push it down the plane of the shaft into the groove. For grooveless applications, push the ring down the shaft to the desired location.
Hog Rings
What is a hog ring and what are they used for?
Hog rings are a handy and tough fastener for applications such as sealing sausage casings, joining mesh or wire cages, fastening wire to fences, or the manufacture and maintenance of upholstered goods. Huyett is proud to supply this staple hardware of the meat packing industry and other professions. Hog rings hold a firm grip that is unlikely to fail and are generally more secure than nails or staples.
What are some common use cases for hog rings?
Common uses for hog rings include closing ends of food casings, securing upholstery fabric to furniture frames, or joining wiring cages. Hog rings provide a firm grip that is often more secure than nails or staples.
Can you reuse hog rings?
Hog rings are intended for permanent, single use applications and should not be reused. Most often, hog rings are destroyed in the process of removal.
What's the difference between hog rings and upholstery rings?
Hog rings and upholstery rings are names used interchangeably to describe the same type of fastener. Size and design variations exist within hog rings, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
How to use hog ring pliers:
Hog ring pliers are a specialty tool designed to install hog ring staples. Grooves are machined into the jaws of the pliers providing a recess for the rings to rest.
To use, open the pliers so that the jaws present a wide gap. Place the hog ring into the grooves of the jaws with the opening of the ring facing the same direction as the pliers. To close the ring, simply squeeze the plier handle to shut the jaws of the pliers. This action closes the ring fastening it securely to the desired component.
Housing Rings
What is a housing ring?
Housing rings, or HO rings, are axially assembled internal retaining rings made from zinc plated spring steel that is installed with retaining ring pliers into a housing or bore. HO rings are designed with a taper to provide constant pressure against axles, gears, and bearings inside machinery housings.
How to install and remove housing rings:
Housing rings, or HO rings, are axially installed in the grooves of housings or bores. The open section of the ring is designed with two lugs, each having a small diameter hole, which provide a leverage point for use with retaining ring pliers.
To install HO rings:
- Insert the jaw tips of the retaining ring pliers into the lug holes of the ring.
- Next, close the jaws together, decreasing the diameter of the ring slightly smaller than the housing it is being installed in.
- Once the ring is a small enough diameter, seat the ring into the groove of the housing and spread the jaws of the pliers apart.
- Check the circumference of the ring to ensure that it is seated securely and evenly in the groove.
To remove the housing ring, insert the jaw tips of the retaining ring pliers into the lug holes. Compress the ring until it has reached a diameter that is smaller than the housing walls and lift out.
How to Measure an Internal Housing Ring
Transcript: Let's measure an internal housing ring. They're really easy to measure. The first thing you want to measure on one is the OD at its widest point. And then we want to measure the thickness of the part. With these two measurements, you can easily identify an internal housing ring. Thanks for watching!
How to Measure an External Housing Ring
Transcript: Let's measure an external housing ring. They're really simple to measure. The first thing that you want to do is measure from the widest point of the ID. Then you want to measure the thickness of the ring. With these two measurements, you can easily identify an external housing ring. Thanks for watching!
Interlocking Rings
What is an interlocking retaining ring?
Interlocking rings are re‑usable, radially‑assembled retaining rings composed of two identical semicircular halves. They are held together by interlocking prongs that latch into a groove of a shaft. Their symmetrical shape dynamically "balances" the part, which allows them to effectively withstand high‑speed rotation.
How to install and remove interlocking retaining rings:
Interlocking retaining rings are a radially installed, two‑piece retaining ring. To simplify installation, build a v‑block to help hold a section of the ring and shaft in place.
- First, place one half of the retaining ring on the shaft by positioning the ring at a 90‑degree angle to the shaft and pushing onto the desired location.
- Next, rest the shaft and ring assembly in the v‑block with the opening of the ring half facing upward.
- Take the second half of the ring and position it on the shaft so that it begins to lock into its other half. The tension from being partially installed should allow the ring to stand on its own.
- To mate the retaining ring halves, hold a wooden block so that it makes contact with the half to be installed.
- Tap the block with a hammer to force the ring down into its other half. Continue tapping until the two halves are locked into place, providing a secure 360‑degree fit around the shaft.
Removing an interlocking ring from a shaft can be completed using simple hand tools.
- First, insert the end of a standard screwdriver or other similar flat tapered hand tool into the recess provided by the two locking halves.
- Pry the overlapping end of one of the ring halves up and over its counterpart until it has cleared the locking tab.
- Once clear, the ring will be able to rock out and away from the shaft.
Lock Nuts
What is a bearing lock nut?
Bearing lock nuts, sometimes called shaft locknuts or bearing retaining nuts, are utilized to secure bearings onto a shaft and are designed to prevent the loosening of components due to vibration and rotation. Bearing lock nuts possess a different appearance from traditional hex lock nuts. Bearing lock nuts are typically rounded on the outside with keyed slots. This design requires a special tool called a spanner wrench or socket to be removed or installed. Bearing lock nuts are used in a wide variety of applications including the automotive and agriculture industries.
What is the difference between a nut and a lock nut?
Nuts and lock nuts have multiple distinct differences. A standard nut does not possess any locking properties to prevent it from loosening after being installed. Lock nuts, however, can feature different properties including nylon inserts or oblong threads that apply pressure to the threads of a mating component to reduce the risk of loosening during vibration.
When should you use a lock nut?
Lock nuts should be used in applications that are subject to constant vibration. Vibrations can cause standard nuts to loosen and eventually fail.
How to remove a bearing lock nut:
Bearing lock nuts are a specialty fastener with a wide flange and machined slots on its outside face. These machined slots are designed to allow the fastener to be removed by a spanner wrench or socket. A spanner wrench (or socket) has tangs that fit into the corresponding slots of the bearing nut. To remove the nut, fit the wrench in the grooves of the nut and turn counter‑clockwise to remove.
Lock Washers
What is a lock washer and how does it work?
A lock washer is a metal spacer that is designed to reduce the loosening of bolts and screws from their mating assembly. Lock washers come in a variety of types, the most common being split and toothed washers. The spring tension of these washers prevents loosening by creating pressure against a fastener's threads and its mating part.
What's the difference between split vs. toothed lock washers?
Split lock washers are a helically split ring whose open ends dig into its partnering fastener and joining material to reduce counter‑clockwise rotation. Toothed washer varieties are available with either internal or external teeth, also called tangs. When a screw or bolt is tightened down onto these washers, the tangs "bite" into the fastened material with moderate spring resistance against the fastener reducing the likelihood of loosening caused by vibrations.
Where do you place a lock washer?
Lock washers are placed between the mating surface of an assembly and an accompanying nut. In applications where a standard flat washer is also used, the lock washer should be placed between the flat washer and the nut.
When should lock washers be used?
Lock washers should be used any time a bolted assembly will be subjected to constant vibrations. The lock washer will reduce the risk of unwanted loosening of the assembly.
What's the difference between a lock washer and a regular washer?
Lock washers vary in design, but all variations feature spring like qualities that apply pressure to the adjoining nut. This pressure creates locking friction between the threads of the adjoining nut and the mating shank. The friction reduces the risk of unwanted loosening caused by vibration.
Regular washers are smooth and have a wider face than lock washers. They are designed to spread loads applied to a component from fastening and do not provide any spring pressure.
Are lock washers effective?
Yes. When used correctly, lock washers are a simple, effective method for reducing the risk of unwanted loosening of joined assemblies.
Poodle Clips
What is a poodle clip?
Poodle clips, sometimes called PO‑Clips, are an external, radially‑assembled, heavy duty ring with shoulders or "ears" that resemble that of a poodle dog. The large shoulders and thicker material is larger than standard E‑Clips, offering extra retention surface against the retained part.
How to install poodle clips:
Poodle clips are a reusable clip that can be installed radially on a shaft using an applicator or standard pliers and screwdriver. To install, grasp the closed end of the clip with pliers and align the opening of the clip 90‑degrees to the desired shaft location. Push the clip onto the shaft until the ears are seated firmly in the shaft groove or against the shaft surface.
How to remove poodle clips:
Removing a poodle clip can be accomplished using a standard screwdriver or othered tapered flat ended tool. A small space is provided at the closed end of the clip that allows the screwdriver to be placed between the shaft and the clip. With the tip of the screwdriver placed in the space, push the clip away from the shaft until its ears have cleared the shaft's surface.
Prong Locked Rings
What is a prong locked ring?
Prong locked rings, sometimes called EL Clips, are a variation of a bowed E‑Clip with prongs that secure the clip into place. This radially‑installed part functions as both a shoulder and spring due to its curved shape and prongs. High thrust load capacity and unique design make this a good retainer against rotating parts.
How to install a prong locked ring:
Installing an EL Clip does not take any special tools. However, an applicator or needle‑nose pliers can be used to ease installation. To install an EL Clip with needle‑nose pliers, grasp the closed end of the clip with the pliers and position the clip at a 90‑degree angle to the desired shaft. Once the clip is aligned to its desired location, push it onto the shaft.
How to remove a prong locked ring:
To remove a prong locked ring, needle‑nose pliers can ease the process. Grasp the closed end of the clip with the pliers and pull back away from the shaft. A flat head screwdriver can also be used to remove a prong locked clip. Position the screwdriver against the open end of the EL Clip and push, forcing the clip away from the shaft.
Push-On Rings
What is a push‑on (self locking) retaining ring?
Push‑On Rings are an axially installed, self‑locking retaining ring that applies frictional force against a shaft or housing to hold a mechanical component in place.
How to pick the right size push on ring:
The tangs from the ring should slightly grip the shaft or bore it is being placed on, leaving a slight indentation into its mating part. In most cases, push on retaining rings can be installed by hand. Sometimes simple tools, like a socket, are needed for an easier install.
How to install push on rings:
To install, place the ring over the shaft or in the bore and push with even pressure across the retainer. If using a socket to install the ring, ensure that the socket is as close to the same size of the ring as possible without being larger. A larger socket may cause interference with the walls of a bore or housing for internal applications.
Snap Rings
What is a snap ring?
Snap rings, sometimes referred to as circlips or seeger rings, are a stamped tapered section retaining ring. These axially installed rings are often used in external 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. Retaining rings are found in a variety of applications including automotive transmissions and hub assemblies.
How to install a snap ring?
Snap rings, or circlips, can be installed internally or externally in grooves of shafts, bores, and housings using retaining ring pliers.
Internal Snap Rings:
Internally installed snap rings are designed with lugs at the opening of the ring. These lugs protrude toward the inside diameter of the ring to avoid interference with the bore or housing wall.
To install an internal snap ring:
- Insert the jaws of the retaining ring pliers into the holes provided in the lugs.
- Close the jaws until the ring diameter is slightly smaller than the housing or bore it is being installed in.
- Once the ring is in its desired location, release the jaws to allow the ring to return to its normal state.
- Inspect the circumference of the ring to ensure that it is seated securely and evenly in the machined groove.
To remove internal snap rings, insert the jaw tips of the retaining ring pliers into the notches of the ring. Compress the ring until it has reached a diameter that is smaller than the housing walls and lift out.
External Snap Rings:
Externally installed snap rings are also designed with lugs at the opening of the ring. These lugs protrude toward the outside diameter of the ring to provide even, 360‑degree contact with the shaft groove.
To install external snap rings:
- Place the jaws of the pliers into lug holes and spread the jaws until the ring is a slightly larger diameter than the shaft it's being installed on.
- Next, slide the ring down the shaft to the desired groove and close the jaws.
- The ring will return to its original shape, providing a secure fit around the shaft.
To remove external snap rings, insert the jaws of the retaining ring pliers into the lug holes provided. Spread the jaws apart until the ring's diameter is slightly larger than the shaft and slide the ring off the shaft.
Spiral Rings
What are spiral retaining rings?
Spiral retaining rings are commonly used for shafts (external), housing/bores (internal), and bearing retention — or any application that requires 360‑degree contact with a groove and shoulder of the assembling part.
How to install spiral retaining rings:
Installing the ring does not require any special tools. Spiral rings can be installed either by hand or by automated tools. To install spiral rings:
- Separate the coils and insert the exposed end of the ring into the shaft or housing groove.
- Next, wind the ring until the coils are closed and the ring is seated evenly in the desired groove.
Split Rings
What are split rings?
A split ring is a metal, wire formed ring that consists of two complete turns of a helix pressed flat together.
How to open split rings:
The most common method of opening split rings is by separating the coils by hand, however for heavier duty rings, this method can be troublesome. Needle‑nose pliers are a great alternative. To open:
- Secure the ring by hand or in a vice and grasp the exposed end of the ring where the coil ends with the pliers.
- Carefully pull the end of the ring away to create a gap in the coil.
- To keep the split ring open, wedge one of the plier jaws in the coil leaving the gap between the end of the ring and the rest of the coil.
Upholstery Rings
What are upholstery rings?
Upholstery Rings, commonly called hog rings, are u‑shaped rings bent during installation to secure two objects together. Once installed, they feature a firm grip that is unlikely to work itself loose and are generally more secure than nails or staples.
How to install and remove hog rings from upholstery:
To ease installation, bent or straight
hog ring pliers are recommended.
- Simply insert the upholstery ring into the grooves of the pliers with the ring opening facing outward.
- With the ring in the pliers, position the ring opening over the desired application.
- Squeeze the plier handles to shut the ring.
Since upholstery rings are not intended to be reused, the quickest and simplest method of removal is to cut the ring free using a pair of side cutting pliers.
Wire Retaining Rings
What are the different types of wire retaining rings?
- Rectangular wire rings are a rectangle section wire retaining ring that is axially installed onto a shaft using retaining ring pliers.
- Round wire rings are a round section wire retaining ring that is axially installed onto a shaft using retaining ring pliers.
- Square wire rings are a square section wire retaining ring that is axially installed onto a shaft using retaining ring pliers.
What are wire retaining rings?
Wire retaining rings are a rectangle, round, or square section wire retaining ring that is axially installed onto a shaft using retaining ring pliers. Retaining ring pliers are designed to widen the gap of the ring, temporarily giving it a wider diameter for fitment over a shaft.
How to install wire retaining rings:
- Place the jaws of the pliers in the gap and spread them until the ring is a slightly larger diameter than the shaft it's being installed on.
- Next, slide the ring down the shaft to the desired groove or location and close the jaws.
- The ring will return to its original shape, providing a secure fit around the shaft.
How to remove wire retaining rings:
- Insert the jaws of the retaining ring pliers into the gap of the wire ring.
- Spread the jaws apart until the ring's diameter is slightly larger than the shaft.
- Slide the ring off the shaft.
X-Rings
What is an X‑Ring?
X‑Rings, or X retaining fasteners, are a heavier constructed crimp style fastener commonly used in grooved shaft assemblies providing 360‑degree closure.
How to install X‑ring retaining rings:
Installation of X‑Rings does not require any special tools. To install an X‑ring fastener:
- Position the ring at a 90‑degree angle to the desired shaft and push it into the groove. For grooveless applications, push the ring down the shaft to the desired location.
- Once the ring is seated in its proper position, squeeze the open end of the ring shut with standard pliers.
- This creates a secure, 360‑degree closure around the shaft.
To remove the X‑Ring, squeeze the tangs opposite of the open end together. This will create a gap at the opening of the ring sufficient enough for removal.
Can you re‑use X‑rings?
Since X‑Rings are not made of spring metal, they are weakened after removal and should not be re‑used.
