Retaining Ring Application Examples

See How Circlips, Snap Rings & Spiral Rings Are Used in Different Assemblies

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Retention Across Countless Applications

Chances are, you’ve used a product or piece of equipment with a retaining ring inside it without ever knowing it was there. These parts are used in assemblies across virtually every industry. For decades, Rotor Clip has supplied retaining rings for applications ranging from automotive and aerospace systems to medical devices, industrial equipment, energy infrastructure, and more. As the only manufacturer of every style of retaining ring, Rotor Clip offers tapered section retaining rings (circlips), radial retaining rings, constant section retaining rings (snap rings), and spiral retaining rings for a wide range of application requirements.

Explore the examples below to see how different retaining ring styles are used within an assembly.

Circlip Application Examples

Actuator assembly with internal tapered section retaining ring circlip securing components inside the housing bore

Actuator with Internal Circlip

Pulley assembly using internal and external tapered section retaining ring circlips for component retention

Pulley with Internal & External Circlips

Gear assembly with bowed external tapered section retaining ring circlip providing retention on the shaft

Gear Retention with Bowed External Circlip

Rocker arm assembly with reinforced external tapered section retaining ring circlip securing components on the shaft

Rocker Arm with Reinforced External Circlip

Coupled gear and keyed drive shaft assembly with external tapered section retaining ring circlip for axial retention

Coupled Gear to Key Drive Shaft with External Circlip

Electric vehicle motor assembly with balanced external tapered section retaining ring circlip securing shaft components

EV Motor with Balanced External Circlip

Clutch assembly using an external tapered section retaining ring circlip and radial E-ring for component retention

Clutch with External Circlip & E-Ring

Industrial pipe cleaning assembly with internal tapered section retaining ring circlip securing components inside the housing

Pipe Cleaner with Internal Circlip

Wind turbine gear drive assembly with external tapered section retaining ring circlip securing components on the shaft

Wind Turbine Gear Drive with External Circlip

Radial Retaining Ring Application Examples

Electric motor assembly with reinforced radial E-ring retaining components on the motor shaft

Electric Motor with Reinforced E-Ring

Foot pedal assembly with radial poodle retaining ring securing components on the pivot shaft

Foot Pedal with Poodle Ring

Drone electric motor assembly with radial E-ring securing components on the motor shaft

Drone Motor with E-Ring

Mechanical hinge assembly with radial E-ring retaining the hinge pin and securing components in position

Hinge with E-Ring

Industrial conveyor roller assembly with radial E-ring securing the roller components on the shaft

Conveyor Roller with E-Ring

Fork shift mechanism with radial E-ring securing components on the pivot shaft

Shift Fork with E-Ring

Self-Locking, Push-On Retaining Ring Application Examples

Cordless drill assembly with self-locking push-on retaining ring securing components on the shaft

Cordless Drill with Push-On Ring

Sensor contact retainer assembly with self-locking push-on retaining rings securing electrical contact components

Sensor Contact Retainer with Push-On Ring

Automotive steering wheel assembly with self-locking push-on retaining ring securing components within the steering wheel

Automotive Steering Wheel with Push-On Ring

Snap Ring Application Examples

Clutch assembly with constant section snap ring securing components on the shaft

Clutch with Snap Ring

Automotive CV joint assembly with round wire snap ring securing components on the shaft

CV-Joint with Round Wire Snap Ring

Hydraulic cylinder assembly with constant section snap ring retaining components within the cylinder

Hydraulic Cylinder with Snap Ring

Clevis joint assembly with constant section snap ring securing components on the pivot pin

Clevis Joint with Snap Ring

Spiral Retaining Ring Application Examples

Rotary union assembly with spiral retaining ring securing components within the housing bore

Rotary Union with Spiral Ring

Keg assembly with spiral retaining ring securing internal components within the keg fitting

Keg with Spiral Ring

Power drill torque coupling assembly with spiral retaining ring securing internal coupling components

Power Drill Torque Coupling with Spiral Ring

Medical hip replacement assembly with spiral retaining ring securing components within the joint assembly

Hip Replacement with Spiral Ring

Industrial quick-connect coupling with spiral retaining ring securing components within the fitting bore

Quick Connect Coupling with Spiral Ring

Intake pump assembly with two-turn spiral retaining ring securing internal pump components within the housing

Intake Pump with Two-Turn Spiral Ring

Decades of Experience in Your Industry

With decades of engineering experience, in-house manufacturing, and certifications supporting industry-specific requirements, Rotor Clip supports retaining ring applications from initial design and part selection through production.

Select your industry to see how Rotor Clip can support your specific requirements.

Aerospace ›
 Automotive ›
 Defense ›
 E-Mobility ›
 Energy ›
Industrial ›
 Medical ›
 Off-Highway ›
 Oil & Gas ›
 Distribution ›

Retaining Ring Application FAQs

Find answers to common questions about retaining ring applications, selection, and support.

Retaining rings are used in mechanical assemblies across virtually every industry, including automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial, energy, and off-highway applications. They secure components on shafts or within bores and housings.

Yes. Rotor Clip provides samples of standard retaining rings so parts can be evaluated for fit and function in an application before production.

Request retaining ring samples

Retaining ring selection depends on factors including shaft or bore diameter, thrust load, groove dimensions, available space, installation method, material, finish, and operating environment. Rotor Clip engineers can help evaluate these requirements and identify the appropriate retaining ring style and configuration for your application.

Contact our team

Axial retaining rings are installed over the end of a shaft or into a bore, while radial retaining rings are installed directly into a shaft groove from the side. If either style can be used, factors such as shoulder size, thrust load, RPM, and assembly access can help determine the appropriate configuration. Radial rings generally accommodate lower thrust loads than axial retaining rings and are commonly selected when side installation is required.

Yes. Retaining rings can be customized when a standard part does not meet an application’s requirements. Custom modifications can include dimensions and tolerances, section thickness, materials and finishes, end configurations and other application specific features.

Explore custom capabilities

More than Parts. A True Partnership.

Our passion is creating the best rings, springs, and clamps. Our mission is to make your work a success. We are here for you.

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