DIN Standard Retaining Rings (Circlips / Tapered Section)

Metric Internal & External Retaining Rings

What Are DIN Retaining Rings?

DIN retaining rings are standardized metric circlips engineered for precise axial retention either on shafts or within housings. Manufactured according to Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) standard, these rings sit in machined grooves where, theoretically, the groove is expected to yield before the ring. They secure components such as bearings, gears, and pulleys, eliminating the need for threaded surfaces, drilled holes, or turned shoulders. DIN rings are designed to be robust enough to outlast the applications in which they are used, even under dynamic loads.

Among the most widely used are DIN 471 external rings (for shafts) and DIN 472 internal rings (for housings), but Rotor Clip manufactures and supplies even more of DIN standards, including DIN 6799 (DE), DIN 983 (DST), and DIN 984 (DHT), to meet diverse application needs. While ANSI (American National Standards Institute) rings are used primarily in the US, DIN rings remain the foundational standard worldwide, alongside other global standards such as EN and JIS.

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Rotor Clip DIN-Standard Retaining Rings

Rotor Clip manufactures DIN-standard retaining rings in-house to ensure quality, reliability, and full compliance with international standards. From widely used external and internal circlips to other DIN designs, these rings are offered in both standard and reinforced versions, with a broad range of sizes, materials, and finishes to support diverse application requirements.

Explore some of our DIN retaining ring series below

DSH circlip

DIN 471

DSH – External Tapered Section Ring

DSH rings are external, axially assembled metric retaining rings designed for shafts. Once installed in a groove, the ring’s shoulder prevents axial movement and secures assemblies in place during operation.

DIN 472 DHO Circlip

DIN 472

DHO – Internal Tapered Section Ring

Designed for internal use in housings or bores, DHO rings are axially assembled metric retaining rings that provide secure axial retention. Once installed in the groove, the ring’s shoulder holds components like bearings and bushings firmly in place.

DSR circlip

DIN 471 Reinforced

DSR – External Tapered Section Ring

DSR rings offer reinforced retention for shafts, with a thicker design than standard DSH retaining rings. Ideal for heavy-duty applications, they provide stronger axial load capacity while maintaining DIN 471 compatibility and ease of installation.

DHR Din Circlip Retaining Ring

DIN 472 Reinforced

DHR – Internal Tapered Section Ring

A reinforced version of the DHO ring, this internal retaining ring features a thicker cross-section and larger radial wall for increased strength. It is axially installed in a housing or bore groove and uses its extended shoulder to reliably retain components under higher loads.

DST retaining ring

DIN 983

DST- External Teeth, Metric Tapered Section Ring

DST rings mount on the outside of shafts with evenly spaced teeth around the circumference. The teeth form a reinforced shoulder, providing strong axial retention for applications with large radii or chamfers.

DHT DIN retaining ring

DIN 984

DHT- Internal Teeth, Metric Tapered Section Ring

DHT rings fit inside housings or bores, with teeth along the inner circumference. The teeth create an extended shoulder for increased abutment and reliable axial retention in applications with large radii or chamfers.

DIN 6799 retaining ring

DIN 6799

DE- Radially Assembled, External E, Metric

DE rings fit onto shafts and are installed radially into a groove without the need to access the shaft end. Their “E” shape provides three points of contact for secure axial retention. This design allows for quick installation and removal, if necessary, while maintaining reliable performance in high-volume assembly applications.

Engineered Advantages of Rotor Clip DIN Rings

  • Manufactured in-house for consistent quality, full DIN standard compliance, and traceability
  • Available in both standard and reinforced (heavy-duty) styles to meet specific application demands
  • Offered in a wide range of sizes, materials, and finishes to support design flexibility
  • Trusted by OEMs in automotive, truck and off-highway, and oil and gas industries

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Expert Retaining Ring & Wave Spring Support from Prototype to Production

At Rotor Clip, we collaborate with you to manufacture retaining ring (circlips, snap rings, spiral rings) and wave spring solutions tailored to the exact needs of your application, from initial design through final production. With decades of experience and in-house manufacturing, we deliver the performance, reliability, and trusted support you need.

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Frequently Asked Tapered Section Ring / Circlip Questions

Explore More Common Asked Questions About Snap Rings & Circlips

DIN 471 tapered section retaining rings are designed for external use on shafts, while DIN 472 rings are for internal use in bores or housings. Both provide secure axial retention and are available in standard and reinforced versions.

Reinforced retaining rings have a thicker cross-section and larger radial wall than standard rings, offering added strength and stability. Reinforced rings like the DHR (internal) and DSR (external) series are recommended when the application involves higher axial loads, more demanding operating conditions, or when increased durability is required. They provide greater holding power, making them ideal for heavy-duty or high-performance assemblies.

Yes. Rotor Clip DIN retaining rings / circlips are suitable for both manual and automated installation using standard retaining ring tools or feeding systems, depending on the ring size and application.

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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