Axially Assembled Tapered Section Retaining Rings

Axially installed tapered section retaining rings, also known as circlips, have a tapered shape where the height of the ring decreases symmetrically from the top to the free ends. This allows the ring to grip the bottom of the groove and withstand significant thrust loading, meeting functional, safety and reliability requirements across applications in almost every industry. Rotor Clip tapered section rings are manufactured in a variety of sizes to worldwide standards including Inch, DIN (Metric), ANSI and JIS. Whatever the requirement, we can provide you with the right retaining ring for your application, every time. Sizes available from:
  • Standard: .040” to 15” (1 mm to 1000 mm)
  • Custom: .040” to 47” (1 mm to 1200 mm)
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Axially Assembled Tapered Section Retaining Rings

Installation

Axially installed tapered section rings are installed into a groove on the inside of a cylindrical component such as a housing or bore, ensuring a secure fit. Tapered section rings also feature lugs and lug holes to simplify installation and removal. The ring is typically installed by compressing the lugs using retaining ring pliers, and sliding it into place in the groove. Once the retaining ring is properly installed, it will create a secure and reliable assembly, securely holding everything in place.

Ring Pliers

Beveled and Bowed Retaining Rings

Beveled and bowed retaining rings offer distinct benefits as alternatives to other rings in the tapered section category. These specialized designs optimize performance, reliability, and ease of use for specific applications.

beveled retaining ring render and side view

Beveled Retaining Rings

Beveled retaining rings serve the same purpose as tapered section rings but they work on a different principle. Advantage is taken of the ring’s spring characteristics, but in the ring’s own plane. The internal retaining ring has a 15 degree bevel along the outer periphery, and the external retaining ring has it along the inner edge. The groove profile corresponds to that of the ring, with the beveled wall bearing the load. Here, the calculation of groove location is of the utmost importance.

bowed retaining ring render and side view

Bowed Retaining Rings

Retaining Rings can be used to compensate for accumulated tolerances, wear in the assembly, and also to exert pressure against their retained parts. Most retaining rings are made from spring materials and are heat-treated to retain their resiliency. Bowed retaining rings can be flattened under pressure and will return to their set height when pressure is released. When the ring is flattened either partially or completely, it exerts counter-pressure in much the same way as a spring, taking up endplay.

Application Examples

Axial retaining rings can be found in applications across every industry. Here are some examples.

Linear Worm Actuator Retaining Ring

Linear Worm Actuator Retaining Ring

Pulley System Retaining Ring

Pulley System Retaining Ring

Rocker Arm Retaining Ring

Rocker Arm Retaining Ring

axial retaining rings in varying materials

Materials & Finishes for Axial Retaining Rings

Rotor Clip provides a variety of materials and finishes to suit any application.

More about material & finish options

Retaining rings customized for your project

Standard or custom, coiled or stamped, our rings are engineered for you. Send us your application requirements.

Jeff Finkernagel
Director of Technical Sales EngineeringRotor Clip

Talk to the Engineering Team

Rotor Clip Axially Assembled Tapered Section Retaining Rings

Internal Inch

Internal Metric

Internal ANSI Metric

External Inch

External Metric

External ANSI Metric