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 and remove internal & external snap rings
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.