Retaining Rings Key Terms

Some key terms for types of retaining rings

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

The class of engineering objects known as retaining rings are small pieces made in a variety of materials that fit into product designs to hold specific components in place. Internal and external retaining rings operate differently: external rings put pressure inward onto a pole, bar or similar structure, while internal rings push out against a housing. Knowing about some of the terms for specific retaining ring products will help a business figure out which models could help decrease costs for their products.

Axial position

An axial position is a position relative to a vertical or horizontal piece that locks something into place. Retaining rings provide support for an axial position in a variety of ways, by creating their own pressure or by fitting into a groove engineered into the design.
Try: Find more details on the meaning of axial to understand an axial position at the Free Dictionary.

External retaining ring

An external retaining ring is a ring that works from the outside of the pole, bar or other object to exert "radial pressure" or pressure toward the center to hold a position. Those ordering external retaining rings for engineering products need to think about load factors, sizing to fit and other issues.
Try: See more on external retaining rings at Ring Masters online.

Self-locking retaining rings

Self-locking retaining rings are models that do not require a groove to fit into an object and hold a position. Makers refer to these as cost-effective solutions for avoiding the need to engineer a specific groove in a product.
Try: See more on self-locking retaining rings and other similar products at RotorClip.

E-ring

An E-ring is a type of retaining ring with three distinct pieces to hold the axial position in place. It looks like an E because of the internal placement of the three tabs. E-rings are common for a variety of industrial uses.
Try: See more details on E-rings at Arcon Ring.

Retaining ring pliers

Retaining ring pliers are specialized hand tools for extracting retaining rings from a product or otherwise handling the ring piece.
Try: See details on retaining ring pliers models at Crawford Tool.

Push on retaining rings

Push on retaining rings are another set of retaining ring models that do not need a groove to operate. These ring types use a series of small prongs to create their own pressure, as internal rings pushing out on a housing.
Try: See more on push on retaining rings at American Ring & Tool.