Circlips, E-clips and Retaining Rings

A circlip is a split ring that snaps into a groove in a shaft or housing to form a shoulder. Select by the groove size, not simply the shaft diameter. Using the wrong ring, or reusing a sprung ring, may let a bearing or seal shift in service.

Sizes are typically specified by the nominal shaft or bore diameter. Metric circlips commonly follow DIN 471 (external, for shafts) and DIN 472 (internal, for bores). E-clips commonly follow DIN 6799.

• External circlips (DIN 471 style): fit into a groove on a shaft; installed with circlip pliers.
• Internal circlips (DIN 472 style): fit into a groove in a bore.
• E-clips (DIN 6799 style): radial-fit clips pushed on from the side onto a narrow groove; sized by groove diameter.
• Spiral retaining rings: wound without ears, giving full 360-degree support.
• Wire snap rings and crescent rings: light-duty retention.
• Bowed and heavy-duty rings: for end float control and higher loads.
• Assortment kits: mixed metric or imperial ranges for workshops.

Load rating depends on the groove depth and material as well as the ring. Values here are typical only; always confirm against the manufacturer's data for your application.

1. Decide whether the ring goes on a shaft (external) or in a bore (internal).
2. Measure the groove diameter and groove width, and the shaft or bore diameter.
3. Check ring thickness against groove width. A ring that is too thin will rattle; too thick will not seat.
4. Decide on material and finish.
5. Use proper circlip pliers and avoid over-opening, which permanently distorts the ring. Do not reuse deformed rings.

Related fitting jobs include bearing and seal installations in seal installation and maintenance training.

The more of the following you can supply, the faster the part can be identified and quoted.

• Shaft or bore diameter
• Groove diameter and width
• Ring thickness
• Internal, external or E-clip style
• Metric or imperial
• Material and finish
• Quantity or kit requirement
• Photo or sample

Customers can enquire about genuine or compatible replacement parts for equipment from manufacturers such as Burgmann, John Crane, Chesterton, Grundfos, KSB, Flygt, Lowara, Goulds, Sulzer, Flowserve, Klinger, Flexitallic, Trelleborg and others. A genuine part is supplied by or made to the original equipment manufacturer's specification and part number. A compatible part is made to fit the same dimensions and duty, usually by another manufacturer, and may differ in material or finish. Rings from different makers share DIN dimensions but can differ in spring steel quality and axial load rating. For critical retention, request the load data. State clearly in your enquiry which you want, and say whether a part number or sample is available.

Globseals supports three ways to buy, and the right one depends on how well the part is defined.

• Buy online where a product listing shows a confirmed price. Products are being added to the shop progressively, so not every item in this category is listed yet.
• Request a quote for custom, bulk or unpriced items. Assortment kits, bulk packs and special rings are quoted. Use the quote request page.
• Technical review when identification is unresolved. Examples include non-standard grooves, high axial loads and corrosive duty. Start with Find My Seal or upload a drawing.

You can also phone 011 079 6033 or WhatsApp 079 508 0989, or email info@globseals.com. See delivery and collection for how orders are handled; courier costs are quoted per order.

These pages help with identification and selection:

• Rotary shaft and oil seals
• Shaft repair sleeves
• Disc springs and related components
• Mechanical seals
• How to measure a hydraulic seal