Tapered Section Retaining Ring (Circlip): What it is, Advantages, and Installation/Removal

What is a Tapered Section Retaining Ring (Circlip)?

Tapered Section Retaining Rings, also referred to as circlips, are retaining rings with a tapered radial wall. Tapered Section Retaining Rings can be axially installed into a bore/shaft groove to safely secure assemblies in place. They are designed for high thrust loads and heavy-duty applications.

They are called Tapered Section Retaining Rings because of their tapered radial wall. From the lugs at the gap, the radial wall width increases until it reached the point opposite of the gap.

The tapered radial wall helps the ring maintain its circular shape and maintain nearly full contact with the groove when installed.

What are the advantages of a Tapered Section Retaining Ring?

Tapered Section Retaining Rings offer the following benefits:

• Can withstand significant thrust loading
• Tight tolerances to industry standards and specifications
• Special pliers can be used to simplify installation and removal
• Available in Spring Steel SAE 1060 and 1074

Where Are Tapered Section Retaining Rings Used?

Tapered Section Retaining Rings are used in thousands of applications across industries such as:

• Automotive and Agricultural Machinery (Engines, Transmission Components, Suspensions, Brakes)
• High-Temperature Machinery
• Naval Industry
• Furniture Industry
• And much more!

What Are Some Application Examples of Tapered Section Retaining Rings?

Some common applications that may use Tapered Section Retaining Rings are:

• Actuators
• Gears
• Rotary Unions
• Rocker Arms

Internal tapered section ring secures actuator components	External tapered section ring secures a gear

Internal tapered section ring secures a rotary union	External tapered section ring secures a rocker arm

How Do You Install Tapered Section Retaining Rings?

Tapered section retaining rings can be axially installed into a bore or shaft groove to safely secure components in place.

This style of retaining rings has lugs and lug holes that aid in installation and removal using retaining ring pliers. Ring expansion and contraction should be limited to avoid possible deformation caused by installation. See our Installation Guides below for more information.

Internal Tapered Section Retaining Ring Installation

External Tapered Section Retaining Ring Installation

How Do You Remove Tapered Section Retaining Rings?

Removal of Tapered Section Retaining Rings can be achieved with the help of retaining ring pliers.

RRSD (DIN-471)

We recommend using pliers DIN 5254, which have stop and return screws to safely and gradually control ring expansion.

RSHD (DIN-472)

We recommend using pliers DIN 5256, which have stop and return screws to safely and gradually control ring contraction.

How do I know Which Retaining Ring is Right for My Application?

If you’re not sure whether a Tapered Section Retaining Ring is suitable for your application, consider the following options:

• Consult a China Wave Spring Engineer
• Try it out for yourself, get FREE Samples
• Review alternative retaining ring types such as Spirolox(R) Spiral Retaining Rings and Constant Section Snap Rings