What is a Retaining Ring?

The traditional method for fastening components and assemblies in housings and on shafts usually involves some type of shaft/housing preparation and multiple components to accomplish the fastening task. Note the example on the left above. You could hold the shaft to the brace by drilling a hole through it, installing a washer and fastening the system with a cotter pin.

Or, you could simply machine a groove onto the shaft and install a retaining ring (example on right). It creates a “shoulder” that retains the component or assembly. Using retaining rings instead of traditional fasteners means fewer parts, less material and lower costs for you as well as less waste for the planet.

Selecting the right retaining ring for your application can further reduce your costs. To determine the best ring for your application, use our product search or click on the products links under “Navigation” on our home page. Or, contact our technical sales department at 1-800-557-6867, ext. 219 or by emailing our  Technical Sales Department