Retaining Ring (Circlip) (ISO / DIN) are specified where the joint requires axial retention of components on shafts and in bores. The sections below cover the typical end-uses by industry, the size and material decisions for each, assembly practice, and the applications this fastener type is not suited to. Stocked across roughly 8 mm to 100 mm, they cover general to heavy-duty work.
Typical Applications for Retaining Ring (Circlip) — ISO / DIN (Series 147)
The most common settings where these are specified:
- Hydraulic & pneumatic: holding pistons and seals in bores.
- Automotive driveline: axial location on rotating shafts.
- General machine building: fastening covers, brackets, motors and sub-assemblies on production equipment.
- Maintenance & repair (MRO): a stocked size for servicing existing plant where the original fastener spec must be matched.
- Fabrication & metalwork: bench and on-site assembly of steel frames, enclosures and weldments.
How to Specify Retaining Ring (Circlip) — ISO / DIN (Series 147) for Your Application
- Size: Select on nominal diameter, then on the hole tolerance and fit class — the fit, not the diameter alone, determines whether the part locates or slips. This product spans 8 mm–100 mm; check the full table below for the exact dimensions of each size.
- Groove fit: Specify to the shaft or bore groove diameter; the ring must seat fully in the groove to carry the thrust load.
- Environment: For damp, coastal or chemical exposure prefer A4/316 stainless or a suitable coating; indoors, plated steel or A2 is usually sufficient.
- Standard: This product is supplied to ISO / DIN. Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions between suppliers.
Installation & Assembly Practice
- Use the correct circlip pliers for the ring size; over-spreading a ring permanently reduces its retention.
- Check the ring is fully seated in the groove around its whole circumference before loading the assembly.
Common Selection Mistakes with Retaining Ring (Circlip) — ISO / DIN (Series 147)
- Machining the groove to the shaft tolerance instead of the groove dimensions in the ring standard.
- Loading a standard ring axially beyond the groove rating instead of moving to a heavy-duty section ring.
Where Retaining Ring (Circlip) — ISO / DIN (Series 147) Are Not the Right Choice
Not for heavy axial thrust beyond the groove rating, and not where the groove cannot be machined to spec.
