Retaining Rings (Circlips) are used primarily for axial retention of components on shafts and in bores. This page summarizes where they fit, the industries that rely on them, and the practical points to get right when you specify them — to DIN 471 / DIN 472. Stocked across roughly M3 to M100, they cover general to heavy-duty work.
Typical Applications for Retaining Rings (Circlips)
The most common settings where these are specified:
- 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.
- Shafts & gearboxes: retaining bearings, gears and pulleys against axial movement.
How to Specify Retaining Rings (Circlips) for Your Application
- Size: Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product spans M3–M100; 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 DIN 471 / DIN 472. Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions between suppliers.
Where Retaining Rings (Circlips) Are Not the Right Choice
Not for heavy axial thrust beyond the groove rating, and not where the groove cannot be machined to spec.