---
title: "What Are Spiral Retaining Rings Used For?"
description: "Spiral Retaining Rings (Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring)) are used for axial retention on a shaft or in a bore where the ring must bear on the full…"
url: https://engineeringhardware.com/applications/spiral-retaining-rings/
source: Engineering Hardware & Fasteners
---

# What Are Spiral Retaining Rings Used For?

Retaining Rings · Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring) · Application guide

Typical applications, the industries that specify spiral retaining rings, and how to choose the right size, material and finish for the joint.

Spiral Retaining Rings are used for axial retention on a shaft or in a bore where the ring must bear on the full circumference and nothing may protrude above the groove. They are manufactured to Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring), and selection is driven by the shaft / bore diameter, the fit and tolerance the assembly requires, and the service environment.

- **Primary duty:** Axial retention on a shaft or in a bore where the ring must bear on the full circumference and nothing may protrude above the groove
- **Governing standard:** Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring)
- **Shaft / bore diameter range:** 10 mm to 50 mm
- **Category:** Retaining Rings

Application notes are general engineering guidance. Verify the property class and any approval requirement against your own design calculation.

![What Are Spiral Retaining Rings Used For? application image](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Spiral-Retaining-Rings.webp)

Spiral Retaining Rings are used primarily for axial retention on a shaft or in a bore where the ring must bear on the full circumference and nothing may protrude above the groove. This page lists the industries and assemblies where they are specified, the selection criteria that matter for each application, installation practice, and the cases where a different fastener type is the correct choice. Parts are supplied to Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring). Stocked across roughly 10 mm to 50 mm, they cover general to heavy-duty work.

## Typical Applications for Spiral Retaining Rings

The most common settings where these are specified:

- **Fabrication & metalwork:** bench and on-site assembly of steel frames, enclosures and weldments.
- **Shafts & gearboxes:** retaining bearings, gears and pulleys against axial movement.
- **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.

Product catalog

## Related Spiral Retaining Rings products

[![Surface Hardened Chrome Moly Steel with Retaining Ring Grooves Shaft](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Surface-Hardened-Chrome-Moly-Steel-with-Retaining-Ring-Grooves-Shaft.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/surface-hardened-chrome-moly-steel-with-retaining-ring-grooves-shaft/)

Spiral, Snap & Specialty Retaining Rings

### [Surface Hardened Chrome Moly Steel with Retaining Ring Grooves Shaft](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/surface-hardened-chrome-moly-steel-with-retaining-ring-grooves-shaft/)

Circular Gear · Stainless Steel

**US$0.60 – 24.00**MOQ 10 pieces

[![Snap Ring / Retaining Ring (M2400 / SW)](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Snap-Ring-Retaining-Ring-M2400-SW.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/snap-ring-retaining-ring-m2400-sw/)

Spiral, Snap & Specialty Retaining Rings

### [Snap Ring / Retaining Ring (M2400 / SW)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/snap-ring-retaining-ring-m2400-sw/)

DIN, ANSI,BS ISO,UNI,Non-standard · Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel

**US$0.096 – 0.12**MOQ 5,000 pieces

[![Heavy-Duty Zinc Plated C-Retaining Rings for Industrial Applications](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Heavy-Duty-Zinc-Plated-C-Retaining-Rings-for-Industrial-Applications.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/heavy-duty-zinc-plated-c-retaining-rings-for-industrial-applications/)

Spiral, Snap & Specialty Retaining Rings

### [Heavy-Duty Zinc Plated C-Retaining Rings for Industrial Applications](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/heavy-duty-zinc-plated-c-retaining-rings-for-industrial-applications/)

Cold Stamping · Carbon Steel

**US$0.18 – 7.80**MOQ 10,000 pieces

[![Custom Clamps 200mm Quick Release Rapid Lock Ring Ductwork Clamps Drum Locking Ring Clamps](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Custom-Clamps-200mm-Quick-Release-Rapid-Lock-Ring-Ductwork-Clamps-Drum-Locking-Ring-Clamps.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/custom-clamps-200mm-quick-release-rapid-lock-ring-ductwork-clamps-drum-locking-ring/)

Spiral, Snap & Specialty Retaining Rings

### [Custom Clamps 200mm Quick Release Rapid Lock Ring Ductwork Clamps Drum Locking Ring Clamps](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/custom-clamps-200mm-quick-release-rapid-lock-ring-ductwork-clamps-drum-locking-ring/)

80mm~600mm · Standard

**US$1.80 – 3.00**MOQ 100 pieces

[![Premium Snap Rings for Rolling Bearings with Precision Groove](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/Premium-Snap-Rings-for-Rolling-Bearings-with-Precision-Groove.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/premium-snap-rings-for-rolling-bearings-with-precision-groove/)

Spiral, Snap & Specialty Retaining Rings

### [Premium Snap Rings for Rolling Bearings with Precision Groove](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/premium-snap-rings-for-rolling-bearings-with-precision-groove/)

DIN, ASTM, GOST, GB, JIS, ANSI, BS · Stainless Steel

**US$0.012 – 0.06**MOQ 1,000 pieces

[![DIN 5417 Securing Parts for Rolling Bearings – Snap Rings for Bearings with Ring Groove](https://img.engineeringhardware.com/DIN-5417-Securing-Parts-for-Rolling-Bearings-Snap-Rings-for-Bearings-with-Ring-Groove.webp)](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/din-5417-securing-parts-for-rolling-bearings-snap-rings-for-bearings-with-ring-groove/)

Spiral, Snap & Specialty Retaining Rings

### [DIN 5417 Securing Parts for Rolling Bearings – Snap Rings for Bearings with Ring Groove](https://engineeringhardware.com/product/din-5417-securing-parts-for-rolling-bearings-snap-rings-for-bearings-with-ring-groove/)

GB305 · C67s 65mn

**US$0.012 – 0.024**MOQ 1,000 pieces

[View all Spiral, Snap & Specialty Retaining Rings →](https://engineeringhardware.com/fastener-products/retaining-rings-locking-hardware/spiral-snap-specialty-retaining-rings/) [Full product catalog](https://engineeringhardware.com/products/)

## How to Specify Spiral Retaining Rings 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 10 mm–50 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 Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring). 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 Spiral Retaining Rings

- 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 Spiral Retaining Rings Are Not the Right Choice

Not for heavy axial thrust beyond the groove rating, and not where the groove cannot be machined to spec.

Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing

## Need a spiral retaining rings outside the standard range?

Groove dimensions, thickness, material temper and finish decide the part; the ring is made to the groove, so the groove drawing is what is actually needed. Made by stamping.

Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.

[Custom retaining ring manufacturing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/rings/)[Send a drawing](https://engineeringhardware.com/custom/rings/#rfq)

## Technical Drawing

Dimensioned line drawing of 10 Spiral Retaining Rings to Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring). Side view and top view, drawn to the dimensions in the table below and redrawn for any size selected.

- **Free outer diameter (mm):** 11.4
- **Thickness t (mm):** 0.6
- **Groove width (mm):** 0.7
- **Shoulder contact:** 360°
- **Thrust capacity (kN):** 3.4
- **Material:** Carbon spring steel
- **Fitting:** By hand, no pliers

## Dimensions & Specifications (Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring))

| Groove diameter (mm) | Free outer diameter (mm) | Thickness t (mm) | Groove width (mm) | Shoulder contact | Thrust capacity (kN) | Material | Fitting |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10 | 11.4 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 360° | 3.4 | Carbon spring steel | By hand, no pliers |
| 16 | 18.2 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 360° | 7.2 | Carbon spring steel | By hand, no pliers |
| 20 | 22.7 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 360° | 11.5 | Carbon spring steel | By hand, no pliers |
| 25 | 28.3 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 360° | 17.8 | Carbon spring steel | By hand, no pliers |
| 30 | 34.0 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 360° | 22.0 | Carbon spring steel | By hand, no pliers |
| 40 | 45.2 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 360° | 36.5 | Carbon spring steel | By hand, no pliers |
| 50 | 56.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 360° | 46.0 | Carbon spring steel | By hand, no pliers |

Inside the plant

## Manufactured in our own plant

This part is cold-formed, threaded, heat-treated and finished in-house. The stages below are where its class and finish are actually decided.

1. ![Wire rod feeding into a cold heading machine](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/09-wire-rod-feed-cold-heading-machine.webp) 01 **Cold heading** Wire rod is drawn to size and cold-formed into blanks. Forming rather than cutting keeps the grain flow continuous around the head, which is where a bolt is most likely to fail. Head dimensions and under-head radius checked at set-up and per shift.
2. ![Thread rolling machine producing bolt threads](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03-thread-rolling-machine-bolt-production.webp) 02 **Thread rolling** Threads are rolled between hardened dies rather than cut. Rolled threads are stronger in fatigue than cut threads and hold pitch and flank angle far more consistently across a batch. Go / no-go ring gauges to ISO 965 tolerance class 6g.
3. ![Baskets of bolts staged for heat treatment](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/05-heat-treatment-baskets-black-bolts.webp) 03 **Heat treatment** Quench-and-temper brings carbon and alloy steel to the property class ordered — 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9 — with the furnace charge tracked so a finished lot can be traced back to it. Core hardness and tensile tested per lot to ISO 898-1.
4. ![Zinc plated bolts in a treatment basket](https://engineeringhardware.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/23-zinc-plated-bolts-treatment-basket.webp) 04 **Surface treatment** Zinc, zinc-nickel, hot-dip galvanizing, black oxide, phosphate and Dacromet, selected against the service environment rather than against the price list. Coating thickness and neutral salt spray hours to ISO 9227.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How do I choose the right size of Spiral Retaining Rings?

Select on shaft / bore diameter and on the fit the assembly requires. This product is available from 10 mm to 50 mm; the full dimension table on this page lists each size.

### How much axial load can Spiral Retaining Rings hold?

Retention depends on the groove dimensions and ring thickness. Stay within the rated thrust load and make sure the groove is machined to the specified diameter and width.

### What material should Spiral Retaining Rings be for outdoor use?

For damp, coastal or chemical environments specify A4 (316) stainless or a suitably coated steel. For indoor or dry use, A2 (304) stainless or zinc-plated steel is normally adequate.

### Are Spiral Retaining Rings made to a recognized standard?

Yes — they are manufactured to Trade series (spiral wound retaining ring), so dimensions are interchangeable between suppliers when you quote the standard on your order.

### Can I get a quote for Spiral Retaining Rings in the size and material I need?

Yes. Use the technical drawing and quote form on this page to set the size and options, then send the exact configuration to our team for pricing and lead time.

## Related Pages

Product page: [Spiral Retaining Rings — specifications & sizes](https://engineeringhardware.com/fastener/spiral-retaining-rings/)

### Spiral Retaining Rings Specification Guides

### Related Fastener Applications