Retaining clips, also known as snap rings or snap clips, work by creating a physical barrier or "shoulder" that prevents parts from moving along a shaft or within a bore.
Essentially, these circular-shaped fasteners are designed to fit into a machined groove on a shaft or inside a bore (a cylindrical hole). Once seated in the groove, a portion of the ring extends outwards (for external rings on shafts) or inwards (for internal rings in bores). This extended part acts as a mechanical "shoulder".
- On a Shaft: An external retaining ring fits into a groove on the shaft. The ring expands slightly to pass over the end of the shaft and then snaps into the groove. Its outer diameter is larger than the shaft diameter beyond the groove. Any part placed on the shaft next to the ring will be held in place because it cannot pass over the ring.
- In a Bore: An internal retaining ring fits into a groove inside a bore. The ring is compressed slightly to fit into the bore and then springs open into the groove. Its inner diameter is smaller than the bore diameter outside the groove. Any part placed in the bore next to the ring will be held in place because it cannot move past the ring.
This simple mechanism provides a secure and reliable way to position and retain components without the need for screws, nuts, or other complex fasteners in many applications.
Key Aspects
- Function: They essentially create a “shoulder” on the shaft or bore that holds the respective part in place.
- Location: Used with shafts (external rings) or bores (internal rings).
- Mechanism: Snap into a machined groove.
- Variations: There are different styles, including tapered and untapered.
Simple Table Summarizing Function
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Job | Create a physical shoulder or barrier. |
| Location | Fit into grooves on shafts or inside bores. |
| Action | Retain parts by blocking movement. |
| Aliases | Snap rings, Snap clips. |
Retaining clips are a common and efficient fastening solution used in various mechanical assemblies, from automotive components to consumer electronics, due to their effectiveness in securely positioning parts with minimal space and complexity.
