Retaining Rings
Delivering High-Quality Retaining Rings
For more than 50 years, M Barnwell Services has provided Retaining Rings to companies worldwide. As one of the UK’s biggest independent fluid seal stockists and distributors, our customers can trust that they’ll receive the right product for their needs.
Our proficient team manages the entire production process, from prototyping and testing to final part manufacturing. Additionally, we offer specialised certification upon request.
If you would like more information about our range, or contact a team member.
In the realm of Engineering, the shift towards using retaining rings over threaded fasteners is gaining momentum. Retaining rings, those metal fasteners snugly placed within a groove on a shaft or in a housing, serve as steadfast shoulders that securely hold assemblies in place.
What sets retaining rings apart is their ability to do away with threading, tapping, drilling, and other machining tasks that accompany traditional fasteners such as screws, bolts, and nuts.
Engineers lean towards retaining rings for their potential to slash production costs. The grooves can seamlessly integrate with existing production processes, streamlining operations. These rings are typically slim, flat bands featuring a gap or break in the material.
This clever design allows them to be effortlessly installed and removed using specialised tools. While the streamlined process enhances both production efficiency and overall cost-effectiveness.
Applications By Industry:
Retaining rings have become an essential facet of everyday operations. These versatile components find their utility across a wide spectrum of sectors, including:
- Pharmaceutical and Medical – Retaining rings are used in medical devices and equipment, such as surgical instruments and diagnostic tools. They secure components in place, ensuring precision and reliability during critical medical procedures.
- Oil and Gas – In the oil and gas industry, retaining rings are utilised in drilling and extraction equipment, pipeline systems, and valves. They provide secure and efficient connections that can withstand the challenging conditions of this sector.
- Automotive – Retaining rings play a role in automotive manufacturing, particularly in engine components, transmissions, and suspension systems. They aid in assembling various parts, enhancing performance and safety.
- Aerospace and Defence – In aerospace applications, retaining rings are used in aircraft engines, landing gear, and avionics systems. They ensure the integrity of critical components under the extreme conditions of flight.
- Wind-Powered Energy – Retaining rings are crucial in wind turbine systems, holding components together in the generator, gearbox, and pitch control mechanisms. They contribute to the efficient and reliable generation of renewable energy.
- Heavy Machinery – In Construction and heavy machinery, retaining rings are used in loaders, excavators, and Agricultural equipment. They help maintain structural integrity and operational efficiency.
- Consumer Goods – Retaining rings are found in everyday consumer products, from appliances to electronics. They help secure components in devices like washing machines, power tools, and electronics.
These examples demonstrate the wide-ranging significance of retaining rings across various industries, showcasing their contribution to the functionality and reliability of diverse applications.
Types of Retaining Rings
We tailor our diverse collection of retaining rings to various applications and industries, ensuring that each possesses unique attributes that align with specific needs. Our selection encompasses various types, such as:
Circlips (Internal/External Retaining Rings)
There are two primary types of circlips: external and internal.
Positioned on the outer diameter of a shaft, external retaining rings, also referred to as shaft rings or external snap rings, fit into a groove or recess.
They can expand or contract, exerting outward radial force against the groove walls to secure the component.
Installed within a bore or housing, internal retaining rings, also known as bore rings or internal snap rings, create a secure fit.
These rings fit into an internal groove or recess, creating inward radial force against the groove walls to prevent the component from moving outward. Retaining rings play a crucial role in various applications across industries.
Use the following links to find detailed information on our range of Circlips:
E Clips (E Clip Retaining Rings)
E Rings have a distinctive “E” shape that offers reliable retention and easy installation.
These rings are durable and corrosion-resistant, suitable for various environments. They provide cost-effective solutions by eliminating the need for additional machining.
With various sizes and materials available, E rings play a crucial role in ensuring stability and safety in mechanical systems across industries.
Push On and Push In Circlip Retainers
These circular retaining rings are easy to install by pushing them into grooves. They prevent movement, ensuring component stability in various applications.
With their simple design, they’re a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional fastening methods, contributing to streamlined assembly processes.
Snap Rings
Snap Rings, also referred to as snap circlips, possess a design that allows them to “snap” firmly into position, guaranteeing a dependable and secure fit. They provide reliable axial retention, preventing components from sliding or shifting.
Various styles of snap rings, including internal and external types, find wide application across different industries for their simple installation and effective holding capabilities. Their simple yet effective design makes them a popular choice for various applications, offering a cost-efficient solution for component retention.
Hoopster Rings
Hoopster Rings provide a specialised retention solution for lightweight applications with limited space requirements, offering a compact and secure design.
These unique circular fasteners, commonly referred to as hoop retaining rings, feature a low-profile design with a continuous loop that provides reliable axial retention on shafts or in bores.
Installing Hoopster Rings is straightforward, and they find common use in scenarios where the size limitations might make it impractical to employ traditional retaining rings.
Their simple and effective design makes them a versatile choice for industries seeking space-saving retention solutions.
Wave Rings
Wave Rings, often referred to as wave spring washers, offer axial load and radial expansion capabilities.
These rings consist of a wavy, contoured structure that enables them to act as springs, exerting pressure against components to maintain secure retention.
Wave Rings offer unique advantages in compact spaces due to their ability to replace traditional coil springs, saving both space and weight. These versatile rings find applications in various industries where efficient retention and space optimisation are essential.
You Are In Safe Hands
As a reliable partner to global OEM manufacturers, M Barnwell Services ensures quality products and an exceptional service experience. With £5.1 million in sealing inventory and five UK branches strategically positioned, we’re primed to meet and surpass your needs.
We also offer convenient Internal and External kits, which feature a range of popular products in various sizes that we keep readily available. If needed, we can also customise kits to match your specific requirements, including pincers. Find more information on our Seal Kits and Selection Box page.
If you would like more information about our range or services please contact a member of the team.
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