Circlips
What are Circlips

Circlips (also known as snap rings or retaining rings) are semi-flexible metal rings used to secure components onto a shaft or inside a housing/bore, preventing lateral movement. Commonly used in mechanical assemblies, gear systems, and bearing retention, circlips are critical for axial load control in rotating or static applications. They are quick to install, space-saving, and highly reliable under dynamic conditions.
Key Features
- Axial Load Retention – Prevents shaft or bore-mounted components from sliding out.
- Compact Design – Requires minimal space compared to traditional fasteners.
- Easy Installation – Can be snapped into machined grooves using circlip pliers.
- Durable Material – Made from spring steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel.
- Corrosion-Resistant Options – Available with phosphate, zinc, or black oxide coatings.
Types of Circlips
- External Circlips
- Internal Circlips
- E-Clips
- Snap Rings
- Spiral Retaining Rings
- Heavy-Duty Circlips
- Self-Locking Rings
Specifications
Mechanical Properties
Chemical Composition
Equivalent Grades
Weight Chart
Specifications
Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Sizes | 3 mm to 300 mm |
Groove Standards | DIN 471 / 472, IS 3075 / 3074 |
Material Options | Spring Steel, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel |
Coating/Finish | Phosphate, Zinc Plated, Black Oxide |
Property | Value |
---|---|
Hardness | 420 – 550 HV |
Tensile Strength | 1000 – 1400 MPa |
Working Temp Range | -40°C to +250°C |
Element | Composition (%) |
---|---|
Carbon (C) | 0.42 – 0.95 |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 1.20 |
Silicon (Si) | 0.15 – 0.35 |
Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 (SS Only) |
Nickel (Ni) | 6.0 – 8.0 (SS Only) |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.050 |
Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Standard | Equivalent Designation |
---|---|
DIN | 471 (External) / 472 (Internal) |
IS | IS 3075 / IS 3074 |
ISO | 8752 / 13942 |
Circlip Type | Nominal Size (mm) | Weight per 100 pcs (kg) |
---|---|---|
External Circlip | 15 mm | 0.25 |
External Circlip | 30 mm | 0.75 |
Internal Circlip | 20 mm | 0.35 |
Internal Circlip | 40 mm | 1.10 |
E-Clip | 10 mm | 0.30 |
Heavy-Duty Circlip | 50 mm | 1.50 |
Spiral Retaining Ring | 60 mm | 2.10 |
Applications of Circlips
Construction &
Infrastructure
Automotive & Heavy
Equipment
Manufacturing &
Fabrication
Medical & Laboratory
Equipment
Electrical &
Electronics Assembly
Oil, Gas & Petrochemical
Installations
Do you have questions?
What’s the difference between internal and external circlips?
Internal circlips fit inside a bore, while external circlips are installed around a shaft to retain components axially.
Are circlips reusable?
Yes, but reusability depends on wear, material fatigue, and deformation during removal.
Can I get custom circlips in non-standard sizes?
Yes, we supply custom diameters and groove profiles for specialized applications.
Are stainless steel circlips available for corrosive environments?
Absolutely. We offer SS 304 and SS 316 circlips for marine, chemical, and food-grade uses.
