Cclips

Cclips, also known as C-clips or circlips, are a family of retaining rings used to axially locate components on shafts or within bores. They are thin metal rings with a gaps that form a rough letter C in cross-section, designed to fit into a machined groove and resist axial movement.

There are two main configurations: external circlips, which fit onto a shaft to retain components from sliding off, and internal circlips, which fit into a bore to prevent components from moving inward. Both types rely on a groove in the mating part and are designed to be installed and removed with specialized snap ring pliers or groove pliers.

Materials and construction typically involve spring steel, with stainless steel and other alloys used for corrosion resistance or higher temperature applications. Circlips are usually precision stamped and heat-treated to enhance fatigue strength. Sizing is determined by groove diameter and cross-section thickness; manufacturers provide catalogs that map ring size to groove dimensions.

Installation and maintenance procedures emphasize proper tooling and handling. Plumbers or technicians use snap ring pliers to open the ring just enough to fit into the groove without overstressing the ring. Grooves should be clean and free of burrs, and rings should be inspected for deformation or fatigue before reuse.

Applications of Cclips span automotive, industrial machinery, gear and transmission assemblies, wheel hubs, and other assemblies requiring a simple, inexpensive axial location method. They offer quick assembly and disassembly but have limited radial load capacity and can be damaged by over-stressing or improper groove wear. Alternatives include E-clips, split rings, and other retaining ring types.