Easy to install (radially) retaining ring for small 10 mm shaft 2

[Jasper Hayes]

Hi everyone,

I'm in search of a component that's essentially identical to an E-type or crescent retaining ring except with an order of magnitude lower installation force. One of our devices has a defect that we'd like to correct in the field by having customers or service techs install a thin spacer (0.5 - 2 mm) on a 10 mm shaft that holds a locking mechanism. The retention strength need not be crazy strong. I've tried installing an E-type sized correctly for that shaft size, and while it sits beautifully on there once installed, it's nearly impossible to get it on there by hand. Any thoughts on a similar component that'll snap on more easily? Note, it can't be installed axially without costly disassembly.

Thanks!

-J

 

[MintJulep]

Perhaps you can find a solution, or inspiration here.

https://www.smalley.com/custom-parts/ring-options

 

[3DDave]

Those e-rings are tough little buggers to install in tight spaces. 2mm is nearly 1/10th of an inch thick - on a half inch shaft that may need a hammer (often in conjunction with a screwdriver, my favorite e-ring install combination).

Is a shaft-locking compound out of the question? One size fits all.

It seems like I've seen spring steel shaped with a half-slot and then curved to not be flat. This gets pushed into the groove where the curvature provides retention; usually with a tab bent up on the un-slotted end to make installation and removal easier. Like this, but not with the fold-over:

https://www.fabory.com/en/sl-retain...ve-spring-steel-zinc-plated-8mm/p/36265080001

Dang to small. This might be more to your liking:

https://www.mcmaster.com/circlips/crimp-on-external-retaining-rings/

 

[TugboatEng]

For a starts these are much easier to install than the standard e-ring.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#93448A108

If you have the room, you can use these in place of the spacer.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#7731N23

 

[Tmoose]

I'm unclear if the shaft has a machined groove to receive the ring and allow it to do its job .

Just to confirm, there is room to axially install the spacer, but not the retainer ?

 

[TugboatEng]

I'm assuming it's not which is why I linked the 11mm ring (10mm groove diameter).

 

[hydtools]

Can you use a hair pin?

Ted

 

[rb1957]

a dab or two of Loctite (or superglue, or not-so-super glue) ?

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[Jasper Hayes]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions...

@Tmoose, there is no room to install a spacer, or anything else axially. The shaft is supported through two bores and other retaining rings with a notched groove preserve its location but allow it to slide through the bores by +/-15 mm. The ends are never exposed. One is bolted to a solenoid plunger, and the other to a locking fork. The thin spacer (0.7 - 1 mm ideally, up to 2 may be OK) I wish to install would have to be installed radially, and the space is very tight, just enough to get a hand in there.

@hydtools, thank you I'll look into that, but it's likely too thick.

 

[SnTMan]

Jasper Hayes, can you perhaps create a tool to ease the insertion of the proper lock ring?

EDIT: Or just buy one?

Regards,

Mike

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[rb1957]

sorry, getting lost ... where does this spacer go ? what does it do once it's there ? are you trying to fix the location of this (within it's 15mm travel) or reduce the travel ??

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[Jasper Hayes]

@rb1957, just reduce its travel. Sorry if that wasn't clear. The mechanism is a lock. It slides in and out to secure a moving stage but its travel is too large, so the solenoid has too little force to retract in rare cases.

 

[rb1957]

get a bigger solenoid ? yes, I know, you need to modify a vendor part. ask the vendor (if it's that much of a concern) or just find another solenoid.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[mc5w]

There is a tool for installing snap rings. It is called snap ring pliers. The better one have a worm screw that moves 2 tips that engage 2 small holes in the snap ring. Snap rings are either internal or external. You can get them in different sizes from very small snap rings to snap rings that are a few inches in diameter.