Internal Retaining Rings

Internal retaining rings deliver secure, precise bore retention that keeps complex assemblies running smoothly. Our internal retaining rings are engineered for confident axial load control, so components stay exactly where they should through vibration, heat, and high duty cycles. Choose them for a clean, professional hold that speeds assembly and reduces rework.

About the Product

Our internal retaining rings are designed to seat in a machined groove inside a bore, locking adjacent parts such as bearings, bushings, and seals firmly in place. The result is compact, reliable axial retention without bulky housings or secondary fasteners, which helps streamline your bill of materials and improve serviceability. 

Inside a bore, space is valuable, tolerances are tight, and movement must be controlled. Our rings expand during installation, then spring back into the groove to create a positive stop that resists axial motion. This simple, elegant geometry provides the restraint you need without complicating the surrounding design, making it ideal for compact gearboxes, electric motors, pumps, and precision fixtures.

If your application calls for a shaft-side solution instead, consider our External Retaining Ring, and for circlip alternatives tailored to different regional standards, explore our Circlip Benzing Type and Circlip Seeger Type to round out your hardware options.

DIN 472 Compliance

We supply internal retaining rings manufactured to DIN 472, the industry standard for bore-mounted rings. Like their DIN 471 counterparts used on shafts, these rings feature lug holes for tool-assisted installation, so you get fast, repeatable assembly and confident seating every time. DIN 472 dimensional control ensures interchangeability, predictable groove geometry, and a consistent fit across sizes and materials.

Installation and Fit

With proper ring pliers, installation is quick: expand the ring just enough to pass into the bore, align with the groove, and release to let the ring snap home. The lug holes are engineered for a secure grip to help prevent over-expansion, protecting ring elasticity and long-term holding force. When fitted to the correct groove width and depth, the ring provides a low-profile shoulder that resists axial loads without interfering with rotating parts.

Materials and Finishes

Choose carbon spring steel for high strength and crisp elastic recovery in general applications, or stainless steel for corrosion resistance in humid, chemical, or outdoor environments. Protective finishes such as phosphate, oil, or zinc can further enhance wear resistance and ease of assembly. We match material and finish to your operating temperature, media exposure, and lifecycle targets to help you hit performance and cost goals.

Applications Across Industries

You’ll find our internal retaining rings anchoring bearings in compact motor housings, locating seals in hydraulic cartridges, and capping stack-ups in appliances and power tools. In automotive and transportation systems, they secure components where weight, reliability, and serviceability all matter. In industrial automation, they provide tidy axial stops that simplify maintenance and keep uptime high.

Choosing Your Size

Sizing starts with the bore diameter and the corresponding DIN 472 groove dimensions, including groove diameter, width, and recommended edge chamfers. Match the ring nominal size to the bore, then verify the groove specs to ensure the ring will seat flush and provide the correct shoulder height for your retained component. If you’re optimizing for unique loads or tight packaging, our team can help you dial in ring thickness, material, and finish to balance strength, resilience, and corrosion resistance.

Performance You Can Trust

Our rings are produced with controlled metallurgy and precise heat treatment to achieve reliable spring characteristics and repeatable snap-in force. Edge quality and flatness are maintained to reduce burrs and ensure smooth seating, which protects mating surfaces during installation and service. Every choice, from steel grade to finish, works together so your assembly stays locked in and trouble-free.

FAQs

What is an internal retaining ring?

An internal retaining ring is a spring steel ring that snaps into a groove inside a bore to prevent adjacent components from moving axially. It creates a low-profile shoulder that holds parts such as bearings and seals in place. The design allows quick installation and dependable retention without bulky hardware.

What is an internal retaining ring used for?

It is used to secure components within housings, carriers, and bores where axial movement must be limited. Typical uses include locating bearings, spacers, and seals in motors, pumps, and gear assemblies. Its compact form factor helps maintain tight packaging and simplifies maintenance.

What is the difference between internal and external retaining rings?

Internal retaining rings fit into grooves inside bores, expanding during installation and contracting into the groove to hold parts. External retaining rings fit onto grooves on shafts, contracting during installation and then springing outward to seat on the shaft groove. In short, internal rings retain within housings, while external rings retain on shafts.

How to size an internal retaining ring?

Start with the nominal bore diameter and select the matching DIN 472 ring size. Confirm the bore groove dimensions for width and depth to ensure the ring seats correctly and provides the right shoulder for your retained part. Check material and thickness choices against load, environment, and service life requirements to finalize the specification.