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    Category: Fasteners 101

    Key Differences between Stainless Steel and Galvanized Fasteners

    Are you done looking for screws? you’ve likely seen that some of them are made of 100% stainless steel, while others are made of galvanized steel. Because of this, it’s hard to recognize the difference between them. Keeping in view everything, the two of them look and function similarly. So, what’s the contrast between stainless steel and galvanized steel?

    These two kinds of screw materials are sold by every home-improvement retailer on the planet. There’s no simple response to this inquiry that which is best since the two kinds of steel have their pros and cons. All things considered, stainless steel and galvanized steel have the equivalent common objective of ensuring against rust and corrosion and they accomplish this objective astoundingly well. Before selecting one for a utility, first, we have to do a deep analysis of both these materials. Their quality, strength, and pricing, hence everything matters.

     

    Stainless Steel

    The term stainless steel is utilized to portray steel that has been blended in with at least 10% chromium. The expansion of chromium as a composite assist with securing against rust.

    304 Grade Stainless Steel
    316 Grade Stainless Steel

    Properties
    Stainless steel is shinier and progressively refined looking. While stainless steel isn’t invulnerable to rust, it positively has a more significant level of opposition than 100% steel. This is the reason stainless steel is frequently utilized in open-air conditions where there’s a lot of dampness. The chromium attempts to secure the metal against rust.

    Composition
    Stainless steel alloys are composed primarily of iron, with varying amounts of carbon, chromium, and other elements such as nickel, molybdenum, and titanium. The composition of these alloys can be adjusted to provide specific properties such as corrosion resistance, strength, and ductility. Threading and cold forming cause stainless bolts to become slightly magnetic, some fasteners will be more magnetic than others depending on size and how quick the cold forming process is. The detailed composition of stainless steel types is listed below;

    Grades
    (by ASTM standard)    		 Content by weight
    Chrome Nickel Carbon (max) Molybdenum (max)
    18-8 Stainless Steel 18% 8% 0.08% 0%
    305 Stainless Steel 17%-19% 8%-10% 0.12% 0%
    316 Stainless Steel 16%-18% 10%-14% 0.08% 2%
    410 Stainless Steel 11.5%-13.5% 0% 0.15% 0%

     

    Galvanized, Plated

    Galvanized steel, then again, is a sort of steel that has been covered in a layer of zinc. Much like its partner, galvanized steel is additionally made to secure against rust. The zinc goes about as an obstruction of assurance between airborne dampness and the steel, shielding it from rust.

    Zinc Plated Steel

     

    Hot Deep Galvanized Steel

     

    Yellow Zinc Plated Heat Hardened Steel

    Properties
    Galvanization is a procedure that plates steel in a way that shields it from rusting or eroding. This makes galvanized steel incredible for indoor and outside use. It additionally implies that you can support the galvanized tie or metal piece in a way that reaches another metal or material and do so by utilizing a different fastener or screw. It has different coatings;

    Composition

    Galvanized steel comprises of plunging a completed steel item into a hot shower of zinc. In this procedure, a bond happens, mixing the zinc to the outside of the steel. The zinc plate bonding develops until the external layer is fully composed of zinc. The external layer of this new steel item is harder than the steel to which it is attached to. The steel currently has a defensive layer of plating shielding it from rust. It has different coatings;

    Material Coating Thickness Temperature Range Expected
    Durability    		 Suitability
    US Metric US Metric
    Zinc Plated Up to 1 mil Up to 25 μm -148°F – 392°F -100°C – 200°C 15+ years Indoor

    &

    Outdoor
    Hot Dipped 1.7 – 3.4 mils 43-58 μm -148°F – 392°F -100°C – 200°C 45-80 years Indoor

    &

    Outdoor
    Electroplated 0.2 mil 5 μm -148°F – 392°F -100°C – 200°C 10+ years Indoor

    &

    Outdoor

    *mil – a unit length in the US system equal to a thousandth inch or 0.001 inches.
    *μm – a unit of length in the Metric system equal to one millionth (10-6) of a meter.

    Comparison

    Strength Analysis

    Both galvanized and stainless screws are the absolute best materials for strength and quality. They are particularly valid for metal fixation, that’s why they are commonly known as self-tapping metal screws. Nonetheless, there are some measures you will need to observe while selecting between the two.

    Stainless steel screws are made out of a few components, with chromium being the most noteworthy of the added substances and nickel a nearby second. The greatest and most significant point is that the whole of the clasp is stainless. It isn’t only a covering. Its quality and rust insurance are all through. That represents its higher rigidity rating. Companies did pressure tests on latches to mention that, what sort of crazy burden-bearing limit these stainless steel machine screws have. Stainless steel has a tensile PSI quality of 100,000 to 150,000. Hot Dipped galvanized screw has a rigidity of 62,000 PSI since they are grade 2 fasteners.

     

     

    Material Tensile Strength Yield Strength
    PSI MPa PSI MPa
    Stainless Steel 100000-150000 689-1034 30000-40000 206-275
    Galvanized Steel 38000-62000 262-427 21000-31000 144-213

    Rusty Nature

    The process of galvanization involves the application of a molten zinc coating onto a core of plain steel. While it is rare, the core of the screw may be exposed due to wear and tear over time.

    In contrast, stainless steel screws are protected by their inherent chromium composition, which enables the formation of a passivation layer that provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. However, if the availability of oxygen is limited, such as in the presence of water, stainless steel screws may still corrode. Although such scenarios are relatively rare, it is essential to consider the potential risk of rusting in any application involving water and stainless steel screws.

    Conclusion

    Both have their distinct properties acquainted with their utility. Galvanized steel screw is cheaper than stainless steel screw but stainless steel screw is much more durable due to their anti-rust chromium property. This isn’t generally an immediate challenge. Galvanized screws have that solid, dull, mechanical look, while stainless steel is shinier and more refined looking. Thus, galvanized wins with regards to its cheap price, stainless steel with regards to quality, and rust insurance.

    References

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    Screws & Bolts

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    How much weight can a drywall anchor hold?

    Without drywall anchors, our homes and businesses would look quite peculiar and drab without the many frames, décor, and other items that adorn their walls. Though the introduction of drywall has led to reduced material and labor costs and lower home prices, drywalls alone are not good at supporting the weights of objects that are mounted to them. This is because nails or screws driven through drywall can easily slip out with just a few pounds of weight. While lighter objects such as calendars and small décor can be successfully mounted to drywalls with nails or screws, what about larger objects?

    Drywall anchors – special fastening devices that allow items to be mounted to walls without the need for studs – are the answer and were introduced to safely and secure heavy items to drywalls. In this article, we dive deep into what exactly drywall anchors are and how they work and discuss vital information regarding the different loads on both drywall and drywall anchors.

    How do Drywall Anchors Work?

    Different types of drywall anchors have different methods of securing into drywall. However, all drywall anchors work by gripping the drywall one way or another. By doing so, anchors can counteract the weight of a hung object safely. First, a pilot hole with a diameter that is recommended by the drywall anchor manufacturer is drilled into the drywall at the desired location. Then, drywall anchors are placed into or through the pilot holes. Once placed, screws can work with the anchor to create a secure connection, whether that is through the expansion of the anchor within the wall or by forming a clamping force between the anchor and the installed object.  

    Rule #1: Always Look for a Stud

    When mounting heavy objects, it is always preferable to screw at least 1” into a stud. If you can find at least one stud to use for mounting an object, you can be assured that you have a secure, reliable connection.

    If you’re mounting something heavy and can’t find a stud, think about using a wood backing behind the drywall or adding a simple wooden mount that connects between two studs. All of the above do not require a drywall anchor.

    Although drywall anchors are a convenient solution, using drywall anchors can be dangerous and cause serious injury if not used or installed correctly. It’s important not to surpass the recommended weights for drywall anchors when mounting objects. If you ever have doubts or reservations that a particular drywall anchor can support a specific weight, then consult with a professional. This article is presented for informational purposes only, and should not be used to exceed manufacturer recommendations.

    Important Load Considerations When Using Drywall Anchors

    While it can be easy to install drywall anchors, hang objects, and call the job done, it’s important to have an understanding of the different loads that act on an anchor when an object is mounted. By doing so, you can be more aware of the potential pitfalls of using drywall anchors and ensure safe usage every time.

    When objects are mounted onto a drywall anchor/screw assembly, two main forces are developed: tensile and shear forces. Tensile forces are forces that act parallel to the shank of the screw and cause the screw and anchor to be pulled from the wall. Shear forces are forces that act perpendicular to the shank of the anchor and pull downwards. For objects mounted flat onto walls via a drywall anchor, the weight of the object is the shear force. If you mounted a hanging plant on a straight hook, there will be a tension force trying to pull it out of the wall. When evaluating the loads on an anchor, assess each force by itself.

    While this discussion only considers simple loading, load analyses for drywall anchors can quickly become complicated with distributed loads or loads applied at noticeable distances from the wall.  Listed below are two key considerations when using drywall anchors:

    1. Shear Forces

    Shear forces are normally accounted for by the weight of an object. If an object is too heavy, it may dig into the drywall and enlarge the bottom opening of the hole. Depending on the type of anchor, this may create a situation where you find the anchor easily slips out of the wall. If you’re using a wall anchor that relies on a tight fit within the hole you drilled, you just lost much of your holding power. Typically advertised weight ratings will incorporate a safety factor, but even so, it is always best to work below the rating. This helps account for imperfect installations and unexpected, variable loads that may be placed on the object you’re mounting.

    Consider using multiple drywall anchors to evenly distribute heavy loads amongst them so long as the partitioned load is still lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation. Be mindful of the placement of drywall anchors as placing them too close to each other or using an excessive amount of drywall anchors can actually compromise the strength of the drywall. Although you may come across data that shows ultimate load capacities for your anchor type, without perfect knowledge of testing conditions and your own materials you’re working with, don’t assume they are directly applicable to your installation.

    2. Cantilevers and Tension

    A cantilever is a structure, typically a beam, that is fixed and supported on one end while a load is applied on the opposite, free end. When an object is mounted at a distance from the wall, the drywall anchor/screw assembly effectively functions as a cantilever. Hence, torque is developed on the fixed end of the anchor that can pull the anchor out of the wall if loads are too high.

    The weight distribution of a hung object can have a big impact on the forces experienced by the anchor. A common use for drywall anchors is to hang floating shelves or plant hanger hooks. These usually have items placed along the same axis as the anchor. For shelves, all you need is for one of a pair of anchors to be improperly installed for undue stress to be placed on one side of the mount. Therefore, the entire assembly can act as a cantilever. Objects placed on the end of the shelf or hook can create a “crowbar effect” in the drywall anchor which could rip the anchor out of the wall.

    If you’re mounting a shelf with minimal bracket support, distributing the load will reduce the tension placed on the drywall anchor.

    It’s recommended to distribute weights evenly between the wall and the edge of a floating shelf to prevent this effect. This is because distributing the load actually produces less torque at the wall which can be proven through an engineering static analysis. Consider using L-shaped brackets with drywall anchors to help bear some of the load and prevent the crowbar effect, too.

     

    Will the Drywall Anchor or Drywall Fail First?

    Drywall anchors have a max load that they can experience before failure. But what about the drywall?

     

    According to the Gypsum Association, the flexural strength of various drywall types and thicknesses was found to be between 50-100 lbf, depending on the type and thickness of the drywall. Drywall samples were tested in accordance with ASTM C473. In this test, a horizontal piece of drywall is fixed while a testing apparatus pushes down on the center of the drywall to make it flex and eventually break. Additionally, the nail pull-out resistance in drywall was found to be anywhere between 40-100 lbf, depending on the thickness of the drywall.

     

    If you’ve ever taken a close look at the test data for a particular type of drywall, you may notice that the flexural strength varies depending on whether it is installed parallel (vertically) or perpendicular (horizontally) to the framing. When you take into account that you could be dealing with 16” or 24” stud spacing, you may find that drywall can be much stronger (or even much weaker) than you might expect.

    Drywall anchors and the holes with which they are mounted are small relative to the size of an entire drywall panel. Because shear forces and moments created by drywall anchors are localized, the drywall should not fail so long as drywall anchors are installed properly and not too close to each other. It’s more likely you may have to contend with some localized crumbling due to variable forces placed on a particular anchor.

    Final Thoughts

    Drywall anchors are exceptionally useful fastening devices if they are used with an acknowledgement of their limitations. Our offerings include self-drilling anchors in diecast zinc or Nylon and toggle bolt assemblies. For more information check our latest guide How to Choose a Drywall Anchor to see which drywall anchor is right for your project.

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    Anchors

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    How to Choose a Drywall Anchor

    Drywall anchors make for easy installation of paintings, pictures, shelves, and much more. Unlike drywall screws or nails, drywall anchors don’t require a stud behind the drywall panel. This allows you to securely install them without damaging drywall, which is a soft material.

    Sheetrock vs Drywall vs Gypsum

    Before we jump into drywall anchors, let’s take a look at drywall itself. Sheetrock, drywall, and gypsum are popular terms used to refer to the same thing – drywall panels.

    Sheetrock is actually a brand of drywall, but it’s a term typically used in a generic way (known as a proprietary eponym or generic trademark). Gypsum is the material you find in drywall panels. It’s a soft sulfate mineral. When referring to drywall, each term has its place. Remember that gypsum is a component of drywall panels and Sheetrock is a brand of drywall. Many contractors use these terms interchangeably.

    Drywall is a popular material for building homes, offices, and more. It allows for the effective creation of flat walls. It’s usually fastened to wood studs with drywall screws or nails. As mentioned before, drywall anchors are ideal in situations where there isn’t a stud in the location. Drywall anchors help secure any number of items, including picture frames.

    Types of Drywall Anchors

    Drywall anchors are extremely handy. But which drywall anchor should you choose? Here are different types of drywall anchors (and their respective applications).

    Self Drilling Drywall Anchors

    Want to secure something 10 to 25 pounds in weight? Self-drilling drywall anchors are great for light-weight applications. These anchors typically come in two options: self-drilling plastic drywall anchors and self-drilling metal drywall anchors.

    Self-Drilling Plastic Drywall Anchors

    Zamak Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors

    KapToggle

    As a type of snap toggle anchor or toggle bolt, the KapToggle drywall anchor is ideal for securing fixtures to drywall (as well as masonry). This anchor is three times stronger than typical wall fasteners. It is made of a combination of nylon and zinc-plated steel.

    Expansion Anchor

    A Sammy Sammy Rod Hanger Drywall vertical anchor (aka Toggle Bolt) is ideal for heavier items like ceiling fans, shelving, and cabinets. For example, a ½” Sammy Bolt can safely hold approximately 100 pounds. Note: we recommend the use of Sammy Nut Drivers with the installation of Sammy Screws.

    Zinc Plated Toggle Wing Anchors

    Great for hollow wall applications (meaning there’s space on the other side of the drywall), Zinc Plated Toggle Wing Anchors are usually used as replacements for spring wings in toggle anchor installations.

    Plastic Toggle Anchors

    Need to hang drapery rods, towel bars, soap dishes, and the like? Plastic toggle anchors are the go-to option when it comes to drywall applications. One benefit is that the single-piece anchors stay in place, even after the screw has been removed from it.

    How to Install Drywall Anchors

    There can be slight varieties to these steps depending on the type of anchor. Here are the basic steps to install a drywall anchor:

    1. Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the location of the drywall anchor.
    2. Make what’s called a pilot hole with a drill with the proper size drill bit.
    3. Place drywall anchor into hole and tap into place with a hammer.
    4. Make sure anchor heads are flush to the drywall surface.
    5. Install screw with a screwdriver.

    How to Remove Drywall Anchors

    Need to remove a drywall anchor? Whether relocating shelves or prepping a clean wall surface, it pays to know how to properly deal with anchors (and patch the drywall surface). Below, you’ll find four ways to remove anchor screws.

    Before you start, you’ll need some common tools. Here’s a list:

    • Needle-nose pliers
    • Hammer
    • Utility knife
    • Drill (and cutting wheel)
    • Screwdriver
    • Nails
    • Protective eyewear
    • Drywall compound
    • Drywall knife or spatula
    • Sandpaper
    • Microfiber cloth or rag

    Method 1: Pull Out Anchor

    This method is pretty intuitive. With the help of needle-nose pliers, you can oftentimes safely pull out an anchor. Use a back-and-forth motion to gently wiggle the anchor out of place. If for some reason this doesn’t work, don’t force it. Check out the other methods.

    Method 2: Back Out Anchor

    This approach requires a screwdriver. Use one that fits snugly into the anchor. With a counter-clockwise motion, turn the screwdriver until the anchor comes out of the drywall. If this doesn’t do the trick, move on to Method 3.

    Method 3: Cut and Hammer Anchor

    Make sure to use protective eyewear. Using a drill with a one-inch cutting wheel, carefully cut off the anchor head. Next, tap a wide nail with a hammer on the mouth of the anchor. This should cause it to sink behind drywall. Be careful while using a cutting wheel.

    Method 4: Recess Drywall Anchor

    Sometimes the best approach is to recess the anchor instead of removing it. Begin by scoring the drywall surface with a utility knife. Then, take a screwdriver wider than the head of the anchor. Tap lightly with a hammer until it’s sunk down enough. Finally, patch it.

    How to Patch Drywall Anchor Holes

    Removing a drywall anchor is the first step. Next, it’s time to smooth it all out. How do you fill drywall anchor holes? Follow these three steps for a clean repair.

    1. First, grab a hammer. Tap gently around the edges of the anchor hole. Once the edges are flush with the surrounding surface, wipe down with a microfiber cloth or clean rag.
    2. Using an “X” pattern, fill the hole with drywall putty. You can use either a drywall spatula or knife. Remove excess compound and make flush with the wall. Let it dry overnight.
    3. Last but not least, use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Wipe down with a rag or microfiber cloth. Then, you can apply touchup paint.

    Final Thoughts

    Drywall anchors are a fantastic way to ensure your home fixtures and other items are properly secured to walls and ceilings. From art to towel racks to cabinets, these anchors provide easy application and peace of mind.

    When Would You Use Welding Fasteners?

    Different types of welding fasteners are arranged for display.

    Welding is often a top choice for installing secure and permanent connections. But how does welding relate to fasteners?

    Welding Fasteners are specifically designed to be welded, whether that is on an automobile production line or in a small shop setting. If you are still in the design stage for your project, consider these advantages of welding fasteners:

    1. With the correct settings welding fasteners offer the potential for a clean presentation, as the strong connection points are mostly between the base material and fastener.
    2. Proper welds are stronger than the surrounding material. Stress testing your welded fasteners allows you to find which settings give you the best durability and the cleanest installation.
    3. Once you’re dialed in, welding shows its true value in high production scenarios with superior speed and repeatability.

    What are welding fasteners?

    Welding fasteners come in various shapes and sizes, but some of the most useful and versatile are the Hex Welding Nut, Retaining Weld Nut, and the Round-Base Spot Weld T-Nut. These three types of welded fasteners can be easily and quickly welded in a fixed location to allow for a solid threaded connection while requiring minimal tooling for assembly. These fasteners are fixed to the base metal in seconds using readily available welding equipment and standard techniques. Once set in place, additional assembly is accomplished with increased speed and efficiency.

    Spot welds are made in an automobile factory assembly line.

    One significant advantage of welding fasteners is the ability to fix them in a location that may be inaccessible to standard tooling. For example, the automotive industry often uses Hex Welding Nuts and Retaining Weld Nuts on the body-to-frame connection points. In this case, the threaded nut is inaccessible once the body of the automobile is placed on the frame and thus cannot be tightened using wrenches. However, with a preinstalled welded fastener, technicians can simply tighten the bolts from one side of the body, and the job is complete in a matter of seconds.  

    The Round-Base Spot Weld T-Nut is a unique solution for assemblies in which the base material is too thin to be tapped for a threaded connection. Threaded connections depend on proper thread engagement, so tapped holes in thin materials, such as sheet metal and thin wall tubing, can be quickly stripped. Installing a Round-Base Spot Weld T-Nut into thinner parent material provides a full depth threaded connection, which is otherwise impossible. These welding fasteners are invaluable for projects in which weight savings is a top priority, and therefore material thickness is shaved down as much as possible. Whether trying to gain an edge by lightening a race car or reducing the shipping weight of a flat pack outdoor furniture set, the Round-Base Spot Weld T-Nut lends itself to the assembly of reduced thickness steel parts.

    One benefit of the Retaining Weld Nut is that it has a small amount of play, allowing for slight misalignments. Hex Welding Nuts and Round-Base Spot Weld T-Nuts, however, do not allow for any misalignment, so extra care should be taken to ensure the location is correct and the nut is not welded in at an off angle.  

    Pre-Installation Considerations

    Several considerations must be made before deciding to use welding fasteners.

    Material selection is limited once the decision is made to use welding fasteners. Primarily available in mild and stainless steel, the base material of the part must be compatible with a welded connection. For example, a mild or stainless steel weld nut cannot be successfully welded to a dissimilar metal such as aluminum or titanium. Therefore, the material selection of the weld nut should be matched to the base material using standard welding practices. Rivet Nuts may be a better solution if a fixed threaded fastener is needed in a material aside from mild or stainless steel.

    If care is not taken during installation, weld spatter may end up on the threads, rendering the weld nut ineffective. In this case, the fastener may need to be replaced. For this reason, spot resistance welding and projection resistance welding are often the preferred assembly methods, though spatter is still a concern. Keep a thread chaser on hand to verify the threads in the fastener are clean after welding is completed. Once welded, these fasteners are more or less permanent, so properly locating them before welding is critical. 

    A nut is welded to a base material using projection welding.
    Projection welding in action: embossed projections on the bottom of the nut allow for simultaneous welds at multiple points.

    Proper order of operations is vital when planning the use of welding fasteners. These welded nuts are often used in applications where the nut is inaccessible during final assembly. Thus, care must be taken to install the fasteners prior to any access restriction. Additionally, welded fasteners should be installed on bare metal, so proper planning should include applying any paint or finish after the fasteners are installed.

    Key Take Away

    Welding fasteners are invaluable in many applications. Proper assembly planning and installation are critical to successfully using welded fasteners. Welding fasteners can add the needed thread engagement for threaded connections into thin parent materials. In the proper application, welded fasteners add efficiency for the manufacturer as well as the end consumer.

    A Guide to Retaining Rings

    Retaining rings are exceptionally useful fasteners that are mounted directly onto shafts to create a shoulder to retain an assembly. While past methods of securing shafts or housings required various machining operations, like drilling and tapping, and traditional fasteners like nuts, bolts, and cotter pins, retaining rings can simply be placed onto a recess on a shaft or housing to secure it. Retaining rings have 3 main benefits over traditional fastening methods for shafts and housings. Those benefits are listed below:

    1. Retaining rings help reduce assembly times since installation is simple and quick.
    2. Retaining rings reduce overall part weight and size since they are lightweight and have a small profile.
    3. Retaining rings help lower the total cost of raw material and labor needed to produce parts.

    Because of these benefits, retaining ring use has become more common in various applications – from bearing retention to use in automobiles and exercise equipment. When purchasing retaining rings, however, there are some important things to consider – namely, expected loads on the ring, environmental conditions, and rotational speeds on the shaft, among others.

    What Are Retaining Rings?

    Can’t find your pliers? We stock options for external and internal snap rings.

    Retaining rings, also known as snap rings, are small, lightweight metal fasteners that either fix components onto a shaft or fix shafts into housings or bores. This is possible because retaining rings have a free end that allows the ring to be expanded (for installation on shafts) or compressed (for installation on housings) to be installed. Using a set of retaining ring pliers, retaining rings can easily be installed into a pre-cut groove on a shaft or a groove in a bore. Some retaining rings have lugs that allow them to be gripped by retaining ring pliers, while others do not. Once retaining rings are installed, they spring back to their original shape and grip the shaft or housing to create a tight hold. Additionally once installed, they form a shoulder on part assemblies that prevent components from deviating from their intended positions in the axial direction.

    Retaining rings come in several different sizes to accommodate different size shafts and housings. Retaining rings are typically made from carbon steel, stainless steel, or beryllium copper alloys and can be subject to various finishing processes to accommodate different environments and loading. Our offerings for retaining rings are mostly made from stainless steel.

    RP-200 External Standard Snap Ring Pliers

    RPS-100 Internal Snap Ring Pliers

    General Types of Retaining Rings

    Internal vs. External Retaining Rings

    In general, there are two main types of retaining rings – internal retaining rings and external retaining rings. Internal retaining rings are placed into a groove in a housing. Often internal retaining rings are tapered from the top of the ring to the free end of the ring. This is to help with installation since the overall height of the ring decreases as it is compressed. As a result, the ring can easily be inserted into the housing and can spring back to a circular shape once installed. This enables the ring to grip the entire groove in the housing and hence withstand higher thrust loads.

    External retaining rings, unlike internal ones, are placed on a groove directly on the shaft. Using a set of retaining ring pliers, external retaining rings are expanded and then spring back to their original shape when installed to form a tight hold. A portion of the ring protrudes out the groove and forms a shoulder to prevent components on a shaft from shifting.

    Axially vs. Radially Installed Retaining Rings

    Retaining rings can either be installed axially or radially. Axial installation means retaining rings are installed from the end of the shaft and slid along the shaft’s axis until it is placed in the necessary groove. Radial installation means retaining rings are installed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. One major advantage of axially-installed retaining rings is that they contact the entire surface of the groove it is placed in. This allows axially-installed rings to transmit thrust loads throughout the entire groove wall – making these rings able to sustain high thrust loads.

    Despite their name, radially-installed retaining rings actually resemble a half-circle and are sometimes called E-clips. This is because there are three prongs on the inside of the ring that contact the groove. Radially-installed retaining rings do not have lugs that allow them to be gripped by a set of retaining ring pliers. Additionally, because of their half-circle shape, these rings do cover the entire circumference of the groove and hence cannot sustain high thrust loads as effectively as their axially-installed counterparts. Despite that, two major advantages of radially-installed retaining rings are that they are easier to install than axially-installed rings and are more cost-effective than other fastening methods, including their axial counterparts.

    Important Design Considerations for Retaining Rings

    1. Thrust Load

    Retaining rings are often used in heavy machinery to secure shafts and their components in industries like automobile and aerospace where they are used in engine and bearing assemblies. Unsurprisingly, thrust loads, or loads that are applied along the axis of a shaft, can be exceptionally high in these applications, especially when power transmission is involved. Thrust loads are one of three that result from the rotational meshing of gears in power transmission. During meshing, a reaction force normal to the contact area between the teeth of the gears develops. This resultant normal force can be broken down into two vector components: the axial (coming out the gear) and radial directions (towards the center of the gear). As gears rotate, the axial and radial forces will oscillate. Therefore, it’s critical that the retaining rings you purchase are rated to handle the maximum expected loads in your project. Calculate both the axial and radial forces in your project and pick an appropriate retaining ring.

    2. Centrifugal Force

    Additionally, rotational speeds in power transmission applications can be exceptionally fast. Rapid rotational speeds can cause centrifugal forces to lift a retaining ring out of position. This is because as objects revolve around an axis, a reaction force pointed away from the rotational center develops. The faster the rotational speed, the higher the centrifugal forces. Therefore, it’s important to consider both expected loads and rotational speeds when purchasing retaining rings for your project as the type of ring that is used can have a tremendous impact on your project’s success. 

    Selecting a Retaining Ring

    A quick note on part numbers: Although we mostly stock stainless steel retaining rings and add the respective shaft diameter per part, you can get a quick idea of clip specifications by looking at the part number code. Rotor Clip codes are abbreviated in the form Type, Size, Material, Finish. For example: SH-21ST PA refers to Shaft (SH), Nominal Shaft Diameter of 7/32” (21 / 100 = .21, or 7/32”), Carbon Spring Steel (ST), with a black phosphate finish (PA).

    To help you find the correct ring from our selection, reference the chart below to determine which ring type suits your application:

    InstallationApplicationCodeDescriptionSpecial Notes
    AxialInternalHOHousing
    AxialExternalSHShaft
    RadialExternalE“E” – typeFor shafts .040 – 1.375 ” in diameter
    RadialExternalSE“E” – typeSmaller free diameter than standard E rings
    RadialExternalYE“E” – typeThicker than standard E rings
    RadialExternalBSE“E” – typeBowed rings apply a spring force on parts; useful for taking up extra play

    Note: For a full list of codes please review RCU The Ultimate Retaining Ring Guide p. 41

    Need to replace a broken retaining ring?

    Combined with an understanding of how part codes work, use whatever information you have available with your measurements. Depending on the ring installation type, there are some common dimensions to measure to find your part.

    Axial Rings

    Dimensions shown are for illustrative purposes only. Refer to spec sheets for confirmation.
    1. First measure the inside diameter of the housing (Housing-Dh) for internal applications or the outside diameter of the shaft (Shaft-Ds) for external applications.

    1. Take any available measurements of thickness (T), lug height (H), maximum section (S max), and minimum section (S min). Match your dimensions to the appropriate spec sheet below:

    HO – Housing Rings
    SH – Shaft Rings

    Radial Rings

    Dimensions shown are for illustrative purposes only. Refer to spec sheets for confirmation.
    1. Measure the outside diameter (G) and thickness (T) and match it to dimensions on the appropriate spec sheet:

    E, SE, YE – Shaft Rings

    Note: For full instructions please review RCU The Ultimate Retaining Ring Guide p. 57

    Final Thoughts

    Retaining rings are immensely useful fasteners for shafts and housings that do away with many of the troublesome headaches traditional fastening methods come with. The low-profile and lightweight retaining rings help reduce overall product assembly weights and footprints. Additionally, the easy installation of retaining rings means additional machining processes, like drilling and tapping, are no longer required. This helps reduce overall costs associated with both labor and hardware. 

    At Albany County Fasteners, we know a thing or two about fastening. Contact a sales representative today to discuss which retaining ring is right for your project.