E-Style Retaining Rings have a small prong in the middle of their circular "E" shape. That prong, along with the inner portion of the two prongs at the ends of the ring, rests against the inside of a grooved portion of a shaft. Most of the ring rests outside the shaft while those three inner portions maintain tight contact with the deep inner part of the groove. We carry 18 sizes of steel / black phos e-style retaining rings, which can be safely used within a temperature range of -100°F to 500°F. We also have 20 sizes in stainless steel which are corrosion resistant & can be used in higher heat applications from -100°F to 900°F.

External Style Retaining Rings feature two externally expanded ends with holes next to a narrow opening. To install this type of ring into a groove on a shaft, a retaining ring tool is inserted into the two holes and widens the opening to fit around the shaft. Once installed, the inner circle of an external retaining ring is in direct contact with the groove for the entire circumference, except for the small opening. We carry 38 sizes of steel / black phos external style retaining rings, which can be safely used within a temperature range of -100°F to 500°F. We also have 25 sizes in stainless steel which are corrosion resistant & can be used in higher heat applications from from -100°F to 900°F.

Internal Style Retaining Rings are similar to external style retaining rings except that the ends are expanded inward rather than outward. That's because these rings are installed into grooves on the inside of a housing. The flat outside of the ring will be in direct contact with the groove for the entire circumference, except for the small opening. A retaining ring tool is inserted into the two holes and tightens the ends together until it is properly located. When the tool is removed, the ring expands to create a tight hold. We carry 40 sizes of steel / black phos external style retaining rings, which can be safely used within a temperature range of -100°F to 500°F. We also have 28 sizes in stainless steel which are corrosion resistant & can be used in higher heat applications from -100°F to 900°F.