Circlip and its Types [Explained with Images]

What is a Circlip?

A circlip is a type of fastener consisting of a semi flexible ring with ends open. It prohibits lateral motion between the different parts of a machine but permits rotary motion.

The word circlip is a portmanteau (combination of two words) of circle and clip. Circlip is also known as C – Clip, Snap ring, Seeger ring or Jesus ring.

How the Circlip got the name ‘Jesus ring’?

While installing and uninstalling a circlip it generally launches with a very high speed. Which generally causes a mechanic to say ‘Oh Jesus, where did it go?’. Hence, the circlip got the name ‘Jesus ring’.

Types of circlips

Circlips can broadly be divided into two main types

1. Internal circlip

2. External circlip

Internal circlips are used for bores while external circlips are used for shafts.

Circlips are generally used in motors, pistons and turbines.

Both internal and external circlips can further be divided into several types on the basis of their design and application.  Some of the most common types of circlips are explained below (in brief).

Constant section retaining ring

These types of circlips have constant section thickness from centre to ends. They are installed with the help of circlip pliers.

Spiral retention rings

These are constant section retaining rings with 360-degree contact. They are installed by hands.

Tapered section circlip

In these types of circlips thickness of the section tapers towards the ends. Centre of the circlip is the thickest while ends are thinnest. They are installed with the help of pliers.

Inverted circlip

They are tapered section circlips with inverted lugs. They are installed with the help of circlip pliers.

Star or K – Circlip

They are tapered section circlips with extra lugs. They are installed and uninstalled with the help of circlip pliers.

E – Clips

These circlips fit radially into the shaft (not axially). Since these circlips do not have lugs so they can not be used with circlip pliers.

Grip ring

Image Source

They are external circlips which do not need any groove to fit. They have a very tight grip. They are installed and uninstalled with the help of circlip pliers.