Circlips

About

Circlips provide a simple, reliable and cost-effective method of securing components onto shafts or inside bores. Commonly used as an alternative to machined collars, threaded fasteners, washer-and-pin assemblies and other multi-part fastening systems, circlips can help reduce material use, assembly time and the overall number of components required. At Bearing King, our collection includes External Circlips and Internal Circlips for a wide range of mechanical, engineering, automotive, manufacturing and maintenance applications. These compact retaining rings are designed to fit into specially machined grooves, creating a secure shoulder that helps prevent components from moving axially during operation. Whether you are replacing an existing retaining ring or selecting a fastening solution for a new assembly, choosing the correct circlip type and size is essential. Browse the collection to find circlips suitable for securing bearings, gears, pulleys, wheels, bushes and other mechanical parts. What Are Circlips? Circlips, sometimes referred to as retaining rings, snap rings or retaining clips, are metal fasteners used to hold components in position. Unlike bolts, nuts or conventional collars, they are installed into a groove on a shaft or within a housing. Once fitted, the circlip acts as a retaining shoulder. This helps restrict the sideways or axial movement of the component next to it while still allowing the assembly to remain compact. Circlips are widely used in applications where space is limited or where a component may need to be removed during servicing. Their lightweight construction and straightforward installation make them a practical choice for both original equipment manufacturing and repair work. Depending on the assembly, the correct solution will normally be either an external circlip or an internal circlip. What Are External Circlips? External Circlips are designed to fit around the outside of a shaft. They sit within a groove machined into the shaf