Ask the Expert - Replacing Snap Rings and Coil Springs

We are back this week with another Ask the Expert Blog, where Smalley experts answer difficult questions about retaining ring and wave spring design. This week, our engineering experts answer some questions about snap ring and coil spring replacement with Smalley products. 

I'm currently using snap rings in my assembly, and am having over-stretch issues during the installation process. Could your Spirolox retaining rings be a good replacement?

Installation stress is a design parameter that needs to be considered for retaining rings.  As with any metal component, if the ring is bent beyond the yield point of the material, it will plastically deform.  Spirolox retaining rings may be easier to use than snap rings because they just need to be “spiraled on” to install them and do not need to be stretched larger than the component they are being installed.  However, if the Spirolox retaining ring is stretched larger (for shaft rings) than what they were designed for, they could still be deformed.  Our engineers are willing to work with you to determine is this will be an issue for your application.

I'm using a coil compression spring in my assembly and want to switch to a wave spring design to help with space savings. What do I need to know in order to find the wave spring best suited for my application?

Since a wave spring is typically not a direct replacement for a coil spring, a good place to start is to provide us with the parameters in which the wave spring will be working.  To help with this, an application checklist can be found on the Smalley website under www.smalley.com/wave-springs/design-help "Download an Application Checklist".  Once returned to Smalley, an engineer will contact you to discuss your application.