External Circlips Explained: What They Are and Where They're Used
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External circlips may be simple components, but they play a critical role in retaining parts on shafts across countless automotive, engineering and industrial applications.
Designed to fit around a shaft and locate into a machined groove, external circlips provide a reliable method of preventing bearings, gears, pulleys and other components from moving along the shaft.
In this guide, we'll explain what external circlips are, how they work, and where they're commonly used.
What Is an External Circlip?
An external circlip is a spring steel retaining ring designed to fit around the outside diameter of a shaft.
Once installed into a machined groove, the circlip acts as a positive stop, preventing components from sliding off the shaft.
External circlips are typically fitted using circlip pliers, which expand the ring so it can be positioned over the shaft before locating into the groove.
How Do External Circlips Work?
External circlips rely on the spring properties of the steel.
During installation:
- the circlip is expanded
- positioned over the shaft
- released into the groove
Once seated correctly, the circlip retains components and prevents unwanted axial movement.
This provides a compact, reliable and cost-effective retention solution without requiring threaded fasteners or locking devices.
Common Uses for External Circlips
External circlips are found throughout automotive, industrial and mechanical equipment.
Bearings
One of the most common applications.
External circlips are frequently used to retain bearings on shafts within:
- gearboxes
- electric motors
- pumps
- industrial machinery
Gears & Sprockets
External circlips are often used to secure:
- gears
- sprockets
- pulleys
on rotating shafts.
Automotive Components
Common automotive applications include:
- transmissions
- wheel hubs
- steering systems
- drive shafts
where compact retention is required.
Agricultural & Industrial Machinery
External circlips are widely used in machinery where components must be retained whilst still allowing straightforward maintenance and replacement.
Why Use External Circlips?
External circlips offer several advantages:
Compact Design
Require minimal space compared to nuts, bolts or collars.
Cost Effective
Simple components that provide dependable retention.
Easy Installation
Quick to fit and remove using suitable circlip pliers.
Reliable Performance
Suitable for vibration-prone environments including automotive and industrial applications.
External vs Internal Circlips
Both types perform the same function but are installed in different locations.
| Type | Installed On |
|---|---|
| Internal Circlip | Inside a bore or housing |
| External Circlip | Around a shaft |
Choosing the correct type depends entirely on the application design.
Choosing the Correct External Circlip
Selecting the correct circlip requires:
- shaft diameter
- groove dimensions
- material specification
Using the correct size ensures proper engagement with the groove and reliable retention of components.
A poorly fitted circlip can lead to premature wear or component movement.
External Circlips at Seal With Selo
We're expanding the Seal With Selo range to include external circlips in a wide range of sizes.
Manufactured from carbon spring steel, they're suitable for many automotive, industrial and engineering applications.
As with the rest of the Selo range:
- supplied from UK stock
- no minimum order quantity
- same-day dispatch before cut-off
In Summary
External circlips provide a simple, effective and reliable method of retaining components on shafts.
From bearings and gears to automotive transmissions and industrial machinery, they remain one of the most widely used retaining solutions in engineering.