---
title: "Smalley Spirolox Retaining Rings: Precision and Flexibility | TFC Europe"
description: "Smalley Spirolox Retaining Rings: Precision and Flexibility - ~Burr-free, uniform rings for diverse applications, customizable without tooling costs~ Unlike die-stamped circlips or retaining rings, Smalley Spirolox"
image: https://blog.afceur.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Smalley-Spirolox-Retaining-Rings-Main-Image-min.png
---
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# Smalley Spirolox Retaining Rings: Precision and Flexibility
Justin Lawrence
### Justin Lawrence
Justin specialises in the design and sale of wave springs, spiral retaining rings and quick connectors, designing custom products for a range of applications including oil & gas, automotive and medical. Justin has been with TFC for over 20 years, gaining further experience in the mechanical and industrial engineering sector.
June 06, 2012
## ~Burr-free, uniform rings for diverse applications, customizable without tooling costs~
**Unlike die-stamped circlips or retaining rings, Smalley Spirolox Retaining Rings and Snap Rings are coiled on edge to the exact diameter required.**
Smalley Spirolox rings have a uniform cross section, no protruding lugs and are burr free. Smalley Spirolox rings offer a full 360° retaining surface and are directly interchangeable with standard imperial and metric standard circlip grooves.
Made from pre-tempered flat wire, Smalley Spirolox Rings are made without the need of expensive tooling by edge coiling which means, unlike conventional circlips, special designs can be easily accommodated and design changes can be made without any additional cost. Smalley edge coiled retaining rings can be coiled to exact specification in any diameter between 5mm-2300mm
Smalley Spirolox Retaining Rings are readily available in a wide variety of materials including Carbon Spring Steel, 302 and 316 Stainless Steels, plus exotic alloys such as Inconel, Elgiloy, A286, Phosphor Bronze and Beryllium Copper.
Design engineers commonly associate the word ‘retaining ring’ to a basic style or type of retention device. In reality, retaining ring styles are nearly as diverse as their applications. Smalley retaining rings offer a distinct alternative and in many instances an advantage over the more common retraining rings available on the market today.
**Some major distinctions are**:
- **Spiral wound in multiple turns** – increases load capacity yet allows easy assembly by hand or as an automated process.
- **Uniform radial section** – Provides a pleasant appearance on the assembled product. Beneficial when radial clearance is limited.
- **Simplify assembly** – Wind into groove. No special pliers or tools needed to install or remove. Removal notch provided for easy removal using a screwdriver.
- **Design flexibility** – Ring thickness can be changed to accommodate most any application by either varying material thickness and/or number of turns. Meets military and aerospace specifications. Special designs, quick and economical. Exotic alloys.
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