Diameters as small as .157" (4 mm) from stock and .118" (3 mm) for customs.
Retaining Rings & Wave Springs for Consumer Products
Compact Components for Devices, Appliances, and Everyday Products
From wearable electronics and bicycles to appliances, power tools, and recreational equipment, Smalley components support a wide range of consumer product applications. With more than 100 years of engineering and manufacturing experience, Smalley provides innovative solutions that help manufacturers enhance product performance while meeting the demands of modern consumer designs.
Smalley's Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs and Spirolox® Retaining Rings help engineers reduce assembly size, simplify installation, and lower part count in a wide range of consumer products. Although often hidden within the assembly, these components perform critical retention and spring functions that support compact, efficient designs. Backed by extensive manufacturing capabilities and material options, Smalley solutions can be adapted to meet diverse consumer product requirements.
Smalley's industry-experienced engineers can recommend retaining ring and wave spring solutions to help optimize your design. Free CAD models and part samples are also available to support fast evaluation, prototyping, and implementation.
Why Consumer Product Engineers Choose Smalley
Carbon steel and stainless steel parts from stock
40+ material options and a variety of finishes
Dedicated engineering team with application expertise
Capacity to support low- and high-volume production
Extensive inventory with over 11,000 standard part numbers
Custom parts with No-Tooling-Costs™
Free samples and CAD models to ensure proper fit and function
All parts proudly made in the State of Illinois, USA
Consumer Application Examples
- Wearable Electronics
- Personal Electronics
- Compact Electronic Devices
- Small Kitchen Appliances
- Household Appliances
- Fitness Equipment
- Leisure Equipment
- Recreational Products
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Bicycles
A number of bicycle shocks also utilize Smalley wave springs in their assembly. Using a wave spring inside a shock directly absorbs more friction than standard bike shocks. The spring balances the back pressure from the internal piston which allows for the shocks to greatly reduce the initial breakaway force. Resulting in a sturdier ride when traveling at higher speeds and changing elevations.
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Bicycle Shock Applications
Many bicycle shock assemblies utilize Smalley Wave Springs. Wave springs help absorb friction while balancing back pressure from the internal piston, reducing initial breakaway force and contributing to improved ride performance over varying speeds and terrain conditions.
- Hand Tools
- Power Tools
- Footwear
- Toys
The consumer industry has been focused on technology and innovation for some time. A specific focus of this market is wearable electronics. Smalley’s small parts can be found in these compact mechanisms. Our custom parts can be manufactured in diameters as small as .118” (3 mm) OD.
Common Smalley Solutions for Consumer Products
Spirolox® Retaining Rings
Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs
Single-Turn Wave Springs
Wavo® Springs
Design & Material Considerations
Every application presents a unique set of design and performance requirements. Smalley engineers are available to review your application and help identify the appropriate retaining ring or wave spring for your needs. The considerations below highlight some of the key factors engineers evaluate when specifying Smalley components.
- Assembly size and weight objectives
- Available axial and radial space
- Required force or travel
- Light-, medium-, or heavy-duty retention
- Installation and removal requirements
- Material strength requirements
- Quality and performance standards
For information on available material and finish options, refer to our Material Selection Guide. For a more comprehensive review of design considerations and component selection requirements, contact a Smalley engineer for a free design consultation.
