Smalley constant section retaining rings

Constant Section Snap Rings

Heavy-Duty Retaining Rings for High Load and Impact Applications

Constant Section Snap Ring

Constant Section Snap Rings

Constant Section Retaining Rings, commonly referred to as Snap Rings, are heavy-duty retaining rings designed for applications requiring high thrust capacity and resistance to impact loading. They provide reliable retention in demanding assemblies across  automotive, off-highway, and heavy-duty equipment. 

  • High Thrust & Impact Capacity 
    Built for demanding applications requiring heavy-duty retention. 
  • Eaton⁠® Ring Interchangeability 
    Stock series available that interchange with Eaton snap rings. 
  • Internal & External Grooves + Custom End Styles 
    Multiple configurations available to support a wide range of groove and assembly designs. 
Smalley products
Know Your Part? Shop Now!

Overview

Smalley Constant Section Retaining Rings are single-turn rings manufactured from flat wire. Their square-edge profile provides a robust retaining surface capable of handling high thrust loads, making them a common choice for demanding mechanical assemblies. 

Offered in both internal and external configurations, Constant Section Rings are available in standard imperial and metric series, along with Eaton⁠® interchangeable alternatives. These rings are commonly specified in automotive, construction, agricultural, and other heavy-duty industrial equipment where reliable retention under demanding operating conditions is critical. 

Constant Section Wave Spring Types

Constant Section Snap Ring

Standard Series

Heavy-Duty Series 

Series Unit Diameter
FHE Imperial 0.5 - 11 in
FSE Imperial 0.5 - 11 in
FH Metric 13 - 300 mm
FS Metric 13 - 300 mm
Snap ring type c s

Eaton⁠® Interchange Series

Series Unit Diameter
XAH Imperial 0.375 - 10 in
XAS Imperial 0.312 - 10 in
XDH Imperial 1.125 - 8 in
XDS Imperial 0.500 - 8 in

Interchange Listing

Smalley Eaton
XAH NAN
XAS XAN
XDH ND
XDS XD

Designed to Meet Your Exact Specifications

Smalley stocks more than 6,000 Retaining Ring part numbers in carbon steel and stainless steel. When a standard part won't do, our engineers can help you develop a custom solution built around your application's requirements. We offer custom Constant Section Retaining Rings in diameters ranging from .157 to 120" and 4 to 3000 mm.

With more than 40 material options and countless configurations available, Smalley provides the design flexibility needed for unique applications. Our edgewinding process minimizes material scrap, making premium materials such as Elgiloy, Inconel, and titanium cost-effective choices. Best of all, all custom parts come with No-Tooling-Charges⁠™. 

Alternative Ring End Configurations

Constant Section Retaining Rings are available with a variety of end configurations to accommodate different installation, removal, and tooling requirements. As shown below, Smalley offers multiple special end styles for both internal and external applications. Type A, B, C, and E configurations are available in housing (-H) and shaft (-S) versions, providing added flexibility to meet specific assembly needs. 

Smalley products

Design Support & Custom Solutions

Expert Engineering Team

Custom Design Services

Application Optimization

Smalley products
Product Selector Tool

Applications

Constant Section Rings are commonly used in actuator valves where occasional shock loading may occur. Their robust profile provides reliable retention, while specialized end configurations allow for straightforward installation and removal using compatible tools.

constant section ring in actuator application

Well suited for bearing retention applications, XAH Series Constant Section Rings are installed in housing grooves to securely retain bearings within an assembly. The heavy-duty XAH Series is interchangeable with Eaton⁠® NAN snap rings, providing a straightforward replacement option 

Spirolox retaining ring in bearing application