A
circlip (a combination of 'circle' and 'clip',
and pronounced thus), or
snap ring is a type of
fastener consisting of a semi-flexible metal ring
with open ends which can be snapped into place, into a
machined
groove on a dowel pin or other part to permit
rotation but to prevent lateral
movement. There are two basic types: internal and
external, referring to whether they are fitted into a
tube or over a shaft. Circlips are often used to secure
pinned connections.
Circlips which are fitted may be
removed with a pair of
needle-nosed pliers or a special snap ring tool if
the circlip is designed to include entry points for the
pliers or tool. Alternatively, cautious leverage with a
flat-headed screwdriver may be necessary in lieu of the
correct tools or design of snap-ring.
Common examples include "E-clips" (e-ring)
and the (both internal and external) snap ring or
circlip. This general type of fasteners are sized to
provide an interference fit onto (or into, in the case
of an internal fastener) a groove or land when in use,
such that they must be elastically deformed in order to
install or remove them.
They are commonly referred to in some small
engineering firms as dink. This is mainly because of the
size of these components and originates from the slang
term 'dinky'.