Installing Snap Ring on a Shaft with Larger OD

[harpoon]

Hello! Long story short, I am interested in installing a snap ring rated for 5 mm diameter shafts over a 6 mm diameter shaft into the appropriate groove. For several reasons, I cannot use other types of retaining rings (i.e. side mount E-style retaining rings, etc). This is the snap ring:

https://www.mcmaster.com/90154A101/

Unfortunately, I am not able to quickly get my hands on a rotary shaft with the proper grooves and retaining rings to test this out experimentally. Assuming I have the proper installation tools and that the groove is properly sized to fit the snap ring, is this possible, or will it be too difficult to open the snap ring 1 mm farther than the rated OD of the snap ring? In general, how far can I open a snap ring over its rated shaft OD until it yields or gets damaged?

Thank you in advance! Let me know if I should clarify anything.

 

[Averagesupernova]

I have installed and removed a lot of snap rings over the years. Without knowing any details I can only say go by the manufacturer specs. I've worked with snap rings that are seemingly too small for the shaft yet are oem sourced. I've also seen the time that in my opinion they are too loose and also oem sourced.

 

[Baluncore]

... is this possible, or will it be too difficult to open the snap ring 1 mm farther than the rated OD of the snap ring?

It is designed to pass over a 5 mm diameter shaft, to seat in a 4.8 mm diameter groove. To pass it over a 6 mm shaft, into a 4.8 mm diameter groove will be very difficult. It will buckle and twist. You will need to make it into a long helical turn to pass it over the 6 mm shaft. It will then be difficult to flatten it again as it is seated in the deep groove. Cutting the deeper groove in the 6 mm shaft will be difficult, and the ring will only just show above the lip.
Why not use a 6 mm ring on the 6 mm shaft?

 

[Tom.G]

That split in the snap ring will have to open up to at least 4.08mm to get a 6mm dia. In reality, probably a bit more considering that much deformation will not be uniform. Good luck with that!

I recommend finding a different solution.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[dlgoff]

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