Snap Ring vs. E-Ring

[Mandrill22]

Hi everyone. I'm new here, but it looks like a solid forum. I'm trying to decide which retaining ring to use in a design, snap ring or E-ring. It is for a 3/8 pin that acts as a pivot point for a angled bar attached to a 27 lbf linear actuator, creating 54 in-lb of torque. Again, it is the pivot point. I would use two grooves; one to hold the pin and angled bar together, and one to hold the end of the pin to an 8 gauge steel plate. Any ideas? I'm new to this ring application, so I'm still fuzzy on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of external ring. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ron]

The E-ring has less contact area so would theoretically hold less load; however, from a maintenance standpoint, it can be changed without special tools (doesn't require Snap Ring pliers and adapter nibs). Further, when removing a snap ring, it has to be moved along the axis of the rod or pin; whereas the E-ring is removed from the side with no axis movement required.

Since the load is not high, I would go with the easier of the two to maintain.

 

[evolvingape]

I always liked E clips cos they so simple, never had one come off without me wanting it too, but they were designed for the loads they were holding. Are you able to substitute a linear actuator that is more powerfull in your design ? I am suggesting you over test it like proof pressures as opposed to operating pressures. If the E clip holds up to a more powerfull actuation then I say go with the E clip cos it is simpler to maintain.

 

[tbuelna]

Mandrill22,

The only advantage with E-rings is that they are easier to install. But E-rings normally require more radial clearance to install than snap rings.

Installing a thrust washer between the retaining ring and its mating part will also help if there is relative motion at the thrust face of the retaining ring.

Hope that helps.
Terry

 

[Mandrill22]

Thanks for your help guys. I'm thinking snap ring because maintenance should not be a real issue here. You have given me some good insight.

 

[Tmoose]

I'm wondering about the effect of the fit of the 3/8 pin in the 8 gauge ( 0.170" ?) plate and the single shear arrangment. I picture things getting all wobbly and asking more of the clips than simple axial retention

 

[Mandrill22]

The plate is .1644" thick. Which part are you picturing getting wobbly? The plate? The pin is running less than 1" from the bar to the support plate at the axis of rotation.