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Circlips are circular shaped clips made out of semi-flexible metal. They are generally used to keep components fitted on shafts or housings and with bearings used for mechanisms that twist, spin, turn or pivot. They are also sometimes referred to as retaining rings or snap rings. To learn more, you can read our [guide to circlips](/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/circlips-guide).

RS have a great range of fasteners including circlips in various sizes in order to meet all your fastening requirements.

### Features

Circlips tend to have open ends rather than making a complete circle. The open ended design gives the circlips a spring pressure effect. Once fitted in place, the spring effect ensures that they do not move or slip. Many circlips have a small hole at either end. This allows for the installation or removal of the [circlip pliers](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/tools/pliers/circlip-pliers/). Normally, specialised circlip pliers are used for this. They have specific sized tips that fit into the small holes within the circlip.

### Types

E type circlips, or E-Clips are also very popular. They do not require installation with specialised circlip pliers and are mounted radially, rather than axially. They are easy to remove and install.

### Internal and External circlips

Depending on the application, you will require either an internal circlip or external circlip:

- Internal clips are fitted within a cylindrical bore, groove or housing and exert pressure outwards.
- External clips work in the opposite direction. They exert pressure inwards and normally fit around the outside of a cylinder or shaft.


Shop our range of Circlips supplies & accessories. Free Next Day Delivery. Browse our latest Circlips offers.

Circlips, E-Clips, Internal & External | RS

Circlips

RS PRO Steel E Type Circlip, 15mm Shaft Diameter

RS PRO Stainless Steel E Type Circlip, 15mm Shaft Diameter

RS PRO Stainless Steel E Type Circlip, 12mm Shaft Diameter

RS PRO Stainless Steel E Type Circlip, 2.3mm Shaft Diameter

RS PRO Stainless Steel E Type Circlip, 3.2mm Shaft Diameter

RS PRO Steel E Type Circlip, 2.3mm Shaft Diameter

RS PRO Steel E Type Circlip, 3.2mm Shaft Diameter

RS PRO Steel E Type Circlip, 12mm Shaft Diameter

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E Clips | RS

Buy our range of stainless steel circlips. Browse our latest circlips offers. Don't miss out on our latest deals!

Stainless Steel Circlips | RS

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External Circlips | RS

<p>Circlips are available in two main types which are external circlips or internal circlips, (they can also be referred to as retaining rings). External circlips are a type of fastener which look like flexible, open-ended rings and are usually made from stainless steel.</p><p>External circlips are designed to fit tightly around a shaft. External circlips can be chosen to replace threaded sleeves, rivets, cotter pins, set collars, nuts, machined shoulders and similar bulky fastening devices and they come in both metric and imperial sizes.</p><p>Circlips also have a smooth side and a rough side and it is important that the clip should be installed with the smooth side facing the part and the rough side facing outwards in order to help prevent damage.</p><h2>How Do You Measure External Circlip Size?</h2><p>When measuring the size of an external circlip, you should measure the nominal size of the groove diameter. Do not measure the shaft diameter as this will result in an inaccurate measurement when comparing external circlip sizes.</p><h2>What is the difference between an external circlip and an internal circlip?</h2><p>External circlips are designed to fit around a bore and internal clips are made to sit inside a cylindrical shaft or housing.</p>

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