Official Answer
Answer
In automated systems, verifying the seating of a spiral ring is often done using a 'Probe' or a 'Vision System'. A mechanical probe can be inserted to check the internal diameter ($I.D.$); if the ring is not seated in the groove, the $I.D.$ will be smaller than the nominal value. Alternatively, vision systems look for the 'Gap' or 'Overlap' characteristic of the ring ends. If the ring is 'dished' or partially out of the groove, the shadow profile will be irregular. For critical aerospace fasteners, a secondary manual check with a 'Feeler Gauge' is often performed to ensure the ring is fully engaged around the entire $360^{∘}$ circumference, as a partially seated ring will fail at a fraction of its rated thrust load.
