Official Answer
Answer
Spiral retaining rings are coiled from flat wire and typically have two or three turns, which provides a $360^{\circ}$ retaining surface with no lugs or 'ears'. In contrast, stamped circlips have large lugs for pliers that can interfere with other components. For installation in blind holes (internal rings), spiral rings can be 'wound' into the groove. One end is started in the groove, and the rest of the ring is spiraled in manually or with a simple tool. This is particularly advantageous when there is no access for traditional circlip pliers. Furthermore, the absence of lugs means the spiral ring has a lower profile and a more uniform radial cross-section, which improves the balance in high-speed rotating assemblies.
