Official Answer
Answer
Manual installation of a spiral retaining ring involves 'winding' the ring into the groove by hand, which is feasible for low volumes but risks scratching the shaft or over-expanding the ring. For high-volume production, a tapered mandrel and a plunger tool are used. The mandrel is placed over the shaft, and the ring is pushed up the taper, which gradually expands it until it snaps into the groove. The taper angle should be shallow (usually $15$-$25^{\circ}$) to minimize the force required and prevent the ring from exceeding its elastic limit. Over-expansion during installation can lead to a 'loose fit' where the ring does not grip the groove bottom, reducing its rotational speed capacity.
