Official Answer
Answer
For high-volume production, manual pliers are inefficient and can damage the ring. Instead, a tapered mandrel (for external rings) or a tapered funnel (for internal rings) is used. The ring is pushed down the taper by a sleeve, gradually expanding (or contracting) it until it reaches the groove and snaps into place. This method ensures that the ring is expanded uniformly and not over-stressed in one localized area. It also allows for automation and prevents 'spiraling' or scratching the shaft surface, which is critical in hydraulic cylinder assemblies.
