Official Answer
Answer
Spiral retaining rings are unique because they can be installed by 'winding' them into the groove. Unlike stamped rings that require circlip pliers and expand/contract significantly, a spiral ring can be started by hand. One end of the ring is placed in the groove, and the remainder is wound in by pressing it axially. For larger rings or high-volume production, a tapered mandrel (for external rings) or a tapered sleeve (for internal rings) should be used. The taper allows the ring to gradually expand/contract as it is pushed into position by a plunger. This method is superior because it ensures the ring is never over-stressed beyond its yield point, which is a common risk when using pliers on traditional snap rings.
