JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

FREE Delivery Australian OwnedSpend DISCOUNTS

Home
Pins & Clips
Circlips

Circlips

Circlips

Circlips are open-ring retainers that sit in a groove on a shaft (external, DIN 471) or inside a bore (internal, DIN 472) to retain a wheel, bearing, sleeve or pin against axial movement. The clip springs open or closed as it's installed in its groove and then relaxes to grip - no thread, no fastener, no clamping force, just spring tension holding the clip against the groove wall.

Also known as: Snap Rings, Retaining Rings, Internal Rings, External Rings, Lock Rings, E-Clips (for E-type), C-Clips.

Circlips are not threaded - they are spring-tension retainers. Sizing is by the SHAFT or BORE diameter they fit, NOT by their own free OD. The free OD, groove width and groove diameter are listed on each product page. DIN 471 external and DIN 472 internal are NOT interchangeable - the spring direction is opposite.

GRADES AND MATERIALS

Stainless DIN 471 / 472 - chrome-nickel stainless for general corrosion-resistant retention. The clips spring radially as they seat in the groove so they need to be tough enough to fold without cracking and resilient enough to grip after release. The stainless DIN 471 / 472 grade balances both requirements for indoor / mild outdoor / washdown service.

G420 Martensitic Stainless (JIS B2805 E-Type) - the harder G420 grade is used on E-type circlips where the small spring section needs higher tensile strength to maintain grip force. G420 is magnetic by design - the hardness comes from a martensitic structure. Are stainless fasteners magnetic?.

DRIVE AND INSTALLATION

DIN 471 and DIN 472 circlips have two ear holes that accept the matching installation tool. External (shaft) circlips are squeezed at the ears to expand the clip OD enough to slip over the shaft and into its groove. Internal (bore) circlips are spread at the ears to compress the clip OD enough to fit inside the bore and into its groove. Match the tool tip to the ear-hole size to avoid tearing the ear.

E-type circlips (JIS B2805) install by snapping over the shaft sideways into the groove - they don't need pliers. Match the E-clip size to the shaft groove diameter (usually slightly smaller than the shaft OD, with the E opening engaging the groove). DIN 6799 linch pins serve a similar quick-release function with a hinged retaining ring.

A NOTE ON GALLING

Circlip contact with the groove wall is light and intermittent - galling is not a practical concern even on stainless-in-stainless installations. Don't over-spread the ears beyond what the clip's spring-temper allows, as permanent deformation will lose grip force.

SIZING AND MEASUREMENTS

Circlips are sized by the SHAFT diameter they fit (external circlips, DIN 471) or the BORE diameter they sit inside (internal circlips, DIN 472). Free OD, groove width and groove diameter are listed on the product page. Cross-check against the groove dimension on your assembly drawing to ensure the correct match.

TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Standards: DIN 471 - External (shaft) circlips; DIN 472 - Internal (bore) circlips; JIS B2805 - E-type circlips. Groove dimensions and clip dimensions cross-published in each standard. CAD drawings and spec PDFs linked on each product page.

Browse the full Circlips range. We've been supplying these online from Brisbane for over 15 years — 25,000 stock lines, 200 million+ pieces in stock, same-day dispatch on orders placed before 1pm. Save more as you buy more — up to 13 price breaks plus 3 spend-tier discounts.

Prices: Includes GST, a Tax Invoice and Free Standard Delivery anywhere in Australia.

WHY AUSTRALIA TRUSTS BOLT & NUT

With 15+ years selling fasteners online from Brisbane, we hold over 25,000 stock lines and 200 million pieces - 98.75% of online orders placed before 1pm leave same day. Save more as you buy more - we offer up to 13 price breaks plus 3 spend-tier discounts. Read our customer reviews or get in touch if you need help picking the right circlip.

YOU'RE ON A SECURE SITE

Copyright © 2026 Bolt & Nut Australia Pty LTD, ABN 45 159 328 604

Magento Website built By dZine-Hub

Spend up to $99 5% Discount
Spend between $100 - $249 10% Discount
Spend $250 and above 15% Discount