What is E clip? | How to determine E-clip size? (2024)

The clips are used all over the world for different applications. There are multiple types of circlips designed according to the nature of different applications. The circlip, also called a snap ring or C-clip, is a retaining ring with an open end that snaps into its place. These are clips that fit into radial slots in the shaft and bore and are held firmly in place by springs. An E-clip is the most commonly used type of circlip. This article mainly explains the E-clip.

What is an E-clip?

The E-clip is a type of retaining ring used to secure mechanical parts within a bore or on a shaft. The E-clip is also called a ring clip or E-ring. It is known as an E-clip because of its design, which resembles the letter “E.”

The E-clip is one of the most famous types of external circlips. The maximum circlips have a “C” shaped design. This design permits them to inflate when installed around the shaft or compressed when installed in a hole.

The main function of the E-clip is to hold a part in its place or prevent it from moving in a specific direction by fitting itself within a bore or into a groove on a shaft.

Standard retaining rings or circlips are available in two types:

1. External retaining rings
2. Internal retaining rings

The internal retaining ring is located in the hole groove, while the external retaining ring is designed to fit the outer groove tightly on the rod or shaft. These clips are utilized to exchange the need for mechanical fasteners (rivets, cotter pins, nuts, etc.) and often decrease the assembly weight.

E-clips are typically used in different industrial applications, such as general machinery, aerospace, and automotive. These clips are famous because of their low cost, ease of use, and simplicity. They are not ideal for applications that need precise positioning or high axial loads.

How To Remove E Clips?

A small flat-bladed screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, or clip removal tool is most commonly used for removing an E-clip. Clutch the E-clip with your tool and force it upward with reasonable pressure.

Follow the below-given methods to remove the E clip:

1) Using E-clip Remover

• First of all, properly align the removal tool with the E-clip end. Mostly the clip removers have curved, smooth edges. Ensures a parallel alignment of the E-clip curve with the curved edge of the tool, then position the tool directly under the clip. The E-clip removers have multiple types, but you can use all the tools in the same way.
• Push up to put on an even, moderate pressure. After aligning the tool with the E-ring, slide the tool out of position. Be careful about the pressure during this process, and don’t apply high pressure. If you employ high pressure, the e-clip can fly off.
• Store the E-Clip in a dry area so that you can reuse it next time. Put the E-Clip in a storage container, container, or storage You can use it again and again in other projects with the tool.

2) Removing E-clip using Pliers

• Turn the E-Clip center sideways so that you can hold it easily. Turn the curved side of the E-clip toward you so that you can remove it easily.
• Twist the clip by using needle nose pliers or your fingers. Twist the clip at such an angle that it can easily slide with moderate pressure.
• Use needle-nose pliers to catch the E-clip center. Press the E-clip center with the tip of the pliers. Grasp the pliers strongly and eradicate the clip.
• A needle nose plier is ideal for easily removing the E-ring. But you can also employ locking pliers or slip-joint pliers to remove the E-clip.
• Apply moderate pressure to pull the e-clip toward you. While holding the clip, pull back the pliers to remove the E-ring from its place. If you are facing trouble gripping the E-Clamp, adjust the pliers in such a way that the tip becomes closer to the clip center.

3) Removing E-clip Using a Flathead Screwdriver

• First of all, make a proper alignment of the screwdriver with one of the smallest slots or grooves in the clip center.
• Put the screwdriver tip into the clip groove. All types of E-clips have two small grooves in the center, one on the right and the second on the left. You may use both of these grooves to eradicate the clip. For excellent performance, use a screwdriver equal to the size of the E-clip.
• Put your finger right next to the clip to grab it firmly as you move. Place the index finger of your non-dominant hand on top of the clip. This will prevent the e-clip from flying too far when you remove it.
• Using moderate pressure, push the screwdriver upward. Grasp the screwdriver with your dominant hand and continue to push the tool up. In this way, the clip will remove easily. If not, apply a little bit more pressure.

How to determine the size of E-Clip?

To find the correct size of the E-clip for your application, you will need to consider the following major dimensions:

• Shaft diameter: First of all, you need to calculate the bore or shaft diameter on which you want to install your E-clip.
• Groove dimensions: Calculate the dimensions of the groove on the bore or shaft. In this, you need to measure the groove depth (D) and groove width (W).
• E-clip radial width (RW) and thickness (T): Check the data sheet of the manufacturer to check the radial width (RW) and thickness (T) specifications that correspond to the shaft diameter you calculated in the above step.
• Material and load requirements: Now choose the material of the E-clip (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, or other alloys) and its fitness according to your application load.

• Verify the fit: After choosing the best suitable E-clip size according to your measurements and material obligations, install the E-clip on the bore or shaft to verify the fit.

Construction Material of E-Clip

Different materials are used for the construction of E-clip according to the corrosion resistance requirements for the system. Most E-clips are made of alloy steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper. These parts are used in various industrial machines and tools.

Applications of E-Clips

• Agricultural machines: E-clips are also employed in different agricultural machines, including excavators, loaders, and tractors, to hold moving parts and ensure proper working.
• Aerospace: E-clips are employed in aerospace industries to secure components and maintain their position within assemblies. You can find these clips in the airplane landing gear systems and engines.
• Machinery and equipment: They are also utilized in different equipment and machines such as compressors, gearboxes, motors, and pumps.
• Automotive: E-clips are most commonly used in different automotive applications to secure different parts such as bearings and gears on shafts or within bores. These clips are also used in suspension systems, steering systems, and transmission systems.
• Electronics and appliances: They are employed in electronics and appliances to secure different parts in their places such as gears and motors.
• Industrial automation: These clips are used in different automated systems, including conveyors and robotics systems to secure components on shafts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Clip

The main advantage of the E-clip is that it has easy removal and installation. You can easily push it into a milled slot without any special tool, but a screwdriver or simple pliers are required to push it in or out of the shaft.

These clips don’t need a round shaft. Generally, these clips offer more functionality than other fasteners without the need for tapping, threading, or other machining tasks.

The E-clips have different types and sizes according to the application nature. The right size is vital for the retaining ring. It must deliver a tight fit to stop loosening.

The main disadvantage of the e-clip is that it has limited load capacity, which depends on the application requirements. However, the over-tightening of this clip may damage the shaft and reduce the assembly performance.

E Clip Vs Snap Ring

The main difference between an e-ring and a snap ring is given below:

FAQ Section

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