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Color Variations in Metals
Smalley retaining rings and wave springs can be manufactured in many different types of alloys. Each of these materials has specific properties which make them appropriate for use. Common alloys used…
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Application Spotlight: Wave Springs for Bearing Preload
What is bearing preload? When assembling individual bearing components, the outer race, inner race, balls, and retainer all work together so that there is a controlled amount of internal clearance…
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Application Spotlight: ID/OD Locks - Retaining Ring Functionality
Spirolox Retaining Rings have many advantages. They are simple and safe to install and remove. They are produced with little to no waste, which makes them an economical choice for stainless steel…
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Ask the Expert – Smalley Load Specifications
Welcome to another edition of Ask the Expert, a series in which expert Smalley Engineers answer difficult questions about retaining rings and wave springs. What is the minimum work height of part…
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Designing a Custom Retaining Ring or Wave Spring with Smalley
Smalley stocks over 11,000 standard rings and springs for applications in nearly every industry worldwide. We also understand, however, that the uniqueness of some applications may demand something…
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Application Spotlight: Smalley Retaining Rings as a Replacement for Multiple Bolts
Bolts are a common fastener used to connect two or more components in an assembly. Although bolts can be used as an inexpensive method of assembly, Smalley Spirolox® Retaining Rings can be used as an…
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Top 5 Reasons to Use a Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring
1. Reduced Work Height In applications with tight space constraints, Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs can take up to 50% space than a traditional coil spring. This space saving is made possible with the…
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Product Spotlight: Internal Retaining Rings
Internal retaining rings act as a removable shoulder within a bore/housing. These internal rings come in a variety of configurations. For applications that require an internal retaining ring, Smalley…
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Installation & Removal Advantages of Spirolox Retaining Rings
Spirolox® Retaining Rings are specified to literally retain components within a bore or shaft. What sets them apart from other retaining rings on the market is that they are designed with “No Ears to…
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Can You Use a Wave Spring to Replace a Lock Washer?
Lock washers, also referred to as split washers, are used to prevent nuts and bolts from slipping or turning in applications. The washer applies a light load to minimize the effects of vibration,…