Suppliers of Small Quantities of Circlips

[Old Sparky]

Just to clarify a point, it's not a 'circlip' - it's an 'E' clip.

Circlips - be they internal or external - are installed or removed with circlip pliers inserted into two holes to either expand or contract the clip.

As to using coinage of the realm to gauge the size of small objects, the clip looks to be about the size of a what - as a kid - we called a 'threepenny joey' which had 12 sides.

(A joey was originally a four pence piece - the groat. I'm not quite old enough to remember those!).

Morning, Yorkie,
I was aware of the difference, though I think the term 'circlip', which surely derives from 'circular clip') gets applied to all types. I, too, remember the 'threepenny joey-a.k.a. 'threepenny bit', still have acouple somewhere!

[Old Sparky]

Alan,

I'm sorry to say that mine are either too big or too small. However, I've done some measurements - see attached.
I think the groove is probably between 9 and 10mm. There's lots on eBay, for example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-E-ring-C-c..._Fixing_MJ&var=&hash=item1e74b5aa00.
I think if you got some 9s and 10s one of them would fit, and I don't think you'll go broke

Alan

Morning, Alan,
I've ordered circlips in 8 & 10mm sizes from the seller you mentioned, hopefully one or the other will fit. One thing
puzzles me, though, and that is why you've put two different sets of dimensions on your post.

[Old Sparky]

Somehow my reply to 'Yorkie' has been duplicated. It arose when I tried to change 'acouple' to'a couple'
via the 'quick edit' facility. Anyway I tried to delete the duplication only to receive a 'you do not have permission, etc.' notice. Someone please explain!

[Joe]

That's odd. The Forum software allows Members to edit posts freely but not delete them - though you can edit out all the text!

I've deleted the duplicate.

- Joe

[Retired]

Hi,

I believe our local nut and bolt suppliers can supply things like circlips; engineering and plumbing suppliers also usually have a selection and it pays to visit taking the part along. I'm cheeky enough to pop into anywhere I think can help me and ask for help; most people will go out of their way to help someone who is genuinely stuck. Springs are another common item needed in small quantities. I always offer to pay but many times have been kindly given small items of little value.

Just to be different circlips are called Snap Rings in America although to be correct a snap ring doesn't have a hole at each end. The choice of retaining rings is bewildering.

http://www.smalley.com/retaining_rings/a..._rings.asp

I've just checked my stock of circlips but have nothing of this size or you could have had a couple with my compliments. I never throw old circlips away as long as they are undamaged.

If you know the exact shaft/spindle diameter then its possible to find the correct sized circlip by surfing the web; here is an example;

http://www.circlip.net/pdf/exter.pdf

Places like Screwfix sell kits of assorted circlips; springs and washers but for a one off this is expensive although for people like me into mechanical things these kits can prove useful. When David and I visit Rufforth Auto Jumble we have a huge choice of such things and it's amazing the amount of stainless steel fastenings on offer.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/circlips-steel...0pcs/17113#

Kind regards, Col.

[AlanBeckett]

The Dims on the RHS are the measurements from the picture.
The ones on the LHS are the measurements translated into the real world.

Alan

[Old Sparky]

Thanks, Col & Alan, for your help. I purchased some clips from the ebay seller you mentioned, Alan, and one of the larger sizes did the job. Now, if I could remove the motor board from the rest of the cabinet(it appears to be stuck fast)so that I could release the transit screws and then clean/re-lube the mechanism...!!