The self-locking external retaining ring has a tapered section, assembles axially, is made of passivated 15-7 PH stainless steel, and is made in USA. The ring's self-locking construction grips the shaft to maintain placement without the use of a groove. It is not easily removed once installed. The tapered section style provides the ring with flexibility to facilitate installation and typically withstands higher thrust loads than constant section and spiral rings. The ring installs by sliding onto a shaft from the end, also called axial assembly. Axially installed rings reach further around the outside diameter of the shaft than radially installed rings. The 15-7 PH stainless steel grade offers high strength and hardness, and maintains its corrosion resistance in high temperatures, and the passivated finish enhances its natural corrosion resistance.

Retaining rings attach to a shaft (external) or install in a bore (internal), creating a shoulder to maintain component positioning within an assembly. While most rings install into a machined groove either on the inside or outside diameter of a shaft, self-locking rings attach to a shaft by using friction from means such as teeth and notches to maintain placement. Retaining rings should fit tightly enough into the groove or onto the shaft so they won't experience any movement.