If you regularly use quarter-turn fasteners, you may want to invest in snap rings. Also known as jump rings, they prevent quarter-turn fasteners from falling out. Without a snap ring, quarter-turn fasteners may fall out when turned 90 degrees counterclockwise (the unlocked position). Snap rings prevent this from happening by holding quarter-turn fasteners in place. For a better understanding of snap rings and how they work, keep reading.
An Introduction to Snap Rings
Snap rings are small, circular fasteners with a cut or slit. They offer a simple and effective way to prevent quarter-turn fasteners from falling out of objects.
How Snap Rings Work
Snap rings work by compressing around quarter-turn fasteners. Quarter-turn fasteners, of course, are mechanical fasteners that lock and unlock with 90-degree turns. They typically consist of a stud, receptacle and retainer. Turning a quarter-turn fastener 90 degrees clockwise will lock it into place, whereas turning it 90 degrees counterclockwise will unlock it. Snap rings act as the retainer for quarter-turn fasteners.
Quarter-turn fasteners typically have a shallow collar directly below the head. Snap rings are designed to fit over this collar. The narrow cut allows them to compress around the collar, thereby holding the fastener in place.
Quarter-turn fasteners typically remain secure in the locked position. If you turn them to the unlocked position, though, they will become loose. Loose quarter-turn fasteners may then fall out of the panels or objects in which they are installed. Fortunately, snap rings prevent this from happening. Even when turned to the unlocked position, quarter-turn fasteners won’t fall out if they feature a snap ring.
What to Look For When Choosing Snap Rings
You should look for an appropriate size when choosing snap rings. As previously mentioned, they are used in conjunction with quarter-turn fasteners. While they offer some degree of tolerance — due to the narrow cut — snap rings still need to fit properly. If a snap ring is too small, it may not fit around the quarter-turn fastener. If it’s too big, it will fit loosely while failing to secure the fastener.
In addition to the right size, you should choose snap rings made of a durable material. Stainless steel is a common material in which they are made. Stainless steel snap rings are strong, resistant to corrosion and long-lasting.
In Conclusion
Don’t let loose quarter-turn fasteners cause you trouble. Secure them in place with snap rings. These otherwise simple ring-shaped fasteners are designed to prevent quarter-turn fasteners from falling out.
