Have you heard of push-on retainers? They offer a simple and effective fastening mechanism. As their name suggests, push-on retainers are designed to be “pushed on” objects. You can use them on any cylindrical object, such as a shaft or stud.
The Basics of Push-On Retainers
Push-on retainers are ring-shaped fasteners that are used to hold components or parts in place. They look like washers. While available in different sizes, push-on retainers have a hollow center, which allows them to slide onto shafts and studs.
What Are Push-On Retainers Made Of?
You can find push-on retainers made of different materials, including various types of plastics. Some of them are made of nylon. Others are made of polyethylene or polypropylene.
Plastic push-on retainers are durable and flexible. And unlike metal fasteners, they won’t corrode when exposed to moisture. You can use them in humid or otherwise moist environments without fear of them succumbing to corrosion.
How to Choose a Push-On Retainer
There are several things you should consider when choosing a push-on retainer, one of which is the material. Plastic is a popular choice of material for the reasons previously mentioned, but you can still find push-on retainers in other materials.
Don’t ignore the size when choosing a push-on retainer. Some push-on retainers are bigger than others, meaning they can fit onto larger shafts and studs. Check both the inner and outer diameter when choosing a push-on retainer. By referencing these measurements, you can choose a retainer in the wrong size for your intended application.
Some push-on retainers also have teeth, whereas others do not. Teeth consist of inward-facing prongs that grip the shaft or stud. Push-on retained with teeth are designed to prevent backward movement.
Benefits of Push-On Retainers
They may look like ordinary washers, but push-on retainers offer some key advantages. With their plastic construction, they aren’t immune to rust and corrosion. They are also lightweight. Push-on retainers weigh less than many other types of fasteners.
Push-on retainers are easy to install. They don’t require any special tools or equipment. They are known as “push-on retainers” because you can slide or push them onto objects. You can also remove push-on retainers simply by pulling them off the objects with which they are used.
Push-on retainers are inexpensive. They are small, simple ring-shaped fasteners. Thanks to their small and simple construction, they have a low production cost.
