Abstract: A bowed external spring retaining ring of the E-shaped type includes flats at the leading and trailing ends of the ring. The flats form leading and trailing edges of the ring which are rounded on a concave side of the ring. The ring is formed by a punch which has an end face comprised of a concave portion and straight portions, the latter forming the flats on the ring.

Abstract: A bowed external spring retaining ring of the E-shaped type includes flats at the leading and trailing ends of the ring. The flats from leading and trailing edges of the ring which are rounded on a concave side of the ring. The ring is formed by a punch which has an end face comprised of a concave portion and straight portions, the latter forming the flats on the ring.

Abstract: A bowed internal retaining ring comprises a middle tab and a pair of intermediate tabs projecting generally radially from the ring, said middle tab being flat and coplanar with a pair of flat end sections of the ring. The ring can be installed forwardly or backwardly without appreciably altering the performance of the ring.

Abstract: An applicator for installing a retaining ring into an external groove of a workpiece comprises a base plate forming a ramp. A forward end of the ramp includes a slot for receiving a groove workpiece. A groove locator is mounted on the base plate for movement between a locating position within the groove of the workpiece, and a retracted position. The groove locator is yieldably biased to its locating position. A pusher is mounted for sliding movement along the ramp for pushing a retaining ring forwardly into engagement with a cam face of the locator to cam the locator to its retracted position as the retaining ring enters the groove of the workpiece.