Abstract: A snap ring for axially holding an axially inserted machine element has a ring joint in the installed condition and is positioned with radial prestress in an annular groove formed in the bore of a ring, housing or the like. In order to ensure that the snap ring does not snap out of the annular groove when axial loading is exerted, the ring joint is formed by the interlocking of at least one projection formed on one end of the snap ring and a corresponding recess formed in the other end of the snap ring, each having oblique surfaces for preventing relative radial displacement between and for aligning the respective ends having the projection formed thereon and the recess formed therein.