Abstract: The wire lock is provided for holding a stop ring on the outer surface of a cylinder. The stop ring includes a counterbore at one end thereof. The counterbore is positioned above an annular groove in the outer circumference of the cylinder. The wire lock is inserted into the registered counterbore and annular groove so as to prevent the stop ring from moving axially on the outer surface of the cylinder. The wire lock is accessible and visible from one axial end of the stop ring.

Abstract: The double acting hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly of the present invention utilizes a unique fastening mechanism for fastening the piston to the cylinder rod. The piston has a rod receiving opening through which the piston rod is fitted. The piston includes a piston groove which is aligned with an annular rod groove in the outer surface of the rod. Extending from the outer circumference of the piston inwardly to the piston groove is an access opening, through which a retaining wire is inserted. The retaining wire is wrapped around the piston rod and fits within both the piston groove and the rod groove so as to hold the piston against longitudinal movement with respect to the rod.The method of the present invention comprises inserting the retainer wire through the access opening in the piston and rotating the piston until the wire wraps around the piston rod.