Abstract: An installation tool is disclosed. The installation tool includes a mandrel. The mandrel includes a tapered body having a smaller end and a larger end. The smaller end of the mandrel is configured to receive a retention ring thereon. Further, the larger end of the mandrel includes a bore. The bore is configured to receive a portion of a spool therein. The installation tool also includes a gripping member. The gripping member includes an elongate body. The gripping member also includes a plurality of fingers coupled to a first end of the elongate body and extending axially therefrom. The plurality of fingers is configured to slide the retention ring over the tapered body of the mandrel during an installation of the retention ring on the spool. The gripping member further includes an ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism is configured to disengage the mandrel from the gripping member.

Abstract: A method of producing a welded assembly from a first metal part and a second metal part includes bringing the first metal part and the second metal part into contact with one another at a joint region while providing a flash ring separator adjacent the joint region configured to intercept and separate flash. After heating the joint region, the first and second metal parts are forced together to join the first metal part to the second metal part, extruding metal flash from the joint region. The extruded flash impinges on the flash ring separator, forming a flash ring having at least one indentation. During subsequent machining of the welded assembly to remove the flash ring, the flash ring may fragment at the indentation, so that it does not cause damage by becoming hung around the assembly.