Where it earns its place
Best-Fit Uses
Rotary and reciprocating seal energizing
Keeps a seal lip pressed toward the shaft, rod or mating surface as the sealing element changes over time.
Circular retention
Maintains inward or outward radial force around a flexible ring or groove.
Applying force around a circular interface
Provides distributed contact around a seal, groove or connector instead of pushing at one point.
Maintaining contact as diameter changes
Useful where a circular part must keep touching despite normal movement, wear or tolerance variation.
Why this style works here
What This Spring Style Solves
The closed-loop geometry distributes force around a circular interface, making it well suited to seal energizing and circular retention rather than axial push-back.
Before you choose it
What to Confirm in Your Assembly
- Provide installed diameter, groove or seal geometry and whether the spring loads inward or outward.
- State the required radial load and describe fluid, pressure, temperature and motion in the sealing system.
- Provide the installed diameter and groove or seal geometry, including tolerances.
- State whether the spring works radially, axially, electrically or as a latch/detent.
- Define the desired contact, insertion or sealing force in the actual installed condition.
Avoid forcing the wrong spring into the design
When Another Spring Style May Fit Better
A garter spring should be designed together with the seal. Too much radial load can increase friction and wear; too little can reduce contact reliability.
- Canted coil springs for circular contact or latching
- Elastomer energizers where metal spring assistance is unnecessary
- Compression springs when the required force is axial
Keep material selection separate
Environment & Material Direction
For seals and electrical contacts, the surrounding media and mating surfaces can drive material or plating choices. Use the Materials section for the base alloy and include interface finishes in the RFQ.
Move from the use case to the specification
Where to Go Next
Application questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a garter spring be sized without seal information?
Not reliably. Installed diameter, groove, seal geometry, media and required contact force all influence the spring specification.
Why is groove geometry so important for circular springs?
The groove controls installed deflection and contact with the mating part. Small changes in depth, width or diameter can change sealing, contact or latching force even when the spring itself is unchanged.
What should I send for an application review?
Send the assembly drawing or a clear sketch, the working positions, the force or torque you need, expected cycles, environment and quantity. If an existing spring is being replaced, include its dimensions and explain what is not working well in the current design.
Same application family