Design reference
Engineered to the seal or connector groove dimension supplied by the customer
Garter & Canted Coil Springs
Custom Garter Springs (Extension / Compression)
A circular extension or compression coil joined end-to-end for applying distributed radial force around seals, shafts, housings or other round interfaces.
- Manufacturing basis
- Made to drawing
- Wire / thickness
- 0.2 - 2 mm typical coil wire
- Envelope
- Ring diameter 5 - 500 mm typical
- Length / height
- N/A (closed ring form)
About Custom Garter Springs (Extension / Compression)
Garter springs turn a small helical coil into a continuous ring. Depending on configuration, the ring can contract around a shaft or expand against a bore. The join, installed diameter and radial force are central to the design, especially when the spring works inside a seal lip or other flexible component.
Key Design Characteristics
- Ring diameter and coil geometry combine to create the installed radial force.
- The connector or joined end should not create a hard spot that interferes with the mating seal or groove.
- The spring may work in extension around a shaft or in compression against an outer diameter, so direction must be clear.
- Material and surface condition matter when the spring operates in oil, chemicals, moisture or continuous contact.
What to Specify for a Custom Quote
- Coil wire diameter, coil OD and ring free diameter
- Installed diameter and required radial force
- Extension or compression garter configuration
- Join method and any connector geometry
- Environment, temperature, cycles, material and quantity
Manufacturing Review
The joined ring should be checked for continuity, diameter and local connector profile. For sealing applications, the spring is best reviewed together with the groove or elastomer section that carries it.
Common Assembly Roles
- Radial seal energizing
- Circular retention or clamping
- Distributed force around shafts or housings
Made to Order
How This Product Is Quoted
This category is reviewed from the drawing and working requirement rather than from a fixed public stock list.
Typical material direction
302/316 stainless, carbon spring steel
Why there is no fixed table
Garter springs are made to the exact ring diameter and radial load required by the seal design; there is no generic size table.
Next Design Decisions
Next Steps for Your Spring Design
Once the spring style is selected, confirm how it works in the assembly, which material suits the environment, how it will be manufactured and which dimensions and performance points should be controlled on the drawing.
Applications
Where this spring style fits
Review best-fit uses, assembly constraints and situations where another spring style may be a better choice.
View application guidance →Materials
Choose the material for the environment
Stainless steel is widely considered for sealing and exposed environments; nickel-base alloys may be needed for higher temperature or aggressive chemicals. Material should be matched to the media around the ring.
Compare spring materials →Manufacturing
Plan prototype and production
Review forming, heat treatment, secondary operations, inspection and the path from first samples to repeat production.
View manufacturing capabilities →Engineering Data
Use the engineering guide for design support
Use the engineering library to review materials, sizing considerations and applicable standards for the custom design.
Open Spring Engineering Guide →Material Direction
Common Material Families to Review
The links below are selection guides, not a claim that every grade is suitable for every size or load.
Compare Designs
Related Spring Products
Use these alternatives when the available space, connection style, travel or force direction changes.
Garter & Canted Coil Springs
Canted Coil Springs
A continuous ring of canted coils used where a compact circular interface needs repeatable radial or axial spring force, electrical contact, latching or sealing support.
Garter & Canted Coil Springs
EMI Shielding Springs
Conductive spring contacts for enclosure seams and interfaces where mechanical compliance must maintain electrical continuity for EMI shielding or grounding.
Flat Springs & Stampings
Contact, Battery & Grounding Springs
Custom conductive spring contacts for batteries, grounding points and electrical interfaces where the part must maintain contact pressure while carrying current or bonding surfaces.
Product Questions
Garter Springs (Extension / Compression) FAQ
What is the difference between extension and compression garter springs?
An extension garter spring tends to contract around an inner member, while a compression garter spring can press outward against an enclosing surface.
How is the ring joined?
The method depends on size and service. Connector hooks, screw-in joints or other end treatments can be used, but the joint should suit the surrounding seal or groove.
RFQ
Send the Working Requirement
A drawing is ideal. If you do not have one yet, provide the dimensions, load or torque, travel, environment and expected quantity that matter in the assembly.
CustomSprings Engineering Catalog
Request This Spring
Send your dimensions, quantity and drawing for engineering review.