Garter Springs , Oil Springs and Seal Springs

Garter springs are closed coil springs used in the form of a ring. The ends of the spring are connected together.

This is done in several ways-

by interlocking loops on each end of the spring
by connecting the ends with a separate short section called a connector
by reducing the diameter on one end of the spring and screwing it into the other

The last way listed above is the most common for these type springs.

This circular form allows these helical coil springs to exert radial forces. The assembled springs can work similar to helical extension springs or compression springs.

The primary use for this type of spring is in oil seals. That is why you often hear these referred to as oil seal springs. Other uses include small motor belts, electrical connectors, and piston-ring expanders.

garter springs

You can use these formulas to help with your design of these springs. Remember to consider the same allowable stresses for either compression springs or extension springs. Calculate the maximum safe initial tension in the extension sype spring as-

garter spring

Let's look at an example. Consider a closely coiled spring of 5/16" OD using 0.047" wire with 169 active coils. This spring has its ends joined to make a ring with 2.500" ID. The rate of this spring is 2.21lbs with 2lbs. initial tension.

It is installed over a shaft with a 3.00" diameter. The pressure on the shaft for each inch of its circumference is 3.66 lbs/inch.

Remember, this formula can apply only within a diameter change which will cause no permanent set.

Here's video showing garter springs being coiled and joined.

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