The self-locking external retaining ring assembles axially and is made of 1060-1090 carbon steel with a plain finish. The ring's self-locking construction grips the shaft to maintain placement without the use of a groove. It is not easily removed once installed. The ring installs by sliding onto a shaft from the end, also called axial assembly. Axially installed rings reach further around the outside diameter of the shaft than radially installed rings. The 1060-1090 carbon steel is often used in applications where strength is the primary consideration.

Retaining rings attach to a shaft (external) or install in a bore (internal), creating a shoulder to maintain component positioning within an assembly. While most rings install into a machined groove either on the inside or outside diameter of a shaft, self-locking rings attach to a shaft by using friction from means such as teeth and notches to maintain placement. Retaining rings should fit tightly enough into the groove or onto the shaft so they won't experience any movement.