Metric Basic Retaining Rings Shaft is an open-ended ring-shaped fastener made of elastic materials such as spring steel or stainless steel. It forms a protruding "shoulder" by embedding into the grooves on the shaft, and is used to axially position and fix the components (such as bearings, gears) installed on the shaft. During installation, a special ring expander is used to expand the retaining ring, allowing it to fit and "lock" into the pre-drilled grooves on the shaft.