Circlip or C-clip?

Question

Probably a waste of time but here is the mech of a pop-up bath plug control.

formatting link

On the other end of the shaft is a big knob that hides the bath overflow.

The plug had stopped popping up and when I looked at the mech, it was obvious that the plate linking the crank on the shaft to the cable had become detached due to a missing retaining clip.

The crank is about 7.3mm in diameter but I guess it's the diameter of the groove for the clip that matters.

Looking at sets of circlips on eBay I notice that 7mm seems to be missing but there are 6mm one available.

Alternatively there are C clips that come in 6 or 7 mm size.

Any suggestions as to which would be best?

Tim

Tim+ · Accepted Answer

For anyone unsure of which is which... Examples of C clip.  & circlip.

Graham. · Answer

On 8 Jan 2018 14:11:14 GMT, Tim+  coalesced the vapors of human experience into a viable and meaningful comprehension... Bugger, I've been calling them both Circlips for 50 years.

Tim+ · Answer

To be fair, I dare say that they?re both types of circlips. I wouldn?t trust eBay as an authority on naming. ;-) Tim

Steve · Answer

Starlock washer?

Tim+ · Answer

normally for  smooth shafts, not ones with a machined  groove. Anyhow, all rather academic now  as I was only thinking of  repairing this  one as a "spare" having already purchased and  fitted a new one.  I realised that I'd  accidentally thrown away one of the rather   important seals before deciding to repair it. Doh! Tim

newshound · Answer

I'd say circlip would be better, 6 mm will probably fit. C clip would  probably work too.

Roger Hayter · Answer

The temporary alternative would be a bit of wire with the ends twisted together.

Brian Gaff · Answer

Would you also need to know what material its made from as if it does get  wet or whosoever it can corode.  Brian

Andrew Gabriel · Answer

The generic name is pingfuckits. Eye protection advised... They are usually made from sprung steel of a type which corrodes very quickly if there's any moisture around.

John Rumm · Answer

I would have gone for a brass C clip...

Graeme · Answer

In message , Andrew Gabriel writes

Indeed! Having mentioned C clips and circlips, there are also R clips, which have the advantage of being slightly easier to grab hold of than C clips or circlips.

Circlip or C-clip?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?