Spring Type

Oil Seal Springs

Oil seal springs, commonly called garter springs, are close-wound extension springs joined into a continuous ring. They apply uniform radial tension around a sealing lip so the lip remains in controlled contact with a shaft or rotating surface.

Oil seal garter spring ring on white background

Product Description

What are oil seal springs?

Oil seal springs, commonly called garter springs, are close-wound extension springs joined into a continuous ring. They apply uniform radial tension around a sealing lip so the lip remains in controlled contact with a shaft or rotating surface.

Drawing-based OEM / ODM Custom materials Batch production

Working Principle

How this spring type works.

The connected spring is installed inside the seal lip and stretched around its circumference. Its tensile force creates an even inward radial load that compensates for lip wear, temperature changes, material relaxation, and small shaft variations during operation.

Key Features

Design characteristics.

  • Uniform circumferential load for reliable sealing contact
  • Compact closed-loop construction with joined or threaded ends
  • Custom ring diameter, wire size, coil diameter, tension, and connector style
  • Carbon steel and stainless steel options for oil, heat, corrosion, and fatigue conditions

Common Applications

Typical use cases.

  • Radial shaft oil seals and rotary lip seals
  • Automotive engines, transmissions, axles, and wheel hubs
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, pumps, and valves
  • Industrial gearboxes, motors, compressors, and rotating equipment

Custom Spring Review

Need this spring type matched to your assembly?

Send the drawing, target force or torque, working travel, material preference, annual quantity, and validation requirements for a production-oriented review.