Topic: snap rings

[gtpuller]

whats the proper cutter to use to cut snap ring slots  in a shaft

Thanks
Tim

[GRUBDIGGER]

rooster would know. what ya got rooster?

[trbinrat]

I use a cut off tool or a high speed steel custom ground similar to one of these

http://www.mcmaster.com/#lathe-cutoff-tools/=b7i9zk

[59rat]

the tool we use in a lathe is called a thin -bit cutter you can get the bits in .036,.045,.055,.062 and all the way up to .125 ,MSC supply has them .

[gtpuller]

thanks gentlemen:

Tim Johnson

[Rooster]

If you do use a cut-off tool, make sure it has a neutral lead.
They make grooving tools with specific sizes for O-ring grooves.

If you just need one groove, and you have a cut off tool with out a neutral lead, you can cut the groove to depth, then turn the tool upside down, spin the lathe backwards and use it to bring the other side of the groove down even.

A crowned bottom on an o-ring groove is ok, a canted bottom is a bad thing, it will collapse and then break the o-ring.