A garter spring is a continuous coiled spring joined into a ring that provides consistent radial force to energize oil seals and radial shaft seals. By maintaining optimal lip pressure against the shaft or housing, garter springs prevent leakage in demanding applications.
Unlike other spring designs that focus on axial or near-constant force, garter springs generate progressively increasing radial force as the seal lip wears or shaft deflection occurs. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for rotary shaft sealing applications where consistent lip contact is required.
Installed inside elastomeric or PTFE sealing lips, garter springs continuously energize the seal, compensating for wear, thermal expansion, and dimensional variation throughout the service life. They are widely used in automotive, industrial machinery, hydraulic pumps, and power generation applications.
Provides continuous lip pressure against the shaft, ensuring reliable sealing performance throughout the service life.
Designed for high-speed shaft sealing applications, maintaining consistent lip contact at elevated rotational speeds.
Typical operating temperatures range from -200°C to +650°C depending on alloy selection, suitable for extreme environments.
Ring diameter, wire size, spring force, and end connection style can be adjusted to meet specific application requirements.
Unlike canted coil springs that provide near-constant force, garter springs deliver progressively increasing radial force as the seal lip wears or shaft deflection increases. This behavior ensures that lip contact pressure remains sufficient throughout the service life.
The progressive force characteristics make garter springs particularly suitable for rotary shaft sealing applications where consistent lip contact is required.
Garter springs provide progressive radial force, making them ideal for oil seal and shaft sealing applications.
Garter springs are distinct from other spring energizer designs. They provide progressively increasing radial force for rotary shaft sealing applications, while other designs focus on axial or near-constant force for static and dynamic sealing systems.
| Comparison Item | Helical | Canted Coil | Cantilever V | Cantilever U | Full Contact | Detached Leg | Garter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Structure | Helical coil | Slanted coil | V-shaped cantilever | U-shaped cantilever | Continuous contact | Detached legs | Coiled ring |
| Primary Application | High-pressure static | Dynamic / Low-friction | Reciprocating dynamic | General purpose | Vacuum & cryogenic | Precision / Ultra-low load | Rotary shaft sealing |
| Force Curve | Increasing | Near-constant | Linear | Balanced | High stability | Ultra-low | Progressive |
| Relative Load Level | High | Medium | Low-Medium | Medium | Highest | Very Low | Medium |
| Relative Friction | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Very Low | Moderate |
| Cryogenic Suitability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| High-Pressure Capability | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Limited | Good |
| Dynamic Performance | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Best Used For | High-pressure sealing | Dynamic / Low-friction | Reciprocating motion | General purpose | Vacuum & cryogenic | Precision / Ultra-low | Rotary shaft sealing |
For rotary shaft sealing and oil seal applications requiring consistent radial force, garter springs provide a reliable and cost-effective solution.
Not sure which spring type fits your application? Contact our engineering team for selection support →
When installed inside the seal lip, the garter spring applies continuous radial force, maintaining lip contact with the shaft surface.
The progressive force characteristic of garter springs ensures that lip contact pressure remains sufficient as the seal wears, making them particularly effective in rotary shaft sealing applications.
Dimension Reference: A = Wire Diameter | B = Spring OD | OD = Ring Diameter
Custom dimensions available. Contact us for full specifications or specialized geometries.
Custom dimensions available. Table shows a portion of our standard range.
| Series | Wire Range A (mm) | Spring OD B (mm) | Ring Diameter OD (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDY-GS-000 | 0.08 – 0.2 | 0.80 – 1.02 | Fully Customizable |
| HDY-GS-100 | 0.20 – 0.3 | 1.02 – 1.57 | |
| HDY-GS-200 | 0.30 – 0.4 | 1.57 – 1.98 | |
| HDY-GS-300 | 0.40 – 0.5 | 1.98 – 3.18 | |
| HDY-GS-400 | 0.50 – 0.6 | 3.18 – 6.35 | |
| HDY-GS-500 | 0.60 – 0.7 | 6.35 – 8.00 | |
| HDY-GS-600 | 0.70 – 0.8 | 8.00 – 10.2 | |
| Contact us for complete specification sheet and custom dimensions → | |||
Wire range 0.05mm to 1.50mm available upon request. Custom ring diameters at no additional cost.
Several methods are available for joining the spring ends into a continuous ring.
Laser-Welded EndStrong joints with enhanced durability and precise sealing performance for demanding industrial applications.
Tapered EndReducing the diameter on one end to fit into the other end (nib joint). The most common method used.
Connected EndInterlocking the loops at both ends of the spring through a smaller spring or rod.
End connection selection depends on application requirements, load conditions, and assembly constraints.
Materials
Material selection directly influences corrosion resistance, spring recovery, fatigue life, and sealing reliability.
Excellent corrosion resistance and fatigue performance for demanding oil seal and shaft sealing applications.
Nickel alloy suitable for elevated temperature sealing applications up to 650°C.
Outstanding corrosion resistance in aggressive chemical and process environments.
Precipitation-hardening stainless steel balancing strength, elasticity, and manufacturability.
Material selection depends on operating temperature, corrosion resistance requirements, media compatibility, and expected service life. High-performance alloys are frequently selected for automotive, oil and gas, and industrial sealing applications.
Garter springs are primarily selected for rotary shaft sealing applications requiring consistent radial force and reliable lip contact. Actual performance depends on seal design, operating media, and material selection.
Handa Spring manufactures custom garter springs based on seal groove dimensions, shaft diameter requirements, and operating conditions. Every spring is manufactured to meet your exact specifications — diameter, wire size, spring force, and material selection are fully customizable.
Rapid Prototyping: Custom prototypes available for fit, form, and function testing before full-scale production. No minimum order quantity and free samples available.
Applications
Automotive 
Industrial Machinery Power Generation 
Oil & Gas 
Marine 
Hydraulics 
Heavy EquipmentWhy Choose Us
Handa Spring manufactures custom garter springs based on seal groove dimensions, shaft diameter requirements, and operating conditions. We work with seal manufacturers and OEMs to match spring geometry, load characteristics, and material to specific application requirements.
1. What is a garter spring?
2. What is the difference between a garter spring and a canted coil spring?
3. What materials are available for garter springs?
4. What end connection styles are available?
5. Are garter springs suitable for high-speed applications?
6. Can you provide custom diameters?
7. What industries commonly use garter springs?
Automotive, industrial machinery, hydraulic pumps, compressors, marine equipment, power generation, and oil and gas applications.
8. What information do you need for a custom quote?
9. What is the typical lead time for custom garter springs?
10. Do you provide material certifications?
11. Can prototypes be supplied?
12. Can you supply springs assembled inside seal jackets?
13. What information is required for quotation?
Contact Handa
Our engineering team can recommend the optimal garter spring based on your shaft diameter, operating speed, temperature, and sealing requirements.
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