Locking rings are made of anodised seawater resistant aluminium 6082 (AlMgSI1) and contain stainless steel set screws to achieve a perfect locking on the shaft. Its advisable to pre-drill the rudder shaft a couple of millimetres for the best security. Locking rings are used above the top bearing to prevent the rudder from sliding out of the vessel. Locking rings can also be used underneath the top bearing to prevent a light rudder from floating up. Between a locking ring and the bearing we always supply a delrin ring for a smooth rotation. For super smooth running applications we can supply a delrin ring with a ball race.
Recommended torque setting for the lock ring is 7Nm for M6 set screws and 35Nm for M10. This assumes stainless steel 304/A2 cup point set screw, made to DIN916/ISO4029 fitted to a dry, ungreased thread. It is recommended to pre-drill the stock at set screw locations to ensure a durable lock ring fit.

If the vertical locking is achieved by a locking ring or tiller head on a delrin ring, one could experience a squeaking noise. This can be prevented by spraying a film of teflon on the delrin ring.