So I've been assigned with a new project. Currently we have a small light lens that is being held in place with "e" clips these aren't easy to install and are taking up to much time and damaging parts installing, and uninstalling them. I tried external retaining rings in a couple of different sizes, but you need to stretch them all the way open, and the piece being held in place rattles, and I highly doubt a redesign is an option. Is there any alternatives out there that do the same thing, but are a little easier to install?

 

I don't know what kind of space/other constraints you have on your project, but if you have lots of space, and don't mind spending a bit more, you could try a shaft collar.

 

I only have about .75" wide opening, and it sits about .07" above the face, and the groove for the clip is only .31" dia.
Has anyone tried anything like this, are the easy to take off?
https://www.rotorclip.com/downloads/custdrw_files/TY-31-2R1.pdf

 

Never tried those, but definitely looks like you'll need access to the shaft end. You mentioned a face. Do you remove the shaft from the face when uninstalling? What is your shaft OD and length?
You mentioned rattle. How tight are the rings supposed to be around the part?

 

Here's what I'm working with. The retaining ring on the left is to thin causing the part to rattle, but the e clip is getting difficult to put on and take off. The dia of the groove is .28" and .06" tall

 

Maybe end the shaft flush with the surface, and use a screw with a short head (e.g. button, pan, or short socket) threaded into the shaft, with the head sized to hold the part?

 

there's a light bulb that goes into the opening

 

I meant by each shaft. The bulb would be in the middle, right?

Use the shafts to locate the mating part, but end flush with the surface (just below where your e-ring groove is). The shaft would be threaded, and a screw going into each shaft would hold down the mating part. The head would fit where the end of the shaft is currently (the width of the e-ring slot, plus to the end)

 

Get a wave washer and place it under the snap ring that rattles.

 

Wave washers were one of my first thoughts, too, but the first issue he mentioned was difficulty installing the rings. I think a wave washer would make that aspect worse, not better.