Cup and Cone Retainers

National Bearings' Cup And Cone Retainers are engineered for use in angular contact bearing applications. The strength of the retainer plus its ability to hold and separate balls is obtained by National's unique method of manufacture and assembly of the ball in the retainer. In manufacture, the metal is "wrapped around" the ball to provide maximum ball retention with minimum friction between ball and cage.


For years, the cup and cone retainer has been thought of as a "bicycle ball bearing," but imaginative and cost conscious engineers, realizing its possibilities, have developed a host of new applications for it. For instance, opposing cup and cone retainers provide an economical combination radial and thrust bearing. The one-piece assembly permits automated assembly with machined, stamped, or plastic molded parts.


Design Information

In addition to the "standard" items listed, National will design cup and cone retainers for any special application. The following diagram and formula suggest the best procedure for computing design.

  • A. Minimum I.D. Cup
  • B. Maximum diameter cone shoulder - I.D. Cup minus (1.7 x ball dia.)
  • C. Recommended minimum clearance of .075" for retainer backbone
  • D. Radius Cup and/or Cone = (.550 x ball dia.)
  • E. Maximum O.D Shaft = I.D. Cup minus (2 x ball dia.)


Maximum Ball Retention


Made in the USA


Various sizes still Available



Learn More

ABMA Definitions