Description of Butt, Angle, and Step Cut

Precision wear rings come in three different kinds of cuts. 

Butt:  A basic flush type of cut and the easiest type of wear ring cut to install.  However, since the split runs in the direction of travel for a shaft or piston, it is possible that in some applications when the rod is loaded that the cut could be forced open.  This results in a reduction of bearing surface.

Angle:  A compromise between the butt and step cut.  An angle cut assures that, even if the wear ring is loaded at the splice, that at least some material will be present to act as a bearing.

Step:  The hardest type of wear ring to install in hydraulic applications.  However, in applications where the likelihood of loading the splice is high, this type of ring/guide will always assure that there is material available to act as a bearing.