Piston rings have been reduced
in diameter as cylinder bores have become smaller, with corresponding
width and wall reductions. Compression rings 1.5 mm wide (.0575?) are
becoming more common than rings that are 2.0mm (.0775?) or wider.
This reduction in the cross sectional size of the ring has caused the
ring to become somewhat more fragile with respect to handling than
rings that have a larger cross sectional size. For this reason, it is necessary
to use care whenever these rings are being handled but, most
importantly, when the ring is being installed on the piston.
Care should be taken to follow the instructions below:
1. Use proper piston ring installation tools.
2. Keep the ring absolutely flat when opening to install on the piston.
3. Place the ring squarely in the groove and carefully release the tension of the ring installer.
If these procedures are not followed, damage will occur to the axial and/or radial shape of the ring, as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2. If the rings are installed after this type of damage, engine performance will be affected. Blow-by will increase
and oil control will suffer.
Compression rings must never be spiraled on the piston. Remember that
these procedures are important in all piston ring installations,
and the more fragile the ring the more care must be exercised.
–Tech Tip courtesy of Hastings Manufacturing, LLC. 
