Valve retainers are used in high rotation machines to protect from valve jumping. The responsibility of a retainer is to act as a stopper for valve springs. Valve retainers are manufactured from various material including Steel, Titanium and Stainless Steel.

The retainer needs to be tremendously strong and lightweight, so hardened substances such as Titanium are used for strength, light weight and heat resistance. Alloying Titanium with other substances such as iron, aluminum, vanadium, molybdenum produces strong lightweight alloys that are used to manufacture valve retainers. Titanium has a low density and is strong and corrosion-resistant, so the Titanium valve retainer makes it easier for high pressure streams due to its strength and heat and corrosion bearing capabilities. The extremely tough Titanium also gives the component longevity.

A Stainless steel retainer is heavier and does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary steel.  Stainless steel retainers offer rigidity and strength to the valve housing. They have a high pressure tolerance, like Titanium retainers, but they can be machined more easily to meet various requirements. It is also a less expensive substance to forge.

Relief valves commonly use Spring retainers to keep the valve shut while allowing excessive pressure to force the valve to open against the spring. Coil springs are generally used for this purpose. Typical spring retainer materials include zinc plated steel and stainless steel for high temperature tolerance.