Downhole Tool Retainer And Guide Ring And Methods Of Fabricating The Same

A method for fabricating a split retainer and guide ring, the method comprising:

• obtaining a first ring and a second ring, the first ring being identical to the second ring, each of the first and second rings comprising a diameter;
• cutting the first ring along an edge of the diameter, thereby forming a first larger ring arc and a first smaller ring arc, the first larger ring arc being larger than the first smaller ring arc, the first larger ring arc being substantially a complete half of the first ring;
• cutting the second ring along an edge of the diameter, thereby forming a second larger ring arc and a second smaller ring arc, the second larger ring arc being larger than the second smaller ring arc, the second larger ring arc being substantially a complete half of the second ring;
• placing the first larger ring arc adjacent to the second larger ring arc to form the split retainer and guide ring, the first larger ring arc being separated from the second larger ring arc by a kerf, the kerf ranging from about zero inches to about 0.010 inches.