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TheSplitterring (German compound combiningSplitter (splinter or fragment) andRing (ring)) was a fragmentation sleeve for theM24 andM43 stickgrenades, developed by theHeer in 1942. German stick grenades had only a thin steel casing surrounding theexplosive charge, which relied principally on blast for effect; the addition of aSplitterring gave it greatly increased anti-personnel fragmentation ability.
ASplitterring was also developed for the never issuedPanzerfaust 150 anti-tank weapon late in World War II. Combined with a time delay detonation of thePanzerfaust 150's projectile, it enabled the weapon to achieveair bursts above troops' positions.[1]
Concussion grenades are best used in enclosed spaces such as buildings orbunkers, which contain the blast for maximum effect;anti-personnel fragmentation grenades are designed to be effective against personnel in the open. TheSplitterring was a simple cylindrical steel sleeve, with either a smooth or serrated surface, clipped in place over the head of a stick grenade with three keepers around the base, and secured with a tension ring. This easy modification allowed a single type of grenade to be manufactured and carried by soldiers, whereas other nations often produced separate types of concussion and anti-personnel grenades.
A similar sleeve was fitted as a standard item to theSovietRGD-33 Grenade.