Statement of problem: In distal extension removable partial denture, the preservation of health of abutment teeth are very important, but they are always subjected to unfavorable stress. Purpose: The purpose of this study was performed to investigate the effects of abutment splinting and design of direct retainer on the stress distribution of abutments in unilateral distal extension removable partial dentures. Material and method: Abutments were splinted by different method. In group 1, autment teeth were not splinted, in group 2, canine and 1st premolar were splinted, and in group 3, canine, 1st and 2nd premolars were all splinted. Three different types of direct retainer such as Akers clasp, RPI clasp, and wrought wire clasp were designed. Strain was measured with Switch & Balance Unit(SB-10, Measurement Group Instruments Division, Raleigh USA) and Strain Indicator(P-3500, Measurement Group Instruments Division, Raleigh, USA) 15kg of vertical and oblique loads was applied at central fossa of missing 2nd molar area. Results : The strain on lingual side of 2nd premolar was the greatest, and abutment splinting induced decrease of strain on buccolingual side of 2nd premolar. The strain of loaded area was decreased by abutment splinting and there was no statistical difference of strain between Group2 and Group 3, and strain on 2nd premolar in wrought wire clasp was the least. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, splinting of two distal abutment teeth is enough for stress distribution widely, and wrought wire clasp was more benefitable than others.