Rounded Machine Keys
When installed, these keys fill oval keyways completely, reducing stress on the key and shaft. Using them in a closed keyway keeps them from sliding along the shaft axis. The rounded ends make it easy to slide gears, hubs, and other components into place. These are also known as feather keys. Machine keys are often the same material as the shaft and other components with which they are used. To use a key as a sacrificial part, choose a softer key that will shear off when parts are exposed to excessive force, preventing damage to expensive equipment.
Steel keys are strong and easy to machine. Since steel is the most common material, these keys work in many applications. Steel keys rust when exposed to moisture, so they should only be used in dry environments. Zinc-plated steel keys resist corrosion in wet environments. Slightly larger than the size listed in the table, oversized keys fit tightly in a keyway. Press them into place for use in high-torque applications or to replace a key in a worn keyway. Slightly smaller than the size listed in the table, undersized keys are the choice when you need a slightly looser fit or when you have an inconsistent keyway. Use them when parts need to be taken apart frequently, such as for maintenance or prototyping.
Keys that meet ANSI B17.1 specifications conform to ANSI standards for dimensions and tolerances.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lg. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Specifications Met | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
1008-1045 Carbon Steel | |||||||
1/2" × 1/2" | |||||||
| 1" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | __ | 1 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.001" | 0.000" to 0.001" | ANSI B17.1 Class 2 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 1 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1 5/8" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.001" | 0.000" to 0.001" | ANSI B17.1 Class 2 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 1 5/8" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | __ | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 2 1/2" | Oversized | -0.001" to 0.000" | -0.001" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 2 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 2 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | __ | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | __ | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | __ | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
Zinc-Plated 1008-1045 Carbon Steel | |||||||
1/2" × 1/2" | |||||||
| 1 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
Machine Keys
Straight keys, with a square or rectangular cross section, are the most common type of key. Install them in keyways to transmit torque from shafts to gears and other components. Machine keys are often the same material as the shaft and other components with which they are used. To use a key as a sacrificial part, choose a softer key that will shear off when parts are exposed to excessive force, preventing damage to expensive equipment.
Steel keys are strong and easy to machine. Since steel is the most common material, these keys work in many applications. Steel keys rust when exposed to moisture, so they should only be used in dry environments.
Slightly larger than the size listed in the table, oversized keys fit tightly in a keyway. Press them into place for use in high-torque applications or to replace a key in a worn keyway. Slightly smaller than the size listed in the table, undersized keys are the choice when you need a slightly looser fit or when you have an inconsistent keyway. Use them when parts need to be taken apart frequently, such as for maintenance or prototyping.
Keys that meet ANSI B17.1 specifications conform to ANSI standards for dimensions and tolerances.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lg. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Specifications Met | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
1008-1045 Carbon Steel | ||||||||
1/2" × 1/2" | ||||||||
| 1" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | __ | 1 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 1 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1 5/8" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | __ | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1 5/8" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Not Rated | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | __ | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 2 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.001" | 0.000" to 0.001" | Not Rated | ANSI B17.1 Class 2 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 2 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 3" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B97 | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 3 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B97 | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
Woodruff Keys
Woodruff keys work well near shaft shoulders, where a standard open keyway would create too much stress. They are also often used on tapered shafts. These keys have a rounded shape that makes them easy to remove when parts need to be taken apart frequently, such as for maintenance or prototyping. Because they're usually shorter than standard machine keys, they work best in light duty applications. Use them to connect gears and other components to shafts. Also known as half moon keys.
Steel keys offer good strength.
Inch keys conform to ANSI B17.2 standards for dimensions and tolerances.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodruff Key Number | Wd. | For Keyway Dia. | Ht. | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Specifications Met | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
1018-1045 Carbon Steel | ||||||||||
| V | 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 0.75" | 2.317" | 0.000" to 0.001" | -0.005" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.2 | 5 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| VX | 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 0.594" | 2" | 0.000" to 0.001" | -0.005" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.2 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
8630 Alloy Steel | ||||||||||
| V | 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 0.75" | 2.317" | 0.000" to 0.001" | -0.005" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.2 | 1 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| VX | 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 0.594" | 2" | 0.000" to 0.001" | -0.005" to 0.000" | ANSI B17.2 | 5 | 000000000 | 00000 |
Tapered Gib Keys
These keys have a tapered body that wedges in to the keyway for a more secure fit than standard machine keys. The gib head makes these keys easy to remove when parts need to be taken apart frequently, such as for maintenance or prototyping. Keys are tapered along their length. Use them to connect gears and other components with tapered keyways to shafts. Keys are made of steel.
The height of inch keys decreases by 1/8" for every 12" of length. They conform to ANSI B17.1 Class 1 standards for dimensions and tolerances.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | Head | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lg. | Ht. | Wd. | Ht. | Lg. | End Ht. | Rate of Taper | Specifications Met | Each | |
1018-1045 Carbon Steel | |||||||||
1/2" × 1/2" | |||||||||
| 2" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.484" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 2 1/2" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.479" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.474" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3 1/2" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.469" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 4" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.464" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 4 1/2" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.458" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 5" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.453" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 5 1/2" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.448" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 6" | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 0.443" | 1/8" per 12" | ANSI B17.1 Class 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
Tapped Rounded Machine Keys
Thread a screw through the tapped hole to pop these keys out of a keyway. When installed, they fill oval keyways completely, reducing stress on the key and shaft. Using them in a closed keyway keeps them from sliding along the shaft axis. The rounded ends make it easy to slide gears, hubs, and other components into place. To install, press them in to place. Use them for permanent or high-torque applications, or to replace a key in a worn keyway. Keys are made of steel.
Oversized keys create a tight fit. They conform to ANSI B17.1 Class 2 standards for dimensions and tolerances.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lg. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Thread Size | Specifications Met | Each | |
1018-1045 Carbon Steel | |||||||
1/2" × 1/2" | |||||||
| 2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.001" | 0.000" to 0.001" | 1/4"-20 | ANSI B17.1 Class 2 | 000000000 | 00000 |
Machine Key Stock
Cut this square or rectangular key stock to length to create a straight machine key. Straight keys are the most common type of key. Machine keys are often the same material as the shaft and other components with which they are used. To use a key as a sacrificial part, choose a softer key that will shear off when parts are exposed to excessive force, preventing damage to expensive equipment.
Steel key stock is an economical choice with good strength. Zinc-plated steel key stock resists corrosion in wet environments. Stainless steel key stock is more corrosion resistant than steel key stock. 18-8 stainless steel key stock offers a balance of strength and corrosion resistance. It may be mildly magnetic. 316/316L stainless steel key stock has the best corrosion resistance of our stainless steel key stock and may be mildly magnetic. 416 stainless steel key stock is stronger than other stainless key stock and can be heat treated for extra strength. It's corrosion resistant and magnetic.
400 nickel key stock is the most corrosion resistant key stock in our offering and can be used in highly corrosive environments, such as those involving salt water, sulfuric acid, and alkalies. For complete corrosion resistance, 400 nickel keys are typically used with 400 nickel machine parts. Comparable to Monel, 400 nickel is also known for its strength and weldability.
Brass key stock is corrosion resistant and nonmagnetic. Brass is softer than other metals, so it's often used for shear keys.
Aluminum key stock is one-third the weight of steel key stock, but not as strong. It resists corrosion and is nonmagnetic.
Acetal plastic and nylon 6/6 plastic key stock are slippery and wear resistant. Slightly larger than the size listed in the table, oversized stock fits tightly in a keyway. Press it into place for use in high-torque applications or to replace a key in a worn keyway. Slightly smaller than the size listed in the table, undersized stock is the choice when you need a slightly looser fit or when you have an inconsistent keyway. Use it when parts need to be taken apart frequently, such as for maintenance or prototyping.
Key stock that meets ANSI B17.1 Class 2 specifications conforms to ANSI standards for dimensions and tolerances.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
36" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
72" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/8" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| 3/16" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 5/16" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 5/16" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 7/16" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 7/16" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
36" Lg. | ||||||
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.002" | 0.000" to 0.002" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.002" to 0.000" | -0.002" to 0.000" | Rockwell B50 | 000000000 | 00000 |
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.001" to 0.001" | -0.001" to 0.001" | Rockwell B90 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| 5/16" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.001" to 0.001" | -0.001" to 0.001" | Rockwell B90 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.001" to 0.001" | -0.001" to 0.001" | Rockwell B90 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 7/16" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.001" to 0.001" | -0.001" to 0.001" | Rockwell B90 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.001" to 0.001" | -0.001" to 0.001" | Rockwell B90 | 000000000 | 00000 |
36" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.001" to 0.001" | -0.001" to 0.001" | Rockwell B90 | 000000000 | 00000 |
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 3/16" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.008" to 0.008" | -0.015" to 0.015" | Rockwell B80 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.008" to 0.008" | -0.015" to 0.015" | Rockwell B80 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.008" to 0.008" | -0.015" to 0.015" | Rockwell B80 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B82 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B82 | 000000000 | 00000 |
36" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Rockwell B82 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B82 | 000000000 | 00000 |
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Not Rated | 000000000 | 000000 |
| 1/4" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B86 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Not Rated | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 3/8" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B86 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Oversized | 0.000" to 0.003" | 0.000" to 0.003" | Not Rated | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B86 | 000000000 | 00000 |
36" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B86 | 000000000 | 000000 |
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Rockwell B86 | 000000000 | 000000 |
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Standard | -0.009" to 0.009" | -0.009" to 0.009" | Not Rated | 000000000 | 000000 |
Tolerance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Each | |
12" Lg. | ||||||
| 1/2" × 1/2" | Undersized | -0.003" to 0.000" | -0.003" to 0.000" | Durometer 80D | 000000000 | 000000 |
Fixture Keys
Sized to fit with precision in machine table T-slots, use these keys to locate fixtures and vises on your machine table. They mount to the underside of your fixture or vise with a socket head cap screw.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
| For Machine Table T-Slot Wd. | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Wd. Tolerance | For Mounting Screw Size  | Mounting Fasteners Included | Material | Each | |
Rectangular | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 3/4" | 1/2" | 1/2" | -0.0005" to 0" | 1/4" | No | Steel | 0000000 | 00000 |