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.
316 stainless steel keys have excellent corrosion resistance, but aren't as strong as steel keys. They may be mildly magnetic.
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.
Undersized metric keys meet DIN 6885 dimensional standards.
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 | |||||||
2mm × 2mm | |||||||
| 10mm | Undersized | -0.020mm to 0.000mm | -0.020mm to 0.000mm | DIN 6885 | 1 | 000000000 | 00000 |
316 Stainless Steel | |||||||
2mm × 2mm | |||||||
| 10mm | Undersized | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | DIN 6885 | 5 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 20mm | Undersized | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | DIN 6885 | 5 | 0000000 | 00000 |
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 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.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
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.
316 stainless steel keys have excellent corrosion resistance, but aren't as strong as steel keys. They may be mildly magnetic.
Metric keys conform to DIN 6888 standards.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wd. | For Keyway Dia. | Ht. | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Specifications Met | Pkg. Qty. | Pkg. | |
1018-1045 Carbon Steel | |||||||||
| 2mm | 7mm | 2.6mm | 6.8mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | __ | DIN 6888 | 25 | 000000000 | 000000 |
| 2mm | 10mm | 3.7mm | 9.7mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | __ | DIN 6888 | 25 | 000000000 | 00000 |
| 2mm | 13mm | 5mm | 12.7mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | __ | DIN 6888 | 25 | 000000000 | 00000 |
316 Stainless Steel  | |||||||||
| 2mm | 7mm | 2.6mm | 6.8mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | -0.100mm to 0.000mm | DIN 6888 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
| 2mm | 10mm | 3.7mm | 9.7mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | -0.120mm to 0.000mm | DIN 6888 | 1 | 000000000 | 0000 |
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. 4140 alloy steel key stock has greater strength and toughness after hardening than carbon steel, making it useful for high-stress applications.
Stainless steel key stock is more corrosion resistant than steel key stock. 304 stainless steel key stock offers a good balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. 316/316L stainless steel key stock has the best corrosion resistance of our stainless steel key stock and may be mildly magnetic. 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 DIN 6880 conforms to DIN standards for undersized keys.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Tolerance | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ht. × Wd. | Tolerance Rating | Ht. | Wd. | Minimum Hardness | Specifications Met | Each | |
305mm Lg. | |||||||
| 2mm × 2mm | Undersized | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | -0.025mm to 0.000mm | Rockwell B86 | DIN 6880 | 000000000 | 00000 |