- What is key stock?
- Where can I buy key stock and machine keys?
- What is key stock used for?
- What are shaft keys made of?
- How do you cut key stock?
- What is oversized key stock?
- What is a shaft key?
- How does a shaft key work?
- How do you make a shaft key?
- Which key is used for fitting taper shaft?
- What is a woodruff key?
- How are woodruff keys measured?
- What are woodruff keys used for?
- What is a step key?
- How to measure a step key
- How to install a shaft key
- How to remove a stuck key from a shaft
- What are the different machine key types?
- How to cut a key slot in a shaft
- What is Mil-Spec?
- What is Monel®?
- Is Monel® or Alloy 400 magnetic?
- Nickel-Copper Alloy / Monel 400 Precision Key Stock
- How to measure a Form A machine key
- How to measure a gib head key
- How to measure a Hi-Pro key
What is key stock?
Key stock, or bright steel, is a general term for a stock of square or rectangular bars 12 inches or longer in length from which machine keys are produced. Key stock and bar stock are frequently used interchangeably, however there is a difference. Key stock is cold drawn to exacting tolerances with sharp corners, perpendicular and parallel sides, and smooth, bright surface finishes. Bar stock is typically hot rolled and does not hold as tight of tolerances as key stock. Key stock can be manufactured in hex, round, step, square, and rectangle profiles to mate with a variety of gears, key ways, sprockets, or other assembly components. For more information about what key stock is and how it is used check out our
blog!
Where can I buy key stock?
Huyett is a manufacturer of key stock with over one million pounds of material on hand. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility can cut key stock to any length and form for your specific needs. Huyett is also a proud manufacturer of
MAK‑A‑KEY®, the oldest and most well‑known key stock brand in the world, offering stock material for aftermarket repairs and maintenance of power transmission components.
Where can I buy machine keys?
As the market leader in power transmission components, Huyett offers the widest variety of machine keys in the industry. If you don’t see the machine key for your specific application, contact our friendly, experienced customer service team for a custom design. Our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility can produce machine keys in any size, form, grade, and tolerance imaginable.
What is key stock used for?
Key stock has a wide variety of uses. Square, rectangle, and step key stock are the most common profiles used to make machine keys. These machine keys, also known as shaft keys, secure a rotating shaft to a gear or hub assembly for transmitting power to a mechanical component.
Round key stock, not to be confused with drill rod, may be used as shafting and/or cut to length machine keys. Compared to square keys, this design results in lower stress concentration making it appropriate for lower power applications such as fastening a collar and pulley to a shaft.
Hex key stock is frequently used for tool shafts, tool steel, drill bits, transmission shafts, axles, machine mounts, and gearbox output shafts.
What are shaft keys made of?
Key stock is made from a wide variety of materials. Carbon steel and stainless steel are the most common materials used for making key stock, however materials such as monel, aluminum, brass, copper and nylon are also used.
Key stock is also made from moltrup, or moltrip, quality steel. This quality of steel is often requested for original equipment manufacturing due to its tight tolerances. For more information on key stock materials check out our
blog!
How do you cut key stock?
Key stock is commonly cut for use as shaft keys, commonly referred to as machine keys using a variety of saws or cut-off discs. For in field applications, key stock is generally cut using a hack saw and filed to the desired form and fit. Huyett can cut key stock to specific lengths using state of the art equipment allowing for precise, finished products.
What is oversized key stock?
Oversize key stock is key stock 12 inches or greater in length with an actual size slightly larger than a specified size while remaining within an acceptable tolerance range. Oversize key stock is most popular in original equipment manufacturing due to precision finish and tight fit in the key way. Huyett manufactures key stock to suit every application need you have, in every size, grade and tolerance imaginable. Available in stocked standard sizes or custom made to your specifications.
What is a shaft key?
Shaft Keys, also known as machine keys, are removable machine elements installed between shaft key seats and hub key ways. They are used to transmit torque from the rotating shaft to a gear or sprocket and are specifically designed to fail as a safety mechanism to save more expensive components. Though simple in design, these parts are essential for the transmission of power. Machine keys can be finished in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials for almost any application, however they are most common with both ends round (Form A), both ends square (Form B), or one end round and one end square (Form AB).
How does a shaft key work?
Shaft keys, or machine keys, work by securing a rotating shaft to a hub assembly or gear thus transmitting torque from the shaft to a gear or sprocket. In normal operation, a keyed assembly allows primary gears and drives shafts to turn together. However, if forces exceed design limits, the machine key may shear preventing damage to other components. Machine keys effectively act as safety stops to protect expensive mechanical components.
How do you make a shaft key?
Shaft keys, commonly called machine keys, are made from key stock (bright steel). The key stock is cut to lengths 12 inches or less using a saw. Depending on the required machine key form, filing may be required for fitment into the desired key way. Huyett has state of the art equipment to manufacture machine keys to precise tolerances. Huyett is also a proud distributor of Mak‑A‑Key® assortments for easier in-field key cutting.
Which key is used for fitting taper shaft?
Woodruff keys, sometimes called half-moon keys, are frequently used in applications with taper shafts. The half-moon design allows the key to adjust to the angle of the spine while being installed. The key operates the same in a tapered shaft as a non-tapered shaft, whereas it seats deep in the shaft, remaining firmly embedded.
What is a woodruff key?
Woodruff keys, also called half-moon keys, are commonly found in machine tools and automotive applications. They are designed to be installed deep into a shaft and remain firmly embedded. This allows the key to withstand great strain and is not prone to rolling over in the key seat like ordinary machine keys. They are often used to avoid milling a key seat near stress concentration prone shaft shoulders at the end of a shaft.
How are woodruff keys measured?
Woodruff keys, identifiable by their half-moon shape, are measured two ways depending on if it is an imperial or metric key. Imperial woodruff keys are measured by their width and diameter, whereas metric woodruff keys are measured by their width and height. ANSI b17.2 – 1967, R1990 can be referenced for measuring standard woodruff keys.
What are woodruff keys used for?
Woodruff keys, also called half-moon keys, are often used in stress prone applications where milling a key seat near shaft shoulders at the end of a shaft should be avoided. These keys are found in lawn and garden equipment, automobiles, pumps, electric motors and more. Regardless of the application, the keys primary function is the same, to transfer torque from a rotating shaft to a gear or hub assembly.
What is a step key?
Step keys, sometimes called repair key stock, are commonly used when worn or damaged key ways have been repaired. Step Key stock is milled into a T-Shape design and is offered as Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 is designed for use in key ways of repaired gears, sprockets, pulleys, and other hub assembly components. Type 2 is designed for use in repaired shaft key ways.
How to measure a step key?
Transcript: Let's measure a Step Key. There are two types of step keys: type 1 and type 2. Both are identified using 4 measurements. First measure the width on both the thick and thin side of the key. Then measure the height from above and below the step on the key. There you have it. It's that simple to measure either a type 1 or type 2 step key. Thanks for watching!
How to install a shaft key
Shaft keys, known as machine keys or industrial keys, are installed by placing the key in the key way of a shaft, gear, or hub assembly. There are three types of fitment to take into consideration when installing a shaft key into a key way.
- Class 1: Clearance Fit – In a clearance fit, the key will be slightly smaller than the key way allowing the shaft and the component to be slid over each other.
- Class 2: Transition Fit – In a transition fit, the key width and the key way can have a slight clearance fit or a slight interference fit. Generally this fit is sufficient to hold mating parts together while still allowing for disassembly.
- Class 3: Interference Fit – In an interference fit, the key will be larger than the key way and will encounter interference during installation. Some means of force or temperature change is required for installation.
How to remove a stuck key from a shaft
Shaft keys (machine keys) may become stuck or seized in their key way. There are numerous methods of extracting stubborn keys from their key ways, however these are the most common. Care must be taken with each of these methods to not mar the surface of the shaft or compromise its integrity.
- End Cutting or Side Cutting Pliers – Using end cutting or side cutting pliers, firmly grasp the exposed portion of the machine key allowing the cutting edge of the pliers’ jaws to grip the key. Next, begin rocking the key back and forth while at the same time pulling up. Continue until the key releases from the key way.
- Adjustable Locking Pliers – This method is similar to using end cutting or side cutting pliers, however the adjustable locking pliers provide a much more secure grip. Adjust the pliers to securely grip the key and lock into place. Once a secure hold is established, rock the key back and forth until the machine key is freed from the key way.
- Slide Hammer w/ Locking Plier Attachment – Secure the adjustable locking pliers securely to the machine key. Next attach the slide hammer to the locking pliers and begin sliding the weight up the shaft of the slide hammer striking it against the stop. Do this repeatedly until the machine key breaks free.
- Hammer / Chisel or Punch – For open ended key ways, place the punch or chisel at the end of the machine key at the closed end of the key way. Strike the punch or chisel with a hammer to break the machine key loose. For woodruff keys, place a punch at one of end of the key striking the punch downward to force the end of the key down into the shaft. The half-moon shape allows the key to slide in its slot, forcing the opposite end up.
- Welder and Slide Hammer – Weld a bolt, pin, or other extruding piece of metal to the machine key. Next attach a slide hammer to the extrusion and begin sliding the weight up the shaft of the slide hammer striking it against the stop. This transfer of force in combination of the heat created by welding assist with jarring the key loose.
What are the different machine key types?
Machine keys, commonly called shaft keys, can be finished in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials for almost any application. Some common machine keys are “T” shaped step keys, round keys, and hex keys, however the most widely used machine keys are square and rectangle keys. These keys are typically available in three different forms referenced as Form A, Form B, and Form AB. Form A keys have rounded ends that fit the contour of a key way machined with fully radiused ends. Form B machine keys have both ends square and Form AB keys have both a squared end and radiused end.
How to cut a key slot in a shaft
A key slot, most commonly called a key way, can be cut into a shaft by broaching, electrical discharge machining (EDM), milling, and shaping/slotting.
Broaching is a machining process that uses a cutting tool called a broach to remove material. There are two types of broaching used, linear and rotary. Linear broaching is the most common method of broaching where the broach is run linearly against the shaft creating a key way the entire length of the shaft or hub. Rotary, while less common, involves a rotating tool that is pressed into the work piece. Rotary broaching can create full length key ways as well as blind key ways.
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) uses an electrically charged wire to displace material. EDM is a highly accurate method of machining keyways, however due to it slower process, it is typically used for shorter runs or made-to-order applications.
The
Shaping/Slotting machining process works well for machining blind key ways or external key ways that do not traverse the entire length of a shaft. Shaping or slotting is also a viable solution for machining internal key ways like those found on gears or hub assemblies.
Milling is similar to shaping as it allows a keyway to be cut the partial length of a shaft or hub, however milling uses a rotary cutter as opposed to a fixed bit. Milling is commonly used for external keyway applications rather than internal keyways due to clearance and interference conflicts from the milling machine.
What is Mil-Spec?
“Mil Spec,” sometimes called MilSpec or Mil-Spec, is an abbreviated term for Military Specification that refers to a series of specifications and requirements used to help standardize objectives by the Department of Defense (DoD). American and French militaries were early adopters and sponsors of standardization and interchangeability in the early 1900s.
Mil-Spec machine keys refer to a class of machine keys that conform or align with specifications for products used in the military and aerospace industries. These specifications include MS20065, 20066, 20067, and 20068. All Mil-Spec machine keys designed and manufactured by Huyett conform to all known and relevant military, aerospace, and government standards for machine keys.
What is Monel®?
Monel, also called Monel 400, is a trademarked name often used to refer to a cupronickel alloy known as alloy 400. Alloy 400 is composed of approximately 63% nickel and 28-34% copper possessing excellent strength at low temperatures. This series of alloy provides good ductility and thermal conductivity as well as excellent corrosion resistance to a wide variety of corrosive media. These features of alloy 400 make it a viable solution for many applications in marine and chemical environments. It is most commonly used to make heat exchangers, valves, pumps, propellers and pump shafts.
Is Monel or Alloy 400 magnetic?
Monel, also called alloy 400 or Monel 400, is a metal alloy comprised of nickel and copper. It has a magnetic permeability of 200 oersted/1.0002 at 75°F making it slightly magnetic at room temperature.
Nickel-Copper Alloy / Monel 400 Precision Key Stock
Transcript: Huyett has always been on the cutting edge of our industry, and we have done it again. Our MAK-A-KEY precision key stock now offers Monel 400 key stock, a more economical solution to the standard cutting of Monel plating. Our line of Monel key stock has tighter tolerances, more accurate production, and is DFARS compliant. When purchasing our beneficial Monel key stock, you are also able to get the free MTRs we provide for the key stock. It is available in many sizes, the popular ones in stock now, and we support special orders of lengths up to 12 feet. We are excited to help you and your business with the offering of a better solution to a higher tolerance and better resistant key stock. For more information, you can visit huyett.com/keystock or contact our sales team today. Thank you for watching, and we look forward to working with you soon.
How to measure a Form A machine key
Transcript: Hi! My name is John Hudson. I'm a member of the team here at Huyett. We are a cutting edge manufacturer and a master distributor of fasteners, grease fittings, and engineered parts. Let's measure a Form A machine key. The first thing you want to do is measure the shorter of the height or width. Then you want to measure the longer of the height or width, and then you want to measure end-to-end. It's that simple. You have just measured a Form A machine key. After measuring your part, visit Huyett.com. We make it easy to search for, find, and buy the parts you need by including photographs, technical drawings, material grades, and dimensions of every part. We even include quantity breaks and pricing along with the option of adding a certificate of compliance to any order. Huyett manufactures key stock and machine keys to ANSI spec B17.1. If you need a key made to a different standard or custom size, give our sales team a call or visit us at Huyett.com.
How to measure a gib head key
Transcript: Let's measure a Gib Head Key in inches. They're very simple to measure. The first thing you want to measure on one, you want to measure the width. You want to get it from right under the head there. And then you're going to measure the effective length. The effective length is going to be from under the head to the end of the key. It's that simple to measure a gib head key in inches. Thanks for watching!
How to measure a Hi-Pro key
Transcript: Let's measure a Hi-Pro Key. Hi-Pro Keys are easy to measure. There's three measurements that you'll need. You'll need the overall length of the key. You will need the width of the key. And then the last measurement you're going to need on this one is going to be the thickness of the lip. It's that simple to measure a Hi-Pro Key. Thanks for watching!
