Parallel Shaft Keys

Parallel shaft or feather keys

A type of machine element used to secure the relative rotational position of shafts and components such as gears, pulleys, or couplings that are mounted on them. These keys are rectangular or square solid bars that fit into matching keyways machined into the shaft and the component bore. When inserted, the key allows torque to be transmitted through the connection while preventing relative rotation between the parts. The tight fit of the key in the keyways also helps to maintain the concentricity of the rotating system. In machinery, parallel keys are commonly held in place by friction, with additional features like set screws or keyway notches sometimes included to prevent axial movement. This simple yet effective design is widely used in various applications, from automotive engines to industrial machinery, due to its ability to withstand substantial shear and torsional forces.

Often called Feather Keys a range of sizes are manufactured to DIN6885A standards.

Woodruff keys are semi-circular or half-moon shaped pieces of metal that are used to connect rotating mechanical components to a shaft, ensuring that the components rotate together without slipping. They fit into a circular pocket cut into the shaft, with a corresponding slot in the mounted component. When the component is placed over the shaft, the Woodruff key's shape allows it to fit snugly into both slots, locking the two pieces together. This design allows for slight angular movement between the key and the slot, accommodating any misalignment and making installation easier. Woodruff keys are commonly used in engines and machinery for securing gears, pulleys, and other rotating elements to shafts, providing a reliable and efficient method of transmitting torque.