Combine these general purpose drive shafts with gears, sprockets, and bearings to transmit rotary motion. All are turned, precision ground, and polished to meet tight diameter and straightness tolerances. This means these shafts evenly distribute loads, reduce vibration, and improve accuracy and stability.

Steel shafts are generally stronger than stainless steel shafts but not as corrosion resistant. Carbon steel shafts balance high strength and good machinability, making them ideal for general purpose use. 12L14 carbon steel shafts have a lead additive that makes them easier to machine than any other rotary shaft but also more prone to wear.

Stainless steel shafts are more corrosion resistant than steel shafts but more difficult to machine. 303 stainless steel shafts have good corrosion resistance and are easier to machine than other types of stainless steel. 316 stainless steel shafts are the most corrosion resistant stainless steel shaft.

Shafts with chamfered edges reduce damage to bearings, housings, and other components during installation.

Combine these shafts with a machine key (not included) to transmit torque to gears, sprockets, and other power transmission components. All have an ANSI standard keyway (keys not included; see our selection of key stock). Their edges are chamfered to remove sharp corners, reducing damage to bearings, housings, and other components during installation. All are turned, ground, or polished to tight diameter and straightness tolerances.

Steel shafts are generally stronger than aluminum and stainless steel shafts but not as corrosion resistant. 1045 carbon steel shafts balance high strength and good machinability, making them ideal for general purpose use.

2024 aluminum shafts are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and nonmagnetic. They have a T4 temper, which means they have been heat treated for increased strength.