McMaster-Carr logo
    Enter e-mail addresses in the fields below
    Message
    Cancel
    Comments
    E-mail address (if you would like a response)
    54 Products

    Rounded Machine Keys

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Machine Keys. 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.
    1008-1045 Carbon Steel and 1045 Carbon Steel—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—316 stainless steel keys have excellent corrosion resistance, but aren't as strong as steel keys. They may be mildly magnetic.
    Oversized Tolerance—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.
    Undersized Tolerance—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.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Lg.,
    mm
    Tolerance
    Rating
    Ht.
    Wd.
    Min.
    Hardness
    Specs.
    Met
    Pkg.
    Qty.
    Pkg.
    1008-1045 Carbon Steel
     
    3 mm × 3 mm
    8Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 6885500000000000000
    12Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    14Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    16Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    18Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    20Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    25Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
     
    1045 Carbon Steel
     
    3 mm × 3 mm
    10Oversized0.000 to 0.0760.000 to 0.076Rockwell B87100000000000000
    10Undersized-0.020 to 0.000-0.020 to 0.000Rockwell B87DIN 688510000000000000
     
    316 Stainless Steel
     
    3 mm × 3 mm
    8Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 6885500000000000
    10Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    12Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    14Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    15Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    16Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    18Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    20Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    22Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    25Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    30Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    36Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
    40Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 68855000000000000
     

    Woodruff Keys

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Contains Annotated. Machine Keys. Woodruff Keys.
    Image of Attribute. Side View. Front orientation. Contains Annotated. Woodruff Keys.

    Side View

    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.
    1018-1045 Carbon Steel—Steel keys offer good strength.
    316 Stainless Steel—316 stainless steel keys have excellent corrosion resistance, but aren't as strong as steel keys. They may be mildly magnetic.
    Metric—Metric keys conform to DIN 6888 standards.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Wd.,
    mm
    For Keyway
    Dia., mm
    Ht.,
    mm
    Lg.,
    mm
    Wd.
    Ht.
    Specs.
    Met
    System of
    Measurement
    Pkg.
    Qty.
    Pkg.
    1018-1045 Carbon Steel
    3103.79.7-0.025 to 0.000DIN 6888Metric25000000000000000
    313512.7-0.025 to 0.000DIN 6888Metric250000000000000
    3166.515.7-0.025 to 0.000DIN 6888Metric2500000000000000
     
    316 Stainless Steel
    3103.79.7-0.025 to 0.000-0.120 to 0.000DIN 6888Metric10000000000000
     

    Machine Keys

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Machine Keys. 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.
    1008-1045 Carbon Steel and 1045 Carbon Steel—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.
    Oversized Tolerance—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.
    Undersized Tolerance—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.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Lg.,
    mm
    Tolerance
    Rating
    Ht.
    Wd.
    Min.
    Hardness
    Specs.
    Met
    Pkg.
    Qty.
    Pkg.
    1008-1045 Carbon Steel
     
    3 mm × 3 mm
    8Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 6885500000000000000
    10Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    12Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    14Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    16Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    18Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    20Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    25Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
     
    1045 Carbon Steel
     
    3 mm × 3 mm
    10Oversized0.000 to 0.0760.000 to 0.076Rockwell B8750000000000000
     
    316 Stainless Steel
     
    3 mm × 3 mm
    8Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    10Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    12Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    14Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    15Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    18Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    20Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    22Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    25Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    30Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688550000000000000
    40Undersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 6885500000000000000
     

    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.
    1008-1045 Carbon Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Machine Key Stock. Machine Key Stock.
    1008-1045 carbon steel key stock is an economical choice with good strength.
    Undersized Tolerance—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.
    DIN 6880—Key stock that meets DIN 6880 conforms to DIN standards for undersized keys.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Ht. × Wd.
    Tolerance
    Rating
    Ht.
    Wd.
    Min.
    Hardness
    Specs.
    Met
    Each
    305 mm Long
    3 mm × 3 mmUndersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Rockwell B87DIN 688000000000000000
     
    1,000 mm Long
    3 mm × 3 mmUndersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Rockwell B87DIN 68800000000000000
     
    18-8 Stainless Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Machine Key Stock. Machine Key Stock.
    18-8 stainless steel key stock offers a balance of strength and corrosion resistance. It may be mildly magnetic. 18-8 stainless steel key stock is more corrosion resistant than steel key stock.
    Oversized Tolerance—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.
    Undersized Tolerance—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.
    DIN 6880—Key stock that meets DIN 6880 conforms to DIN standards for undersized keys.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Ht. × Wd.
    Tolerance
    Rating
    Ht.
    Wd.
    Min.
    Hardness
    Specs.
    Met
    Each
    305 mm Long
    3 mm × 3 mmOversized0.000 to 0.0760.000 to 0.076Rockwell B82000000000000000
    3 mm × 3 mmUndersized-0.030 to 0.000-0.030 to 0.000Not RatedDIN 688000000000000000
     
    316 Stainless Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Machine Key Stock. Machine Key Stock.
    316 stainless steel key stock has the best corrosion resistance of our stainless steel key stock and may be mildly magnetic. 316 stainless steel key stock is more corrosion resistant than steel key stock.
    Undersized Tolerance—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.
    DIN 6880—Key stock that meets DIN 6880 conforms to DIN standards for undersized keys.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Ht. × Wd.
    Tolerance
    Rating
    Ht.
    Wd.
    Min.
    Hardness
    Specs.
    Met
    Each
    1,000 mm Long
    3 mm × 3 mmUndersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Rockwell B85DIN 6880000000000000000
     
    316-316L Stainless Steel
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Machine Key Stock. Machine Key Stock.
    316-316L stainless steel key stock has the best corrosion resistance of our stainless steel key stock and may be mildly magnetic. 316-316L stainless steel key stock is more corrosion resistant than steel key stock.
    Oversized Tolerance—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.
    Undersized Tolerance—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.
    DIN 6880—Key stock that meets DIN 6880 conforms to DIN standards for undersized keys.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Ht. × Wd.
    Tolerance
    Rating
    Ht.
    Wd.
    Min.
    Hardness
    Specs.
    Met
    Each
    305 mm Long
    3 mm × 3 mmOversized0.000 to 0.0760.000 to 0.076Not Rated00000000000000
    3 mm × 3 mmUndersized-0.025 to 0.000-0.025 to 0.000Rockwell B86DIN 68800000000000000
     
    360 Brass
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Machine Key Stock. Machine Key Stock.
    360 brass key stock is corrosion resistant and nonmagnetic. 360 brass is softer than other metals, so it's often used for shear keys.
    Undersized Tolerance—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.
    DIN 6880—Key stock that meets DIN 6880 conforms to DIN standards for undersized keys.
    Tolerance,
    mm
    Ht. × Wd.
    Tolerance
    Rating
    Ht.
    Wd.
    Min.
    Hardness
    Specs.
    Met
    Each
    305 mm Long
    3 mm × 3 mmUndersized-0.030 to 0.000-0.030 to 0.000Rockwell B35DIN 6880000000000000000
     
    back to top