Sprocket Gears | McMaster-Carr

	REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH Compliant

Forward

How can we improve?

835 Products

About Gears

Metal Gears and Gear Racks—14 1/2° Pressure Angle

A former industry standard, 14½° pressure angle gears are often found on older machinery.

Metal Gears and Gear Racks—20° Pressure Angle

The current industry standard, these 20° pressure angle gears have thicker, stronger teeth than 14½° pressure angle gears. They're also known as spur gears.

High-Power Metal Gears

For smooth, quiet operation at high speeds under heavy loads, helical gears have curved teeth that engage gradually and stay in contact longer than straight teeth.

Metal Miter Gears

With straight, conically shaped teeth and a 1:1 speed ratio, miter gears connect two shafts at a right angle without changing shaft speed or torque. They're more efficient than spiral miter gears because they create less friction.

Metal Worms and Worm Gears

Worm gears use screw threads to reduce shaft speed by ratios of 10:1 and greater while transmitting motion at a right angle.

Metal Bevel Gears

A type of miter gear where one gear is smaller than the other, bevel gears provide right-angle speed reduction at ratios ranging from 2:1 to 5:1. They’re more efficient than worm gears because they create less friction.

High-Power Metal Miter Gears

Also known as spiral miter gears, these gears have curved teeth that gradually engage and stay in contact longer than straight teeth so they handle heavier loads at higher speeds. Speed ratio is 1:1.

High-Power Metal Bevel Gears

Made from carbon steel with spiral teeth, these gears handle heavier loads at higher speeds than bevel gears with straight teeth because their teeth stay in contact longer.

Plastic Gears and Gear Racks

Plastic Gears and Gear Racks—14 1/2° Pressure Angle

A former industry standard, 14½° pressure angle gears are often found on older machinery.

Plastic Gears and Gear Racks—20° Pressure Angle

The current industry standard, gears with a 20° pressure angle have thicker, stronger teeth than gears with a 14½° pressure angle.

Plastic Worm Gears

These plastic gears are lighter and quieter than metal gears—pair them with metal worms for lubrication-free operation. Worm gears use screw threads to make large reductions to shaft speed while transmitting motion at a right angle.

Plastic Miter Gears

Connect two shafts at a right angle without changing shaft speed or torque.

Plastic Bevel Gears

Reduce speeds where noise, corrosion, and frequent lubrication are a concern. Compared to metal gears, these nylon gears run more quietly, won't rust, and don't need to be lubricated.

Ratcheting Gears

Metal Ratcheting Gears

Compared to plastic gears, metal gears are better for high-load, high-speed, and heavy duty applications.

Plastic Ratcheting Gears

A light duty alternative to metal, plastic gears have good corrosion and chemical resistance.