We even include quantity breaks and pricing along with the option of adding a certificate of compliance to any order. 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. You have just measured a Form A machine key. Then you want to measure the longer of the height or width, and then you want to measure end-to-end. The first thing you want to do is measure the shorter of the height or width. We are a cutting edge manufacturer and a master distributor of fasteners, grease fittings, and engineered parts. Milling is commonly used for external keyway applications rather than internal keyways due to clearance and interference conflicts from the milling machine. 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. Shaping or slotting is also a viable solution for machining internal key ways like those found on gears or hub assemblies. 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. 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.
Rotary broaching can create full length key ways as well as blind key ways.Įlectrical Discharge Machining (EDM) uses an electrically charged wire to displace material. Rotary, while less common, involves a rotating tool that is pressed into the work piece. 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. There are two types of broaching used, linear and rotary. This transfer of force in combination of the heat created by welding assist with jarring the key loose.Ī key slot, most commonly called a key way, can be cut into a shaft by broaching, electrical discharge machining (EDM), milling, and shaping/slotting.īroaching is a machining process that uses a cutting tool called a broach to remove material. 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. Welder and slide hammer – Weld a bolt, pin, or other extruding piece of metal to the machine key.The half-moon shape allows the key to slide in its slot, forcing the opposite end up. 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. Strike the punch or chisel with a hammer to break the machine key loose. 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.Do this repeatedly until the machine key breaks free. 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. Slide Hammer w/ locking plier attachment – Secure the adjustable locking pliers securely to the machine key.Once a secure hold is established, rock the key back and forth until the machine key is freed from the key way. Adjust the pliers to securely grip the key and lock into place. 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.Continue until the key releases from the key way. Next, begin rocking the key back and forth while at the same time pulling up. 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.Care must be taken with each of these methods to not mar the surface of the shaft or compromise its integrity.
There are numerous methods of extracting stubborn keys from their key ways, however these are the most common.
Shaft keys (machine keys) may become stuck or seized in their key way.