Key Stock
Introduction to Keystock
Keystock – a vital connection component in power transmission or field applications – is one of Huyett’s most widely available and diversified range of products. It is a general industry term for flat, rectangular, square, or otherwise-shaped bars of metal that are used in power transmission applications or to make other fasteners. Technically,
keystock
must be at least one foot in length and conforms to tight tolerances. This differentiates it from
machine keys
, which are usually products of keystock.
Keystock is a versatile raw material used to make many types of machine keys, pins, gears, and for conducting quick field repairs on
machine keys and
shafts. Huyett carries keystock in a variety of materials to match the tolerances and mechanical strength you need. Materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, nylon, Monel, and PVC.
Application Considerations
Keystock must hold up under strenuous environments within power transmission settings. It transmits torque, holds shaft components in place, and endures environmental stress. Here are a few key variables to consider before choosing your keystock:
- What material will hold up under the expected stress of your application? Do you need the keystock to be as strong or stronger than the shaft material?
- Will the material need to resist natural, manmade, or chemical elements?
- Will the material be under a compressive force? Will it need to hold its shape or have room to give?
- Is the material meant to break before the power transmission elements do? If so, what should the shear point be?
- How will the keystock fit into the shaft? Does the fit need to be precise?
- What shape will the shaft be?
- Will you use the keystock to make other components or as a component in and of itself?
Types
There are a few different ways to break down keystock “types” - mainly by material, shape, and size. These characteristics are mostly interchangeable, so you can customize the keystock “type” you need for your application.
Huyett offers keystock in the following materials:
- 1018, 1045, and 1095 carbon steel
- 303, 304, 316, and 410 stainless steel
- 4140 and 8630 alloy steel
- 6061 and 4140 aluminum
- 360 and 464 brass
- 400 Monel®
- 6/6 Nylon
Huyett also offers standard and metric keystock in rectangle, round, hex, square, and step shapes. These options are available in three size types:
- Undersize: Tolerances may be smaller than nominal size but cannot be larger
- Oversize: Tolerances may be larger than nominal size but cannot be smaller
- Bilateral Tolerances can either be smaller or larger than nominal size
How Is Keystock Sized?
Keystock sizes are communicated through nominal sizing tolerances, key way fit classes, and types of fit. Watch our Getting the Right Fit guide to learn more:
What Is Keystock Used For?
Keystock is sometimes used on its own as a general maintenance tool or as a replacement for broken keystock in the field. However, it is mainly used to make machine keys. It is cut and shaped to produce a wide variety of machine keys, which are essential in power transmission applications.
Machine keys connect shafts to gears and transmit torque between the two components. Because they are meant to shear first, they also defend the expensive elements of the machine from breaking.
What Are The Different Machine Key Types?
Huyett offers a wide variety of machine keys, including Form A, Form AB, Form B, Gib Head, Hex, Hi-Pro, Round, and Woodruff styles. Check out
Machine Key Comprehensive Guide to learn more.
