O.T. Stepped key for shaft.

Gene Davis (Ga.) · Sep 30, 2008

I need a stepped key for a shaft. It needs to be 1/4" on the bottom side and 3/16' on the top. Local machine shop charges $65.00 per hour and estimates about 1&1/2 hr to make it. $97.50 for a 1&1/2" long key! Anybody know where I might could buy this key?

Anonymous-0 · Sep 30, 2008

Try small engine and garden equipment shop- like equipment rental place. Those types of key were sometimes needed for pulley to fit on engine and drive train shafts- Shop I worked for years back had assortments of keys including offsets and stepped. RN

Owen Aaland · Sep 30, 2008

Install a standard key in the shaft and use a flat file to trim the top down to the width you need.

wisbaker · Sep 30, 2008

1. McMaster Carr- Alanta Ga, Chicago Ill and Los Angeles

2. Power train distributor-Motion Industries, Detroit Ball Bearing, Kaman Industrial, Applied Industrial Technologies, Dixie Bearing -Brunner Bearing or anyone else that has "bearing" in their name

Anonymous-0 · Sep 30, 2008

Maybe your machine shop can cut a 1/4 in keyway in your pulley, or sprocket. This would take less than 15 min, if they have the tooling. Stan

Formerly PaMike · Sep 30, 2008

I know either Mcmaster or msc sells them. Both have websites that you can order online.

RodinNS · Sep 30, 2008

That can be done fairly easily with a good flat file, which sounds about like what your machine shop is up to if they're going to charge you 1.5 hours labor to make a damn key. Buy a length of 1/4" keystock and file it out...

Rod

Anonymous-0 · Sep 30, 2008

McMaster-Carr shows step key stock. Foot long pieces. Two different heights for 3/16 and 1/4" wide. 92271A211 and 92271A212 Around $13 a piece. Their computer says they are both in stock. www.mcmaster.com

Gerald J.

Gene Davis (Ga.) · Sep 30, 2008

thanks. W.W. Grainger Supply had it. They are closer to me..

Anonymous-0 · Sep 30, 2008

Just what are you going to use the key for as sometimes it is the only way to go.

Frank A · Sep 30, 2008

I would of thought that a good farm store would carry step key stock. The one I worked for here in Missouri carries it in one foot sections or at leased did last I knew.

Dave_Id · Oct 1, 2008

Find another shop, it shouldn't take any machinist anymore than 10 minutes to custom mill a rectangular key.

Mike M · Oct 1, 2008

Only thing that makes sense is that shop must have more work then they need and don't want to mess with it.

This is exactly why I have a lathe and a mill in my shop.

O.T. Stepped key for shaft.

Gene Davis (Ga.)

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Anonymous-0

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Owen Aaland

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wisbaker

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Anonymous-0

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Formerly PaMike

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RodinNS

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Anonymous-0

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Gene Davis (Ga.)

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Anonymous-0

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Frank A

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Dave_Id

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Mike M

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