Parallel Keys are used primarily for transmitting torque between a shaft and a hub. This page summarizes where they fit, the industries that rely on them, and the practical points to get right when you specify them — to DIN 6885 / ISO 773. Stocked across roughly M68 to M440500, they cover heavy and structural work.
Typical Applications for Parallel Keys
The most common settings where these are specified:
- Fabrication & metalwork: bench and on-site assembly of steel frames, enclosures and weldments.
- Power transmission: locking pulleys, sprockets and couplings to a shaft.
- Gearboxes & motors: transmitting torque from a shaft to a hub.
- Pumps & fans: driving rotating components without slip.
- General machine building: fastening covers, brackets, motors and sub-assemblies on production equipment.
How to Specify Parallel Keys for Your Application
- Size: Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product spans M68–M440500; check the full table below for the exact dimensions of each size.
- Material: Choose the material and finish for the service environment — plated steel for general use, stainless for corrosion resistance.
- Environment: For damp, coastal or chemical exposure prefer A4/316 stainless or a suitable coating; indoors, plated steel or A2 is usually sufficient.
- Standard: This product is supplied to DIN 6885 / ISO 773. Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions between suppliers.
Where Parallel Keys Are Not the Right Choice
Not for very high reversing torque without an interference fit, and not as an axial retainer.
