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Keys · DIN 6885 / ISO 773 · Application guide

Parallel Keys — Applications & Typical Uses

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.

Technical Drawing

Customize the parameters below — every spec field is editable, and the drawing redraws to match the values you choose. Changing the size will snap the other fields to that size's standard values; you can then override any individual value.

Sends the selected values to the quote form below.

Request a Quote

Set the size and options in the drawing above, then send the exact configuration straight to this form.

Request a Quotation

Specification
Business Information

Dimensions & Specifications (DIN 6885 / ISO 773)

Shaft diameter range (mm)Key width b (mm)Key height h (mm)Key length range (mm)Shaft groove depth t1 (mm)Hub groove depth t2 (mm)Reference standardNotes
6~8226~201.21.0DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
8~10336~361.81.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
10~12448~452.51.8DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
12~175510~563.02.3DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
17~226614~703.52.8DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
22~308718~904.03.3DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
30~3810822~1105.03.3DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
38~4412828~1405.03.3DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
44~5014936~1605.53.8DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
50~58161045~1806.04.3DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
58~65181150~2007.04.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
65~75201256~2207.54.9DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
75~85221463~2509.05.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
85~95251470~2809.05.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
95~110281680~32010.06.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
110~130321890~36011.07.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
130~1503620100~40012.08.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
150~1704022100~40013.09.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
170~2004525110~45015.010.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
200~2305028125~50017.011.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
230~2605632140~50020.012.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
260~2906332160~50020.012.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
290~3307036180~50022.014.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
330~3808040200~50025.015.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
380~4409045220~50028.017.4DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square
440~50010050250~50031.019.5DIN 6885 type A / ISO 773Type A round ends; B square ends; C one round one square

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right size of Parallel Keys?

Match the nominal size to the mating thread or hole. This product is available from M68 to M440500; the full dimension table on this page lists each size.

How do Parallel Keys transmit torque?

The key sits in matching keyways in the shaft and hub, transmitting torque in shear. Size the key to the shaft diameter using the standard, and ensure both keyways are cut to spec.

What material should Parallel Keys be for outdoor use?

For damp, coastal or chemical environments specify A4 (316) stainless or a suitably coated steel. For indoor or dry use, A2 (304) stainless or zinc-plated steel is normally adequate.

Are Parallel Keys made to a recognized standard?

Yes — they are manufactured to DIN 6885 / ISO 773, so dimensions are interchangeable between suppliers when you quote the standard on your order.

Can I get a quote for Parallel Keys in the size and material I need?

Yes. Use the technical drawing and quote form on this page to set the size and options, then send the exact configuration to our team for pricing and lead time.