For feather (sliding) keys, DIN 6885 is the governing document for the dimensions listed below. Mechanical and performance requirements for this part family are set by its own standards, not by the bolt and screw property-class documents.
DIN 6885 — Scope
DIN 6885 specifies the dimensional requirements for feather (sliding) keys.
Material, surface condition and any performance rating are set by separate documents specific to this part family — ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2, which govern bolt and nut property classes, do not apply here.
Tolerance & Product Grades
Tolerances for feather (sliding) keys are given as limits on the individual dimensions in the table rather than as a fastener product grade.
Where a general-tolerance class is cited on the drawing instead, it applies to the dimensions not otherwise toleranced.
Dimensions Specified by DIN 6885
| Key width b (mm) | Key height h (mm) | Shaft diameter range (mm) | Fixing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 12 u2013 17 | one countersunk screw |
| 6 | 6 | 17 u2013 22 | one countersunk screw |
| 8 | 7 | 22 u2013 30 | two countersunk screws |
| 10 | 8 | 30 u2013 38 | two countersunk screws |
| 12 | 8 | 38 u2013 44 | two countersunk screws |
| 14 | 9 | 44 u2013 50 | two countersunk screws |
| 16 | 10 | 50 u2013 58 | two countersunk screws |
| 18 | 11 | 58 u2013 65 | two countersunk screws |
| 20 | 12 | 65 u2013 75 | two countersunk screws |
Equivalent Standards
Where direct equivalents exist (ISO ↔ DIN, ISO ↔ ASME), they are listed on the parent Feather (Sliding) Keys page.
Always confirm against the dimensions on this page, since some "equivalent" standards differ in tolerances and head geometry.
When to Specify DIN 6885
DIN 6885 is still widely used in European mechanical engineering and as a cross-reference on legacy drawings; its ISO equivalent is preferred for new designs.
