Keys

Standard keys, DIN 6885 to DIN 6888, bespoke

Keys

What do keys do?


Keys are mechanical components used to connect two different elements, such as a shaft and a pulley or gear. Machine keys are used to:

  • Solidly hold two rotating parts.
  • Transmit torque from a shaft to a hub.
  • Prevent parts from slipping.


Keys come in different shapes and sizes:

  • keys with rounded ends
  • keys with straight ends
  • keys with one rounded end and one straight end
  • machined key with slots, threaded, reamed, etc.
  • Woodruff keys (semi-circular)


Keys play a crucial role in many different sectors, ensuring reliable, long-lasting connections between machine components. This small, often-overlooked but nonetheless essential component is designed to create a solid connection between two elements, such as shafts and hubs, or in machines and mechanisms. The key goes into a keyway.

What different types of keys are there?

Parallel keys to DIN 6885



Parallel keys or DIN 6885 keys are among the most sought-after key variants. With their rectangular shape, they fit in most traditional keyways, making for simple installation and removal. This key is widely used in many different sectors such as mechanical engineering, drive and transmission mechanisms, and many other areas.

Each type of key caters to different needs and offers solutions to different mechanical issues.

That's why we offer several different variants of parallel keys at Gardette:



Thanks to our quality-focused approach, our range of keys, made from our own steel and stainless steel bars drawn on site in Villefranche-sur-Saône (France), offer excellent strength and durability. The keys' dimensions correspond to established industry standards, making for a perfect fit in a variety of mechanical applications. On top of this, we also offer install and removal tools such as key punches for simpler maintenance and replacements.

Thanks to clearly defined standards, our parallel keys meet even the strictest dimension and quality requirements.

Woodruff keys - DIN 6888 / NFE 22179



Now let's take a look at the Woodruff key.

Woodruff keys, also known as half-moon keys, get their name from their semi-circular shape.

Woodruff keys are specifically designed to fit into corresponding keyways, guaranteeing a secure joint and optimal force transmission. They are particularly useful in cases where the bearing surface on the shaft is reduced.

This type of key is widely used in applications such as drive and transmission technologies, found in the agriculture, agrifood and construction equipment sectors.

Similarly to parallel keys, each type of half-moon or Woodruff key corresponds to particular industry standards, ensuring compliance in terms of quality and reliability.


Our Woodruff keys are manufactured to established industry standards, guaranteeing a sturdy, secure mechanical connection. With over a century of expertise, you can rely on Gardette to provide your half-moon keys, compliant with the strictest standards and suitable for applications in a wide range of industries.

Gib head keys, DIN 6887



Gib head keys, manufactured to DIN 6887, also called taper keys, are used to transmit torque between the shaft and a hub - in the same way as DIN 6885.

Its tapered head makes it easier to install and remove while still offering a precise fit in its housing.



Their design makes them ideal for applications that require secure positioning and frequent dismantling.

How do I choose the right key?



In order to choose between DIN 6885 parallel keys, DIN 6887 gib head keys and DIN 6888 Woodruff keys, you'll need to take into account your application's mechanical stresses, assembly conditions and specific requirements.

Each type of key is designed to meet different particular needs, from torque transmission to easy install to frequent dismantling.

Choosing a key also depends on the shape of the housing on the shaft, as well as the hub. This shape is, in turn, determined by mechanical and geometric stresses specific to each application, such as the size of components, forces transmitted or the need for a precise fit.

This means that all these factors should be considered when choosing an effective, long-lasting key.

How do you remove a key from a shaft?

  1. Fix the shaft so it can’t move during the process.
  2. Place the key punch (key removal tool) on one end of the key, making-sure it is well-aligned to avoid damaging the shaft or the housing
  3. Get the key out through quick, controlled jolts to the key punch. If the key is stuck, use lubricant.
  4. Once at least part of the key is out, use pliers or your hand to extract it completely.
  5. Take a quick look at the shaft and housing to make sure they’re not damaged before putting the key back in.
Keys

Standard keys, DIN 6885 to DIN 6888, bespoke

Starting from
The 100 pieces
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What do keys do?


Keys are mechanical components used to connect two different elements, such as a shaft and a pulley or gear. Machine keys are used to:

  • Solidly hold two rotating parts.
  • Transmit torque from a shaft to a hub.
  • Prevent parts from slipping.


Keys come in different shapes and sizes:

  • keys with rounded ends
  • keys with straight ends
  • keys with one rounded end and one straight end
  • machined key with slots, threaded, reamed, etc.
  • Woodruff keys (semi-circular)


Keys play a crucial role in many different sectors, ensuring reliable, long-lasting connections between machine components. This small, often-overlooked but nonetheless essential component is designed to create a solid connection between two elements, such as shafts and hubs, or in machines and mechanisms. The key goes into a keyway.

What different types of keys are there?

Parallel keys to DIN 6885



Parallel keys or DIN 6885 keys are among the most sought-after key variants. With their rectangular shape, they fit in most traditional keyways, making for simple installation and removal. This key is widely used in many different sectors such as mechanical engineering, drive and transmission mechanisms, and many other areas.

Each type of key caters to different needs and offers solutions to different mechanical issues.

That's why we offer several different variants of parallel keys at Gardette:



Thanks to our quality-focused approach, our range of keys, made from our own steel and stainless steel bars drawn on site in Villefranche-sur-Saône (France), offer excellent strength and durability. The keys' dimensions correspond to established industry standards, making for a perfect fit in a variety of mechanical applications. On top of this, we also offer install and removal tools such as key punches for simpler maintenance and replacements.

Thanks to clearly defined standards, our parallel keys meet even the strictest dimension and quality requirements.

Woodruff keys - DIN 6888 / NFE 22179



Now let's take a look at the Woodruff key.

Woodruff keys, also known as half-moon keys, get their name from their semi-circular shape.

Woodruff keys are specifically designed to fit into corresponding keyways, guaranteeing a secure joint and optimal force transmission. They are particularly useful in cases where the bearing surface on the shaft is reduced.

This type of key is widely used in applications such as drive and transmission technologies, found in the agriculture, agrifood and construction equipment sectors.

Similarly to parallel keys, each type of half-moon or Woodruff key corresponds to particular industry standards, ensuring compliance in terms of quality and reliability.


Our Woodruff keys are manufactured to established industry standards, guaranteeing a sturdy, secure mechanical connection. With over a century of expertise, you can rely on Gardette to provide your half-moon keys, compliant with the strictest standards and suitable for applications in a wide range of industries.

Gib head keys, DIN 6887



Gib head keys, manufactured to DIN 6887, also called taper keys, are used to transmit torque between the shaft and a hub - in the same way as DIN 6885.

Its tapered head makes it easier to install and remove while still offering a precise fit in its housing.



Their design makes them ideal for applications that require secure positioning and frequent dismantling.

How do I choose the right key?



In order to choose between DIN 6885 parallel keys, DIN 6887 gib head keys and DIN 6888 Woodruff keys, you'll need to take into account your application's mechanical stresses, assembly conditions and specific requirements.

Each type of key is designed to meet different particular needs, from torque transmission to easy install to frequent dismantling.

Choosing a key also depends on the shape of the housing on the shaft, as well as the hub. This shape is, in turn, determined by mechanical and geometric stresses specific to each application, such as the size of components, forces transmitted or the need for a precise fit.

This means that all these factors should be considered when choosing an effective, long-lasting key.

How do you remove a key from a shaft?

  1. Fix the shaft so it can’t move during the process.
  2. Place the key punch (key removal tool) on one end of the key, making-sure it is well-aligned to avoid damaging the shaft or the housing
  3. Get the key out through quick, controlled jolts to the key punch. If the key is stuck, use lubricant.
  4. Once at least part of the key is out, use pliers or your hand to extract it completely.
  5. Take a quick look at the shaft and housing to make sure they’re not damaged before putting the key back in.
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We are currently putting together a multidisciplinary group with the aim of helping us reduce our carbon footprint. As part of this initiative, we carried out a complete carbon assessment (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) in 2023, allowing us to examine our overall environmental impact.