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.

‍

The Gardette advantage: end-to-end control from raw material to finished part

Unlike simple distributors, Gardette is a fully integrated key manufacturer . Our strength lies in the complete control of our value chain:

‍

  • Custom cold drawing and rolling (Villars site - 42): We produce our own steel (C45E, C35E) and stainless steel (Inox A2 / AISI 304L, Inox A4 / AISI 316L) bars.
    Cold working gives the metal increased tensile strength, optimal hardness through strain hardening, and an impeccable surface finish.
    ‍
  • High-speed, custom machining (Villefranche site - 69): Our production cells, equipped with specialized milling machines, CNC centers, and robotic units, shape more than 1 million keys per week within very tight dimensional tolerances (h9 for width, h11 for height).
    ‍
  • Quality control and traceability: Each batch of keys undergoes strict monitoring (3.1 material certificates, 3D inspection, surface finish compliance) meeting ISO standards as well as nuclear, aeronautical, and military requirements.

‍

Table of standard key tolerances and fits

The sizing of a key assembly must prevent any excessive play that would lead to groove damage from impact.

‍

Key type Industry standard Width tolerance (b) Standard materials Target applications
Parallel key DIN 6885 / ISO 2491 h9 (Standard adjustment) / h7 C45E steel, A2 stainless steel (304), A4 stainless steel (316L) Motors, gearboxes, pumps, machine tools
Woodruff key DIN 6888 / NF E 22-179 h9 / h11 C45E steel, A2 stainless steel Tapered shafts, small domestic appliances, automotive
Gib head keys DIN 6887 h9 C45E steel, Alloy steels Heavy-duty gearboxes, steelworks, crushers

‍

‍

Secure your supply chain with the leading European manufacturer

‍

Whether it involves supplying original parallel keys in large quantities for an assembly line or urgently manufacturing a custom key to print For industrial troubleshooting, the Gardette Group guarantees maximum responsiveness thanks to its Key Responsive Manufacturing® model and over 25,000 items in stock.

‍

Do you have a specific requirement or need a quote for your key series?

‍Contact our technical experts or upload your 3D CAD files directly to our platform.

Keys

Standard keys, DIN 6885 to DIN 6888, bespoke

*Account required. Minimum order amount €50.
Dimensional chart
Similar products

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.

‍

The Gardette advantage: end-to-end control from raw material to finished part

Unlike simple distributors, Gardette is a fully integrated key manufacturer . Our strength lies in the complete control of our value chain:

‍

  • Custom cold drawing and rolling (Villars site - 42): We produce our own steel (C45E, C35E) and stainless steel (Inox A2 / AISI 304L, Inox A4 / AISI 316L) bars.
    Cold working gives the metal increased tensile strength, optimal hardness through strain hardening, and an impeccable surface finish.
    ‍
  • High-speed, custom machining (Villefranche site - 69): Our production cells, equipped with specialized milling machines, CNC centers, and robotic units, shape more than 1 million keys per week within very tight dimensional tolerances (h9 for width, h11 for height).
    ‍
  • Quality control and traceability: Each batch of keys undergoes strict monitoring (3.1 material certificates, 3D inspection, surface finish compliance) meeting ISO standards as well as nuclear, aeronautical, and military requirements.

‍

Table of standard key tolerances and fits

The sizing of a key assembly must prevent any excessive play that would lead to groove damage from impact.

‍

Key type Industry standard Width tolerance (b) Standard materials Target applications
Parallel key DIN 6885 / ISO 2491 h9 (Standard adjustment) / h7 C45E steel, A2 stainless steel (304), A4 stainless steel (316L) Motors, gearboxes, pumps, machine tools
Woodruff key DIN 6888 / NF E 22-179 h9 / h11 C45E steel, A2 stainless steel Tapered shafts, small domestic appliances, automotive
Gib head keys DIN 6887 h9 C45E steel, Alloy steels Heavy-duty gearboxes, steelworks, crushers

‍

‍

Secure your supply chain with the leading European manufacturer

‍

Whether it involves supplying original parallel keys in large quantities for an assembly line or urgently manufacturing a custom key to print For industrial troubleshooting, the Gardette Group guarantees maximum responsiveness thanks to its Key Responsive Manufacturing® model and over 25,000 items in stock.

‍

Do you have a specific requirement or need a quote for your key series?

‍Contact our technical experts or upload your 3D CAD files directly to our platform.

FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What standards are you certified to?
Open form

We are certified to IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.

Is the timeframe given the shipping date or the estimated delivery date?
Open form

In all our offers & confirmation messages, we explicitly mention the goods' shipping date(s).

When is the sales department open?
Open form

Our sales team is available:

From Monday to Thursday 8:30a.m.-12:00p.m. & 1:30p.m.-5:00p.m.

Fridays 8:30a.m.-12:00p.m. & 1:30p.m.-4:30p.m.

What is your CSR/QHSE approach?
Open form

We are committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and plan to obtain ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications in the near future.

Are you concerned about the carbon footprint of your factory?
Open form

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.