Woodruff Keys

Stocking the full range of both standard Metric and Imperial Woodruff keys or if required we are able to manufacture Woodruff Keys to your specification. If you are looking for a specific Woodruff Key Number just give us a call and we will help track down the specification of it's design. woodruff keys 220x220

We have a variety of woodruff key sizes. Our Woodruff Keys are available in Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel ask our sales office for a quote or login with your B2B account today to save upto an additional 5% order value dependant.

* Please note prices on our website are for current stock levels there may be a difference if additional stock is required we will advise on receipt of your order.

Standard Woodruff key Profiles for shafts with Woodruff keyways.

Metric - 1.5mm x 2.6 - 10mm x 16mm
Imperial - 1/6" x 1/4" - 3/4" x 3.1/2"Woodruff Key Specifications
Metric BS4235 Part 1 1977, ISO3912 - 1977, DIN6888
Imperial BS46 Part 1 1958Standard stock material Woodruff Key
Keysteel 080M30 (EN6a) This material is no longer available keys are now produced from one of the materials listed below.
Keysteel 080M40 (EN8).
Werkstoff C45 +C.
Werkstoff 1.4571
A2 303/304 grade stainless steel
A4 316 grade stainless steel
Assorment Woodruff Key Kits

Useful Links:

How to remove a Woodruff key

What is a Woodruff Key

Specification Woodruff Keys BS46 Part1 1958

Specification Woodruff Keys DIN6888

Utilize the filters like a Woodruff key size chart to easily find the size you need or phone us and we will happily support you with your request.

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5/16 X 1 WOODRUFF KEY Carbon Steel BS46 1008

+ £

5/16 X 1.1/8 WOODRUFF KEY Carbon Steel BS46 1009

+ £

5/16 X 1.1/4 WOODRUFF KEY Carbon Steel BS46 1010

+ £

5/16 X 1.3/8 WOODRUFF KEY Carbon Steel BS46 1011

+ £

5/16 X 1.1/2 WOODRUFF KEY Carbon Steel BS46 1012

+ £

5/16 X 2.1/8 WOODRUFF KEY Carbon Steel BS46

+ £

5/16 X 2.3/4 WOODRUFF KEY Carbon Steel BS46

+ £

5/16 X 1.1/8 WOODRUFF KEY A4-316

+ £

Woodruff semicircular keys

These semicircular keys when set in place leave a flat end protruding. The keyway is a semi-circular pocket set into the shaft. These pockets can be set by a cutter to set the dimensions. Woodruff Keys are used to improve the concentricity of the shaft for high-speed operation. The main advantage is eliminating making a keyway near areas that have stress. The materials of Woodruff keys like keysteel and stainless steel can be ordered online but they can be found made of other materials such as Aluminum.

What is a woodruff key?

In 1888 W.N. Woodruff developed and invented the Woodruff key to mate parts to rotating shafts. He came up with the idea so that a portion of the key protrudes. The key then prevents the part slipped over the shaft from freely rotating. Common uses are for machine tools, snowblowers, lawnmowers, Chainsaws, and propellers etc.Most motor

Most motor manufacturers such as Honda use Woodruff keys.

This design eliminates the need for expensive milling to integrate a tab into the shaft. The design also helps to keep alignment with the shaft and attached part to reduce vibration and wear at high speeds.

Also know as Crank keys, Crankshaft keys, Harmonic damper key, key damper retainer or harmonic balancer retainer key?

The Woodruff Key is also called a crank key, crankshaft key, harmonic damper key, key damper retainer or harmonic balancer retainer key mostly due to its use. These keys come in many of sizes be it metric or imperial profiles.

If you have questions about these feel free to give us a call on +44(0)1384 634461