Hi! So I was thinking about buying a stepper motor with a keyed shaft and I was wondering if that little key on its shaft can be easily removed?
You might be better off asking your question to the supplier, rather than here.
It depends on the manufacturing tolerances as to how tight it will be, but the supplier may know (especially if the have to tape them on to stop them getting lost)
If it's anything like the key on the drive shaft on my Honda rotary mower, then the key is removable and just sits in the slot in the shaft.
The problem that you might have is that the shaft and key are meant to match the receiving pulley or gear wheel.
After all, there wouldn't be a lot of point in having it.
Keyed shafts are used for high torque applications and unless that is the case, then a plain shaft or a shaft with a flat on it might be a better choice.
Another problem with keys is that they eventually wear and lead to sloppiness in the drive train.
Use a plier with flat jaws, wggle and pull.
Use a small steel rod as a punch, tap lightly on the outer end of the key if you can't wiggle it out with pliers. Don't lose the key if you are using a keyed pulley or similar.
Keys should never wear if properly fitted, they only do if the slots are not properly sized. Ideally there's a grub screw in the boss of whatever fits on the shaft that clamps into the slot so the key is clamped. The problem is usually actually getting the pulley off!
In reference to the key wearing, sometimes the key is made of a material that will shear if over stressed, to prevent damage to the motor. This is commonly done for the blade or flywheel on a lawnmower engine.
1 Like
It might be better to file a slot ( needle file ) in whatever you mount on the shaft and it’s key to Stop any slippage
Look carefully at the picture you included. See the little marks on the shaft right next to the sides of the key? Those were added to keep the key from falling out. So that should be a clue as to how easy it will be to remove the key.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.