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3/8 Inch Square Carbon Steel Key Stock - 12 Inch Length

$1.72/ea $1.23/1 per each only $1.23/eaSave 28%

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OVERVIEW

Essential Hardware for Shop Fabrication and Repair

In any welding or fabrication shop, equipment downtime can halt production. The Walter Key Steel (48H469) is a vital repair staple for keeping your shop's machinery—from band saws to welding positioners—operational. This 3/8-inch square key stock is crafted from robust carbon steel, designed to withstand the mechanical stresses of power transmission. When a drive key shears or wears out, having this high-quality stock on hand allows for immediate replacement and a quick return to work.

This 12-inch bar of key steel is versatile and easy to work with. It can be cut to length with a standard hacksaw or abrasive chop saw and filed for a precision fit. The square profile is manufactured to strict tolerances, ensuring it seats firmly in both the shaft and hub keyways. This tight fit is crucial for preventing backlash and ensuring the longevity of the mating components. The carbon steel construction also allows for tack welding if the application requires a permanent fixture, although it is primarily designed for interference or set-screw fits.

Don't let a missing or broken key stop your project. The Walter 48H469 Key Steel is a cost-effective, high-performance solution for mechanical coupling needs. Its durability makes it suitable for heavy-duty use in agricultural equipment, automotive repair, and industrial fabrication setups. Add this essential hardware to your consumables inventory to ensure you are prepared for any mechanical maintenance task.

Features and Benefits

  • Durable Material: Made from high-strength carbon steel to resist shearing.
  • Precision Fit: Cold-drawn square profile fits standard 3/8" keyways.
  • Versatile Length: 12-inch bar allows for multiple keys to be cut from a single piece.
  • Easy to Machine: Can be cut, filed, and deburred with standard shop tools.
Additional Information
Material:Carbon Steel
Shape:Square
Size:3/8" x 3/8"
Length:12 in
Tolerance:Undersized
Finish:Plain
Packaging Description:1 per each

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 12-Inch Length of 3/8" Square Key Steel

APPLICATIONS

  • Electric motor shaft coupling
  • Industrial gearboxes and reducers
  • Conveyor system drive pulleys
  • Agricultural machinery repair
  • Automotive power transmission
  • Shop equipment maintenance

FAQ

This key steel is a square bar measuring 3/8 inch by 3/8 inch, with a total length of 12 inches.

It is manufactured from cold-drawn carbon steel, providing good strength and machinability.

Standard key stock is typically manufactured slightly undersized (negative tolerance) to ensure it fits easily into standard keyways.

Yes, carbon steel key stock can generally be welded if the application requires it, though keys are typically held in place by fit or set screws.

You can cut this key stock using a hacksaw, bandsaw, or an abrasive cutoff wheel. It is recommended to file the edges after cutting to remove burrs.

It is used to create machine keys, which act as a locking mechanism to transmit torque between a rotating shaft and a component like a gear or pulley.

It typically comes with a plain, oil-coated finish to prevent corrosion during storage.

Carbon steel can rust if exposed to moisture. If used outdoors, it should be greased or painted after installation, or enclosed within a sealed housing.
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