Best Mechanical Keyed Shafts of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Mechanical keyed shafts are essential components used in various industrial applications. These shafts feature a keyway, a groove that runs along the length of the shaft, allowing for efficient torque transfer between rotating components. The keyway is designed to fit a corresponding key, ensuring a secure connection and preventing slippage. Mechanical keyed shafts are commonly used in machinery such as motors, gearboxes, and pumps, where precise power transmission is crucial. With their durable construction and reliable performance, these shafts play a vital role in maintaining the smooth operation of many industrial systems.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hicarer 1" Keyed Shaft 1/4" x 9/64" Keyway 3ft 1045 Steel Cover #TOP 1
Hicarer 1" Keyed Shaft 1/4" x 9/64" Keyway 3ft 1045 Steel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hicarer 1" Carbon Steel Keyed Shaft 1ft Cover #TOP 2
Hicarer 1" Carbon Steel Keyed Shaft 1ft
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Hicarer 5/8 in Keyed Shaft Cover #TOP 3
Hicarer 5/8 in Keyed Shaft
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Top 10 Mechanical Keyed Shafts

#TOP 1

Hicarer 1" Keyed Shaft 1/4" x 9/64" Keyway 3ft 1045 Steel

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Hicarer 1" Keyed Shaft 1/4" x 9/64" Keyway 3ft 1045 Steel Cover
Hicarer 1 Pcs 1 in Round Keyed Shafting Keyed Shaft, Keyway: 1/4" x 9/64", 3ft Length, 1045 Carbon Steel

The Hicarer 1" Keyed Shaft is designed to provide reliable performance in your mechanical projects. Its 1-inch diameter and full-length keyway help prevent slippage, ensuring smooth and secure power transfer between connected parts. Made from durable 1045 carbon steel, this shaft offers strong support while being easy to machine if needed. With pre-machined keyways, you save time by avoiding extra work on the shaft itself. When paired with mechanical keys (sold separately), this shaft efficiently transfers torque to gears, sprockets, and other components, making it a practical and convenient choice for various applications.

What We Like
Durable 1045 carbon steel
Pre-machined full-length keyways
Prevents shaft slippage
Time-saving installation
#TOP 2

Hicarer 1" Carbon Steel Keyed Shaft 1ft

ZHW-Hicarer-1988
Hicarer 1" Carbon Steel Keyed Shaft 1ft Cover
Hicarer 1 Pcs 1 in Round Keyed Shafting Keyed Shaft, Keyway: 1/4" x 9/64", 1ft Length, 1045 Carbon Steel

The Hicarer 1" Keyed Shaft is designed to keep your machinery running smoothly by preventing slippage between the shaft and rotating parts. Made from strong 1045 carbon steel, it offers durability and easy machining, making it reliable for many projects. Its precise size and straightness mean you get a shaft ready to use without extra work. Plus, the full-length keyway is pre-machined, so you save time by avoiding additional modifications. When paired with mechanical keys (sold separately), this shaft easily transfers power to gears and sprockets, making your mechanical setups more efficient and hassle-free.

What We Like
Durable 1045 carbon steel
Pre-machined full-length keyway
Precise size and straightness
Prevents slippage
Time-saving design
#TOP 3

Hicarer 5/8 in Keyed Shaft

ZHW1145
Hicarer 5/8 in Keyed Shaft Cover
Hicarer 1 Pcs 5/8 in Round Keyed Shafting Keyed Shaft, Keyway: 3/16" x 3/32", Length 18 in, 1045 Carbon Steel

The Hicarer Keyed Shaft is designed for versatility and efficiency. With its 5/8-inch diameter and 18-inch length, it effectively prevents slippage between the shaft and machinery, promoting smooth operation. Made from durable 1045 carbon steel, this shaft offers exceptional strength and is easy to machine, making it suitable for various applications. Its precision engineering ensures accurate dimensions, reducing the need for further machining, which saves you time. Additionally, the pre-keyed design allows you to easily transfer torque to gears and sprockets, simplifying your setup process.

What We Like
Durable 1045 carbon steel
Precision engineered for accuracy
Pre-keyed for easy setup
Saves time on machining
Versatile for various applications
#TOP 4

Bailey 136704 Round Keyed Shafting

TOM-KS3-1
3 ft
Bailey 136704 Round Keyed Shafting Cover
Bailey International Round Keyed Shaft – 1” Dia x 3 ft. Length with 1/4” Keyway – Cold-Rolled 1018 Steel – Precision Shaft for Power Transmission Applications – Part Number 136704

The Bailey Round Keyed Shaft is a versatile mechanical component designed for various applications. With a one-inch outer diameter, it ensures a sturdy fit for your projects. The quarter-inch keyway allows for secure connections, making it easier for you to integrate it into your machinery. At three feet in length, this shaft provides ample reach for different setups, giving you flexibility in your designs. Whether you're working on hydraulic systems or other mechanical setups, this product offers the reliability and convenience you need for efficient operation.

What We Like
Durable construction
Secure keyway connection
Versatile length
Easy integration
#TOP 5

Bailey Round Keyed Shafting 136713

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Bailey Round Keyed Shafting 136713 Cover
Bailey International Round Keyed Shaft – 1” Dia x 6 ft. Length with 1/4” Keyway – Cold-Rolled 1018 Steel – Precision Shaft for Power Transmission Applications – Part Number 136713

The Bailey Keyed Shafting is a robust mechanical component designed to enhance your machinery's performance. With a diameter of 1 inch and a quarter-inch keyway, it ensures a secure fit for various applications. The 6-foot length provides ample reach for many setups, making it versatile for different projects. This product is part of the mechanical keyed shafts category, ensuring reliability and durability. Using this shafting can streamline your assembly process, allowing you to focus on getting the job done efficiently.

What We Like
Durable construction
Versatile length
Secure fit
Easy installation
#TOP 6

Eujgoov 140Pcs Stainless Steel Parallel Drive Shaft Keys Set

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Eujgoov 140Pcs Stainless Steel Parallel Drive Shaft Keys Set Cover
140Pcs Parallel Drive, passfeder sortiment Key Assortment SAE Shaft Keys Stainless Steel Key Keystock Assortment Round Ended Key Parallel Drive Shaft Keys Set

The Eujgoov Parallel Drive Keys offer a complete set of 140 professional stainless steel shaft keys, perfect for various mechanical applications. These keys are designed to last, giving you a long service life that ensures reliability over time. With a wide range of sizes included, this assortment covers many different working situations, making it a versatile choice for your projects. Each key is processed to standard specifications, allowing you to use them as fasteners easily and securely, providing convenience and efficiency in your mechanical tasks.

What We Like
Wide size range
Durable stainless steel
Long service life
Standard processing
Versatile application
#TOP 7

ABB OXP6X500 6mm Shaft

ABB
OXP6X500
ABB OXP6X500 6mm Shaft Cover
ABB OXP6X500 Pistol Handle Shaft, 6 x 500 mm

The ABB 6mm Shaft is designed with a 6 mm diameter, making it a precise fit for various mechanical applications. This size ensures stability and accurate rotation, which is crucial for tasks requiring exact mechanical movements. As a shaft type, it serves as a core component that transmits motion and power efficiently. Being part of ABB's mechanical keyed shafts category, it offers reliable performance and easy integration into your existing equipment. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out shaft or setting up a new machine, this ABB 6mm Shaft provides durability and dependable operation to keep your projects running smoothly.

What We Like
Precise 6 mm diameter
Reliable motion transmission
Mechanical keyed shaft design
Durable and stable
#TOP 8

uxcell Carbon Steel Round Ended Feather Key 6x6x55mm 5-Pack

Round Ended Feather Key
Silver Gray
6x6x55mm
uxcell Carbon Steel Round Ended Feather Key 6x6x55mm 5-Pack Cover
uxcell 5Pcs Round Ended Feather Key, 6 x 6 x 55mm Carbon Steel Parallel Drive Shaft Key Stock, Machine Keyway for Shaft Type Fastening Connection

The uxcell Feather Key 5-Pack offers a set of five durable round-ended feather keys, each measuring 6 mm by 6 mm by 55 mm. Made from carbon steel with precise machining, these keys resist wear, rust, and oxidation, ensuring they last through tough mechanical use. They are designed to fit snugly between shafts and hubs, making installation simple and efficient for you without needing extra washers or grinding. Their high torque capacity helps keep parts securely connected, preventing slipping or unwanted movement, which means your equipment stays stable and runs smoothly.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel material
Easy installation
High torque transmission
Wear and corrosion resistant
Includes 5 keys per pack
#TOP 9

Cartener Pulley Keyway Key

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Cartener Pulley Keyway Key Cover
Pulley Keyway Key - Square Key Stock 60pc - Keyway Stock, Keyway Tension, Keyway Blank - Keyway Plastic Box - Flywheel Keys - Pump Shaft Key - 1/4 Key Stock - 3/16 key stock

The Cartener Keyway Key is a versatile assortment of keyway stock bars designed to securely lock pulleys, gears, and sprockets to shafts with slotted keyways. This set includes 13 different SAE sizes, ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 key stock, conveniently housed in a divided keyway plastic box for easy portability and size selection. The keyway key is made of heat-treated zinc plated steel, ensuring durability and rust-resistance. With its rectangular shape and rounded edges, this keyway key efficiently transmits torque from the shaft to the hub through the machine key. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic, the Cartener Keyway Key is a must-have tool for any mechanical keyed shaft project, providing you with the right sizes and reliable performance.

What We Like
Versatile assortment
Conveniently organized
Durable and rust-resistant
#TOP 10

uxcell 5Pcs Carbon Steel Round Ended Feather Key 3x3x18mm

Round Ended Feather Key
Silver Gray
3x3x18mm
uxcell 5Pcs Carbon Steel Round Ended Feather Key 3x3x18mm Cover
uxcell 5Pcs Round Ended Feather Key, 3 x 3 x 18mm Carbon Steel Parallel Drive Shaft Key Stock, Machine Keyway for Shaft Type Fastening Connection

The uxcell Round Feather Key is a set of five small but sturdy carbon steel keys, each measuring 3mm by 3mm by 18mm. These keys are designed to help you fasten parts that need frequent disassembly, making maintenance easier. Made from durable carbon steel, they resist wear, rust, and oxidation, so you can rely on them for long-lasting use without extra adjustments. Installing these keys is straightforward—you simply slide them into the gap between the shaft and hub, allowing smooth and synchronized rotation. This makes the uxcell Round Feather Key a practical choice for anyone working with mechanical equipment or machinery.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel material
Easy installation
Wear and corrosion resistant
High torque transmission
Pack of five keys
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the disadvantages of a keyed joint?

Keyed joints have several disadvantages. They are not suitable for alternating directional loads and shocks. If there are too many securely fixed keyed joints, they can become difficult to dismantle. Keyed joints can also cause shaft imbalance and introduce stress points due to the notch effect, which reduces the overall strength of the shaft.

2. What are the three types of drive shafts?

The three types of drive shafts are: one-piece drive shaft, two-piece drive shaft, and slip-in-tube drive shaft. Each type has its own advantages and applications depending on the specific requirements of the mechanical system.

Editor's Notes

During our mechanical keyed shaft research, we found 24 mechanical keyed shaft products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,284 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mechanical keyed shafts list. We found that most customers choose mechanical keyed shafts with an average price of $29.76.

The mechanical keyed shafts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mechanical keyed shafts, including Hicarer, Bailey Hydraulics, Eujgoov, ABB, uxcell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 983 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.