BRITISHSTANDARD

46 : Part 1 : 1958

CONFIRMEDOCTOBER

1985

KEYS AND
KEYWAYS

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BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION

KEYS AND

KEYWAYS

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

Incorporating amendments issued May 1959 (PD 3375), January 1%1
and January 1964 (PD 5124)

CONFIRMEDOCTOBER

(PD 4022)

1985

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B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

THIS BRITISHSTANDARD,
having
been
approved by the
Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee and
endorsed by the Chairman of the Engineering Divisional
Council, was published under the authority of the General
Council on 30th May, 1958.
First published (as B.S. 46), September, 1909.
First revision (as B.S. 46, Part l), October, 1924.
Second revision, April, 1929.
Third revision, February, 1953.
Fourth revision, May. 1958.
The Institution desires to call attention to the fact that this
British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract.

In Order to keep abreast of Progressin

the industries
concerned, British Standards are subject to periodical review.
Suggestions for improvements will be recorded and in due
Course brought to the notice of the committees charged with
the revision of the Standards to which they refer.
A complete list of British Standards, numbering over 9,000,

fully indexed and with a note of the contents of each, will be

found in the BSI Catalogue whichmaybe purchased from
BSI Sales Department. The Catalogue may be consulted in
many public libraries and similar institutions.
This Standard makes reference to the followingBritish
Standards :
B.S. 308. Engineering drawing practice.
B.S. 350. Conversion factors and tables.
B.S. 970. Wrought steels.
B.S. 1916. Limits and fits for engineering.
British Standards arerevised, when necessary, by the issue either
of amendment Slips or of revised editions. It is important that
Users of British Standards should ascertain that they are in
possession of the latest amenainents or editions.

T h e following B.S.I. references relate to the work on this Standard :Committee referenus, MEE/4. MEE/4/4
Draft Tor cornrnent CX(MEE) 6855

B.S. 46 :Part 1 : 1958

CO-OPERATING ORGAMZATIONS
The Mechanical Engineering IndustryStandardsCommittee,
under whose supervisionthis British Standard was prepared.
consistsofrepresentativesfromthe
following Government
departments and scientific and industrial organizations :*Admiralty
Air Ministry
Associated Officers' Technical Committee
Association of Consulting Engineers (Incorporated)
British Chemical Plant Manufacturers' Association
British Compressed Air Society
*British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers' Association
*British Engineers' Association
*British Gear Manufacturers' Association
*British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers' Association
*British Iron and Steel Federation
British Railways, The British Transport Commission
Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations
*D.S.I.R.-Mechanical
Engineering Research Laboratory
Electricity Council, the Generating Board and Area Boards
in England and Wales
*Engineering Equipment Users' Association
Gas Council
*High Commission of India
Institdte of Marine Engineers
Institute of Petroleum
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Gas Engineen
InstitJtion of Heating and Ventilating Engineers
*Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Automobile Division)
*Institution of Production Engineers
*Locomotive and Allied Manufacturers' Association of Great Britain
Machine Tool Trades Association
Ministry of Labour and National Service (Factory Inspectorate)
Ministry of Power
*Ministry of Supply
Ministry of Trcnsport and Civil Aviation
Ministry of Works
National Coal Board
National Physical Laboratory (D.S.I.R.)
Radio Industry Council
War Office
Theorganizationsmarked
with anasterisk in theabove list.
togetherwiththe
following. were directly represented on the
Committee entrusted with the preparation of this Standard :Association of Crane Makers
Bright Steel Bar Association
British Cycle and Motor Cycle Industries' Association
British Internal Combustion Engine Research Association
British Shipbuilding Research Association
Gauge and Tool Makers' Association
Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland
Keyrnakers' Association
Milling Cutter and Reamer Association
North East Coast Institution of Engineen and Shipbuilders
Society of British Aircraft Constructon
Steelworks Plant Association
Tapcr Pin Manufacturers' Association

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

CONTENTS
Page
Co-Operating organizations

Foreword

SPECIFICATION
1.

SOPe

2. Materials

3. The application of keys and keyways

a. Parallel keys
b. Taper keys
C. Tangential keys
keys
d. Woodruff

8
9
9

4. Dimensions and tolerancea of parallel and

taper keys and keyways

5. Dimensions and toleranw of Woodruff

keys and keyways
10
6. Dimensions of tangential keys and

keyways

24

7. Dimensions of keys and keyways for

26

marine tailshafts

8. Keys and keyways for tapcrcd shaft ends 28

TAB=
1. Rectangular parallel keys, keyways and

keybars

12

2. Square parallel keys, keyways and keybars 14

3. Rectangular tapcr keys and keyways,

gib-hcad or plain

16

4. Square taperkeys and keyways, gib-head

or plain

18

5. Woodruff keys and keyways

20

6. Comparison of Woodruf key numbers

(Whitney, British and Amrican)

22

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

TABLES-ontinued.
Page
keys7. Tangential

25

8. Rectangular parallel keys for marine

tailshafts

26

9. Preferred lengths of plain keys, rectangular

or square section, parallel or taper

30

10. Preferred lengths of gib-head keys

rectangular or square section

31

APPENDICES

units

A. Preferred lengths of keys

29

B. Approximateequivalents of metricand
inch

32

B.$. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

BRITISH STANDARD FOR

KEYS AND KEYWAYS

FOREWORD
Thestandardization ofkeys and keywayswasfirstconsidered
by the
Engineering Standards Committee (the original name and form of the
present B.S.I.). As a result Standard Specification No. 46, dealing only
in
with rectangular parallel keys, keybars and keyways,waspublished
1909.

In subsequent revisions, other types of keys wereadded to theStandard

and Parts 2 and 3 of B.S. 46 were prepared for parallel splines and taper
pins respectively. Parts 2 and 3 have since been further revised and Part 2
has been published as B.S. 2059.
This revision of B.S. 46, Part 1 for Keys and keyways has been
prepared under the authority of7he Mechanical Engineering Industry
Standards Committee in response to requests for larger manufacturing
tolerances. The various types of keys and keyways now have consistent
dimensions and tolerances for each size as b r as possible, and this will
enable a Standard range of Cutters to be used for the machining of the
various types of keyways. The increased tolerances recommended in this
Standard may entail more fittingof keys into keyways than was envisaged
in the 1953 edition. This is inevitable with an increase in tolerance on the
keys and keyways. Carefulconsiderationhas
been given to various
requests for increases in tolerances and also for decreases in tolerances
but the Committee have come to the conclusion that the tolersnces now
given are those most acceptable to industry at the present time.
The Committee responsible for this revision of B.S. 46, Part 1, gave
earnest consideration to the specification of limits and fits to B.S. 1916
for the keys and keyways specified. It was decided not to introduce these
limits and fits as the key and keyway Standard does not represent finished
articles for prescribed conditions of assembly. It recommends dimensions
and tolerances from which required fits can be obtained by fitting to meet
most design requirements. The Committee wasinfluenced in reaching
this decision by the absence of a Standard range of Cutters for machining
to B.S. 1916 and the non-availability of keybar to these limits at the time
the revision of this Standard was being prepared. This decision will be
reviewed in the light of circumstances existing when further revision is
contemplated.
The principle of the dimensions and tolerances recommended is to
provide for each key to be retained in the shaft rather more securely than
in the mating hub but this can be varied to meetSpecial applications
within the dimensional limits recommended in this Standard.

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

The tables of preferred key lengths given in Appendix A havebeen

revised to conform withpresent-day requirements andthe key sizes
have been brought into accord with tables 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Whilst the details of radii and charnfers are not a mandatory Part of
this specification the recomrnendations shown are in graduated steps of
nominal value instead of by formulae, as with the forrnulae of former
issues a Special Cutter radius was required for each size of keyway. Each
radius recomrnended now applies to a range of keyway sizes.
Owing to the difficulties of obtaining keybar in thirty-seconds of inch,
keys formerly of these sizes have been replaced by those which are more
readilyavailable. Minor changes in the range of shaft sizeshave been
made to accornmodate this.
The revised table for -keys and keyways for marine tailshafts has been
compiled by the British Shipbuilding Research Association from a survey
of thc current practice of British shipbuilding and marine engineering
firms and frorn theoretical and experimental studies.
Thc table of Woodruff keys and keyways has been extended into the
range of snlaller sizes to rneet requirements for instrument and similar
purposes. To facilitate the changeover to the recomrnended Woodruff key
designation as shown in Table 5 , the obsolete key and Cutter nurnbers have
been given in Table 6 .
The notes relating to keys and keyways for tapered shaft ends have
been retained unaltered.
A requirement has been stated for tangential keys and the Type A
tangential keyof the 1929 issue of B.S. 46 has beenreinsertedin
this
revision.
SPECIFICATION
SCOPE

1. This British Standard relates to the following :

n. Rectangular parallel keys and keyways.

b. Square parallel keys and keyways.

C. Rectangular taper keys and keyways, piain and gib-head.
(1. Square taper keys and keyways, plain and gib-head.
e . Woodruff keys and keyways.
f : Tangential keys and keyways.
,L'. Keys and keyways for marine tailshafts.
11. Keys and keyways for tapered shaft ends.
Decimal values in the tables have been rounded off to three significant
figures.
NOTE.Thisspecification
is based on British units. For theconvenience of users
approxirnate equivalents in metricunitsaregiven
in Appendix B. More accurate
conversions should he obtained from the tables in B.S. 350 ' Conversion factors and
tablcs.'

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

MATERIALS

2. a. Keys and keybarcomplying

AI
altered

/UR..
I964

with Tables 1 to 7 of this British

Standard shall be manufactured from steel to En 6A, En 8 or En 9 of
B.S. 970, ' Wrought Steels,' and those complying with Table 8 from steel
to En 4 or En 5. It is recommended that En 6A and En 8 steels should be
cold drawn for keys in sections up to 2 in. square and hot rolled (En 8 in
condition NGC 1 (Normalized)) for larger sections, and that En 9 steek
should not be cold drawn for keys of sections larger than % in. Square.
b. Bright keybar is not normally available in sections over 1 % in.
THE APPLICATION OP KEYS AND

KEYWAYS

3. As it is not possible to foresee the combination of design considerations

for any given application, the selection of the proper type of key must
rest with the design authority. The following are general recommendations for use when circumstances permit and when keying is preferred to
other methods of transmitting torque (e.g. splines).
U. Purullel keys. For use for transmitting unidirectional torques on
transmissions not subject to heavy starti,.g loadsand where periodic
withdrawal or sliding of the hub memkr may be required. In many
instanccs, particularly couplings, a gib-head cannot be accommodated,
and therc is insufficient room to drift out the key from behind. In these
c8sts it is necessary to withdraw thecomponent over the key and a
parallel key is essential. Parallel square and rcctangularkeys are normally
side fitting with top clearance and are usually retained in the shaft rather
more securely than in the hub.
(i) Rectungulur. The general purpost key for shafts greater than
1 in. diametcr.
(ii) S q w e . For use with shafts up to and including 1 in. diameter
or for shafts upto 6 in. diamcter where it is desirable to have a greater
key depth than is provided by rectangular keys.
In cases of stepped shafts
the
larger
diameters
an usually required
by considerations other than torque e.g. resistancc to bending. Where
components such as fans, gears, impcllers etc., are attached to thc larger
shaft diameter, the usc of a key d
e
r than Standard for that diametcr
may bc permissible. As this results in u n q u a l disposition of the key
in the shaft and its related hub the dimcnsions H and h must be recalculated to maintain thc T/2 relationship.
b. Tuper keys. For transmitting hcavy unidirectional, rcversing or
vibrating torques and in applications
where periodic withdrawal ofthe key
may bc a nccessity.
For transmitting unidircctional torquts taper keys arc top fitting. but
may be top and side fittingw k r e
For transmitting rcversing or vibratory torques taper keys may be top

rcquircd.
8

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

and side fitting where required. In this case the keyway in the hub should
have the Same width value as the keywayin the shaft (Le., Columns 8
and 9 of Tables 3 and 4).
Taper keys cannot be used in applications requiring a sliding hub
member.
(i) RecrangularundSquare. Taper keys of rectangular section are
for general purposes and are of less depth than square keys.
Taper keys of square section are for usewith shafts up to and
including 1 in. diameter or for shafts up to 6 in. diameter where it is
desirable to have greater key depth.
(ii) Gib-hend. Gib-heads are provided to facilitate the withdrawal
of keys.
(iii) Pluirr. Where little or no protuberance is permissible.
Tangential ~ P Y S .For the transmission of reversing torque, usually
under conditions of heavy loading.
C.

d. Woodruj'keys. For light applications, or angular location of

associated parts on tapered shaft ends.
These keys are not recommended for other applications, but if so
used Corner radii in the shaft and hub keyways are advisable to reduce
stress concentration.
DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES OF PARALLEL A N D TAPER KEYS AND KEYWAYS

4. The dimensions and tolerances for key and keywaywidthsgivenin

Tables I , 2, 3 and 4 are based on the width of the key W and provide a
fitting allowance. The fitting allowance is designed to permit an inter-

ferencebetween the key and the shaft keyway anda slightly easier
condition between the key and the hub keyway.
The maxirnum and minimum values in Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 are based
011 the following :
Width ofkey and keybar, W = Nominal size with a plus tolerance.
Width of keyway in shaft, W, = Nominal size with a minus tolerance.
Width of keyway in hub, W h = Nominal size with a plus tolerance.
Minimumwidth of key
= Maximum width ofkeywayin
shaft.
a. Parallel keys und keyways. (i) The dimensions and tolerances for
side-fitting keys of rectangular parallel section. and for the appropriate
keybar and keyways shall be as given in Table 1.
(ii) The dimensions and tolerances for side-fittingkeysof
square
parallel section and for the appropriate keybar and keyways shall be as
given in Table 2.
b. Taper keys und keywap. (i) The dimensions and tolerances for
taper keys of rectangular section with or without gib-heads shall be as
given in Table 3. (Seealso Clause 36).
9

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

(ii) The dimensions and tolerances for taper keys of square section
with or without gib-heads shall be as given in Table 4. (See also Clause 3h).
(iii) The basic taper for all taper keys and keyways in hubs shall be
1 in 100.
C. DeptJz o f k e y w u p . The depth of the keyway shall be obtained by
measuring from the circumference of the shaft diametrically opposite, or
from the bore of the hub to the root of the keyway along the centre line
diametrically opposite and shall not be measured from the sideCorner.
The method of dimensioning keywaysin shafts and hubs on drawings
should conform to the recommendations of B.S. 308, ' Engineering
drawing practice.' To obtain the dimensions for recording on the drawing,
the keyway depths and tolerances shall be applied to the basic shaft
diameter.

d. Radii und chanrfers. Corner radii are recommended for keyways, as

Stress concentration in Corners may lead to failure. Keys and keybar are
not normally chamfered or radiused in the condition as supplied, but this
may be done atthe time of fitting. or, by arrangement between the
purchaser and the manufacturer, during manufacture.
Radiiand chamfers are shown as nominal values in columns of
Tables 1,2,3 and 4. The chamfer on the key should in each case be of the
minimum value to clear the actual radius in the keyway.
NOTE. In the case of shrink and heavy force fits i t may be found necessary to depart
from the width and depth tolerances laid down for keys and keyways.
Any Variationin the width of keyway rnust be such that the greatest width is at
the end from which the key enters.
Any Variation in the depth of keyway rnustbe such that the greatest depth is at
the end from which the key enters.
Any Variation in the thickness of the key must be such that the greatest thickness
U at the end from which the key is driven.

This specification d e s not take account of misalignment and or ofiset

greater than that provided for in the size tolerance. i n the case of shrink
and heavy force fits, true alignment must be ensured.
DIMENSIONSANDTOLERANCES

OP WOODRUFF KEYS AND KEYWAYS

5. The dimensions and limits of tolerances for British Standard Woodruff

keys and keyways shall be as shown in Table 5. Provision is made in
Table 5 for an optional alternative design of WoodrufF key which difTers

from the normal form in its depth as shown at H in the Sketch and Table.
a. The designation of Woodruf key numbers. The following system is
applied to Woodruff keys and Woodruff keyCutters. The British and
American designations are identical. Each key is designated by three or
more significant digits. The last two digits give the nominal diameter in
eighths of an inch. The digit or digits preceding the last two give the
nominal width (thickness) in thirty-seconds of an inch
10

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

Thus No. 204 refers to a key z i X~ ','a in., or 1 6 in. thick X 4/2 in.
diameter, similarly, 1210 refers to a key ' % 2 X " ' 8 in., or ?6 in. thick
X 1 % in. diameter.

b. Depth of keywuy. The depth of a Woodruif keyway shall be

measured along the centre line from theperipherv of the shaft, or the
circumference of the hub bore, to the root of the keyway. The depth of
the keyway in a tapered shaft shali be measured normal to the shaft
surface. (This is illustrated in B.S. 308, ' Engineering drawing practice ').
NOTE ON KEYSL AFSR
OHG
RAEFRT S
The sizes of shafts shown in Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this Standard are those for
which the respective types of keys are considered to be normallyappropriate. For
larger shafts, it is considered that tangential keys, multiple keys or splines would be
rnore appropriate.
However. if it is decided to useSingle parallel keys on shafts larger than those
considered normal for such keys in this Standard,the following formulae niay be
applied to establish (nominal) values related to the shaftdiameter ' d '. (For the
purposes of the tables, ' d ' is the diarneter of the largest shaft for each key size
i.e. ' d ' corresponds to column 2 of the tables. For intermediate shaft diameters or
shaft diarneters larger than those of the tables, H should, of Course. be calculated
frorn (iii), using for ' d * the nominal shaft diameter.)
d
(i) Key width W = 4
(ii) Key thickness T

or

=gfor
=

T for

Tables 1 and 3
Tables 2 and 4

(In Tables 1 and 3, T has in some sizes been rounded off to maintain the
inch fractional sizes.)
T
d
(iii) Keyway depth in shaft H =T +T - W'

4:

(iv) For parallel keys, keyway depth in hub h = (T - H) X

where X is a clearance such that
X min. = H min. h min. - T max.
X max. = H max. $- h max. - T min.
The incremental Pattern by which the tolerances (and clearance X) increase with
shaft size may be Seen from a n inspection of the tables, but it should be noted that a
Point will be reached at which any further increase in tolerance (with increase in shaft
size) would be neither necessary in manufacture nor acceptable in use.

11

AE
1964

TABU 1. RECTANGULAR PARALLEL KEYS, KEYWAYS AND KEYBARS

?i

Over

1
1%
1%

--

.- -.-. -.

2%'

oddrd

Ja.,
JPM

.~

. . .

3%
4
5

0.8770.875 0.629 10.625 0.874 0-875 0-370 0.376 ' 0.875 I 0.876 0.264 0-270 0-062 D.877 0.8750.629
0-625
1.0031.000 0.7540.750 0.999 1-ooO 0,441 0.447 ' 1.00~
i 1-001
0-318 0.324 0.062 1.003 1
O
.O
O 0.754 0.750
1.248 1.250 0-518 0.524
1.253 1-250 0.8790.875
0.366 0-372 0.062 1.253 1.250 0-879 0.875
1.250 1.252

5
7

6
7
8

1.006 1.000 1.498 1.500 0-599 0.605 1.m 1-502 0.4120.418

1.5041.500
1.748 1.750 0.740 0.7461.7501.752
1.754 1-750 1.2561.250
0.5260.532
2,0052.000 1.3811.375 1.998 2.000 0.818 0-824 2.000 2-002 0.5730.579

8
9

9
10

10

11

2.248 2-250 0.897 0.905 2.2502.252

2.2552.250 1.5061.500
0.619 0 627 0.125
2.498
2.500 0.975 0.983 2-500 2.502 0-666 0-674 0.187
1.631
1.625
2.505 2.500
2.7552.750 1.881 1.875 2.748 2.750 1.114 1.122 2.7502.752
0.187
0.7770.785

11
12
13

12
13
14

3.0063.000
3.2563.250
3.5063.500

2.0082.000
2.1332.125
2.3832.375

14
15
16

15
16
17

3.7563.750
4.0084.000
4.2584.250

3.748 3-750 1,492 1-502 3-750 3.752 1.0261 1.036

2.5082.500
2.6332.625 3.998 4.000 1.571 1.581I 4.000 4.002
2-883 2.875 4.248 4.250 1.711 1.721 4.250, 4.252

17
18
19

18
19
20

4.5084.500
4.7584.750
5.008 5-000

Aa

3
3%
4

..

0.499 0.500 i 0.190 0.196 ' 0.500 0.501 0.131 10.137 0.020 0.502 0.500 ! 0.315 0.312
0.441 0.438 0.624 0.625 0.260 0.266 i 0.625 0.626 0.185 j 0.191 0.020 0-627 0.625 0.441 0.438
I
0.503 0.500 0.749 I 0*750,0.299 0.305 ! 0.750 j 0.751 0.209 0.215 Oa20 0.752 0 750 0.503 0.500

0-502 0.500 0.3150.312

0.6270.625
0.7520.750

.. .
I

0.062
0.125
0.125

1400
~.

Bright keybar is
not normally available
in sections larger than
the above.

2.998 3.000 1.195 1.203 3*000 3.002 0.8230.831

0.187
3.248 3.250 1.273 1.281 3.2503.252
0-187
0.8700.878
3.498 3.500 1.413 1.4213-50013.502 0.980 0.988 0.250

1
1

0.250
0.250
0.312

4.498 4.500 1.791 1.801 4.5004.502

1.229 1.239 0.312
I
4.750 1 1.868
4.748 1.8784.7504.752
1.277 1 1.287 0.312 i
4.998 5.000 2.010 2.020 5.000 5.002 1.3851.395
0.312

iI
2-

c
'NOTE. The koy chunfer thall be the minimum to cleu the keywry ndius. Nomlnrl values ~ f given.
For largor shafts see the note following Clruse 5.

V,

%:
..
a

..

OL

TABLE 2. SQUARE PARALLELKEYS,KEYWAYS

KEYBARS

AND

All dlmensions are in inchts

Ilf

Over

u p to
and
ncluding

--

'

Keyway h shaft
Key size

6
~. -~ -.

Diameter of
Shaft
-

iWidth W
aad
Thickwss T
__-~

W xT

Max.

Width
WS

_ _- .I
Min.

Depth
H

Max.

Min.

,I

I-

; Bright
keybar

__ '

Nominal

___

..

Min.

- __

Keyway in hub

Max.

Min.

Max.

hlin.

- __-

- __

.
..-.

?4
?4
1

0.127 0.125 0-124 0.125 0.072 0.078 0.125 0-126

0.190 0.188 0.187 0.188 0.107 0.113 0.188 0.189
0.252 0.250 0.249 0.250 0.142 0.148 0.250 0.251 0.115

1%
1%
1%

' 0.312
0.010 ' 0.377 0.375
0.020 , 0.440 0.438
I
0.020 0.502
0.500

2
2%
3

0.314 0.312 0.311 0-312 0.177 0.183 0.312 0.313 0.142

0.377 0.375 0-374 0.375 0.213 0.219 0.375 0.376 0.169 0.175
0.440 0.438 0.437 0.438 0.248 0.254 0.438 0.439 0-197 0.203
0.230 II
0.502 0-500 0.499 0.500 0.283 0.289 0.500 0501 0.224
0.627 0.625 0.624 0.625 0.354 0.360 0.625 0.626 0.278 0.284
0.752 0.750 0-749 0.750 0.424 0.430 0-750 0.751 0.333 0.339

3%
4
5

0.877 0.875 0-874 0.875 0-495 0.501 0.875 0876 0.387 0-393
1.003 1.OOO 0.999 1.OOO 0-566 0.572 1.OoO 1.001 0.442 0.448
1.253 1.250 1.248 1.250 0.707 0.713 1-250 1.252 0.551 0.557

0.062
0.062
0.062

0.125
0.188

0.250

1
~

-- - - -

0.020

0.627 0.625
0.020 0.752 0.750
~

1.504 1*500 1.498 1.500 0.848 0.854 1.500 1.502 0.661 0.667

..
e

W
ul
Q)

B.S.46 : Part

1 : 1958

TABLE 3. RECTANGULAR TAPER KEYS

tA-tD!
I

L" 1
f

t a p e r I in 100 on t h i s f a c e t

Basic,

T
i
Gib-head key

All dimensions

Section at deep end of keyway in hub

3

Key size

~~~

Max.
~

3
3%

3%

4
5

1%7 6
7

8
9
10
11

9
10

11

7/e

'

'

12

5/8

1 X %
1%X 7/a
1% X 1
X 1%
2 X 1%
2% X 1%
2% X 1%
2% X 1%

X2

Min.

-.~

~~

Max. : Min.
~~

0.249
0.314 0-312 0.254
0.249
0.377 0.375 0.254
0.440 0.438 0.316 ' 0.311
0.502 0.500 0.316 0.311
0.627 0.625 0.442 0.437
0-752 0.750 0.504 0.499
0.877 0.875 ' 0.630 0-624
1.003 1-OOO' 0755 0 749
1.253 1.250 0.880 0.874
1.007
1.504 1.500
0.999
1.754
1.750
1.257
' 1.249
2.005 2000 ' 1.382 1.374
2.255 , 2.250 1.509 1.499
2.505 2.500 1.634 1.624
2.755 , 2.750 1.884 1.874
3.006 ' 3.000 ' 2.014 1-999

~~

Min.

Max.

Mo.
~

Max.
~

.~

0-311 0.312 ! 0-3120.313

0.3740.375
1 0.375
0.376
0.437 I 0.438 0.4380.439
0.499 0-500 ' 0.500 0.501
0.624 ' 0.6250.6250.626
0.749- 0.750 0.750
0.751
0.87< 0.875 0.875 0.8'16
. Oo 1.000 1.001
0.999 1O
1.248 1.250 1.250 1,252
1.498 1.500 1.500 1.502
1.748 1.750 1.750 1.752
1.998 2*000 2400 2.002
2.250
2.252
2.248 1 2.250
2.498
2.500
2.500
2.502
2.748
2.750
2.750
2.752
2.998 ' 3.000 3.000
3.002
~

NOTE. *Th(: k y chamfer hall be the minimum to clear the keyway radius. Nominal values shall
16

BS. 46 :Part 1 :1958

A N D KEYWAYS, GIB-HEAD

O R PLAIN

Basic taper Iin

'

100 on this f a c e t

AI
dtered

May.

Alternativedesign showing a parallel

extension with a drilled hole to facilitate
extraction
Plain taper key

t See B.S. 308--'Engineering drawing practice' for explanation of dimsnrioning tapen.

Depth in hub
at deep end of
keyway h

Depth
in
shaft H
-

Mia

_--

-1--

~~

Max.

--

- ..-

Min.

0-599 0.605

0.384

0.740 0.746
0.818 0.824
0.897 0.905
0.975 ' 0.983
1.114 1.122
1.1951.203 1

0.493
0.539
0.581
0.628
0.738
0-782

Gibbead
.
..
.

~ . .

0.096
0.092

0-010
0.010

0.118

0.020
0.020
0.020

0.114
0.168

0.191
0.245
0.299
0.346
0.390
0-499
0.545
0.589
0.636
0.746
0-790

.-

Max.
~.

---

0.146 0-152 0.090 I

0.150 0.156 0.086
0.186 0.192 0.112
0.190 ' 0.196 0.108
0.260 0-266 0.162
0.299 0.305 0.185
0-370 0.376 0.239
0.441 0.447 0.293
0.518 0.524 0.340

Nominal 1
keyway :
radius j
andkey I_cbamfer r* 1

0.020
0.062
0.062
0.062

0-062
0.125
0.125
0.125
0.187
0.187
0-187

be given. For plain keys Columns 17 to 21 do not apply.

17

1959

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

TABLE 4. SQUARE TAPER KEYS AND

L--A --/+D4
Basic

t a p e r I in 100 on this f a c e t

f
T

t
Gib-head key

t-

Section at deep end

in
of keyway hub

/'
r
l

All dimensions

Z
~

Diameter of
shaft

Key size

I1

--..___-

Keyway
in
shaft
Width
WS
~.

-.

Keyway in
hub

1 _Width
Wh
_ _ ~
~

Max.
Mia. j Max.
____
~

Min.
0-124 1 0-125 1 0.125 0-126
0.18710.188
0.1880.189
0.249 0.250 0.2500.251
~

%6

5/16

NOTE. *The key chamfer shall be

0.3140.3120.316

! 0.311 0.3110.312
0.3740.375

'

0.312 ' 0.313

0.3750.376

the minimum to clear the kcyway radius. Nominal values ar18

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

KEYWAYS, GIB-HEAD OR PLAIN

Basic taper I in 100 on this f a c e t

I
,

'

'

Alternative design showing a parallel

extension wlth a drilled. hole to facilitate
extractlon
Plain taper key

t See B.S. 3Ol-'Engineering

are in inches

12
-~
__

13
-.

shaft aod hub

_____

14

drawing practicc' for explanation of dimensioning tapers.

15

16

Nominrl

D
e
&
i 1 atDepth
in hub
deep end of
keyway h

ehaft H

Mo. I, Max.
0.072 j 0.078

0.283 1
0.354 1
0.424
0-495
0.566 I
0.707
0.848 I
~

Min.

i-

Max.

1-----1--

0.039 j 0.045

0.289 0.202 i
0.360 I 0.256
0.430 ' 0.310 I
0.501 ' 0.364 i
0.572 1 0.418
i
0.713 0.526 i
0.854 1 0-635

Gibbcid

kemy
rndius
Pnd Leg
chamfer r*

0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.010
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.062

0.208
0.262
0.316
0.370
0.424
OX62
0.5320.062
0.641
0462

0.1
0.2
0-2

1946

1x6

given. For plain keys Columns 17 to 21 d o not apply.

19

-i

0.3
0-3
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.5
0.6
0-6
0.7
0.7

..

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

TABLE 5. WOODRUFF

All dimensiona ara

I

1
~

..-.

2- ___/- -.3

4 1 5

.
.

Nominal
fractional
size of key

KeY
and
cutter
No.

- 1i

304

1I

Width

I-

Dia.

204 i
404

305
405
505
406
506
606
507
607
807
608
808

1008
609
809
1009

810
1010
1210
1011
1211
812
1012
1212

Diameter of key

Depth of key

Ihickness of key

403

203
303

~~______

5/16

i
I

I
~

j
I

Max.

Mio.

Max.,

0.375 0.370
0-375 0-370
.-Oe375 0.370
0.490
0.490
0.490
0.615
0.615
0.615
0.750 0.740
0.750 0.740
0.750 0.740
0.875 0.865
0.875 0.865
0.875 0.865
l*OOO 0.990
1.OOO 0.990
1 W O 0.990
1.125 1.115
1.125 1.115
1.125 1.115
1.250 1.240
1.250 1.240
1.250 1.240
1.375 1.365
1.375 1.365
1.500 1.490
1.490
i 1.490

Min.

0.166
0.166
0-166
0.198
0.198
0.203 0.198
0.250 0-245
0.250 0-245
0.250 0.245
0.313 0.308
0-313 0.308
0.313 0.308
0.375 0.370
0.375 0.370
0-375 0.370
0.4-3 0.433
0.438 0-433
0-438 0.433
0.484 0.479
0-484 0.479
0.484 0.479
0.547 0-542
0.547 0.542
0-547 0-542
0.594 0.589
0.594- 0.589
0.641 0.636
0.641 0.636
0.641 10.636
0.171
0.171
0.171
0-203
0.203

Max.

0.063

-1

0-095
0.126
0.063

0.095
0.126
0.095
0-126
0.157
0.126
0.157
0.189
0-157
0.189
0.251
0.189
0.251
0.313
0.189
0.251
0.313
0.251
0-313
0-376
0.313
0.376
0.251
0.313
0.376

-- -

Width of keyway in shaft

D
__

Min.

..-

~~

Min.

Max.

___

0.062 0.061 0.063

0.094 0.093 0.095
0.125 0.124 0.126
0.062 0.061 0.063
0.094 0-093 0-095
0.125 0-124 0.126
0.094 0493 0.095
0.125 0.124 0-126
0.156 0.155 0.157
0.125 0.124 0.126
0.156 0.155 0.157
0.188 0.187 0.189
0.156 0.155 0.157
0.188 0.187 0.189
0.250 0.249 0-251
0.188 0.187 0.189
0.250 0.249 0.251
0.312 0-311 0.313
0.188 0.187 0.189
0-250 0.249 0.251
0.312 0.311 1 0.313
0-250 0.249 0.251
0.312 0.311 0.313
0-375 0.374 0.376
0-312 0.311 0-313
0.375 0.374 1 0.376
0.250 0.249 0.251
0.312 0.311 I 0.313
0.375 0.374I 0.376
~

NOTE. For details of obsolete Woodruff key and cutter numbem referena lould be made to

20

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

LRadius

0.005

o.olo

OptionalDesign

given in inches

12

13

14

i: 1
16

15

-_

17

_.

Depth 01k e m y

Width 01keyway
ln hub or boss

Depth of keyray
in shaft

in hub at e
n
t
r
e line

MlU.

Mln.

____

___-

0-063
0.095
0-126
0.063
0.095
0.126
0.095
0.126
0-157
0.126
0.157
0.189
0.157
0-189
0.251

0.189
0.251
0.313
0.251
0.313
0.376
0.313
0.376
0.251
0.313
0.376

0.065
0.097
0.128
0.065
0-097
0.128
0.097
0-128
0.159
0.12%
0.159
0.191
0.159
0.191
0.253
0.191
0.253
0.315
0.191
0.253
0.315
0.253
0.315
0.378
0.315
0.378
0.253
0.315
0-378

Min.

Mal.

Min.

0.135
0.119
0.104
0.167
0.151
0.136
0-198
0.182
0.167
0-246
0.230
0.214
0-292
0.276
0.245
0-339
0.308
0.277
0.385
0.354
0.323
0.417
0.386
0.354
0.433
0.402
0.511

0.140
0.124
0.109
0.172
0.156
0-141
0.203
0.187
0.172
0.251
0.235
0.219
0-297
0.281
0.250
0-344
0.313
0.282
0.390
0-359
0-328
0.422
0.391
0.359
0.438
0.407
0.516

0.480

0485

0.448

0-453

0.042
0.057
0.073
0.042
0-057
0.073
0-057
0.073
0.089
0.073
0.089
0.104
0.089
0.104
0.136
0.104
0.136
0.167
0.104
0.136
0.167
0.136
0.167
0-198
0-167
0-198
0.136
0-167
0.198

__- __ ___ -

Tab!e 6.

21

Depth 01key
(optioaal design)

-~

Dime*
sioa
J

____-

Max.

Max.

Min.

0.047
0.062
0.078
0.047
0.062
0.078
0-062
0.078
0.094
0.078
0.094
0.109
0.094
0.109
0.141
0.109
0.141
0.172
0.109
0.141
0.172
0.141
0.172
0.203
0-172
0.203
0.141
0-172
0-203

0.162
0.162
0.162
0.194
0.194
0.194
0.240
0.240
0-240
0.303
0.303
0-303
0.365
0.365
0.365
0.428
0.428
0-428
0.475
0.475
0.475
0.537
0.537
0.537
0.584
0.584
0.631
0-631
0.631

0-156
0.156
0-156
0188
0.188
0.188
0.234
0.234
0.234
0.297
0.297
0.297
0.359
0.359
0.359
0.422
0.422
0.422
0.469
0.469
0.469
0.531
0-531
0-531
0.578
0.578
0.625
0.625
0.625

___

20

19

___.-

H
~

1I

18

NOUI.
5/64
364
%4
764
964

964

Xe

f10
f10
3-56
3-56

Xe

416
?46

Xe

?46

X6

?46
5/64
764
5/64
5/64
5/64
764

342

Y52
7/64

-764

764

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

TABLE 6. COMPARISON OF WOODRUFF KEY NUMBERS

(WHITNEY, BRITISH AND AMERICAN)
NOTE. This table has been prepared for reference, to help readers to substitute
the new numbers (column 4) for the obsolete numbers given in columns 1. 2 and 3.
It is stronglyrecommended thatthe obsolete numben should besuperseded by
the key and Cutter numbers designated in Table 5 of the Specification.
1

British Standard
key and Cutter number and American
Cutter oumber

Width
:thicLaess)
C

Britisb
Original
Britisb
Standard
Standard
Wtwp
Cutter
Cutter and key numbe~
number
key nmnber (obsolete)
(obsolete)

211
212
213

203
303
403

1
2
3

1
2
3

204
304
404

4
5
6

4
5
6

305
405

505

406

506

9
91
10

9
10

606

11
12

11

607

807

13
14
15

13

608

15

808

1008

152
141
16
17
18

16

609

18

809

1009

61
7
8

161

19

507

22

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

2

British I
Standard
key numbe
(obsolete)

6
i k e of key

British Standard
key and cutter number and Amerlcan
Cutter aumber

20
21
D
E

22
23

F
24
25
G
126
127

128
129
26
27
28
29

Rx

sx

Tx
ux

vx
R

S
T
U

V
30
31

32
33
34
35
36

23

Diameter
A

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

DLMENSIONS OP TANGENTIAL KEYS AND KEYWAYS

6. Thedirncnsions of tangentialkeysandkeywaysshall
be as given in
Table 7.
The width of the key (W) is 350 (0.3) of the diameter of the shaft, in
which case the thickness of the key (T) becomes ?40 (0.1) of the diameter
of the shaft.
Tangential keys should be provided with an extra length for driving.
This should not be less than the width of the pair of keys.

24

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

PABLE 7. TANGENTIAL KEYS

in. rad on kcywayr

Tapcr 1 in 100

Peralkl
asscmbled
width

3/32

in. chamftr a t 4S0on k

All dimeosions m in inches

I

Dia-

Dt-

of sb.ft

Df Ib.ft

meter

m
e
t
a

4
4%
4%

10%

4%
5
5%

11
11%
12

24
25

5%
5%

27

12%
13
13%

6%
6%
6%

14
14%
15

30
31
32

7
7%
8

16
17

33
34
35

8%

19
20

21

9%
10

22
23

26
28
29

18

36

Theabove dimemions are based on theformulae W = 0.3D and

T = 0-1Dbut for an intermediate diameter of shaft the key section shall
bc the same as that for the next size larger shaft in the above List.
25

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

DIMENSIONS OP KEYS AND KEYWAYS POR MARINE TAILSHAPTS

7. a. General. The dimensions of keys and keyways for marine tailshafts shall be as shown in Table 8 and Fig. 2.
NOTE. The dimensionsof keys formarine
diameters obtained by Lloyd's rule.

tail-shafts should behased

on shaft

b. Depth at forward end. The keyway in the tailshaft shall be produced

in such a manner that, at the forward end of the keyway, the total depth
at the side is half the thickness of the key.
C. Position on shaft. The Position of the keyway in the shaft and its
relation to the Position of the propeller boss shall be as shown in Fig. 4.
d. Pul1 up on taper. After the propeller nut has been tightened by hand
the propeller shall be pulled up on the shaft taper fora distance of 0.006 in.
per inch of shaft diameterif the shaft taper is 1 in 12 and 0-008in. per inch
of shaft diameter if the shaft taper is 1 in 16.
e. Sealing arrangements. Sealing arrangements at the forward and
after ends of the propeller boss shall be sufficient to prevent ingress of
corrosive materials to the tail-shaft under all conditions of Service.

TABLE 8. RECTANGULAR PARALLEL KEYS FOR MARINE

TAILSHARS
(All dimensions are given in inches)
Nominal diameter
of shaft at after end
On parallel portion
under liner
D

I
Nominal dimensions of key

llrickness

Width
W

inclusive
6 to 6%
7 to 7%
8 to 8%
9 to 9%
10 to 10%
11 to 11%
12 to 12%
13 to 13%
14 to 14%
15 to 15%
16 to 16%
17 to 17%
18 to 18%
19.to 19%
20 to 20%
21 to 21%
22 to 22%
23 to 23%
24 to 24%
25 to 2
5%
26 to 2
6%
27 to 27%
28 to 28%
29 to 30

26

Fillet radius
in keyway
and chamfer
On key
R

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

cutter

Type 1. Sled runner key (preferred method)

Liner

______-------

lllllllll!lll

Tailshdf t

Type 2. Rognd ended keyuay (alternative method)

Fig. 2. Types of key and Position of keyway in shaft

27

B.S.46 : Part 1 : 1958

KEYS AND KEYWAYS FOR TAPERED SHAFI ENDS

8. U. Shufi tupers. The taper on the diameter of the shaft shall be one of
those listed below :

Where a self-releasing taper is required.

Generallyused for locomotive Piston rods, etc.
DieselenginefuelinjectionPumps.
Popular in automobile practice ; usedby the Society of
Motor Manufacturers and Tradersandthe
Society of
Automotive Engineers (American).
: General taper of decimalform.

1 in 3.428 :
I in 4
:
1 in 5
:
1 in 8
:

1 in 10
I in 12
and
1 in 16

: Alternatives used for marine shafting.

6. Keywuys. The keyway shall lie parallel to the side of the cone.

As a result of the Change of section of the shaft along the cone, the
depth of keyway at the sides will not be constant. This is illustrated
diagrammatically in Fig. 1. (B.S. 308, Engineering drawing practice,
Shows the recommendedmethodofdimensioningkeywaysin
tapered
shaft ends).

prgc
h a l l diamcttr
Fig. 1. Variation in keyway
depth
in taper shaft
\,

diamtttr

Width of key.
Height of key side at large end of taper.
HS = Height of key side at small end of taper.
K L = Depth of keyway at large end of taper.
KS
Depth ef keyway at small end of taper.
NOTE. KL decreases to KS, and HL increases 10 HS as the diameter ot thz shatt
diminishes.
W

HL

=
=

C. Dimensions und toferunces. For the purpose of detenniningthe

correct size of key, the nominal diameter of the shaft shall be that of the
iarger end of the cone.
Except in the case of marine tail shaft applications, the dimensions
and tolerances of the keys and keyways for coned shafts shall be as shown
in Table 1 for keys and keyways of rectangular section, Table 2 for keys
and keyways of Squaresection andTable 5 for Woodruffkeys and
keyways .

28

B.S. 46 : Part I : 1958

APPENDIX A

PREFERREDLENGTHS OF KEYS
The details of the availability and preferred lengths of plain and gibheadkeys,which
are givenin Tables 9 and 10, havebeencompiled
following an investigation of manufacturing records and are included for
reference purposes.
Ir should be noted that no lengths are included for a number of the
key sizes which appear in Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4, the reason h i n g that such
keys are not normally stocked, and are supplied to customers requirements.

29

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

TABLE 9. PREFERRED LENGTHS OF PLAINKEYS,

RECTANGULAR OR SQUARE SECTION, PARALLEL OR TAPER

n
All dimensions are in inches

Overall length L

3i

/ 4

i?4 4

- -

X
X
X

r;

not generally stocked butare

I

NOTE. Larger sizes than those given in this table are

manufactured to customcrs individual requirements.

30

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

TABLE 10. PREFERRED LENGTHS OF GIB-HEAD KEYS
RECTANGULAR OR SQUARE SECTION

L------

,
m
------4 Lw4

All dimensions are in inches

Overall length L

NOTE. Larger or smaller sizes than those given in this table are not generally stocked
butare manufactured to customer's individual requirements.

31

B.S. 46 : Part 1 : 1958

APPENDIX B
APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENTS OF METRIC AND INCH UNITS

Inches

Inches

mm
Fractional

%4

%2

364

?4s

Fractional

Decimal

0.001
0-002
0.003

0.025
0.051
0.076

0.004
0.005
0.006

0.102
0.127
0.152

0.007
0.008
0.009

0.178
0.203
0.229

0.010
0.015 6
0.0200

0.254
0.397
0.508

0.030
0.031 3
0-040

0.762
0.794
1.016

0.046 9
0.050
0.060

1.191
1.27
1.524

0.062 5

1.588
1.778
1.984

0.070
964

0.078 1

2.286

%n

0-080
0.090
0.093 8

0.100
0.109 4
0.110

2.54
2.78
2-79

0.120
0.125

3.05
3-18

764

0.130

3.30

0.140
0.140 6
0.150

3.56
3.57
3-81

0-1563
0.160
0-170

3.97
4.06
4.32

0.171 9
0.180
0.187 5

4.36

0.190
0.200
0.203 1

2.032
2.381

32

mm

Decimal

4.76

5-08
5-16

5.56

0.218 8
0-2344
0.250

5-95
6-35

0-2656
0.2813
0.296 9

6.75
7.14
7.54

0.300
0.312 5
0.375

7.62
7.94
9.53

0.400
0.437 5
0.500

10-16
11.11
12.70

0.5625
0.600
0-625

14.29
15.24
15.88

06875

1746

B.S. 46 :Part 1 : 1958

D
IC
k
mm

mm
Fractional

W
'X6
76

'X6
1

Decimal

Fractional

Deetmpl

0.700
0.750

17-78
19.05

24
25

610
635

0.800
0.812 5
0.875

20.32
20.64
22.23

26
27
28

660

686
711

0.900

22.86
23-81
25.4

29
30
31

737
762
787

50.8

32
33
34

838
864

35
36

889
914

0-9375
1.00
2
3
4
5

6
7

76.2
101.6
127
152
178

8
9
10

229

11
12
13

279
305
330

14
15
16

356

17
18
19

432
457

20
21
22

508
533
559

584

203
254

381
406

483

33

813

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