Shaft Collar

High-Quality Shaft Collars for Precision Applications

Shaft collars are essential components in mechanical systems, providing reliable positioning and locking capabilities for rotating shafts. Our premium shaft collar solutions are engineered to meet the most demanding industrial requirements while offering exceptional value.

Key Features of Our Shaft Collars

Precision Machining: Tight tolerances ensure perfect fit and consistent performance
Durable Materials: Available in various grades of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
Multiple Locking Mechanisms: Set screw, clamp-style, and two-piece collar options
Corrosion Resistance: Special coatings and material options for harsh environments
Standard and Custom Sizes: Extensive inventory covering shaft diameters from 1/8" to 6"

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Standard Range	Special Options
Shaft Diameter	1/8" - 4"	Up to 6" available
Material	Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel 304/316	Aluminum, Brass, Plastic
Bore Tolerance	±0.001"	±0.0005" (precision grade)
Surface Finish	32-64 µin Ra	Electropolished, Black Oxide, Zinc Plated
Temperature Range	-40°F to 400°F	-100°F to 800°F (special materials)

How to Select the Right Shaft Collar

When choosing shaft collars for your application, consider these critical factors:

Shaft Size: Measure the exact diameter where the collar will be positioned
Load Requirements: Calculate axial and radial forces the collar must withstand
Environmental Conditions: Consider temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure
Installation Method: Evaluate space constraints for tool access during installation
Maintenance Needs: Determine if frequent adjustments will be required

Shaft Collar FAQ #1: What's the difference between set screw and clamp-style shaft collars?

Set screw shaft collars use one or more screws that press directly against the shaft, creating friction to hold position. They're economical and work well for light to moderate loads. Clamp-style collars provide 360-degree clamping force without marring the shaft, offering more holding power and better concentricity for precision applications.

Shaft Collar FAQ #2: How do I prevent shaft collars from slipping under vibration?

For high-vibration environments, we recommend: 1) Using clamp-style collars instead of set screw types, 2) Selecting collars with serrated inner surfaces for better grip, 3) Applying shaft retaining compounds (like Loctite) beneath the collar, and 4) Using dual collars with opposing set screws that create a locking effect between them.

Shaft Collar FAQ #3: Can shaft collars be used for thrust bearing applications?

While shaft collars can provide basic axial positioning, they're not designed as primary thrust bearings. For applications with significant axial loads, we recommend using proper thrust bearings in conjunction with shaft collars. The collar can serve as a secondary stop or for mounting the bearing, but shouldn't bear continuous heavy thrust loads alone.

Installation Best Practices

Proper installation ensures optimal performance and longevity of your shaft collars:

Clean the shaft surface thoroughly before installation
For set screw collars, position the screw over a flat spot on the shaft if available
Tighten screws gradually in a crisscross pattern for clamp-style collars
Use torque wrenches when specified to avoid under/over-tightening
Apply thread locker to set screws in vibration-prone applications

Industry Applications

Shaft collars serve critical functions across numerous industries:

Industry	Typical Use Cases
Manufacturing	Conveyor systems, gearbox assemblies, spindle retention
Agriculture	Tractor PTO shafts, harvesting equipment adjustments
Automotive	Drive shaft positioning, accessory belt tensioners
Robotics	Joint positioning, actuator shaft retention
Aerospace	Flight control surface linkages, engine component positioning