Attaching to a shaft

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There are many ways to attach to a shaft (e.g., a motor shaft). Below are a few examples.

  • Keyway Keyway.jpg


A rigid coupler that couples two shafts, possibly of different diameter, using one set screw for each.

To get high holding torque with set screws, they have to be clamped down hard on the shaft, which may damage the shaft. For larger holding torques, a better option is to have a friction fit around the entire shaft. This can be achieved by compliant elements that squeeze onto the shaft as one or more screws are tightened.


  • Split clamp Split-clamp.gif Splitclamp2.jpg


  • Trantorque bushing Trantorque.jpg

As the nut is tightened, the inner diameter shrinks, clamping on to the shaft, and the outer diameter grows, clamping on to the inside diameter of the component.

  • Shaft locks, taper locks, and keyless bushings Shaftlock.jpg

Typically two cylindrical pieces are put around the shaft. As they are screwed together axially, an inner taper on one of the pieces clamps radially on to the shaft. These are often used to simply cap a shaft (not attach anything else), or the outer diameter is used to widen the shaft, for something else to be attached to.

  • Epoxy

Some companies that provide shaft couplings: