Often referred to simply as key bar or keysteel, Imperial Key Steel is a high-precision, bright-drawn steel bar available in traditional inch-based measurements. It is engineered with extremely tight dimensional tolerances, allowing it to be cut down and fitted directly into matching keyways on shafts and rotating machine parts.
Square vs. Rectangular Profiles
Depending on the mechanical configuration, imperial key steel is supplied in two primary cross-sectional formats:
- Square Profile: Equal thickness on all sides (e.g., 1/4″ x 1/4″ or 3/8″ x 3/8″). This is widely used for standard parallel keys.
- Flat/Rectangular Profile: Unequal dimensions (e.g., 1/2″ x 3/8″). These are engineered for specific mechanical tolerances or low-profile keyway channels.
Where is it Used?
Imperial key steel remains incredibly vital for servicing legacy systems, vintage vehicles, agricultural equipment, and specialized industrial gearboxes designed before the widespread adoption of the metric system.
