Mark/B-LOC: Using keyless locking devices in place of keys, splines, and shrink or press fits typically means savings in other areas of machine design, such as smaller shafts and bearings and simplified machining. PT components can be positioned anywhere along a shaft without regard to keyway placement or access for mounting or removal tools. Keyless locking devices require only torque wrench access for installation and adequate hub strength of mounted components.Carl/Ringfeder: The main reasons to use locking devices are to eliminate backlash in a connection, eliminate troublesome assembly or disassembly later on, and to have some adjustment to a connection during the lifetime of the component. Traditional shrink fit and press fit methods of attaching components to shafts don''t allow for easy adjustment or removal. Some connections will never be loosened; so attaching them with a locking device only makes sense when using it facilitates assembly. Employing keyless locking devices in the design means smaller shaft sizes because the stress concentration factors of keyways is eliminated. Smaller shaft sizes, in turn, mean smaller bearings and other mating components can be employed.

Mark/B-LOC: Using keyless locking devices in place of keys, splines, and shrink or press fits typically means savings in other areas of machine design, such as smaller shafts and bearings and simplified machining. PT components can be positioned anywhere along a shaft without regard to keyway placement or access for mounting or removal tools. Keyless locking devices require only torque wrench access for installation and adequate hub strength of mounted components.Carl/Ringfeder: The main reasons to use locking devices are to eliminate backlash in a connection, eliminate troublesome assembly or disassembly later on, and to have some adjustment to a connection during the lifetime of the component. Traditional shrink fit and press fit methods of attaching components to shafts don''t allow for easy adjustment or removal. Some connections will never be loosened; so attaching them with a locking device only makes sense when using it facilitates assembly. Employing keyless locking devices in the design means smaller shaft sizes because the stress concentration factors of keyways is eliminated. Smaller shaft sizes, in turn, mean smaller bearings and other mating components can be employed.

Keith/U.S. Tsubaki: The overall costs of a locking device must be balanced against the requirements of the application. Keyless locking devices handle both high torque and thrust, while increasing shaft strength. They are not affected by torsional load reversal or impact, which can damage keys and keyway connections.Jeff/Tollok: One commonly mentioned advantage of keyless connections is that no secondary processes are necessary. The mechanical interference fit principle of a keyless locking assembly precludes having to cut keyways, tapers, splines, or threads. A straight cut hub with a good surface finish by a machine tool is sufficient. Assembly and disassembly is easy and quick, and angular adjustments can be carried out on the spot. And because the connections are backlash free, you don''t need to compensate for mechanical inefficiencies elsewhere in your machine or controls system. It was a quiet Tuesday morning, about IS minutes before opening the shop doors. All the techs were AirLybricators busy performing their morning rituals -- drinking coffee, reading trade publications and oiling their air tools. AirLybricators Without warning, our otherwise tranquil morning was interrupted by a horrendous screech of brakes as a late-model, metallic-blue BMW M3 slid into the service drive. Steam was billowing out from underneath the engine compartment. The driver, a moderately dressed, thirty-something suburbanite, jumped out and opened the hood. Instantly, a huge white cloud engulfed him and the entire front half of the car. I fully expected that when the fog cleared, at least one of them would have vanished -- like a magician''s disappearing act.