Which key fits into keyways in both the shaft and the secured member in machinery?

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Multiple Choice

Which key fits into keyways in both the shaft and the secured member in machinery?

Explanation:
Torque is transmitted between a shaft and a driven part with a key and a matching keyway. The flat key is the standard rectangular piece that sits in matching rectangular keyways cut into both the shaft and the secured member. This geometry fits common manufacturing tolerances, provides good shear strength, and keeps the parts aligned so they rotate together. While other options can serve in specific designs—square keys require square keyways, Woodruff keys use a semicircular seat, and ball bearings aren’t keys at all—the flat key in rectangular keyways is the most widely used, reliable choice for joining a shaft to a hub.

Torque is transmitted between a shaft and a driven part with a key and a matching keyway. The flat key is the standard rectangular piece that sits in matching rectangular keyways cut into both the shaft and the secured member. This geometry fits common manufacturing tolerances, provides good shear strength, and keeps the parts aligned so they rotate together. While other options can serve in specific designs—square keys require square keyways, Woodruff keys use a semicircular seat, and ball bearings aren’t keys at all—the flat key in rectangular keyways is the most widely used, reliable choice for joining a shaft to a hub.

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