Where can i get a key for my propshaft?

[squidge]

I respectfully ask at the fountain of wisdom (yet again) for advise,please.
I had to forcefully remove the key from my prop shaft at the weekend and will need to replace it. It was a bronze key of about an inch long with rounded ends.
Where can i get a replacement?
Thanks

 

[dickh]

Your local Marine Engineer! - at of course marine prices! Possible you can buy 'brass' extrusion of the correct size(I don't think they are bronze) and you file the ends round and then 'fit' the key by gentle filing.

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'Day Talbot,

Any of your local engineering works or major tool suppliers carry Key Steel in short lengths suitable for key making, you will have to file it to the required taper, so it fits your shaft, not a difficult task.

Avagoodweekend............

 

[squidge]

Thanks Dick , yeah thought i was gonna have to bite the bullet on this one.Could be brass ,its in bits under the boat.

G'Day Oz thanks , its gonna be the usual maths between time taken,hassel to make and money to buy ready made.

I did a list of "jobs to do before boat in" this morning , its up to number 34 at the mo and rising. No time no money, boy am i in trouble.

 

[Anthony]

its commonly known as a woodruff key, I had one shear just as I was under engine coming thru Portsmouth harbour, quickj 'sails back up' job! replaced it with a stainless steel one, I suggest brass may not be the ideal material as it is subject to a lot of shear load, esp when you throw it from forward into reverse etc.

Anthony

 

[alec]

Sqidge,

Just a thought when you make the new one. I got this tip off a website that I cannot now remember.

Fit the prop and make a mark on the bow end of the propshaft where the boss ends WITHOUT the key in.

Then fit the prop with the key in.Make sure the hub goes as far down the shaft as the mark you made. If not, file it down a bit till it does. When fitted and withot the nut screwed on, shine a torch from the bow end to astern of the prop down the keyway. It is ok to have a little light showing over the top of the key but not at all from the sides.

Best of Luck