Hex Shafts and Bearings

[Cory]

Originally Posted by bmarick

hey im wondering what are the advantages to this switch? i'm confused on why you would change other than the the key getting lost at the worst time. which is why i always make sure we get extras .

A hex is superior to a key in pretty much every respect. You nailed one reason. No keys to lose. Another reason is that it's a pain is keys often don't fit into keyways easily, or over time the key can seize the wheel to the shaft (or sprocket or whatever you've keyed to a shaft). Keying a sprocket also introduces a major stress riser on the hub. Every sprocket failure we have ever had (and I believe the same is true for 968) occurred on the keyway of the sprocket.

Hexes mean assembly is way faster. They just slide on and off way more easily than any keyed interface I have ever used. It also is better at transmitting torque, as you have a vastly larger surface area to deliver the same amount of torque-this eliminates the stress riser associated with keyways.

If you have the ability to use hex shafts and hex broached gears/sprockets/wheels, it's an absolute no brainer, in my opinion.