Shafts, threads and keyways: new, rebuilt and repaired
Wolf Machine makes new shafts from a sample or print, rebuilds worn bearing journals, cuts and repairs threads, and cuts keyways and keyseats. Shafts, threads and keying shafts are all on the shop's own list of specialties.
- Built from your specifications, drawings or samples
- Free consultations, prompt estimates
- Wolf Machine stands behind the work we perform
- Reno shop, Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Stock photo: a lathe rough-turning a steel shaft
A shaft carries the load in a pump, a roller, a gearbox or a motor, so when one wears, bends or breaks, the machine stops. Most shaft problems come down to four things: a journal that is worn, a thread that is damaged, a keyway that has opened up, or a shaft that is bent. Each has a repair or a replacement, and the shop handles both.
At a glance
- New shafts made from a sample, sketch or print
- Worn journals and seal areas rebuilt and machined back to size
- Threads cut, recut or repaired
- Keyways and keyseats cut or restored
I have used Wolf Machine several times over the past few years for fabricating and repair of parts on my ultralight aircraft. [...] These guys are great to deal with. I wouldn't take my projects anywhere else.
Which measurements matter on a shaft?
A shaft is described by a short list of features, and the quote goes faster when you have them. Measure each journal diameter where a bearing or seal sits, the shoulders between diameters, the overall length, and the size of any keyway or thread.
If the shaft is worn, measure the part that did not wear as well. An unworn area shows the original size, and the worn area shows how much has to be rebuilt.
- Journal and seal diameters, and the length of each
- Shoulder positions along the length
- Key width, depth and length
- Thread size and pitch, and whether it is left or right hand
Rebuilding a worn journal
When a bearing or seal has worn the journal undersize, the usual repair builds the surface back up and machines it to the original size. The build-up can be weld or metal spray, depending on the shaft and the load. The shop also turns journals down for an undersized bearing when that is the right choice.
A rebuild is often the sensible route for large or special shafts, where a new one would take material, machining and wait. The repair or replace guide walks through the decision.
Threads and keyways
Threads are cut on the lathe to the pitch and form you specify, and damaged threads can be recut or repaired. Keyways are cut to a consistent width and depth so the key seats evenly. A keyway that has opened up can be restored or relocated. The glossary entry on the keyway and keyseat explains how those parts relate.
Where a rotating part needs balancing after machining, the shop arranges it with an outside balancing shop, and the part comes back ready to run.
Getting a shaft quote
Send a photo of the shaft from the side, close-ups of the journals and keyway, and the measurements above. A sample in hand is as good as a drawing. Use the quote request or call (775) 359-5570, Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Sources
- Wolf Machine & Fabrication services list (2026-10-18)
- Key (engineering): keyways and keyseats (2026-10-18)
Shaft work the shop takes on
- Replacement shafts copied from a worn or broken original
- Bearing journals and seal diameters rebuilt
- External and internal threads cut to a specified pitch
- Keyways on shafts and keyseats in hubs and bores
- Bent or damaged shafts checked and corrected where possible
Typical parts
- Pump and turbine shafts
- Roller shafts for printing and processing equipment
- Motor and gearbox shafts
- Pivot and drive shafts
How to send us the job
Drawings, CAD files, sketches and photos all help. Put a ruler or tape in your photos, show the worn or broken area up close, and note any part number stamped on it.
Related
Questions about this service
From the shop
Work from the shop
Straight answers
Shafts, threads and keyways questions
Still have a question? Call (775) 359-5570, Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Can you make a new shaft from the old one?
Yes. The old shaft is measured and copied, with any worn areas corrected to the original size.
Do you repair threads as well as cut new ones?
Yes. Damaged threads can be recut or repaired, and new threads are cut to the pitch you specify.
Who handles balancing after machining?
Balancing is arranged with an outside balancing shop after machining, so the part returns ready to run.
Send us the job
Request a quote
Tell us what you need, attach a drawing or photos of the part, and we will get back to you during shop hours. Free consultations; prompt estimates.
- From your specifications, drawings or samples. We can also assist you in designing your product or part.
- Free consultations and prompt estimates
- Stands behind the work: Our rates are very competitive and our quality is second-to-none. Wolf Machine stands behind the work we perform.
- Company accounts: all major credit cards, or we can open an account for your company
Shop hours Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Send your request any time and we will get back to you during shop hours.
Stock photo: a lathe turning a bar, hot chips flying