Skip to content
Shaft collars may look like simple components, but they do a lot of heavy lifting in mechanical and industrial applications. We work with customers across industries who rely on these parts for everything from holding bearings in place to stopping motion exactly where it’s needed. In this blog, we’ll break down how shaft collars work, explore the different types available, and help you decide which one is best for your application. Whether you're in automation, robotics, agriculture, or another industry, this guide will give you the clarity you need to choose the right collar—and get the job done right.
How Does a Shaft Collar Work?
Shaft collars work by gripping onto a shaft and holding components in place, spacing parts correctly, or acting as a mechanical stop. Their role is essential in systems where precision and positioning are critical. When installed correctly, they prevent slippage, misalignment, and mechanical failure. Depending on the design, they can provide solid axial holding power or allow for easy adjustments when needed. We offer a variety of collar types to match the unique needs of each project.
You’ll typically find shaft collars being used to position bearings, sprockets, or other components along a shaft. In rotating systems, they may support axial loads and distribute pressure to reduce wear on surrounding parts. They also act as spacers or stops, limiting movement to protect both the machinery and its operators. To do all this, shaft collars use different securing mechanisms: set screws, clamping forces, quick-release levers, or even threading. Each mechanism offers unique benefits depending on your torque, alignment, and accessibility needs.
Types of Shaft Collars
We carry several types of shaft collars because no single design fits every situation. Set screw shaft collars are the most basic type. They secure to the shaft using a screw that digs into the surface. While simple and low-cost, they’re best for low-torque applications where the shaft material isn’t too hard. They work well in static systems, but we generally don’t recommend them for high-speed or high-load uses since they can damage the shaft and don’t provide the strongest grip.
One-piece clamp shaft collars are a big step up. These collars wrap around the shaft and tighten evenly using one or more screws, providing strong holding power without damaging the shaft surface. They're great for dynamic loads and can handle more torque than set screw types. If you need something easy to install without removing other components from the shaft, two-piece clamp shaft collars are your go-to. They offer the same strong grip but can be installed or removed quickly, making them ideal for maintenance-heavy setups.
Threaded shaft collars are designed for threaded shafts and provide precise axial positioning. They’re perfect when you need micro-adjustments or high precision in your alignment. Quick-release and hinged collars offer tool-free convenience. These are popular in packaging lines, medical devices, or any system that needs fast, frequent changes. For the toughest environments, we offer heavy-duty and specialty shaft collars built to withstand shock, vibration, moisture, and chemical exposure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shaft Collar
Choosing the right shaft collar isn’t just about size—it’s about matching performance with your application’s demands. First, consider your shaft material and diameter. A proper fit is essential for safe operation and optimal holding power. Next, think about load and torque. High-torque systems need collars that grip without slipping, so clamping styles are usually better than set screw types.
Environmental conditions are also important. If you’re dealing with moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, stainless steel or coated materials will offer longer service life. You should also weigh how easy the collar is to install and remove. If your team needs to do frequent maintenance, quick-release or two-piece clamp collars will save time and reduce downtime.
Precision is another factor. If your system relies on perfect alignment, go with collars that offer consistent, repeatable positioning—threaded or clamp-style options are great here. And finally, factor in your budget. While set screw collars are more affordable upfront, they may wear out faster or damage your shaft, costing more in the long run. Our team at USA Roller Chain can help you balance cost and performance to get the best value.
Common Applications of Shaft Collars
Shaft collars are everywhere in mechanical systems, and we’ve supplied them to customers in almost every industry. In automation and robotics, they’re used for positioning sensors, guiding actuators, and securing motion control components. In agriculture, farmers rely on them in equipment like seeders, tillers, and irrigation systems. Conveyor systems use shaft collars to hold rollers and guides in place, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.
In medical devices and packaging machinery, collars allow for easy cleaning and quick adjustments—especially when tool-free designs are used. In all of these environments, having the right collar makes a real difference in efficiency, reliability, and safety. That’s why we carry such a wide range of shaft collars to match your exact application needs.
Where to Buy High-Quality Shaft Collars?
We know how important quality, performance, and availability are. That’s why we offer one of the largest selections of shaft collars in the U.S.—covering everything from standard set screw collars to advanced quick-release and heavy-duty models. All of our products are made from premium materials like carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel to ensure they hold up under pressure.
We also understand that time matters. That’s why we offer fast shipping, competitive pricing, and expert customer support to help you make the right choice. Whether you know exactly what you need or you’re still trying to figure it out, our team is here to walk you through the options and make sure you get the right collar the first time.
Conclusion
Shaft collars may not be the flashiest part in your system, but they’re definitely one of the most important. The right collar keeps components aligned, prevents movement, supports loads, and extends the life of your machinery. From set screw to two-piece clamp styles, quick-release to threaded, each type has a role to play depending on your specific needs.
At USA Roller Chain & Sprockets, we’re here to help you find the right solution. We take pride in offering high-quality shaft collars, expert advice, and fast, reliable service. So if you're working on a new project or upgrading existing machinery, don't leave anything to chance. Browse our full range of shaft collars today and let us help you keep your system strong, stable, and running like a well-oiled machine.