23612479 - ESAB Woodruff Key Replacement Pack (2-Piece)

Genuine ESAB Replacement Woodruff Keys

Maintain the integrity and performance of your welding equipment with the ESAB 23612479 Woodruff Key. This product is a genuine replacement part manufactured by ESAB, designed specifically to restore the mechanical function of your welding machines. Sold as a convenient package of two, this set ensures you have the necessary components to complete a repair and keep a spare on hand for future maintenance needs.

Critical Mechanical Function

A woodruff key is a small but vital component in mechanical assemblies. Shaped like a half-moon, it fits into a matching semicircular pocket (keyseat) in a shaft, leaving a protruding flat portion that locks into a slot (keyway) in a mating part, such as a gear, pulley, or wire drive roll. In the context of welding equipment, these keys are often found in wire feed systems or motor assemblies. They transmit torque from the motor to the drive mechanism. If a key shears or wears down, the shaft may spin freely without turning the attached component, leading to wire feed failures or complete machine stoppage.

Why Choose Genuine ESAB Parts?

When repairing sophisticated industrial equipment, using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts is crucial. The ESAB 23612479 is machined to precise tolerances to fit ESAB shafts perfectly. Generic keys may have slight dimensional variances that can cause "slop" or play in the mechanism. Over time, this play can damage the keyway on the shaft or the hub of the drive roll, leading to much more expensive repairs than simply replacing a key. By choosing genuine ESAB parts, you ensure the longevity of your equipment and maintain the factory specifications for torque transmission and reliability.

Installation and Maintenance

Replacing a woodruff key is generally a straightforward maintenance task but requires attention to detail. Ensure the keyseat is clean and free of debris before inserting the new key. The flat top of the key should be parallel to the shaft axis to allow the mating hub to slide on easily. Because these keys are designed to be the "fuse" in the mechanical system—shearing off under excessive load to protect the more expensive shaft—it is always wise to keep spares in your maintenance inventory. This 2-pack offers excellent value for maintenance teams and individual fabricators alike.