Heat treat furnace

[Highpower]

(12-17-2015, 08:03 PM)f350ca Wrote: If your worried about strength cut the keyway in the ratchet 1/2 and step down to 10 mm with the key

Well that would work if I had a 1/2" keyway broach..... but naturally, I don't.

I don't think I would ever see anything come through my home shop that required a key that big. I do have a 1/2" broach, but it's a square broach. Because it cuts on all 4 sides it needs a round hole to start in. I really should pick up a few metric broaches though. Plenty of imports around here - tools, machines, cars....

But for now at least I think I will go with the 10mm - 3/8" stepped key idea. If I end up shearing off a key I can always re-cut the keyway in the ratchet later. Or just weld the ratchet to the pinion... depending on what kind of mood I am in after shearing off a key and busting my knuckles.