Deck spindles with keys-really needed?

[doc724 925]

We all know that in years gone by that he spindle pulleys were keyed to the shafts.  We also know they are a PITA to get apart.  In newer decks, the key are omitted (shaft and pulley).  Does anyone know a reason why, when rebuilding a deck, one cannot just omit the key and use a lockwasher under the jam nut (assuming the shafts are long enough). This is the way the newer decks were constructed (along with shafts for metric bearings).  I did this on a recently rebuilt deck.  The two side spindles were long enough but on the center spindle. I had to put the key back and omit the lockwasher.  The shaft was just not long enough to accept a 3/4 inch lockwasher and get full thread engagement.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,253]

The key is to make sure the pulley will spin on the spindle and use a never-seize product. You may have to polish the shaft and file off any burrs.

 

Garry

[doc724 925]

Hi Gary, thx.  I am a liberal user of never seize on anything I think I may ever want to take apart.  I have ruined my share of pulleys