flywheel key

[supton]

Where to get one for a decent price? I paid 80 cents at the hardware store for a generic one, and I bet I could whittle it down to fit, but in the end this seems like a ten cent part. Quick look on Amazon though has it at seven bucks.

Motor is a vertical shaft B&S. The fact hat it sheared the key makes me not want to spend much on it. A buck I can live with, seven seems too much.

 

[Quest]

being cheep, eh?

I buy bulk on ePrey (Oregon or B&S original).

Cheeper that way (I do small engines every now and then, and get to replace the key on a regular basis).

Q.

 

[supton]

Did not think to look there, thanks. Maybe I ought to stick up, seems like a mower or two gets tossed per month.

 

[abycat]

I get foot long key material and cut to length. They are about 4$ a piece. 4 different sizes I buy. Only have used the small 3/16 stuff so far.

 

[bubbatime]

You have absolutely zero small engine repair shops in your town? Each and every one of those shops will sell you a flywheel key for $3.

 

[oldhp]

Remember the stock key is made of soft enough material to shear instead of hurting the crank/flywheel when you hit the stump/rock or drain lid.

 

[old1]

I believe I sell the genuine Briggs key for less than $2 in my shop. And I don't recommend using steel key stock for the Briggs engines, as the next time you hit something instead of needing to replace the key, you may need to replace the flywheel.

 

[supton]

Heh, I was out and about with the wife today, and found keys at a different stores, $3.50 for three, so I grabbed those. Will give that a shot when I get to it.

 

[ironman_gq]

Most of these are not standard key stock from the hardware store, that stuff is at least mild steel which is quite a bit harder than your flywheel. Most of the flywheel keys and all shear keys are made of a soft metal like lead or aluminum

 

[Quest]

the flywheel keys specifically made for OPE engines such as B&S, etc. are made of soft metal alloy called "potmetal".

If you substitute with non pot-metal type key, you are guaranteed with substantial damage to the engine when something hit the crank....

Q.

 

[asand1]

I bought some keys made by Arnold. It was less than $10 for four or five keys.

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
You have absolutely zero small engine repair shops in your town? Each and every one of those shops will sell you a flywheel key for $3.


That's the going price in my area. I just pay it, fix it and move on. It's not worth it to me spending gas money looking around or freight charges ordering them somewhere.