Rods, Studs and Keystock

Which bar stock do I need?

Work from what the part has to do. If you need a threaded connection at a length nobody sells, threaded rod cut to size is the answer, and it is why rod exists as a category at all. If you need a fixed length with clean thread at each end and a plain middle, that is a stud, which saves you cutting and cleaning threads yourself. If the part carries load or rotates but does not thread, unthreaded rod is plain bar you can machine. And if the job is transmitting torque from a shaft to a pulley, gear, or sprocket, that is keystock, which is a different product entirely despite sitting in the same family: square rather than round, and sized to fit a machined keyway.

What we stock

• Threaded rod in 3 foot, 6 foot, and 1 meter lengths, in zinc plated steel, 18-8 and 316 stainless, hot dip galvanized, B7 alloy, 307A alloy, brass, silicon bronze, and aluminum
• Threaded studs in zinc plated steel, stainless, B7 alloy, and aluminum
• Unthreaded rod in zinc plated steel, 3 foot lengths from 3/8 inch through 1 inch
• Keystock in zinc plated steel, square section from 1/8 inch through 1 inch in 1 foot lengths

Common applications

• Hanging and supporting pipe, conduit, ductwork, and equipment
• Custom length fasteners where standard bolts will not reach
• Machine building, jigs, and fixtures
• Pins, shafts, axles, and rollers made from plain bar
• Transmitting torque between shafts and pulleys, gears, or sprockets
• Structural anchoring and concrete embedment

For torque transmission between a shaft and a hub, see our keystock. For plain round bar to machine into pins and shafts, look at unthreaded rods.

Related Categories

• Threaded Rods
• Threaded Studs
• Unthreaded Rods
• Keystock
• Nuts

Rods, Studs & Keystock FAQs

What is the difference between threaded rod and a threaded stud?

Length and finish. Threaded rod comes in long lengths for you to cut to size, so you deal with the cut ends yourself. A stud is supplied at a set length with the ends already finished, which saves a step but limits you to the lengths offered.

How do I cut threaded rod cleanly?

Thread a nut onto the rod past the cut line before you cut. After cutting, back the nut off over the cut end and it will chase the damaged first threads back into shape. A cutoff wheel or bandsaw works, and deburring the end afterwards makes starting a nut much easier.

What is keystock used for?

Transmitting torque. A square key sits in a slot cut into a shaft and a matching slot in the hub of a pulley, gear, or sprocket, so the two turn together instead of the hub spinning on the shaft. It is a machine element rather than a fastener.

Which material should I choose?

Zinc plated steel for general indoor and light exterior use. Hot dip galvanized for sustained outdoor exposure. 18-8 stainless for corrosion resistance, 316 for coastal and marine. B7 alloy where high tensile strength is specified. Brass and silicon bronze for marine and decorative work.

Can I weld these materials?

Plain and alloy steels weld normally, though B7 is heat treated and welding will affect its properties. Zinc plated material should have the plating removed at the weld area, since heated zinc produces harmful fumes. Stainless welds with appropriate filler and technique.

Do you supply cut to length?

Stock lengths are as listed. If you need a specific length or a large quantity cut to size, contact us with the details and we will advise on what is possible.