How to Remove a Shaft Collar or Barrel Coupling

Barrel couplings are made of carbon steel, alloy steel or treated steel.

Barrel couplings are used to connect and transfer torque in transmission shafts and used in cranes to support the rope drum. Since they are used in heavy equipment and automotive applications, barrel couplings are generally designed to be corrosion- and heat-resistant. However, old barrel couplings may become rusted or worn over time and the shaft collar may become difficult to remove.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Rust removal spray
• Metal chisel
• Leather work gloves
• Cutting torch (for experienced professionals)

1. Put on the safety glasses and leather work gloves.

2. Loosen the set screws, if possible, and remove them.

3. Spray rust remover into the shaft collar of the barrel coupling and wait for it to soak in and saturate the affected area.

4. Remove any loosened screws and lock-washers.

5. Pry the shaft collar from the barrel coupling with a hammer and a chisel.

6. Allow the barrel coupling to sit overnight with additional rust remover applied, if it still does not come loose.

7. Consult an expert if coupling remains jammed. Couplings may need to be cut off or heated with a torch by an experienced professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent rust from developing in barrel couplings by oiling the components regularly.

References

• How to Pedia: How to Remove a Shaft Collar or Barrel Coupling

Resources

• Gosan: Barrel Couplings for Drums Model AGB
• Barrel Coupling