R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware manufactures a complete line of marine couplings to meet your boat’s running gear needs. We offer both split and tapered couplings for all gear sizes and can machine and re-face couplings for virtually any application.
In addition to our own line of split and tapered couplings, we also stock the leading brands of industrial couplings. Our buying power, combined with our knowledge and expertise, will help ensure you get the absolute best value and service.
The Difference Between Split Couplings vs. Tapered Couplings:
Split Couplings:
Split couplings have been a staple in the marine industry for over 100 years. As the name suggests, split couplings are machined with a notch cut across the diameter of the coupling’s body. These notches allow the coupling to compress and grip around the shaft when tightened. Split couplings have proven their reliable and can be a great choice in many running gear designs.
Tapered Couplings:
Tapered couplings are secured the same way a propeller is connected to a propeller shaft (hence the term “double tapered” shaft). The shaft is cut with a taper to match the tapered face of the coupling. The coupling is then pulled on to the shaft by tightening the nut on to the threaded end of the shaft. The benefit of a tapered coupling is you get a much more secure connection between the shaft and the coupling, and you’ll also get a much truer fit ensuring better shaft alignment. R.E. Thomas can even taper your existing shaft to fit a tapered coupling.
For more information on our split and tapered couplings, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.