Metallkeilen

Metallkeilen are wedges made of metal used in metalworking and mechanical assemblies to secure, locate, or separate components. The term Metallkeil is German for metal wedge, with Metall meaning metal and Keil meaning wedge; in English contexts they are usually called metal wedges or steel wedges.

Construction and materials: Most Metallkeilen are forged or machined from steel, stainless steel, or carbide, and many are hardened or tempered to resist wear. They have a tapered thickness along their length, most commonly with a single straight taper; some designs use double tapers to spread force more evenly. Edges are ground to create a driving surface, and ends may be squared or chamfered to reduce damage during handling. Surface treatments such as coating or plating improve corrosion resistance in challenging environments.

Applications and safety: Metallkeilen are used to clamp or locate workpieces in vices, fixtures, or jigs; to align gears, flanges, or bearings; or to spread contact surfaces when mounting components such as bearings or seals. They are employed in assembly and disassembly tasks where access is limited or uniform lateral force is required. Safety considerations include wearing eye protection, using appropriate seating blocks and mallets, and avoiding pinching hazards. The wedge is one of the oldest simple machines, and metal wedges have been integral to machinery and manufacturing since ancient and modern metalworking.