Bearing Adaptor Sleeves – Mount It Right, First Time

When you’re fitting a bearing onto a cylindrical shaft, it has to be done right if you want the job to last. A Bearing Adaptor Sleeve is one of the most popular and effective ways to mount a bearing with a tapered bore onto a straight shaft – no fancy machining required. At Refast, we stock a full range of adaptor sleeves that make fitting faster, easier, and rock solid. These components are an essential part of our wider Bearing & Shaft Accessories catalogue, trusted by technicians and mechanics across Australia.

What Does an Adaptor Sleeve Do?

An adaptor sleeve acts like a bridge between the shaft and the bearing. It’s got a tapered outer surface that lines up with the tapered inner ring of your bearing. Once you tighten the lock nut, the sleeve slides into the bearing and locks it in place with a solid interference fit – no need for cutting shoulders or modifying the shaft.

This method’s tough, reliable, and helps cut down on install time. It also helps your bearing run smoother and longer by reducing vibration and wear – all without overcomplicating the job.

Key Features & Options

Our adaptor sleeve bearings are designed to be practical, reliable, and ready to go. Each one comes with:

1. A lock nut
2. A lock washer or clip
3. A slit down the side to help it clamp tightly onto the shaft when tightened.

We’ve got a huge range of bore sizes available – from 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, right up to 220mm+, so whatever you’re working on, we’ve got the sleeve to suit.

Need to pull a bearing off later? That’s where a bearing withdrawal sleeve comes in. It makes removing the bearing quicker and cleaner, without damaging the shaft or bearing. Whether you’re installing or maintaining gear, having the right sleeve on hand makes life a whole lot easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between an adaptor sleeve and a withdrawal sleeve?

An adaptor sleeve is used to push a bearing onto a plain or stepped shaft. A withdrawal sleeve is used to pull the bearing into place and makes it easier to remove later on.

2. How do I pick the right size sleeve?

Start with the shaft diameter – that’s the key. The bore of the adaptor sleeve needs to match your shaft size exactly. You’ll also want to check the outer taper lines up with the bearing’s tapered bore.

3.Can I reuse an adaptor sleeve?

You shouldn’t plan to reuse an adaptor sleeve, especially in critical setups. Once a sleeve has been tightened, it can stretch or slightly deform. Reusing it might lead to a loose fit — and that can mean bearing failure down the line.

4. What’s the locking washer or clip for?

It’s there to stop the lock nut from working loose. The washer has a tab that bends into a notch on the nut – locking it tight even when there’s vibration or movement in the system.

5. Do I need special tools to install it?

Yes – you’ll need a hook spanner (or C-spanner) to properly tighten the lock nut. Using the right tool means you’ll hit the correct torque. Too loose or too tight, and the bearing can fail early.