400 Series - Sprag Clutch Insert Elements

Sprag clutches are all about finesse.  For any application that demands a smooth torque transfer, oscillations, or an on/off frequency, a sprag clutch may be the right choice.  The GMN FE 400 series is compact with a high torque to envelope ratio to support a multitude of applications.  Uses vary widely from a bicycle hub to fire safety devices; give one of our clutch experts a call to find out how we can make a clutch work for your application.

To install an FE 400 sprag clutch element, ensure the shaft and housing are properly hardened, ground, and machined to the correct tolerances before assembly. All this information can be found in our Sprag Clutch Catalog.  

Mounting instructions and suggestions can also be found here.

The very intricate design of a sprag allows it to freewheel or gently slide along the shaft/housing in one direction and then wedge itself in the other direction or driving direction.  The sprag will wedge itself to drive/transfer the torque and roll up as the torque increases.  Even though a sprag may appear to be simple, it is a highly complex, highly engineered part to achieve smooth torque transfer.

Sprag clutches may be interchangeable between manufacturers, but the specifications should always be checked to be sure a proper exchange can be made.  Shaft and/or housing tolerances, max torque ratings, RPM ratings, etc. may differ from one manufacturer to another. To learn more about swapping your existing sprag clutch insert elements with GMN parts, contact our engineers.