Bearings and Power Transmission Belts
+(800) 621-0237

Glossary of Terms – Commercial Bearings

Bore –  The diameter of a bearing’s shaft. The bore is also called the
inner diameter (ID)

Dynamic – lbs capacity while spinning or rotating

OD – Outer Diameter.  Diameter of outer circle

Open Bearings – Not shielded or sealed

Radial load – Every ball bearing meets a specific load requirement–radial load is perpendicular to the shaft

Sealed Bearings – Completely sealed

Shielded Bearings – Not completely sealed—the shield is connected to the outer race with a clearance between it and the inner race

Static – lbs capacity while not spinning or rotating

Thrust load – Every ball bearing meets a specific load requirement—thrust load is along the line of the shaft

Weight – Weight of single bearing in lbs

Width – Thickness of bearing

Ball bearing – A bearing containing small metal balls held between an inner and outer ring to maintain separation between the moving parts.  It is a low-friction or anti-friction bearing.  Ball bearings support the shaft in a set position to allow the shaft to rotate.  Ball bearings produce excellent resistance to wear and the best load carrying ability.

Please feel free to Contact Us with your questions at 1-800-621-0237.