DU-BRO Wheel Collars—also known as shaft collars—are known for their precision machining, durability, and secure set-screw design. Originally made for the RC hobby industry, they are now used in dozens of commercial, industrial, and engineering applications. Because they hold parts in place, set mechanical limits, retain wheels, and provide accurate positioning, they have become essential in countless mechanical systems.
Below are the 9 most common uses of DU-BRO Wheel Collars, followed by a list of industries and companies that rely on them.
Top 9 Uses for DU-BRO Wheel Collars
1. Wheel Retention in RC Airplanes, Cars & Boats
Used to secure wheels on landing gear struts, RC car axles, and boat driveshafts. Their strong, slip-free grip performs well in high-vibration hobby environments.
2. Position Stops on Motor Shafts
Engineers use wheel collars to keep gears, pulleys, and propellers from sliding along a shaft—especially in small motors and prototype mechanisms.
3. Pushrod & Control Linkage Stops
In RC aircraft and helicopters, wheel collars serve as pushrod keepers and servo-linkage stops, ensuring precise and repeatable control movements.
4. Robotics Arm & Joint Positioning
Robotics manufacturers use wheel collars to set mechanical limits and secure joints on robot arms, grippers, and mobile robot platforms.
5. UAV & Drone Mechanisms
Common uses include:
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Gimbal stabilization
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Landing gear retention
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Prop shaft positioning
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Cable routing and management
Their vibration-resistant set screws make them ideal for flight-critical assemblies.
6. Medical Device Prototyping
Medical engineers use shaft collars in test rigs, training devices, and motion-assist systems where precise component positioning is required.
7. Automotive & EV Prototyping
Used in R&D labs for:
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Test rigs
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Sensor mounting
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Actuator systems
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Prototype throttle assemblies
Lightweight and adjustable, they’re ideal for fast iteration.
8. Industrial Automation & Small Machinery
Wheel collars appear in machine systems such as:
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Conveyor stops
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Pneumatic actuator guides
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Small gear assemblies
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Custom fixtures and tooling
Their compact size makes them perfect for tight mechanical spaces.
9. STEM, Engineering & University Labs
Popular for student projects and robotics teams because they are affordable, durable, and simple to install.
Industries That Use DU-BRO Wheel Collars
DU-BRO shaft collars are widely used in:
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RC & Hobby Products
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Aerospace, UAV & Drone Manufacturing
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Industrial, Educational & Consumer Robotics
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Medical Device Engineering
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Automotive & Motorsports R&D
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Electric Vehicle Prototyping
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Industrial Machinery & Automation
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Agricultural & Small Equipment
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Marine & Boating Applications
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STEM Education & University Engineering Programs
Companies That Commonly Use DU-BRO Wheel Collars
RC & Hobby Manufacturers
Horizon Hobby • Freewing • E-flite • Spektrum • Blade • Old School Model Works
Aerospace, UAV & Drone Companies
DJI • Autel • Parrot • Skydio • AeroVironment • Boeing (prototype) • Lockheed Martin R&D • Northrop Grumman • NASA engineering teams • MIT Lincoln Labs • Zipline • Joby Aviation • Archer Aviation • Wing (Alphabet)
Robotics & Automation Companies
Boston Dynamics • FANUC • KUKA • ABB • Universal Robots • Clearpath Robotics • Agility Robotics • iRobot • FIRST Robotics • VEX Robotics
Medical Device Engineering
Medtronic • GE Healthcare • Stryker • Zimmer Biomet • CAE Healthcare • DePuy Synthes • Ottobock
Automotive, EV & Racing R&D
Tesla • Ford Performance • GM Engineering • Toyota Racing Development (TRD) • Honda R&D • Rimac Automobili • Polaris • BRP • Formula SAE teams
Industrial & Machinery Manufacturers
Siemens • Bosch Rexroth • Rockwell Automation • Parker Hannifin • Emerson • John Deere • Caterpillar • Yaskawa • Haas Automation
Marine & Boating Companies
Mercury Marine • Yamaha Marine • Hobie • Sea Ray • Lund • Minn Kota • Bayliner
STEM & Universities
MIT • Purdue • Georgia Tech • Stanford • Embry-Riddle • Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute • NASA student programs
Conclusion
Whether used to retain wheels, position shafts, secure robotic joints, or support prototype assemblies, DU-BRO Wheel Collars remain one of the most versatile components in engineering and hobby applications. Their precision, reliability, and ease of use make them indispensable across industries ranging from aerospace and robotics to automotive R&D and STEM education.
