Ball Screws and Nuts
186 Products
LILY Bearing stocks 186 ball screws and nuts — in Inch (156 SKUs) and Metric (30 SKUs) — across 5 types: standard, fast-travel, self-stopping, corrosion-resistant, and fast-travel corrosion-resistant. Screws and nuts are listed as separate components; nuts are available in Externally Threaded, Flange, and Platform mounting styles. Use the filters below, or the comparison table, to narrow down by type, thread size, or material.
Compare Ball Screw & Nut Types
| Type | Thread Starts | Common Material | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Ball Screws and Nuts | Single | Hardened alloy steel | High axial loads needing maximum torque efficiency per revolution | Moves less distance per turn than multi-start designs — check travel distance against your drive speed |
| Fast-Travel Ball Screws and Nuts | Multiple | Hardened alloy steel | Rapid linear motion with high (90%+) mechanical efficiency | Faster travel per turn means less torque advantage — confirm your drive supplies enough torque |
| Self-Stopping Ball Screws and Nuts | Varies by SKU | Black-oxide alloy steel nut, alloy steel screw | Protecting equipment from over-travel damage | This is an end-of-travel idle/disengage feature, not a self-locking or anti-backdrive mechanism |
| Corrosion-Resistant Ball Screws and Nuts | Single | 17-4 PH stainless steel | Moisture, washdown, or mild chemical exposure | Lower hardness than standard alloy steel screws — confirm load capacity fits your application |
| Fast-Travel Corrosion-Resistant Ball Screws and Nuts | Multiple | 17-4 PH stainless steel | Rapid linear motion in corrosive or washdown environments | Combines the torque trade-off of multi-start designs with lower stainless hardness — check both specs |
Screws and Nuts Are Listed Separately
Each listing in this category is either a ball screw (the threaded shaft) or a ball nut (the mating internally-threaded component) — they are not sold as a pre-assembled pair. Ball nuts are available in three mounting styles: Externally Threaded, Flange, and Platform. Match the thread size, thread type, and number of thread starts between the screw and nut you select to ensure they mate correctly.
Need a Custom Length or a Part Cross-Reference?
Working from an existing McMaster-Carr or manufacturer part number? Our team can cross-reference it to an equivalent LILY Bearing ball screw or nut, or quote a custom length, thread, or material. Request a Quote or Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between standard and fast-travel ball screws?
Standard ball screws have a single thread start, so they move a shorter distance per revolution but deliver more torque efficiency. Fast-travel ball screws use multiple thread starts to move farther per revolution, trading some torque efficiency for speed.
What does "self-stopping" mean for a ball screw and nut?
It refers to an over-travel safeguard: when the nut reaches a stop pin at either end of the screw, it disengages from the threads and idles freely instead of running off the end or crashing into equipment. It is not a self-locking or anti-backdrive mechanism — the nut can still be driven by an external load while engaged on the screw.
Are the ball screw and ball nut sold as one part or separately?
Separately. Each listing is either a screw or a nut, so you'll need to select both a compatible screw and nut (matching thread size, thread type, and thread starts) to build a complete assembly.
Do you offer corrosion-resistant options for washdown or outdoor use?
Yes. Our Corrosion-Resistant and Fast-Travel Corrosion-Resistant lines use 17-4 PH stainless steel for moisture, washdown, or mild chemical exposure. Note that this stainless grade has lower hardness than our standard hardened alloy steel screws, so confirm load capacity fits your application.
