KM tool holders, short for Kennametal Modular tooling, are a quick-change modular system that connects a cutting unit to a machine through a single coupling. KM tooling is popular with machinists because it delivers rigid, repeatable cutting while cutting the downtime spent changing, setting, and gaging tools. Instead of breaking down a conventional holder, you swap the whole cutting unit on the KM coupling in seconds, which turns setup time into spindle time.
We also buy used and surplus Kennametal tooling. If you are switching systems or clearing a crib, you can sell your used tool holders and Kennametal tooling to us by the lot. More on that below.
Sell your used Kennametal KM tooling
Switching tooling systems or clearing the crib of KM and VM units? We buy Kennametal modular tooling by the lot, mixed conditions. Send a few photos and a rough count and fill out the form below for a fast quote.
What KM (Kennametal Modular) Tooling Is
KM tooling is built around a simple, strong mechanism. The KM coupling uses a wedge-shaped lock rod and a ball-and-track design so a high clamping force is generated from a small input force. Because the unit seats on both the taper and the flange face at the same time, the joint is extremely rigid, and that metal-to-metal contact reduces vibration between components. The result is a universal, fast tool change with high accuracy and repeatability, and the coupling protects the mechanism in the event of a crash. KM is well suited to high-speed spindles in terms of both productivity and rotation speed. Keep in mind that KM is a modular coupling, not a machine spindle taper like CAT, BT, or HSK; if you are comparing the spindle tapers themselves, see our overview of the difference between BT and HSK tool holders.
Exceptional Cutting Tools
KM adapters are available for a wide range of machine interfaces, including manual and automatic clamping units, turret disks, and rotating and driven tool stations, which is why KM shows up so often on lathes, mill-turn machines, and multitasking centers. KM tool holders come in several families and sizes, so match the unit to your machine and the work. The Kennametal Modular catalog and selection guide cover the technical detail for each model. Store your tooling where it will not take mechanical or chemical damage and it will run true for a long service life.
The Kennametal (VM) Shank
The Valenite VM shank is the same as the Kennametal KM shank, so the two interchange. KM tool holders have simultaneous taper and face contact. The clamping mechanism uses two angled holes in the taper shank of the KM unit: the lock rod is wedge-shaped, and the locking balls are forced radially outward by it to pull the joint tight. The verified KM40 coupling dimensions are below.
| Size | D-1 | D-2 | D-3 | D-4 | D-5 | L-1 | L-2 | L-3 | L-4 min | B-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM40 | 1.575 (40.0) | 1.181 (30.0) | 1.457 (37.0) | 1.750 (44.44) | 0.138 (3.5) | 0.984 (25.0) | 0.433 (11.0) | 0.236 (6.0) | 0.472 (12.0) | 0.394 (10) |
KM Sizes
KM is offered in a range of sizes named for the nominal coupling size. The larger the number, the larger and more rigid the coupling, so bigger sizes carry heavier cuts on larger machines while smaller sizes keep mass down for live tooling and high-speed work. Match the KM size to your adapter and application first.
| KM size | Relative coupling size | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| KM40 | Compact | Live tooling and mid-size lathes and mill-turn centers. |
| KM50 | Medium | General turning with heavier cuts. |
| KM63 | Large | Heavy turning and larger machines. |
| KM80 and KM100 | Largest | High-torque roughing on large machines. |
Why KM Tooling?
Multitasking and mill-turn centers were once specialty machines found only in shops with the volume to justify them. Today, turning centers with live tool stations are common in shops of every size because they machine parts in a single operation. With that capability comes complexity, and the constant need to maximize output through reduced setup time. Kennametal Modular quick-change tooling answers that need: faster, more accurate driven-tool setup with the rigidity to hold tolerance in production.
Sell Your Used KM and Kennametal Tooling
Kennametal is one of the most recognized tooling brands in the world, carried in machine shops across the country and known for precision and durability. Shops that switch tooling systems or retire a machine often end up with a shelf of KM and VM units, and Kennametal holds its value on the used market. Rather than list them one at a time, sell the whole lot to us. We buy used Kennametal modular tooling, and we also take surplus carbide tooling and carbide tool holders in the same transaction. Send photos and a rough count, get one quote for the lot, and get paid.
Get a quote on your KM tooling
Send a few photos of the shelves and a rough idea of what is there. We buy Kennametal KM and Valenite VM tooling by the lot, turn quotes around fast, and arrange the freight. Fill out the form below to start.
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KM Tool Holders FAQ
What is KM tooling?
Is the Valenite VM shank the same as Kennametal KM?
How does the KM clamping mechanism work?
What sizes does KM tooling come in?
Is KM a spindle taper like CAT or BT?
Can I sell used KM or Kennametal tooling?
New to modular tooling? Start with our Tool Holders 101 overview of every tool holder type.