What Is the Difference Between Clutch and Coupling?

Clutch and coupling are two terms that can be used interchangeably to refer to the mechanism of connecting two rotating shafts.

What is a Clutch?

A Clutch is a device with friction plates or discs on one side, connected by springs to two parallel rotating shafts. When engaged, it allows rotational motion at one shaft to be transmitted without power loss to the other shaft. It does not require any power input from an external source and does not need any fluid pressure for it to work. 

What is a Coupling? 

A Coupling connects two rotating shafts so they rotate as a single unit. The purpose of this is so that if one shaft should fail, the other can still rotate while providing power output.

Different between Clutch and Coupling?

Clutch – A device for transmitting rotary motion or torque from one power transmission member to another.

Coupling – The means of attachment by which two shafts are connected. 

A Clutch is a mechanical device that connects two parts to quickly engage or disengage them. A coupling, on the other hand, is a device used to connect two parts gradually and with a small amount of slippage.

A Clutch transmits power from one source to another without any slippage between the input and output shafts. A Coupling differs from a clutch by connecting two rotating shafts axially with some sort of flexible part which permits some slip between the input and output levers of rotation. 

A Clutch is a device or assembly used in an engine to disengage a gear from its shaft when it is not being driven. Coupling is the act of joining or connecting two pieces of metal, plastic, etc., by any means, such as by welding, riveting, bolting, or clamping them together.

A Clutch is a device that couples or uncouples two shafts, whereas Coupling couples two shafts together.

The Clutch is the device used to connect and disconnect the engine from the transmission. A Coupling connects two shafts so that they rotate as one.

A Clutch is related to driving. When you need to stop and go at the same time, like when driving downhill and want to make a quick turn or slow and stop at an intersection.

The Clutch is the component of a transmission that disengages the engine from the drivetrain. It allows you to shift gears without having the engine run.