A worm gear is used when a large speed reduction ratio is required between crossed axis shafts which do not intersect. A basic helical gear can be used but the power which can be transmitted is low. A worm drive consists of a large diameter worm wheel with a worm screw meshing with teeth on the periphery of the worm wheel. The worm is similar to a screw and the worm wheel is similar to a section of a nut. As the worm is rotated the wormwheel is caused to rotate due to the screw like action of the worm. The size of the worm gearset is generally based on the centre distance between the worm and the wormwheel.

If the worm gears are machined basically as crossed helical gears the result is a highly stress point contact gear. However normally the wormwheel is cut with a concave as opposed to a straight width. This is called a single envelope worm gearset. If the worm is machined with a concave profile to effectively wrap around the wormwheel the gearset is called a double enveloping worm gearset and has the highest power capacity for the size. Single enveloping gearsets require accurate alignment of the worm-wheel to ensure full line tooth contact. Double enveloping gearsets require accurate alignment of both the worm and the wormwheel to obtain maximum face contact.

Worm gears provide a normal single reduction range of 5:1 to 75-1. The pitch line velocity is ideally up to 30 m/s. The efficiency of a worm gear ranges from 98% for the lowest ratios to 20% for the highest ratios. As the frictional heat generation is generally high the worm box is designed disperse heat to the surroundings and lubrication is and essential requirement. Worm gears are quiet in operation. Worm gears at the higher ratios are inherently self locking - the worm can drive the gear but the gear cannot drive the worm. A worm gear can provide a 50:1 speed reduction but not a 1:50 speed increase....(In practice a worm should not be used a braking device for safety linked systems e.g hoists. . Some material and operating conditions can result in a wormgear backsliding )

The worm gear action is a sliding action which results in significant frictional losses. The ideal combination of gear materials is for a case hardened alloy steel worm (ground finished) with a phosphor bronze gear. Other combinations are used for gears with comparatively light loads.