A 6201 bearing is a single row deep groove ball bearing with a 12 mm bore, a 32 mm outside diameter and a 10 mm width. It’s a light series part, so it’s smaller than the 6301 that fits the same 12 mm shaft. You’ll find it in small motors, fans, scooter wheels and household appliances.
The 6201 bearing specs below come from published SKF and NSK data and RS Components listings, checked in October 2026.
What Does the Number 6201 Mean?
The number is a short code. “6” means deep groove ball bearing. “2” means the light dimension series. “01” means a 12 mm bore. Bore codes 00 to 03 don’t follow the usual “multiply by 5” rule, so 01 isn’t 5 mm.
Think of the series digit like clothing sizes on the same waist. A 6001, 6201 and 6301 all fit a 12 mm shaft, but each one is bigger and stronger than the last.
What Are the 6201 Bearing Dimensions?
Every brand makes the 6201 bearing at 12 x 32 x 10 mm, because the boundary sizes follow ISO standards. In inches, that’s 0.4724 x 1.2598 x 0.3937 in. Load ratings and speed limits differ slightly by brand and seal type.
| Spec | SKF 6201 (open) | SKF 6201 2Z | SKF 6201 2RSH | NSK 6201DDU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bore | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Outer diameter | 32 mm | 32 mm | 32 mm | 32 mm |
| Width | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Dynamic load | 7.28 kN | 7.28 kN | 7.28 kN | 7.5 kN |
| Static load | 3.1 kN | 3.1 kN | 3.1 kN | 3.05 kN |
| Limiting speed | 32,000 rpm | 26,000 rpm | 15,000 rpm | 17,000 rpm (grease) |
| Mass | not listed | not listed | not listed | about 0.037 kg |
Sources: RS Components listings for SKF (2026) and the NSK product datasheet (2025).
NSK’s datasheet adds useful fitting data:
- Seven balls, each 5.953 mm across, and a 0.6 mm minimum chamfer.
- A shaft shoulder of 16 to 17 mm.
- A housing shoulder of no more than 28 mm.
What’s a dynamic load rating? It’s a strength score engineers use to estimate service life, a bit like a car’s crash rating. It isn’t a load you should run all day.
What’s the Difference Between 6201 2RS, ZZ and Open?
All three share the same 6201 bearing size. Only the side covers differ.
- 2RS: Rubber seals on both sides. It blocks dust and water but adds drag.
- ZZ (or 2Z): Metal shields with a tiny gap. It spins more freely but protects less.
- Open: No covers at all. It relies on outside lubrication.
Shields aren’t waterproof. Makerstore advises choosing a rubber sealed 2RS version for wet or washdown jobs. Each brand writes the same idea its own way:
| Variant | SKF | NSK | NTN | FAG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shields both sides | 2Z | ZZ | ZZ | 2Z |
| Seals both sides | 2RSH, 2RSL or 2RS1 | DDU | LLU | 2HRS |
| Seal one side | RSH | DU | LU | HRS |
Here’s a detail most pages skip. SKF’s 2RSL uses low friction seals and is listed at 26,000 rpm, while the 2RSH contact seal version is listed at 15,000 rpm. So if your motor spins fast, the seal code matters as much as the size.
Is a 6201 RS the Same as a 6201 2RS?
Usually not. A single RS normally means one seal, with the other side open. NSK sells its 6201DU as a bearing with a rubber seal on one side only. A 2RS has seals on both sides.
Some sellers use “RS” loosely, though. Genuine Scooters lists its front wheel part as a 6201 RS. When you search “bearing 6201 rs”, check the photo or ask whether both sides are sealed.
What Should You Know About the SKF 6201 Bearing?
SKF makes the 6201 in open, 2Z, 2RSH, 2RSL and C3 clearance versions, all at 12 x 32 x 10 mm. Its stainless W 6201 2Z trades strength for corrosion resistance, with a lower dynamic rating of 5.72 kN. Always match the full suffix, not just the number.
Price is a fair question too. In October 2026, RS Components UK listed the SKF 6201 2RSH at £5.17 before VAT and the NSK 6201DDU at £3.41 before VAT. Prices change often, so treat these as a snapshot.
Where Is a 6201 Bearing Used?
You’ll find it wherever a small shaft needs smooth, fast rotation:
- Electric motors, washing machines, pumps, compressors, belt drives and conveyors.
- Vespa Smallframe and Largeframe scooters, which use an SKF 6201 2RSH in the front brake drum.
- Mini bike and go kart wheels.
The 6201 bearing is one of the most common sizes among deep groove ball bearings, which is why spares are easy to find.
How Do You Choose the Right 6201 Replacement?
- Measure first. Use calipers on the bore, OD and width. You should get 12, 32 and 10 mm.
- Read every letter. Note the seal code and any C3 marking. C3 means more internal play, which motors often need because heat makes the inner ring grow.
- Check for snap ring suffixes. N and NR change the outer ring, and our N vs NR snap ring guide explains how to read them.
- Match the environment. Use 2RS for dirt and water. Use ZZ or open for clean, fast running.
- Convert brand codes. Run a bearing cross reference check before you order an equivalent.
Common Mistakes When Buying One
- Mixing up 6001, 6201 and 6301. They share a 12 mm bore, but a 6001 is 12 x 28 x 8 mm and a 6301 is 12 x 37 x 12 mm. Our 6301 bearing guide covers the bigger option.
- Ordering RS when you need 2RS. One seal lets dirt in from the open side.
- Running a sealed bearing at open bearing speeds. Seal drag lowers the safe limit.
- Trusting old listings. Several reseller pages still show NSK at 6.8 kN, while NSK’s current datasheet lists 7.5 kN. Check the maker’s own data.
What Are the Limitations?
A 6201 bearing is built mainly for radial loads, the push across a shaft. It takes some axial load in both directions, but not heavy thrust. It also handles very little misalignment. If your load keeps wearing out 6201s, step up to a 6301 or a different bearing type.
Conclusion
The 6201 bearing is easy to buy once you know the code: 12 x 32 x 10 mm, a light series build, and suffixes that tell you the seals and clearance. Measure the old part, read every letter and match the seal to your speed and environment. Then send TFL your full part number and quantity for a matched quote on your 6201 bearing.
FAQs
Can I replace a 6201 ZZ with a 6201 2RS?
Yes, the 6201 bearing size is identical. Just check the speed, because rubber contact seals lower the limit.
Does a 6201 2RS bearing need grease?
No. It comes greased and sealed for life, so you replace it rather than regrease it.
Is the 6201 a metric or an inch bearing?
It’s a metric. Always order it by its millimetre size, not by the rounded inch figure.
How long does it last?
That depends on load, speed, heat and dirt. Engineers estimate life with the ISO 281 method, which uses the dynamic load rating.
Can TFL Bearing supply 6201 bearings and brand equivalents?
TFL sources deep groove ball bearings and checks dimensions, load ratings and seals against major brand part numbers. Minimum order quantity varies by product, so send your exact code for a quote.
