What is the purpose of the tapered bushing? Tapered bushings are typically used to mount pulleys, sprockets and pulleys on shafts. They are break up, have no flange bushings, use screws to hold the shaft, and give great clamping drive. Tapered bushings are typically employed for recessed ceiling lights because they have an even mounting spacing and, if set up accurately, they are extremely effective in high torque apps.