Abstract: A gear tooth has a main body and a lead-in portion for use in receiving the lead-in portion of a corresponding gear tooth on another gear. The main body may include first and second ends and first and second sides. The sides may form first and second protrusions with the first end. The lead-in portion may include first and second side walls extending from the first end of the main body and first and second sliding surfaces extending from the first and second side walls respectively. The first sliding surface lies on a first plane. The first side wall defines a first shelf on the first end of the main body. The first protrusion, the first shelf and the first side of the main body are all positioned between the first plane and an axial centerline of the main body. To form a gear, powdered metal is added to a gear mold. The powdered metal is then compacted within the gear mold. Next, a green gear is formed. The green gear has a plurality of teeth each having at least one tool shut off shelf.