What do cotter pins look like
John Parsons
Updated on March 29, 2026
Also known as a split pin, a cotter pin is a simple fastener that’s used to secure a bolt — or any other rod-shaped fastener — in place. As shown in the adjacent image, cotter pins consist of a narrow U-shaped piece of metal with a flared and circular top.
What does a cotter pin do?
Cotter pins are wire formed pins with two prongs that separate during installation. They are used as a locking device to hold pins or castle nuts in place. These low-cost and highly versatile fasteners are used virtually everywhere.
What can I use instead of a cotter pin?
Instead of cotter pins, you can also try ring pins, as these have no sharp edges, but they tend to work their way out of the hole and fall off, thus making them an undesirable choice. The next option is to use seizing wire and wrap the turnbuckle to the screw hole.
How do you put on a cotter pin?
- Attach the castle nut to the bolt and fasten it into place.
- Make a mark on the bolt or leave the castle pin installed.
- Using a drill and bit, drill a hole into the bolt at this point straight through the cross-section of the bolt. …
- Remove any metal filings from the hole and insert the cotter pin.
How do R clips work?
The straight leg of the R-clip is pushed into a hole near one end of the shaft until the semicircular “belly” in the middle of the other, bent leg of the R-clip grips one side of the shaft resisting any force removing the R-clip from its hole. … R-clips are similar in function to split pins and linchpins.
Are cotter pins strong?
Materials for Cotter Pins It is a strong material and is corrosion resistant. Stainless steel cotter pins aids in protection against corrosion and oxidation.
What does a split pin look like?
A split pin, also known in the United States of America as a cotter pin or cotter key, is a metal fastener with two tines that are bent during installation, similar to a staple or rivet. Typically made of thick wire with a half-circular cross section, split pins come in multiple sizes and types.
Why are they called cotter pins?
cotter (n.) “wedge-shaped piece or bolt which fits into a hole used in fastening or tightening,” 1640s, of uncertain origin; perhaps a shortened form of cotterel, a dialectal word for “cotter pin or bolt, bracket to hang a pot over a fire” (1560s), itself of uncertain origin. Cotter-pin is attested by 1849.What does a clevis pin look like?
A clevis fastener is a two-piece fastener system consisting of a clevis and a clevis pin head. The clevis is a U-shaped piece that has holes at the end of the prongs to accept the clevis pin. The clevis pin is similar to a bolt, but is either partially threaded or unthreaded with a cross-hole for a split pin.
What tools are needed to use pin fasteners?Tools for use on threaded fasteners include screwdrivers, spanners, sockets and keys, and drivers. They can also be ratcheting, air-powered, or electrical tools.
Article first time published onWhat is a ring pin?
Ring Pins provide a convenient, removable pin designed with a cotter hole for a secure application. Used typically with a Hair Pin Cotter, Ring Pins offer fast and secure adjustments on equipment. … Ring pins are also known as Hitch Pins.
What are P clips?
P Clips are a single piece band for the permanent or semi-permanent fixing of cables, hoses and pipes. Typically used where there is a possibility of chafing and damage to the components in cars, electrical equipment or domestic appliances. Also used for internal support where cable grommets are used.
What are pins fasteners?
pin fastener, a steel pin, usually cylindrical, that can keep machine parts in proper alignment or fasten them together. … The pin is driven into a tapered hole that extends radially through the hub and shaft. The split cotter pin is used to prevent nuts from turning on bolts and to keep loosely fitting pins in place.
What are the different types of pins?
Pin typeTypical sizeTypical lengthBeading pins147⁄8 in (22 mm)T-pins0.75 mm11⁄4 in (32 mm)Dressmaker pins17-2011⁄16 in (27 mm)Pleating pins1711⁄16 in (27 mm)
For which nut split pin is required for locking?
Slotted/Castle nut: It consists of a hexagonal portion with a cylindrical upper part which is slotten inline with the center of each face. The split pin passes through two slots in the nut and a hole in the bolt so that a positive lock is obtained unless the pin shears.
How are cotter pins sizes?
American standard cotter pin sizes are in nominal fractional inches, starting at 1/32. The sizes below 5/16 inch are intended to fit a hole 1/64 inch larger than the pin size; for pins larger than that the pin and hole size are the same.
Are cotter pins stainless steel?
Cotter Pins 18-8 Stainless Steel A cotter pin is a two-pronged fastener typically made from malleable yet thick, sturdy metal that’s easily handled but offers exceptional structural support.
Are dowel pins hardened?
Standards: In accordance with ASME B 18.8. 2, hardened ground machine dowel pins have a core hardness of RC 47-58 and a minimum case hardness of RC 60. … Dowel Pins are made 0.0002″ over a standard diameter and are fit into a reamed hole.
What is a Grade A nut?
Grade A Nuts. Strength exceeds Grade 2. ASTM A325. Bolts meet ASTM A325 Type 1 standards for structural steel joints.
What's the difference between a clevis and shackle?
Shackles and clevises are U-shaped mechanical couplers closed by a pin or bolt. … Shackles are primarily used in construction, rigging and lifting. A clevis is used in less demanding applications such as farming and towing.
How much weight can a clevis pin hold?
The pin can experience 100,000 pounds of force.
Where are clevis pins used?
Clevis pins are used as a quick and secure fastener in place of bolts and rivets. Designed with both a flat or domed head on one end and cross-hole at the other, a clevis pin is inserted through the holes at the pronged ends of a clevis and is kept in place by a cotter pin.
Who invented the split pin?
Ira J. Young invented the cotter pin in 1912 in St. Louis, Missouri. He “applied for a patent on a machine for forming split pins,” later referred to as cotter pins.
What is a hairpin cotter pin?
Hairpin Cotter Pins, often referred to as hitch pin clips, R-clips, or R-keys, secure the ends of hitch pins by being inserted into a hole at the end of the hitch pin to eliminate the chance of the pin falling out. … Designed to work with the groove or hole at the tip of a hitch pin. This pin locks larger pins in place.
What is a crank cotter?
Crank cotter with nut and washer Many older bicycles use wedge-shaped fasteners called “cotters” to hold the cranks onto the bottom bracket axle. These cotters have a nut to hold them in place after they have been driven or pressed in.
What is a hitch pin clip?
Hitch pin clips refer to a wide range of fasteners used to prevent hitch pins from becoming dislodged from their intended application. … Most hitch pin clips can be quickly installed and reused, while others require tools for installation and are intended for single use.
What size are hitch pins?
Threaded hitch pins are the same size (1/2” x 13 Threads Per Inch) for 1-1/4” and 2” receiver racks. They are available in standard (provided with the rack) or locking (available from our website). Smooth hitch pin is ½” diameter for 1-1/4” receiver racks and 5/8” diameter for 2” receiver racks.
What are pins hardware?
Machine pins—also referred to as pin fasteners or fastening pins—are a type of specialty fastener employed to properly align and join together two parts or components. … Dowel pins. Hitch and lynch pins. Locating pins.
Are pin fasteners permanent?
These specialty fasteners, called machine pin fasteners, are available in two general categories: semi-permanent and quick release. As you’d expect, semi-permanent pins need extra pressure or a tool to install and remove.
What type of fastener is used with a cotter pin?
Also known as a split pin, a cotter pin is a simple fastener that’s used to secure a bolt — or any other rod-shaped fastener — in place. As shown in the adjacent image, cotter pins consist of a narrow U-shaped piece of metal with a flared and circular top.
How do castle nuts work?
Castle nuts are nuts that look like crowns or parapets of mid evil castles. These nuts are used together with a bolt and a cotter pin to create a secure nut in place so that it cannot be tightened or loosened.