Snap wire lock pins offer a convenient and effective way to temporarily lock parts together. They are used in a wide variety of applications, some of which include trailers, heavy machinery, rigging systems and even aerospace components. Parts such as these often require fastening. Rather than using a cotter pin, however, you can fasten them with a snap wire lock pin.
Overview of Snap Wire Lock Pins
Also known as wire lock pins and snap pin, snap wire lock pins are self-locking fasteners. They receive their namesake from their built-in wire loop. As shown in the photo above, snap wire lock pins feature a U-shaped wire loop. They still feature a rod-like pin, but snap wire lock pins leverage a wire loop to simplify installation and removal.
How Snap Wire Lock Pins Work
Unless you’ve used them in the past, you might be wondering how snap wire lock pins work exactly. While there are different types of snap wire lock pins, such as round handle and square handle, they all feature a built-in wire loop and a pin. One end of the wire loop is permanently connected to the pin. The other end of the wire loop features a small loop, which allows it to temporarily attach to the other end of the pin.
You can use a snap wire lock pin by inserting the pin — with the wire loop detached — into the hole or slot of the parts that you want to temporarily lock together. Once inside, you can secure the end of the pin with the wire loop. The wire loop is spring-loaded, resulting in a snapping mechanism. You should hear “snapping” sound as you push down on the pin, which indicates the wire loop is firmly attached.
Why Use Snap Wire Lock Pins
There are other fasteners available to temporarily lock parts together, but snap wire lock pins offer several advantages. They are simple to install and remove. You don’t need any special tools. Installation is as easy as pushing the pin down so that the wire loops snaps over the end.
Snap wire lock pins are also easy to remove. You just need to pull the wire loop off the end of the pin. Once the wire loop is no longer connected to one end of the pin, you can remove the pin from the parts.
Snap wire lock pins are available in corrosion-resistant materials. Many of them are made of high-carbon steel with a protective finish, such as black vinyl or zinc. The outer layer of vinyl or zinc helps to protect the underlying steel from corrosion.