Cotter Pins Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of cotter pins?

The common types are split pins, r-clip pins and split ring pins.

What are split pins?

Split pins, also known as cotter pins, are bent in half and put into the same hole on both ends. The pins are often made from a half-circular profile, with the two ends joining to form a circle that fits into the hole. The double end can be bent outwards to prevent the pin from being withdrawn, and the bent end can be shaped into an expanded end.

What are r-clips or r-pins?

R-clips or R-pins: Hairpin cotters are another name for these pins. They have sprung pins with a straight section at the head that bends into a ring, and a curved section offset from the straight pin. The straight section can be inserted through a shaft's hole, while the curved section clips around the shaft's outside, holding the pin in place. To draw the pin out of the hole, insert a finger through the ring at the head.

What are split ring pins?

Split ring: These parts are also known as cotter rings or circle cotters. It's essentially a wire loop that can be inserted through a hole because it stretches beyond 360 degrees. This sort of fastener is commonly used to hold keys, although it can also be used to hold pins and shafts.

What are cotter keys?

Cotter pins, also known as split pins or cotter keys, are steel-formed pins that are put into a clevis pin, shaft, or other mating assembly's drilled hole. The pin features a split end that is separated after insertion to secure the part.

Are cotter pins the same as split pins?

A split pin, also known as a cotter pin, is a metal fastener having two tines that bend during installation. Split pins occur in a variety of sizes and varieties and are typically formed of stout wire with a half-circular cross-section.

What is a cotter pin used for?

Cotter pins are also commonly seen in heavy machinery and are used to secure wheels.

What is the difference between a cotter pin and a clevis pin?

A cotter pin is typically used in conjunction with a clevis pin or axle and is shaped like the letter "R" or occasionally the letter "P," with a space or gap between two straight parts. To stop a loose joint, use a cotter pin. The characteristic shape makes it simple to attach and tough to shake loose. It can also be used to secure two metal objects together, similar to how a paper clip is used.

As a form of a simple axle, clevis pins are employed. The clevis pin is held in place by a head on one end, and a hole bored through the opposite end can be fitted with a cotter pin or simply tied off or moused to keep it in place.

How do you use a spring cotter pin?

Spring cotter pins are widely used to secure the ends of round shafts such as axles and clevis pins. They are also known as R-pins, R-keys, and hairpins.

What is a split pin?

A split pin is a basic fastener made of soft, flexible metal that is used to secure low-torque components. A flat, round, or half-round pin bent double with a prominent loop at the closed end is used to make the split pin. The pin is pushed through a hole in the shaft and one or both of its "legs" are bent back to prevent it from working loose, while the loop on the closed-end prevents it from falling through the hole. The bent pin legs are easily straightened, and the split pin is removed if the part needs to be removed.

Why is it called cotter pin?

Nobody knows for sure. It could, however, be a shortened form of cotterel. This word was first used in the 1560s to describe a "cotter pin or bolt, bracket to hold a pot over a fire."

How do you put wheels on a cotter pin?

  • Select the appropriate cotter pin size
  • Drill a hole in the bolt if desired
  • Place the cotter pin in the hole in the bolt
  • Bend the cotter pin's split ends

What are cotter pins sizes?

Cotter pins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because the sizes of bicycle cotter pins and automotive cotter pins differ somewhat, they cannot be used interchangeably. Cotter pin sizes in the United States begin at 1/32. Pins with a diameter less than 5/16 inch are made to fit a hole that is 1/64 inch larger than the diameter of the pin. The pin and hole are the same size for pins larger than this.

Are cotter pins one-time use?

Cotter pins can be constructed out of a variety of materials that are flexible enough to bend. When a pin is deformed once, it usually retains its strength and provides a powerful locking mechanism that can be relied on. Cotter pins should not be reused as a rule since the extra bending weakens the pin.

What is another name for cotter pin?

A split pin, also known as a cotter pin or cotter key in the United States, is a metal fastener having two tines that bend during installation, much like a staple or rivet.

What is a cotter pin used for?

They're utilized to keep pins or castle nuts in place by acting as a locking device. These low-cost, highly adaptable fasteners may be found almost anywhere.

What are Castle Nuts?

A castellated nut, also known as a castle nut, is a nut with several short prongs placed in a circular pattern, similar to a crown, that mimics the parapet of a castle. They are usually made of steel or stainless steel and are available in a variety of sizes.

Outside pressure or vibrations can cause castle nuts to jog loose, so they can be secured in place. However, they must be secured with another piece of hardware, such as a cotter pin or a safety wire, in order to function properly.

What nut uses the cotter pin?

The top of the Castellated nuts has a spherical part where the slots are positioned. This rounded modification is not present in slotted nuts. Slotted nuts have flat sides that run the length of the nut from top to bottom. Both castellated and slotted nuts are meant to be fastened to a screw with a pin (typically a Split Pin) that fits through the slots and into a hole in the screw. This pin keeps the nut from loosening by preventing it from spinning. Castellated nuts, as opposed to slotted nuts, allow the cotter pin to be limited closer to the nut's edges, increasing security.

Where does the cotter pin go?

A cotter pin is a simple fastener for holding a bolt in place. It is made out of a U-shaped piece of metal that is put into the hole of a bolt and then twisted together.


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