Understanding the Different Fastening Pins Available From Your Fastener Distributor

Your fastener distributor has a wide selection of fastening pins available in various sizes and materials. Knowing which one will suit your application can be challenging, and understanding the design and role of each helps to smooth out the selection process. Take a closer look at these pins and find out which type is right […]

Your fastener distributor has a wide selection of fastening pins available in various sizes and materials. Knowing which one will suit your application can be challenging, and understanding the design and role of each helps to smooth out the selection process.

Take a closer look at these pins and find out which type is right for your application.

Cotter Pin

Shaped like the letter "R" or occasionally the letter "P" and featuring a space or gap between two straight sections, a cotter pin is often used in conjunction with a clevis pin or axle. Use a cotter pin as a stop for a loose joint. It is easily installed and difficult to shake loose, thanks to the distinct shape. It can also be used to clamp two metal pieces together, much like a paper clip.

Clevis Pin

A clevis pin is used as a type of simple axle. A head on one end acts as a stop, while a hole punched through the opposite end can be fitted with a cotter pin or simply tied off or moused to keep the clevis pin in place.

Spring Pin

A spring pin is formed with a groove or slot, allowing the pin to fit into holes of a smaller diameter than the pin itself. Once inserted, the spring pin opens and creates tension to hold it in place. Often used in machinery to keep components in place temporarily or during operation, spring pins come in many different sizes and materials.

Dowel Pin

A dowel pin is essentially a cylindrical rod, often fluted at both ends to facilitate entry into a hole. They can be made from wood for some-assembly-required furniture, but also come in various metals for assembling machinery. Many times a metal dowel pin is used to mark reference points required for precision operations.

Grooved Pin

A grooved pin is similar to a dowel pin, in that it can fit into a hole for reference. But grooved pins come in several shapes that allow the pin to lock in place. Ask your fastener distributor about all the different types of groove pins, including A, C, E, G, H and U.

Taper Pin

A taper pin or tapered pin is actually a dowel pin with one end slightly larger than the other. Used in mechanical engineering and machinist applications, a taper pin comes with a taper of either 1:48 or 1:50, depending on your application.

Your fastener distributor offers a range of pins for every application. Talk to them about the ideal style and size for your project and take a look at how other pins can help in the future.