Cotter Pin Fasteners Key Terms

Expertly recognize and use cotter pins with cotter pin fasteners key terms

By Heidi Crossman

Cotter pins are a type of fastener that usually pass through some kind of an opening and are secured in order to hold things together. They are often referred to as split pins. The term split pin was coined because some pins, after passing though the hole had two ends that were split apart in order to create the security of the hold.

Knowing about different types of cotters available and the application each one is best suited for will make it easy for you to choose and use the appropriate pin quickly. Learn about some of the types in this set of cotter pin fasteners key terms.

Hairpin

A hairpin cotter pin is bent similarly to a woman's hairpin. With this shape, the pin can be used quickly and easily secures itself into a location.
Try: Go to Thread-Rite Screw Products to see an example of a hairpin cotter pin and to learn more about how the pin can best be used. For more information and warnings about misuse, see Pivot Point.

Ring cotter, circle cotter

A ring cotter pin is also known as a circle cotter pin because of its shape. These pins are formed by shaping wire into a circle and leaving the interior end open to thread through a hole to create a secure hold.
Try: Check out a description of the ring cotter at GlobalSpec. Wilson Manufacturing Company shows an example of a ring cotter pin and explains directions on how they are used.

Clevis pin

A clevis pin is used in conjunction with a cotter pin for a secure hold where precision and a firm hold are not a concern. The clevis pin is a long solid cylinder with a head on one end and a hole in the other. A cotter pin is placed in this hole after the pin is in place in order to secure it.
Try: See Toolingu.com for a definition of the clevis pin. Jamestown Distributors not only shows an image reference of a clevis pin, but also provides a written description of the item.

Hitch pin, spring-type cotter pin

A hitch pin, also called a spring-type cotter pin, is made of hard material in order to withstand the pressures of having only one pin pass through the secure hole while the other pin passes around the securing object.
Try: Find information on hitch pins at Patent Storm. For a definition of the hitch pin, go to FreePatentsOnline.com.

Lynch pin

A lynch pin is a type of cotter pin that is self locking, with a pin and a self-securing circular fastener on the end.
Try: For a definition and examples of a lynch pin, go to Fastenal.

Taper pins

A taper pin is a tapered solid pin that is used for a snug hold. Sometimes the driving end is ribbed to be secured by a cotter pin or a nut.
Try: View Integrated Publishing's website for information on taper pins.