Cotter Pins

What is the difference between split pins and cotter pins?

• Cotter pins are constructed of mild steel and are suitable for locking nuts at their position. These pins are inserted into the hole of the bolt and are then bent into various shapes to stop the nut from falling out.
• Split pins are constructed of heavy-duty steel and are inserted once into the hole to lock the nut.

How can we install a cotter pin?

• Connect the castle nut to the bolt and tighten it into position.
• Mark the bolt or leave the castle pin in position.
• Drill a hole straight through the bolt's cross-section with a drill bit at the marked point. A metal punch can be used to create a starting point.
• Insert the cotter pin after removing any metal filings from the hole.
• Bend the cotter pin ends away from each other with pliers so that the cotter pin does not come out of the hole.

How can we remove cotter pins?

It is extremely simple to remove a cotter pin. Use pliers to bend the pin's arms back straight enough to fit through the hole. If the pin is worn out, these arms might simply snap off and the rounded eye portion can be easily removed and replaced with a new one.