Cotter Pin Documentation

Cotter Pin Research + Installation guide

• Split pins, often called cotter pins, are frequently used as locking pins to secure other fasteners in place, particularly in high-stress situations where other fasteners may be subjected to substantial stress and vibration.

  • Applications: Great option for fastening and holding in place slotted bolts and screws

    • They function by holding the bolt they’re placed into from being removed.

• It can also be used solely as a fastener. 

  • Types of Cotter Pins:

    • Hairpin Cotter:

      • Application:

        • These are a form of spring cotters, primarily designed to be reused in less important applications. Quick to install and remove, tools are not necessary for removal.

        • Quite secure, it can be shaken off through vibrations and rapid rotations.

        • Video description:

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    • Rue Ring Locking:

      • Application:

        • The safest available cotters enclose the shaft and lock itself in place.

        • Tightened by a manual secondary lock, reducing vibration

        • Tool-free installation and removal; easy for light to medium applications, providing good security for spinning and vibrating equipment

        • Video description:

          • Rue Ring Locking Cotter Pin\

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    • Bow-Tie Locking:

      • Application: 

        • Similar to a hairpin cotter, the bow tie locks into a zero-tension state, as long as it is inserted (push or pull) into the mating hole

        • Lowers disengagement risk, when accidentally knocked or vibrated off.

        • Good choice for spinning and vibrating applications 

        • Video description:

          • Bow-Tie Locking Cotter Pins

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    • Prong Cotter:

      • Applications:

        • Provides a secure bond, beneficial for applications involving vibration and rotation

        • Tools are required to install and remove

        • Video description:

          • Proper Cotter Pin Installation | MOOG Parts

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• SLIC Pin:

  • Applications:

    • Self-locking implanted cotters are one-piece locking clevis pins, that combine pins and cotters into an affordable, reliable, and quick fastener.

    • Video descriptions:

      • SLIC Pin- revolutionary quick locking pin

Recommended Length:

Measure the length of the hole then compare this to the measurement of the shorter prong of your cotter pin (if the two prongs are not of equal length). You will need the length of the hole to be shorter than both of the pin's prongs for the pin to work.

• Recommended:  Prong Cotter pin (Bend over the edge of castle nut)