Please select
Engineered for accuracy and reliability, split pins—also known as cotter pins—are a mainstay in mechanical engineering. Designed to keep fasteners like nuts in their rightful place, these small yet incredibly efficient pins that split serve as a fastening system in applications requiring a moderate level of security. Whether you're securing the wheels on a vehicle or ensuring the stability of heavy machinery, combining a castle nut with a split pin can be indispensable in a variety of industries.
Understanding how to use a split pin is straightforward. Once a fastener, such as a castle nut, is in its correct position, the split pin is inserted into a perpendicular hole which aligns with the notches in the nut. Its two legs are then bent back or 'split,' providing a lock that restricts movement. The pin acts as a secondary securing element, offering additional assurance against the loosening or disengagement of primary fastening components. The result is a secure, yet easily removable, locking system.
At Accu, our metal split pin fasteners are fabricated from premium A2 Stainless Steel and A4 Marine Grade Stainless Steel, ensuring maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
For specific applications, we also offer black split pins through our AccuBlack service, these not only provide additional corrosion resistance, but the satin black finish aids in achieving an aesthetically pleasing look, especially when you want these components to blend in.
To suit the diverse requirements of your projects, our split pins range in size from as small as M1 (1mm) for delicate applications, to as large as M13 (13mm) for more robust engineering needs. The pins are also available in lengths from 4mm to 140mm giving you an incredibly varied range to choose from. Additionally, you have the option of A2 or A4 stainless steel split pins, catering to your specific material preferences.
A: To install a split pin, first you must install the fastening component into its correct position, taking care to align the holes for the split pin past the component it secures. Next, insert the pin legs through the hole (often through the threads) and bend them back around the component to lock the pin in place.
A: A split pin works by inserting it into a perpendicular hole and then having its legs bent back to secure a fastener like a nut onto a threaded bolt. This pin acts as a blocker, making sure that a fastener cannot loosen past where the pin is stuck through as it essentially blocks the component from going any further along the threads.
A: Split pins are commonly used to secure nuts, bolts, and other fastening components in machinery, automotive applications, and construction. They are a non-permanent engineering component that aids in stopping other fasteners from coming loose past a certain point along a thread.
To understand further uses of split pins, we have an article which explains why bolts become loose and what you can do to counteract it.
A: While terms are often used interchangeably, more so in the USA, there is no difference between a split pin and cotter pin. Functionally, they serve the same purpose and are used in the same scenarios.
A: To remove a split pin, unbend the legs and pull the pin out. Some applications may require pliers for this task depending on how stiff or short the bent legs are.
A: While it is possible, due to the stress imparted onto the legs when being bent, it is often recommended to use new split pins when old ones have been removed rather than attempting to re-use old pins.
High precision, bespoke manufacture of Split Pins to customer specification. State of the art facilities specialising in both small batch prototyping and large scale manufacture.
Get A QuoteChange Language
Change Currency
Cookie Preferences
These are cookies that are necessary for the Platform to function as well as to operate our business. These are used to let you login, stay logged in, measure our traffic (anonymously) and to ensure site security. Without this type of technology, our Services won't work properly or we won't be able to provide certain features and functionalities.
These are cookies that are used for collecting information about how you use our Services and visit our Platform (i.e. duration of your navigation on our Platform, pages visited, link clicked, referrer page, etc).
These are cookies that are used for collecting information to manage our advertising. We implement Consent Mode to store cookies related to advertising, set consent for personalised advertising, and send user data to advertisers like Google. Google Privacy Policy.
Destination | Available Services | |
---|---|---|
Standard | Express - Order By 6:30PM | |
+ per kg |
+ per kg Free with AccuPro |
Destination | Available Services | |
---|---|---|
Morning Express (Before Noon) | Saturday Express | |
Please note: The shipping options listed below are for the expedition of transit only. Lead times and manufacture schedules for out-of-stock products will still apply. Accurate delivery date estimates are always displayed during the checkout process.