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Split Pins (Cotter Pins) & Clips

304 (A2) · 316 (A4) · 420 Stainless · Mild Steel

Split Pins (Cotter Pins) & Clips

Split pins, R-clips and wave pins that secure clevis pins, castle nuts and shafts.

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About the Split Pins (Cotter Pins) & Clips

Split pins, or cotter pins, go through a cross hole and bend open to lock castle nuts, keep clevis pins in place and hold parts on axles and linkages. They run from 0.8 to 13mm in zinc plated steel, 304 and 316 stainless, and we also carry R clips (humpback pins) and 420 stainless spring wave pins. Choose the type, material and size above; the guide below covers sizing and fitting.

Also called cotter pins, R clips or bridge pins.

Features

  • Split (cotter) pins
  • R-clips and wave pins
  • Secures pins, nuts and shafts
  • Zinc-plated and stainless

Applications

  • Castle nuts and clevis pins
  • Clevis pins and axles (R clips)
  • Quick-release retention

What split pins are for

A split pin, or cotter pin, is a doubled-over length of half-round wire with an eye at one end. It goes through a cross hole in a bolt, clevis pin or shaft, and its legs are bent apart so it cannot fall out. It stops a castle nut from turning, keeps a clevis pin in place, and holds parts on axles and linkages.

Split pin sizes

Split pins are sized by the hole they fit: an M3.2 split pin suits a 3.2mm hole. Choose the size that matches the hole, so the pin is a snug fit, and a length that passes through with enough leg left to bend back.

We carry sizes from M0.8 to M13 and lengths from 10 to 150mm.

Split pin sizes and the materials each comes in.

Size (hole)Zinc plated304 stainless316 stainless
M0.8, M1.0, M1.2Yes
M1.6YesYesYes
M2YesYes
M2.5, M3.2, M4, M5, M6.3YesYesYes
M8, M10YesYes
M13Yes

Split pins, R clips or wave pins?

  • Split pin: the most secure, but used once. Bend the legs to fit; replace it each time you take it out.
  • R clip (humpback pin): an R-shaped spring clip that pushes through the hole in an axle or clevis pin and clips over the shaft. Quick to fit and remove, and reusable. Sizes 1.2 to 7.9mm.
  • Spring wave pin: a 420 stainless tension pin that is slightly bigger than its hole, so it compresses to fit and springs against the hole wall to hold two or more parts together.

Zinc or stainless?

Zinc plated mild steel split pins suit dry and general use. 304 stainless to DIN 94 suits outdoor and wet conditions, and 316 stainless to DIN 94 suits coastal and marine use. Use stainless pins in stainless parts.

How to fit a split pin

  1. Line up the hole in the bolt or pin with the slot in the castle nut.
  2. Push the legs through the hole until the eye sits firmly against the part.
  3. Bend the long leg up over the end of the bolt and the short leg down against the nut, or spread both legs apart.
  4. Trim long legs if needed. Fit a new pin each time you dismantle the joint.
Through a castle nut
Pin through the bolt, legs bent back
Sized by the hole
An M4 pin fits a 4mm hole

Split pins in Adelaide

Allmat supplies split pins, R clips, hitch pins and machinery fasteners to mechanics, farmers, fitters and trade across Adelaide and South Australia. Add them to a quote with the rest of your list, and we will price the lot.

Split pins and clips for machinery, trailers and farm

Split pins, R clips and wave pins in zinc and stainless are available to order from Allmat for mechanics, farmers, fitters and trade across Adelaide and South Australia. Order through Allmat, we pick and pack it, then click and collect from the Allmat yard or have it delivered to site.

Goes with

Questions

Is a split pin the same as a cotter pin?

Yes. In Australia split pin and cotter pin mean the same thing.

What size split pin do I need?

Match the split pin size to the hole: an M4 split pin for a 4mm hole. Then pick a length that passes through with enough leg to bend back.

Can I reuse a split pin?

No. Bending the legs work-hardens the wire, so fit a new split pin each time. Use an R clip where the pin is removed often.

Should I use stainless or zinc split pins?

Zinc plated for dry, general use; 304 stainless for outdoors and wet conditions; 316 stainless for coastal and marine use.

What is an R clip used for?

An R clip (humpback pin) secures the end of a round shaft such as an axle or clevis pin. It clips on and off by hand and can be reused.

Where can I buy split pins in Adelaide?

Order through Allmat. Order ahead by phone on 1300 03 03 63 or send your list for a quote, then click and collect from 25 Kapara Road, Gillman, or have them delivered to site.

Split Pins (Cotter Pins) & Clips: sizes and finishes we supply

274 lines by type and finish. Pick one above for its product code, pack sizes and dimensions.

TypeFinishSizesLengthsLines
Split pinZinc PlatedM1.6, M2, M2.5, M3.2, M4, M5, M6.3, M8, M10, M1310 to 150 (20 lengths)113
Split pin304 StainlessM0.8, M1.0, M1.2, M1.6, M2, M2.5, M3.2, M4, M5, M6.310 to 100 (16 lengths)71
Wave spring420 StainlessM2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M106 to 70 (12 lengths)36
Split pin316 StainlessM1.6, M2.5, M3.2, M4, M5, M6.3, M8, M1012 to 100 (10 lengths)35
R-clipZinc Plated1.2mm, 1.6mm, 2.0mm, 2.4mm, 3.2mm, 3.5mm, 3.8mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 6.2mm, 7.0mm, 7.9mm14 to 122 (10 lengths)12
R-clip304 Stainless1.6mm, 2.0mm, 2.4mm, 3.2mm, 3.8mm, 5.0mm, 6.2mm27, 54, 56, 63, 75, 96, 1187

Data sheets and documents

The documents for the product you choose are listed with the selector above. Here is every Split Pins (Cotter Pins) & Clips document from Hobson Engineering.

All Split Pins (Cotter Pins) & Clips documents (10)

Need them in bulk?

Add the sizes you need to your quote, or send us your list and we’ll price the lot and supply it with the rest of your order.

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