Last Updated on May 28, 2021 by
Cotter pins are used to fasten two pieces of equipment together. They are typically made of metal and have a “T” shaped end that pinches the material between them. This creates a strong bond between the items but is still easy to remove if necessary. There are many different types of cotter pins, depending on how they will be used. Here we will discuss some common ones:

– Standard Cotter Pin These types of pins can either be straight or curved in shape and come with two different ends – one for attaching it to an object and one for attaching it to another pin. It has a large surface area which means that it has great gripping power when connected together with other parts by hand.
– Spring Cotter Pin This is a type of cotter pin that has a spring to help create tension for increased gripping power. It’s typically used in situations where there is no other way to apply the desired amount of pressure on the object, such as with pipes and hoses that are often moving or turning without warning. The “T” shaped end can be either straight or curved, depending on what it will attach to – larger diameter items usually require more surface area so they use a straight shape while smaller diameters need less surface area and curve better around objects which means they have more space between them.
– Barrel Cotter Pin These pins look like cylinders with rounded edges and two different ends (one long side and one short side). They are used for threaded joints, such as where two pipes or hoses need to be connected together.
– Dipped Cotter Pin These pins have the “T” shape on one end and a flat head with a hole in it on the other end. This type of cotter pin is most often used to secure dust caps onto mandrels that clamp around engine shafts – once installed they create an airtight seal between the capped-off area and whatever else might come into contact with them (such as other parts inside of an engine bay.)
– Straight Cotter Pins These pins usually look like cylinders but without any rounded edges – their straight design makes them ideal for attaching items that move frequently because they will not easily come loose.
– Cotter Pin with a Key These pins have both ends that are made up of the “T” type shape – they also have an extra key stuck into them to create better security in something like a hole drilled through the wood (it is possible for this pin to still be pulled out if enough force is applied.)
What Is The Difference Between A Cotter Pin And A Split Pin?
A cotter pin is a type of fastener, usually used in machinery or to hold items together. This fastener has the shape of a “T” and what is called “cups.” The cups on one end fit inside the holes found at the opposite ends of another piece of equipment (or another object). Once inserted into place it will be difficult for it to come out without being forced – this makes them an ideal choice for something like rotating shafts that might otherwise shake loose if not securely attached. A split pin is different because only half attaches to each side while both ends have pointed tips that can enter pre-drilled holes. Cotter pins are more likely to be made from steel whereas split pins tend to be made from brass.
This type of fastener is called the cotter pin because it was first used by a Scotsman named James Cotter (Sr.). The idea came to him while he was trying to figure out how to keep two pieces of wire together and noticed that they fit snugly after being twisted in opposite directions. This aligns with what engineers call “interference fits,” which means parts will only twist in one direction instead of fitting loosely on two sides as screws or bolts do. In this way, Cotter’s new invention made for an especially strong connection between wire segments – so much so that even if someone pulled hard enough on one side, it wouldn’t come loose without also pulling equally as hard on the other side.
What Is A Hammerlock Cotter Pin?
A hammerlock cotter pin is one of the different types of cotter pins. The head and shank are forged to be integral, but they’re not welded together like a full-pinned construction would be. Instead, there’s an open channel that holds the top leg in place by means of a leaf spring or ball bearing inside it (in other words – both legs go through this slot). When you insert the free end into its hole on the opposite side from where you started, it’ll act as if your fingers were giving it a little squeeze: compressing around whatever’s holding it tight enough to keep everything secure without having to use any tools!
What Is A Clevis Pin Used For?
A clevis pin is one of the different types of cotter pins. A cotter pin that has an enlarged head on either end and little or no shank in between, used typically to attach a rope (or chain) to something like a sailboat boom. The round heads are easier for binding lines than, say, the flat ones of other varieties. You can also use them as part of brake systems by combining them with another type – such as spring clips (a non standardized term). When you want your brakes acting automatically when you let go at any point along their length, this will keep everything aligned just how it should be without having to pull anything tight manually!
How Many Types Of Pins Are There?
There are at least four different types of pins. They include cotter pins, spring clips, hitch pins, and safety wire or cable ties.