Cotter Pin Installation

[RustyTank]

Folks, I got some stock cotter pins for the wheels of my 79 GS850G. How do you like to fit your cotter pins?


A: wrap each side around the nut?



B: Or snip it a bit, wrap one side around the outside of the bolt and one side around the inside of the nut?
I've seen this done both ways. What say you?

[Brendan W]

I was always told the the second way was the correct fitment.

[Sandy]

I don't know which is correct but the rear I do as step 2 and the front as step 1 because I got tired of snagging my pants on the protruding ends.

[Cipher]

how did they come from Nihon?
I cannot recall just recall my snagging the wash mitt all the time.

I wrap mine around either way they are not coming out.

[bwringer]

I figure the practices used in airplanes are the best tested and most rigorous.

Either is acceptable for a castellated nut in aviation, although the latter in your photos is preferred.

For example, many use the first in tight spaces to reduce snagging and bloodshed, or if pliers access is restricted.

You're also supposed to trim the excess and tuck the tails. I'll usually trim if needed, but tucking isn't always practical.


One overview -- Google around for "aviation" and "cotter pin" or "split pin" and you'll find similar info.

https://www.kitplanes.com/best-practices-safety-hardware/

Another:

http://aviationmiscmanuals.tpub.com/TM-1-1500-204-23-6/css/TM-1-1500-204-23-6_87.htm

[earlfor]

I don't think it makes any difference how the bend is. I stopped using them and went to the spring steel clamping cotter pin type for most things.

[rphillips]

Don't see any wrong answers, a small bent nail will work just fine, but i'm with earl. He calls them "spring steel clamping cotter pins", I call them "hair pin clips". No bending nor trimming, just push in & pull out. Available in as many sizes as cotter pins.

[RustyTank]

I don't think it makes any difference how the bend is. I stopped using them and went to the spring steel clamping cotter pin type for most things.

Don't see any wrong answers, a small bent nail will work just fine, but i'm with earl. He calls them "spring steel clamping cotter pins", I call them "hair pin clips". No bending nor trimming, just push in & pull out. Available in as many sizes as cotter pins.

You guys are talkin bout these guys right here, yeah?

[RustyTank]

I figure the practices used in airplanes are the best tested and most rigorous.

Either is acceptable for a castellated nut in aviation, although the latter in your photos is preferred.

For example, many use the first in tight spaces to reduce snagging and bloodshed, or if pliers access is restricted.

You're also supposed to trim the excess and tuck the tails. I'll usually trim if needed, but tucking isn't always practical.


One overview -- Google around for "aviation" and "cotter pin" or "split pin" and you'll find similar info.

https://www.kitplanes.com/best-practices-safety-hardware/

Another:

http://aviationmiscmanuals.tpub.com/TM-1-1500-204-23-6/css/TM-1-1500-204-23-6_87.htm

Per the ushe, bwringer, you provided wonderful info. Thanks bud.

[earlfor]

You guys are talkin bout these guys right here, yeah?

Yep. They come in any size imaginable. Been using one on the rear axle nut on the bike forever.

[rphillips]

How long is forever earl?? I bought my 1st GS in "78" a used "77" GS750, The orig owner had put one in the rear axle, so my forever started 42 years ago

[earlfor]

How long is forever earl?? I bought my 1st GS in "78" a used "77" GS750, The orig owner had put one in the rear axle, so my forever started 42 years ago

Don't remember exactly. lol

[GSXR7ED]

Mine is option B:



MrBill will remember this incident...lol.

Ed

****

[earlfor]

Mine is option B:



MrBill will remember this incident...lol.

Ed

****

I use the spring clips there.

[mrbill5491]

Mine is option B:



MrBill will remember this incident...lol.

Ed

****

Hahahahaha yup remember it will. NO SPRING CLIPS. Cotter pins.