Cotter Pin Question

[MikeinSaudi]

Hi everyone,

As usual i have thoroughly checked to see if there is an answer to my question elsewhere but haven't found it.

There is no cotter pin for my bike (78 GS550E) so i was going to order one.... which of the following is the right size:

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/fasteners/cotter-pins/2.5%3d2mm-sgl-spring-cotter-pin-zandy/p/ZT1118909X#productDetails

or could anyone send a link to what i need so that i can get dimensions etc.

As ever thank for all the help!

504E34DD-8FAC-44A8-8E9C-B14DBC474AA3 by Mike Balmer, on Flickr

[Sandy]

Where might this cotter pin be going? Between rear brake arm, footpegs, handlebar controls as well as front and rear axles there are several of different sizes. Personally I would just try a local hardware or auto parts store if that's available, maybe buy an assortment.

[Rijko]

if you're going to order just one, try a site like Partzilla or CMSNL.

Here's the page for your bike : link
Select "REAR WHEEL (GS550EC)"

The cotter pin is part nr 10. (1 euro)

pincotter_big0411140308-01_6366.jpg

[rphillips]

Dang, is your axle in backwards, seems like that nut should be on the other side. I don't know about others, but I've always used, what I call, hair pin clips. They are spring loaded & kind'f look like a hair (bobby) pin. have a loop on the end, just push them in & pull them out, spring tension keeps them tight. Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, O'Rileys. whatever size fits the hole in the axle.

[Grimly]

Hi everyone,

As usual i have thoroughly checked to see if there is an answer to my question elsewhere but haven't found it.

There is no cotter pin for my bike (78 GS550E) so i was going to order one.... which of the following is the right size:

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/fasteners/cotter-pins/2.5%3d2mm-sgl-spring-cotter-pin-zandy/p/ZT1118909X#productDetails

or could anyone send a link to what i need so that i can get dimensions etc.

As ever thank for all the help!

504E34DD-8FAC-44A8-8E9C-B14DBC474AA3 by Mike Balmer, on Flickr

Ah, split pin.
The R-shaped clips are just R-pins.
Endless confusion abounds.
However, the R-clips are so cheap you can get them locally (agri stockists have bags of them) in various sizes to suit, and have plenty of spares.

Wiki has it right, for a change - just that UK usage tends to be more specific referring to split pins where needed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotter_(pin)

[Rob S.]

Aren't R-pins more expensive than cotter pins, and better because they're reusable?

I had to reverse my rear axle when I switched from the V&H Street Megaphone to the SS exhaust.

[rphillips]

R-pins are what I call hair pins, work great. I Just never saw a GS with axle in that way. Not that it should make any difference.

[cowboyup3371]

Hit your local hardware store

[Brendan W]

Personally I prefer the split pin. The R clip is fine where you are opening up frequently.
However a lot of them seem to corrode very quickly.
The split pin should be thrown away after one use.
That tends not to happen.

[steveb922]

I bought a pack of each (split pins and R clips) several years ago. Plenty to replace everything on the bike, and have a load left over.

http://www.custom-fasteners.co.uk/bolts-nuts-washers-screws/split-pins/pack-of-assorted-stainless-steel-split-cotter-pins-approx-40-pcs.html

http://www.custom-fasteners.co.uk/bolts-nuts-washers-screws/r-clips/script-made-update-pack-of-20-assorted-r-clips.html

[mrbill5491]

Hair pins belong in the hair. Cotter pins!

[Grimly]

Hair pins belong in the hair. Cotter pins!

Cotter is the overall term; split, R, taper and other types narrow it down.
For example, mention 'cotter pin' to most Brits and they think of ancient bicycle pedals - which is where the older generation would have encountered them. Nasty things that always got loose in service and no amount of casual brutality with a hammer would fix them. The idea of taking the thing apart, cleaning up the surfaces and fitting a new pin wasn't in their purview.

[wyly]

I wouldn't buy something so common online the shipping price is ridiculous. I went to an auto parts store and bought a bag of assorted sizes(probably 50 in the bag) for less than $5.

[Brendan W]

Cotter is the overall term; split, R, taper and other types narrow it down.
For example, mention 'cotter pin' to most Brits and they think of ancient bicycle pedals - which is where the older generation would have encountered them. Nasty things that always got loose in service and no amount of casual brutality with a hammer would fix them. The idea of taking the thing apart, cleaning up the surfaces and fitting a new pin wasn't in their purview.

Ah, the good old days.
Do you think that might be where the idea of VVT came from

[MikeinSaudi]

Thanks guys, as ever great advice and bags of info too.

Right im off back to Saudi for another few months, tidying up the workshop today before i go and reassembling the brake callipers to see what needs replacing.

Thanks again for all your help over the past couple of weeks