Can I get a cotter pin from the hardware store?

[Steve]

We have to get Steve involved with this. He'll set us all straight! Lol 😃

Hey,wait just a minute there, Storm ol' boy. You are making it sound like I have a reputation to live up to.

I have never considered myself to be an authority on the subject, so I'll just share what I have heard over the years.

I have always heard that this is a Cotter pin.


I have always heard that this is a hitch pin clip, but my kids, who worked in the carnival circuit setting up and taking down rides, called them "R-keys":



But here is the final authority on the matter:

[bwringer]

Now with "split pins" (which is clearer wording than cotter pins, I think, but not common the US), there's the next great Holy War, which is orientation. Should these be bent around the end of the bolt or around the nut?

Turns out either works, and the preference depends on environment.

In aviation, the latter (tail bent around bolt) is preferred. Some manuals mention the other way (around the nut) might be better in some situations if it's a tight space and it might reduce the chance of snagging and ripping the next mechanic's flesh open.

https://www.flight-mechanic.com/safetying-methods-part-three/

[Noreg]

Now with "split pins" (which is clearer wording than cotter pins, I think, but not common the US), there's the next great Holy War, which is orientation. Should these be bent around the end of the bolt or around the nut?

Turns out either works, and the preference depends on environment.

In aviation, the latter (tail bent around bolt) is preferred. Some manuals mention the other way (around the nut) might be better in some situations if it's a tight space and it might reduce the chance of snagging and ripping the next mechanic's flesh open.
https://www.flight-mechanic.com/safe...ds-part-three/

Thank you for this, I was pondering about that last time what orientation was correct, now I won't have to worry about it.

As for the name of the pin, I see that is a sensitive topic, I was thinking of the R-looking pin. If I understand correctly I can use whatever I wan't, but I shouldn't dare use the wrong word for it :P

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Right. So, it’s not important to what you call them. Common names vary by region, no right or wrong. What’s important is the application. I believe I’ve got the two types applied properly in this one photo. “R” clip in the torque arm bolt. “Split” clip through the axle/slotted axle nut.

[rphillips]

It does depend on your location. Here, a 10 penny nail in the axle nut, bent on the outer end & a piece of #9 wire in the torque arm bolt, bent on both ends. Dang, I just thought everybody knew.

[Rijko]

This has arisen before and caused confusion between nations.
Who can forget the Great Cotter Pin War between Rightonia and Leftoveria because some careless draughtsman wrongly labelled a part as a cotter pin and the Navy of the Leftover Alliance lost a cookhouse with all pots because of a pin. War ensued and cakes were thrown, but the hard-baked cakes of the Rightonia Army proved too much and the Leftovers sued for peace (and jam).

I like your sense of humor

[Steve]

I like your sense of humor

What "humor"?

That's all FACT.

(in his somewhat vivid imagination. )

.

[allojohn]

What!.... a cotter pin is what a split pin or "R" pin goes through to hold in place! It's generally smooth - no thread.

[Rijko]

I'm getting a vibe from this thread .... you Lilliputians ! Stop this !

[Rich82GS750TZ]

But wait. The 3rd tee (Wherever that is) and The Netherlands have weighed in.

And I think Horshack has some thoughts on the topic as well

[Agemax]

Right. So, it’s not important to what you call them. Common names vary by region, no right or wrong. What’s important is the application. I believe I’ve got the two types applied properly in this one photo. “R” clip in the torque arm bolt. “Split” clip through the axle/slotted axle nut.

Your R CLIP is fitted upside down. Should go in from the top, less chance of it falling out.
I always use R CLIPS instead of SPLIT PINS as they can be re-used again and again, and are easily removable with fingers, rather than pliers or side cutters.
R CLIPS can be secured with lock wire over the open end if desired to prevent theft or falling out, but then you would need cutters or pliers to remove the lockwire when you need to remove it.
Also you can attach the R CLIP to a suitable available hole with a length of lockwire so when removed it just dangles there and wont get lost.
Well this is the English version of R CLIP fitting anyway

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Your R CLIP is fitted upside down. Should go in from the top, less chance of it falling out.

noted. Thanks

[Grimly]

What!.... a cotter pin is what a split pin or "R" pin goes through to hold in place! It's generally smooth - no thread.

Don't dare mention bicycles, and the cotter pins on them

[allojohn]

Don't dare mention bicycles, and the cotter pins on them

Exactly!! .

[allojohn]

But wait. The 3rd tee (Wherever that is)

Next to a golf course in Western MN.