Split Pins - Imperial - A2 Stainless Steel

Split pins, also known as cotter pins or split cotter pins, are a type of metal fastener used in engineering applications to hold nuts and other components in position.

Split pins are made from a heavy wire and are semi-circular in section. Each pin has two legs that are bent into position once the pin has been inserted – usually through a small hole in a shaft or a bolt.

To insert a split pin, offer the legs of the pin up to the hole in the component and tap the pin through until the head of the split pins meets resistance. Then grasp the legs of the pin and bend them outwards to lock the pin and component in position.

Imperial is a generic term used to describe threads that were in common use before the metric standard was adopted. Types of imperial threads include UNC, UNF, BSW, BSF, BA etc. Many of these thread types are still commonly used today.

A2 stainless steel is often referred to as 304 or 18/8 Stainless. 18/8 actually refers to the amount of chromium and nickel in the alloy - 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

A2 stainless is the most common type of steel used for the manufacture of fasteners and is suitable for general use.