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.

 

[Guest]

Mine is option B:

MrBill will remember this incident...lol.

Ed

****

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

 

[Dogma]

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.

Yer talkin' sense here... So long as it can't fall out or rip your shin open, it's good.

I need to do a conversion to those. I don't know why I haven't thought of it yet. Especially when they're securing a service part.

I've also heard them called "R clips", but I doubt you'll find that in McMaster. Lemme see here.... Not listed by that, but searching by that name finds them.

https://www.mcmaster.com/r-clips
Hairpin cotter pins
Hitch pin clips
R-clips

 

[dorkburger]

Since we've strayed and answered the question...
I use a spring, R clip, whatever its called as a keychain holder for my work keys... standard keyring on the R clip, slip the straight end of the clip into my front pants pocket edge, the squiggly part out. Done and an easy grab for my many trips to my van throughout the day.

 

[RustyTank]

Since we've strayed and answered the question...
I use a spring, R clip, whatever its called as a keychain holder for my work keys... standard keyring on the R clip, slip the straight end of the clip into my front pants pocket edge, the squiggly part out. Done and an easy grab for my many trips to my van throughout the day.

Strayed is right! HA! I love it :adoration:

I'd purchased a few stock cotter pins, and after reading everyone's advice I decided to install the front one around and tucked, like so...

and on the rear I did it around the front and back, like so...

Thanks again fellers

 

[salty_monk]

I've been using the R clips for some time too although I'm not against using a spit pin either. I'll use them in places other than the wheel (brake torque arm etc). I just try to make them neat & bend the arms out of the way. On the wheels I used to bend both arma the same way sometimes (not good practice but it works) if I knew the wheel was coming off again soon.