Cotter pins (warning: stupid question)

[Soujyu]

What is the part number for the cotter pins used on the axle nuts? For some stupid reason, I can't find them on Cheap Cycle Parts' diagrams.

(Or, if I can substitute other generic cotter pins, it would save me a lot of $.)

[OldGuy]

Cotter pins are cotter pins. Head to your local Ace Hardware (or what ever is in your area) with your used one and get one out of the bin.

[utahninja]

I just bought a box of 555 cotter pins (assorted sizes) from Harbor Freight. It was only $4 on clearance and should be a lifetime supply.

[Soujyu]

Are there any special requirements for what cotter pins I put into the axle nuts (other than it fits, of course)?

(I happen to have a Harbor Freight Tools on the way back to my home.)

[OldGuy]

They should be just slightly smaller than the hole. If too small they will allow the nut some movement. Other than that . . .

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by utahninja

I just bought a box of 555 cotter pins (assorted sizes) from Harbor Freight. It was only $4 on clearance and should be a lifetime supply.

Lifetime supply for sure.

[bdavison]

Yeah, I did the same thing...bought a bag of em at harbor freight. They work fine. Ive got one of the harbor freight ones in the rear castle nut right now.

[kkim]

I agree, any cotter pin that fits properly will work.

I use a hitch pin clip on my rear axle in place of a cotter pin, though.

[backinthesaddleagain]

How about a box of 555 oil drain plug crush washers?

[utahninja]

I didn't see the crush washers when I was at Harbor Freight. LOL!

[ithaca00]

Use either a hitch pin (hairpin clip) or a safety pin


Both are indefinitely reusable and, if you're ever on the road, you don't have to worry about finding new cotter pins. The safety pins are my preference since they actually "lock" on.

[kkim]

Ryan,

Where can I get those safety pins?

[ithaca00]

Check your local hardware stores. My local Ace doesn't have them but I think my local "mom and pop" shop does (I can't remember where I bought the two I've used for 50,000 miles). I'll find out for sure this weekend as I need more for the race bike.

The website that I "borrowed" that image from is Fastenal. I'm not sure that they have them in Hawaii but it has descriptions that you could take around to local shops.

[kkim]

I've never seen them before. I'll start looking around locally to see if I can't scare some up.

thanks

[ithaca00]

If you can't find them locally, here's a place to start your search online...

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...99609316&Nty=0

[kkim]

offhand, would you happen to know which of the pins in the link you listed would be about the right size to use our rear wheel axle?

[ithaca00]

honestly, any of them. I'd probably go with the thickest one that'll fit in the hole and with a clip length of <2" or so. I can measure the hole tomorrow when I'm working on the bike.

You can generally get thicker hairpin clips which offer a more "positive" lock but I still like the safety clips better since they can't "pop" out.

[kkim]

thanks for any help you can provide just in case I need to order some online.

when it comes to guessing at stuff like this, I'm horrible and most times end up with stuff the wrong size.

[Gorilla25]

so, any one know the size of the thickest hick pin that will fit? i'd like to get some for the front and back.

[leed]

Not sure about the actual size (less than 1/8" in Diameter), but it doesn't have to be that close to the actual size. To break the pin, it'd have to shear, given that it's threaded, the amount of force (really torque) required to do that would be rather high.

[Gorilla25]

sounds good. gonna pick up some later this week before i start my R1 shock swap. i'd re-use the cotter pin, but its kinda messed up already from taking it out the 1st time to adjust my chain slack.

[randy328]

I buy the "safety pins" from Harbor Freight. Assorted box, probably near the cotter pins.

[Gorilla25]

dont got a harbor freight here. Im going to city mill later, though

[leed]

I went ahead and checked the size of the cotter pins with a caliper. The rear I have is ~.135" in in diameter, and the front is ~.115" in diameter. These are approximations because I measured the cotter pins "height" and not the doubled width. And I think my front cotter pin is a little small anyways.

I know decimals are dumb, so to give you an idea 1/8" is .125" (my previous statement was incorrect, my apologies!) It's to the better of my understanding, though, that hitch pins aren't sold with diameters. If you go with a hitch pin, it's more important that it will fit around the axle!