Formerly, it was common to mount
bicycle cranks using a cotter, although now a more easily maintained arrangement is typically used, such as a square tapered or splined interface. These cotters have a short
threaded section at the narrower end of the taper, which is used to hold the cotter in place with a
washer and
nut. They are also used to secure
ceiling fans to prevent falling if the mounting nut loosens. ==See also==