D: Cross-section of a new split pin A new split pin (see figure A) has its flat inner surfaces touching for most of its length so that it appears to be a split cylinder (figure D). Once inserted, the two ends of the pin are bent apart, locking it in place (figure B). When they are removed they are supposed to be discarded and replaced, because of
fatigue from bending. Split pins are typically made of soft metal, making them easy to install and remove, but also making it inadvisable to use them to resist strong shear forces. Common materials include
mild steel,
brass,
bronze,
stainless steel, and
aluminium.
Types The most common type of split pin is the extended prong with a square cut, but extended prongs are available with all of the other types of ends. The extended prong type is popular because the difference in length of the two tines makes it easier to separate them. To ease insertion into a hole the longer tine may be slightly curved to overlap the tip of the shorter tine or it is beveled. Types include
standard,
humped and
clinch.
Sizes The diameters of split pins are standardized. American split pins start at in and end at in. Metric conversions in the table below are approximate. ==Applications==