Split Pins - Imperial - Self Colour

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.

Steel products described as having a self colour finish are best suited to internal applications, as they have no additional protection against corrosion. The shade of a self colour finish can vary from bright metal to black, and it will change over time with oxidisation.

If you plan to use self colour finishes outdoors you should paint them to give them a protective coating.