How to Choose the Right Spring Pin

Spring pins, also commonly known as split or tension pins, are a common form of fastener that can be used to secure two or more parts together in an assembly. Spring pins are constructed from coiled spring steel or other similar materials, and their design permits them to compress and expand to fit snugly within a hole, creating a secure and highly reliable connection. As spring pins often vary in terms of their exact specifications and design, it can be beneficial to have a basic understanding of how to choose the right spring pin for your needs.

In general, there are two main types of spring pins: slotted spring pins and coiled spring pins. Slotted spring pins feature two slots cut into their sides, creating four legs that expand upon the pin being inserted within the hole of a workpiece. On the other hand, coiled spring pins are constructed from a single piece of wire that is coiled into a spiral shape, and this allows for the pin to compress and expand when inserted into a hole to create a tight and secure fit.

When choosing between a spring pin or a coiled pin, there are a few things that one should consider. First, the slotted spring pin is considered easier to install and remove, making it a good choice for applications that are regularly disassembled. Additionally, slotted spring pins also have a low likelihood of causing deformities to the hole or surrounding material they are installed in. Despite these various benefits, coiled pins are known for achieving stronger and more reliable connections, making them a better choice for applications where assemblies may be faced with heavy loads or vibrational forces. If a hole is a blind hole, then a coiled spring pin may also be the best option as a slotted spring pin may become stuck in the hole during the insertion process.

While deciding which spring pin subtype best suits your needs surely is important, so too is deciding what materials, diameters, and lengths are necessary for the application at hand. In terms of material, the choice should allow for the pin to be strong and durable enough to withstand the general forces and stressors that it will face. Commonly, spring pins are made from carbon steel or stainless steel, the former being cheaper and more popular while the latter is more resistant to corrosion and extreme temperatures.

When it comes down to diameter, the value should be slightly larger than the hole so that a tight fit is established, but not so large that it would damage surrounding materials when inserted. Additionally, the length of the pin should be sufficient to hold parts together securely, but not so long that the pin protrudes from the surface of the material. As spring pins are readily available in both metric and imperial sizes, finding the perfect fit can be done with ease.

If you find yourself in need of spring pins or other various fasteners, look no further than Stacked NSN and our unrivaled inventory of items. Here on our website, we provide customers access to over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find components, all of which are presented with competitive pricing and rapid lead times for your benefit. With our online RFQ forms, customers can quickly and easily request quotes for their comparisons on items of interest, and we guarantee tailored responses within 15 minutes of receiving and reviewing a completed form. You may also give us a call or email at any time, and we would be more than happy to assist you however we can as your strategic sourcing partner!

1. andrew brown
2. Posted on May 11, 2023
aviation

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