Cotter/Split pin size

[pleekh]

Hi, I just took out my hub bearing for cleaning/inspection. Should I reuse my split/Cotter pin? It looks like I could reuse it. If not, what pin size I should buy as there are many various sizes?

Thanks.

[Chris Caton]

depends how much you value your rib & trailer, if the split pin breaks and the hub falls off ..................... even Halfords do split pin kits with an assortment of sizes that should do the job, for the price of a split pin is it worth it

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by pleekh

Should I reuse my split/Cotter pin? It looks like I could reuse it. If not, what pin size I should buy as there are many various sizes?

Easy way would be to take the used one in to the shop and buy the same size.

jky

[Martyn57]

I wouldn't ever reuse a split pin, once used they can break when bent again.
I am just regreasing my bearings and found that on the last " proper service", the split pins used were a size too small. So you can't always trust what is currently installed.
Best bet is to either get a selection and find the one that fits without being slack or use the shank of a drill bit to get the size.

[j.i.wilson]

And use stainless ones.

[jyasaki]

For trailer bearings, I don't think stainless is really required. They're pretty much bathed in grease or oil, depending on hub config; cotter pin corrosion should not be an issue (if it is, you've got bigger lubrication problems.)

For prop nuts, yes, stainless all the way.

jky

[paddlers]

Agree with jky but I bought a big packet of stainless mixed split pins on ebay that have been really useful for rollers on the trailer etc and I replace all with new stainless !

[jbavvo]

I ordered a box of over 100 stainless split pins In several different sizes for about a fiver incl P&P on eBay. Saves fiddling about trying to buy them when you need them, plus good for my props