Clevis Pins & Retaining Clips

Clevis pins and retaining clips are strong, durable fasteners often used instead of bolts or rivets. Clevis pins, available in metric and imperial sizes, are made from steel or stainless steel and may be zinc plated for corrosion resistance.

Each clevis pin has a head on one end and a hole at the other to accept a retaining clip, allowing rotation between connected parts. Retaining clips, or R-clips, secure the pin in place, holding components on a shaft or in a bore, and can be installed or removed quickly without tools.

How Clevis Pins and Retaining Clips Work

Clevis pins are simple, unthreaded fasteners designed to hold components together while allowing rotation or movement. Because they lack threads, they are not subject to the tension failures common with bolts and can be quickly installed or removed without tools.

The pin passes through aligned holes in the connected parts, and a retaining clip (such as an R-clip) is inserted into the hole at the end of the pin to secure it in place. This setup provides a strong, reliable connection while enabling easy disassembly or adjustment when needed.

Features & Benefits of Clevis Pins and Retaining Clips

Clevis pins and retaining clips offer a simple yet highly effective fastening solution for a variety of applications. Key features and benefits include:

• High Shear Strength: Stainless steel clevis pins provide excellent shear resistance, making them ideal for load-bearing applications.
• Quick-Release Design: Using a clevis pin with an R-clip allows for rapid installation and removal, perfect for assemblies that require frequent maintenance.
• Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Zinc-plated or stainless steel options withstand harsh environments and reduce wear over time.
• Unthreaded Simplicity: Their unthreaded design eliminates tension-related failures and allows fast, tool-free assembly.
• Versatility: Available in both metric and imperial sizes, suitable for machinery, automotive, agricultural, and industrial applications.

Applications of Clevis Pins and Retaining Clips

Clevis pins and retaining clips are widely used in industrial and mechanical applications where secure, yet easily removable, connections are required.

• Construction: In construction, clevis pins are often used to secure scaffolding components, hoists, and temporary structures. Their unthreaded design allows quick assembly and disassembly without compromising strength.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing equipment frequently uses clevis pins and R-clips to connect moving parts, pivot joints, or guide rods. Examples include conveyor systems and robotic arm linkages where reliable, tool-free adjustments are needed.
• Furniture Installation: In furniture assembly, these pins are used for pivoting joints, modular fittings, or collapsible frames.
• Agricultural Machinery: Clevis pins are essential in agriculture for hitching trailers to tractors, attaching implements, and securing pivot points in ploughs, seeders, and harvesters.
• Automotive: Automotive applications include connecting control rods, throttle linkages, or suspension components. Clevis pins allow for fast maintenance and adjustment without the need for threaded fasteners.
• Marine: On boats, clevis pins are commonly used to secure sail rigging, attach pulleys, or fasten removable hardware. Stainless steel options resist corrosion in saltwater environments.
• DIY Projects: DIY enthusiasts use clevis pins for tool-free assembly of gym equipment, garden machinery, gates, and hobby projects, benefiting from the versatility and quick-release functionality.

Clevis Pins & Retaining Clips Types

Selecting the right clevis pin or retaining clip depends on the application, load requirements, and installation method.

They can be categorised into pins, clips, and standards for technical selection.

Pins

• Standard (Headed) Pins: Typical clevis pins with a fixed head, ideal for general pivoting and load-bearing connections.
• Grooved Clevis Pins: Designed with a groove at the end to secure snap rings or R-clips, enabling quick assembly and removal.
• Headless Pins: Smooth pins without a head, often used for temporary alignments or as dowel-type fasteners.

Clips

• Clevis Pin Clips / R-Clips (Hitch Pins): Snap-on clips that lock pins in place while allowing fast removal, ideal for frequent maintenance.
• Cotter Pins (Split Pins): Bendable metal pins that pass through a clevis pin hole to prevent movement or accidental release.
• Linch Pins: Heavy-duty pins with spring-loaded locking heads for high-load or vibration-prone applications.

Standards

• Metric Clevis Pins (DIN 1444): Designed to metric dimensions, commonly used in Australian industrial applications.
• Imperial Clevis Pins (ANSI): Sized in inches, ideal for older machinery or imported equipment using imperial fasteners.

How to Install Clevis Pins & Retaining Clips

Installing clevis pins and retaining clips is quick and straightforward, making them ideal for applications that require frequent assembly or maintenance.

1. Select the Correct Pin: Choose a clevis pin with the appropriate diameter, length, and material. Ensure the hole aligns with the parts being joined.
2. Insert the Pin: Push the unthreaded pin through the aligned holes of the components. Its smooth, unthreaded design allows quick installation without tools.
3. Secure with a Clip: Attach the retaining clip, R-clip, cotter pin, or linch pin into the hole at the opposite end of the clevis pin to lock it in place. This prevents the pin from sliding out during use.
4. Check for Fit and Movement: Ensure the pin is seated correctly and that connected parts can rotate or pivot as intended without binding.
5. Removal: For maintenance or repositioning, simply remove the clip and slide the pin out. The tool-free installation and removal make it ideal for frequent adjustments.

How to Choose the Right Clevis Pins & Retaining Clips

Selecting the correct clevis pin and retaining clip ensures secure, reliable, and durable connections. Consider the following factors:

• Grip Length: Measure the distance from the pin head to the hole. Ensure it matches the combined thickness of the components being joined.
• Shank Diameter: Choose a diameter that fits snugly in the assembly without excessive play while maintaining required shear strength.
• Material: Stainless steel clevis pins are ideal for marine, food-grade, or corrosion-prone environments, while standard steel pins suit general industrial applications.
• Type of Clip: Select a retaining clip that matches the intended use. R-clips and linch pins are suitable for frequent removal, while cotter pins are better for semi-permanent assemblies.

How to Order Clevis Pins & Retaining Clips in Australia

Find the right clevis pins and retaining clips in Australia for construction, manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, and marine. We supply high-quality standard, grooved, and stainless steel clevis pins from trusted brands such as RS PRO. Explore our catalogue to source clevis pin sets, clinch nuts, and nut and bolt kits for secure fastening, pivoting joints, or quick-release applications.

Ordering is simple: select the pins or clip sets you need, add them to your basket, and complete your purchase securely online. For full details on delivery times, costs, and coverage across Australia, refer to our Delivery Information page.