R-clip
Encyclopedia
An R-clip, also known as an R-pin, R-key, hairpin cotter pin, hairpin cotter, bridge pin, hitch pin or spring cotter pin, is a fastener
made of a springy material, commonly hardened metal wire, resembling the shape of the letter "R".
R-clips are commonly used to secure the ends of round shafts such as axle
s and clevis pin
s. The straight leg of the R-clip is pushed into a hole near one end of the shaft until the semicircular "belly" in the middle of the other, bent leg of the R-clip grips one side of the shaft resisting any force removing the R-clip from its hole. To assist insertion the end of the bent leg is angled away from the straight leg. This angled end rides the side of the shaft and opens the "belly" mouth enough to pass the widest part of the shaft as the R-clip is inserted.
There is also a double loop variety when a wider range of suitable shafts is required. It also spreads out the stresses more evenly for a longer life.
This type of pin is usually made of round wire of a harder metal than is appropriate for traditional cotter pins.
R-clips are similar in function to split pins and linchpin
s. Compared to split pins, they are easier to remove and are re-usable.
Fastener
A fastener is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together.Fasteners can also be used to close a container such as a bag, a box, or an envelope; or they may involve keeping together the sides of an opening of flexible material, attaching a lid to a container,...
made of a springy material, commonly hardened metal wire, resembling the shape of the letter "R".
R-clips are commonly used to secure the ends of round shafts such as axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
s and clevis pin
Clevis pin
A clevis fastener is a three piece fastener system consisting of a clevis, clevis pin, and tang. The clevis is a U-shaped piece that has holes at the end of the prongs to accept the clevis pin. The clevis pin is similar to a bolt, but is only partially threaded or unthreaded with a cross-hole for a...
s. The straight leg of the R-clip is pushed into a hole near one end of the shaft until the semicircular "belly" in the middle of the other, bent leg of the R-clip grips one side of the shaft resisting any force removing the R-clip from its hole. To assist insertion the end of the bent leg is angled away from the straight leg. This angled end rides the side of the shaft and opens the "belly" mouth enough to pass the widest part of the shaft as the R-clip is inserted.
There is also a double loop variety when a wider range of suitable shafts is required. It also spreads out the stresses more evenly for a longer life.
This type of pin is usually made of round wire of a harder metal than is appropriate for traditional cotter pins.
R-clips are similar in function to split pins and linchpin
Linchpin
A linchpin, also spelled linch pin, lynchpin, or lynch pin, is a fastener used to prevent a wheel or other rotating part from sliding off the axle it is riding on. The word is first attested in the 14th century and derives from Middle English elements meaning "axletree pin".Securing implements onto...
s. Compared to split pins, they are easier to remove and are re-usable.