Losing Pins

[CobyRupert]

I found that they stay in better when I don't put them in backwards*!!

(*: i.e. flip the ring to the wrong side)

 

[Wagtail]

I lost quite a few lynch pins until I started buying the heavy duty black ones at Tractor Supply for 99 cents. So far I have not lost one. I like the zip tie idea but cutting them off will require a sharp knife. Zip ties and Velcro are two of the greatest inventions in modern time.

I agree about the benefits of using a tie-wrap (zip-tie)... I've found that they'll come off just as easily with a twist using a pair of 'needle-nose' pliers. I always carry a Gerber/Leatherman multi-tool on my belt so having one available isn't a problem.

 

[Mad Mac]

On the other hand, for nigh on 40 years
the pin for the lift arm on this old tractor
has been kept in place by a bent nail.

Old school. Low tech. Poor boy. Field expedient. Never have lost a bent nail.

 

[dickfoster]

So what's happened or is wrong with bailing wire? I'm sure they still make it.

 

[oosik]

Hey - my tractor using bent over cotter keys is exactly the same as using a bent nail. If, for whatever reason, I loose the cotter keys they most certainly will be replaced with a bent nail.

 

[Mad Mac]

A simple loop like the one on the left in the picture below works fine if the pin is long enough. Some other clips have very short pins and the tie can slip over the end of the pin and become useless. For those I use a figure eight knot like the clip on the right. First take a bite around the pin above the ring then around the ring and zip it up.

 

[roadhunter]

So what's happened or is wrong with bailing wire? I'm sure they still make it.

Bailing wire holds the valve handles to the assembly just fine on my old 54 Farmall Super M.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Linch pins are fine for attaching the mower etc but the 3PT linkage itself really needs more reliable connectors as you rarely take them off and the consequences of having a 3PT come apart while under strain can be disastrous. I use some clevis pins with steel rings but I still think that an appropriately sized bolt and nylon lock nut is the safest way to go.

,,,,,,:thumbsup: This is the only thing Iv found to be totally effective.