Aaaarggggh! I broke it! Help!

Phred · Aug 5, 2003

I don't think the pin on the right should be needed. Is the large hitch pin to small of a pin for the hitch hole? On all my implements the head of the pin is larger than the hole and you could not get it to slip out with a big hammer..
If you tried to use a cat 1 pin on a cat2 implement you would need the pin on the right, but thats not a good idea.

I find the flip pins posted above to be very relaible. The only time one came loose was when I left it on the top of the tire by mistake..... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif but thats not really the pins fault now is it.
I buy the cheapest I can find usually TSC specials.

Maybe talk over your setup with the dealer, it seems strange that a pin would cause that damage.

Fred

Mrwurm · Aug 5, 2003

Fred, all I can tell you is that the inexpensive cat1 implements that I have bought at the now defunct 'Farm n Fleet' all have holes that are a bit too large for Cat1 pins. I think these holes are burned or punched through the metal. Not very accurate at all. Also, the head on a cat1 pin (like the one shown) is only about 1/8in radius bigger than the shaft. This means that implement manufactures need to produce a pretty accurate hole. The attachments I have are just not accurate enough.

jinman · Aug 5, 2003

Jerry, I agree with you that many implements have toplink pin holes that are too large for the flanged pins. I used to put two washers on my pin to keep it from falling out on my Danuser blade and a Howse boxblade. I quit using standard pins recently. I use the ones with a flared handle on one end.

JerryG · Aug 5, 2003

Re: Aaaarggggh! I broke it! Help!

Yes, there are some manufactures that for some reason unknown to me, make the holes larger than they need to. I have one specialty piece of equipment that was not inexpensive, it has the over size holes. They did send a pin to put into it, it looks like a very large rivet. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

MLB · Aug 6, 2003

( I've never had a problem either. Snap pins like this are in use by the thousands on tractors of all horsepower levels. The most common occurance where they come out is on the draft links when a stiff weed or stick happens to push into the ring and flip it open. That would be less likely to happen on the top link pin.

Although most of these pins look alike, there actually are slight differences in the designs of some. In particular, for most pins, the snap lock action is not the same if flipped one way vs. the other. The correct way makes a hard (sometimes finger pinching) snap. The other way may look closed but is not a hard snap. On other designs, the hard snap occurs either way.

I think you probably experienced a fluke occurance. Please reconsider your statement to not use snap ring pins again. The alternative hairpin style clips could also come out, and for sure, you don't want to be putting in a bolt and nut.

JackIL )

Do a search on pins and you'll find discussions. LOTS of guys (myself included) have lost those pins, sometimes with disatrous results.

Hoeman00 · Aug 6, 2003

( Jerry and Jim, Prior to yesterday, I was using another hitch pin for the top link. It used a "hairpin" (I know what they are). Guess which hitch pin I will use from now on?
)
Shrike were u using a hitch pin or the short top link pin?
If u had too long of a pin in it and the pin moves to the side it could stick out too much and hit when lifted.
The pin shouldn't be any longer than needed to clear the ears on the bracket.

MadReferee · Aug 6, 2003

RE: safety wiring

Here is how I do it. On the racing bikes the tech inspector actually counted wraps.

Get some small diameter safety wire from your local hardware store for a couple of bucks. On the open end of the hairpin wrap 3-5 loops around the pin just at the bend in the end of the pin. Pigtail the two ends by wrapping them around each other at least 5-7 times. This technique will prevent the pin from coming out.

Mrwurm · Aug 6, 2003

Ok, I get it. Thanks.

mikim · Aug 6, 2003

Jim - "flared handle" you mean like the red handle pins you (we) use on the bucket hook chains? btw - I still find that setup handier than u can imagine.

jinman · Aug 6, 2003

Exactly, Mike. I still have some of the old style pins, but every new one I buy will be the same style as the ones we use for our loader hooks. BTW, I noticed your hooks in the refrigerator moving thread. I use mine all the time too. If I ever go to a quick-attach bucket, I may have to give up those hooks and that would take some gettin' used to.