Cotter pin

[malber]

This probably sounds like a stupid question, but what is size of this? I'm talking about the rear cotter pin. I got all the way to VIP without realizing that they come in different sizes.

[motoman]

If your talking bout the cotter key used on the rear axle nut..............use what fits, not a critical thing.

[John]

A 13/16 x 2 would be good, and you can just cut it to length when you bend it over.

[red bandit]

Originally posted by John
A 13/16 x 2

WOW That's one heck of a cotter pin. I take it you mean 3/16 X 2. I think I have 1/8 in mine. But like moto says...use what fits.

[prometheus578]

"Welcome back Cotter-pin."

It's nice and aesthetically pleasing if the pin fits tight and doesn't wiggle around. Most bikes doen't even use pins... relying instead on the friction of the nut and washer from allowing the nut to back off.
Like the others have mentioned, as long as there's something in the hole to stop the nut from loosening, you're OK.

[HobbyMan]

Just think what could possibly happen if the nut came off. That is why cars use them on the spindle holding the drum/disc on. As long as it fits and won't come off, it will work. I normally get the long ones so that I can use them on other things too. Just cut them to length. I must admit though, I have caught myself reusing them once or twice.

[80mdnt11]

Ahhhhhhh, The Good 'Ol Cotter Pin

Oh Yea, Cotter pin, saftey pin or saftey wire. Was racing indoor flat track on bikes in Ohio some many years ago.....
Was lining up for second heat, trying to find the sweet hole shot spot. Guy next to me bumps my arm & points at my front axle with the nut laying on the track! ( Yea I had swaped front wheels in between heats, better bite on the GoodYear) Pit hand came with wrench & cotter pin in hand! That could have been BAD!
Since then, racing, dayly ride or cage....... if it is criticle....cotter pin, saftey pin, saftey wire or lock-tite even if it doesn't need it!

[skids]

Re: Ahhhhhhh, The Good 'Ol Cotter Pin

Yeah, but you have to remember to do it!

Originally posted by 80mdnt11

Since then, racing, dayly ride or cage....... if it is criticle....cotter pin, saftey pin, saftey wire or lock-tite even if it doesn't need it!

[80mdnt11]

Touche! Was in a hurry then, have slowed down a-bit since then...........and alot more meticulous.

[TADracer]

Safety Note ??

As tempting as it might be, if you do not have a cotter pin, do not use a finishing nail in its place. I am not sure why but I have been told this is not very safe practice.

[Ken Talbot]

Waste of a perfectly good finishing nail?

[TopCatGr58]

A finishing touch!

Only if the finishing nail isn't the right diameter, too small which might allow the castle nut to spin past it? Also, the heads are not very large on finishing nails, again, it might slip thru and out?

I would think a common nail with larger head would be a better quick temp fix, but unless galvanized, would also rust soon!
T.C.

[Incubus]

I use a carriage pin. You can reuse them....

Patrick

[TADracer]

OK, I'm stupid but us New Orleans boys are still alittle goofy after Katrina. What is a carriage pin??

Succubus, I'll probably know what it is when you tell me but then we have funny names for things down here.

Median is a neutral ground, sidewalk is a banket, balcony is a veranda, French bread is...well, French bread..

[malber]

Hrm, haven't heard those terms, but isn't French bread called a baguette?