Barb Pins / Studs

About Driv-Lok Barb pins and studs

The barbs are located at 120° intervals on the diameter of the pin. The number of barbs along the length of the pin and the distance between the barbs are determined by pin diameter and customer requirements. The crests of the barbs constitute the expanded diameter. This diameter of the barbed pin is measured on the second barb from the end using a ring gauge.

BARB-LOK Pins and Studs are made from low-carbon steel or aluminum. Low-carbon barb pins are often zinc plated for corrosion resistance, but pins from either material can be finished in other ways, depending on the customer’s needs. Be sure to contact a Driv-Lok engineer to determine the best material, size, and type of barb pin or stud for your application.

Typical function of barb pins and studs

Barbed pin holding power is affected by the pin diameter relative to the hole diameter and material hardness. The recommended hole size for most soft plastic applications is .001 to .005 below the nominal pin diameter. Hole sizes for hard plastic and aluminum applications should be greater than the nominal pin diameter, but specific hole sizes should be determined based on each application.

Barb pins and studs are ideal for assemblies that require tamper resistance. They are often used in plastic assemblies to hold two parts together with positive holding force. They can also secure handles and knobs for applications such as doors, handles, drawers, and more while reducing assembly time. Type 1 barbed pins are particularly useful where secure locking is required on one surface, and the unbarbed portion of the pin aligns with a hole on a second surface.