Custom Groove Pins
Why choose Custom Groove Pins?
Driv-Lok is well-known for short lead times on custom groove pins and studs. We manufacture fasteners according to customer needs, supplying them as quickly as possible to specification because we know that every day counts in today’s competitive environment. Our customers trust us to provide custom pins how and when they need them, and we are always looking to improve on our already short lead times so that our customers can succeed.
Description
A quick introduction to grooved pins
Grooved pins are commonly used as locking devices, pivots, bearing faces, and locating elements in assemblies. They are typically manufactured from unhardened, low-carbon steel and zinc-plated, but we have a wide range of finishes and heat treatments available for pins that require high shear resistance. The expanded portion of the pin is compressed by insertion into the previously drilled hole, and radial forces lock the pin securely in place. The amount of expansion on the pin depends on its diameter, material, and groove style.
The pin’s groove is formed by a swaging operation in which three tools penetrate the metal’s nominal diameter at 120° intervals. This penetration displaces a controlled amount of metal to each side of the grooving tool, forming a raised portion along the side of each groove. Grooved pins and studs come in a wide range of sizes, including diameters, lengths, and end configurations.
For custom groove pins and studs, Driv-Lok’s engineering team will work with you to understand your requirements and application and determine the best fastening solution. We’ll determine the right size and type that meets your needs and the right finish or surface treatment if increased hardness is needed.
Pins & Studs
The Types of Grooved Pins
Customizations of standard grooved pin types can be done, such as groove length modifications, exact application requirements, and more.
Type A
The Type A Pin has three full-length tapered grooves. This popular type of pin is used in applications requiring excellent locking effect and ease of assembly and is widely used in place of taper pins, rivets, set screws, and keys. Typical applications include keying sprockets, gears, collars, knobs, handles, levers, and wheels to shafts.
Type C
The Type C Pin has three parallel grooves extending one-quarter of its overall length, making it ideally suited for linkage or pivot applications, especially where a relatively short locking section and longer free length are required. This pin is widely used in certain hinge applications because the long lead permits easy insertion.
Type E
Type E has three parallel half-length grooves located equidistant from each end and is widely used as a T handle on valves and tools. It is also used as a cross pin, cotter pin, or pivot pin where center locking is required.
Type G
Type G has three parallel half-length grooves, including a pilot. It is a very versatile pin, suitable for use in both blind and through holes as a spring anchor pin. The annular groove opposite the locking end anchors the end loop of a tension spring. If snap or retainer rings are to be used, special section annular grooves can be machined to order.
Type H
Type H has three parallel grooves for half the pin’s length. This type of pin may be used as a pivot, stop, or hinge pin. When pressed in place, the grooved portion locks in one part while the ungrooved section remains free to serve as the locator hinge.
Type U
Type U has three parallel grooves extending the full length of the pin, and a short pilot at each end permits hopper or automatic feeding. Identical ends speed manual insertion because the operator does not need to examine the pin to determine the proper end to start. Full-length parallel grooves provide the maximum locking effect. Typical applications for Type U include keying gears, collars, knobs, handles, shafts, and more.
Read about just one of our success stories
Driv-Lok assisted a heavy equipment manufacturer that had been using a threaded fastener and experienced loosening of the joint due to vibration. Our team introduced a groove pin to their design, which improved function and assembly and lowered installation costs.