Dowel Pins

Pins are unthreaded mechanical fasteners commonly used to position or locate parts during assembly. There are many different types of pins available depending on the application. We stock our pins in A1, A2 and A4 stainless steel in diameters from 1mm to 16mm.

These pins are ideal for use in a wide range of industries, including automotive, industrial, and construction. They are also commonly used in DIY projects for things like assembling shelves and cabinets. There is also a strong marine use case, with many being used for fastening applications on boats. We can also provide stainless steel with an enhanced corrosion resistance for use in these environments if needed.

What type of pin should I use?

Parallel Pins are the simplest dowel pins available. These pins are cylinders of solid material with parallel sides, hence the name, in contrast to tapered pins. Typically, these pins have a interference fit which helps to hold the pin in place. Parallel pins come with either a chamfered end or a rounded end, both of which aid insertion.

Tapered Pins perform a similar job to the parallel pins, but the tapered nature means when these are driven into a hole the compression force increases, holding the pin in place. These pins are becoming increasingly less common, as there are other methods of holding pins in place.

Slotted Spring Pins can be used to tightly fit into holes smaller than their relaxed diameter. The slot allows these pins to be compressed and forced into smaller holes, and the spring nature of these pins secures them in place. These pins also come with chamfered ends to aid insertion.

Roll Pins are very similar to Slotted Pins, but the material is coiled more than one revolution. This allows these pins to compress like the spring pins but will compress let and require more force to do so. Roll Pins are essentially heavy-duty spring pins.

Split Pins come bent in half and are designed to be fed through a hole in a nut or bolt, then have the two legs split apart to lock the pin in place. This pin then prevents the fastener from turning and therefore coming loose.

Clevis Pins, also known as Link Pins or Hinge Pins, have a large head with a hole drilled in the end of the shank for use with a split pin or R clip. These are commonly used for securing parts which require a rotational connection.

Detent Pins have a sprung ball bearing in the end which helps retain the pin into its hole. Some variants of the detent pins are quick release, and others require a button to be pressed to release the ball bearing, allowing for removal of the pin.

Need help finding the right pin? Give us a call today on 01233 713 581