How to Insert a Spring Pin

by C.L. Rease

Spring pins use tension created by compression to lock tight in a hole drilled through two or more components. Before installation, the diameter of a spring pin measures slightly larger than a drilled hole. The diameter of the spring pin shrinks as it enters a drilled hole. This provides the tension necessary to keep a spring pin secure in a material. Numerous designs of spring pins are available but no matter the design, they all use the same methods of installation. Incorrectly installing a spring pin will cause its body to deform and lodge in a part before the pin seats in the material.

Step 1

Spread lightweight oil over the exterior surface of the spring pin.

Step 2

Grasp the spring pin with the jaws of a pair of needle-nose pliers. Ensure that at least 1/8 inch of the pin sits past the top edge of the pliers.

Step 3

Align the spring pin with the appropriately sized drilled hole. Tap the end of the pin extending beyond the jaws of the pliers with a ball-peen hammer. Release your grip with the needle-nose pliers when the spring pin sits tightly in the hole.

Step 4

Set the tapered end of the spring pin set on the end of the spring pin. Hit the flat end of the spring pin set with the ball-peen hammer to drive the spring pin flush with the top surface of the drilled material.

References

Things You'll Need