Buyers Products Clevis Pin is manufactured to SAE standards and available in multiple sizes to fit your application. The clevis pin is used with rods, cables, yoke ends, and other assemblies. It can be ordered with a cadmium- or zinc-plated finish in quantities to your specification.
Specifications
| (0) Drill No. | 49 (.073) |
|---|---|
| A | 0.250 |
| B | 0.375 |
| C | 0.094 |
| D (Min.) | 0.672 |
| E | 0.797 |
| F | 0.891 |
| Finish | Zinc Plated Clear |
| G | 0.063 |
Precision Engineering: The S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin (1/4 Diameter x 51/64 Inch Long)
The clevis pin, while seemingly a simple component, represents a critical element in countless mechanical linkages, serving as a reliable pivot point or fastener in a vast array of industrial, automotive, agricultural, and marine applications. The S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin, with its precise 1/4 inch diameter and 51/64 inch length, exemplifies the engineering integrity and adherence to standardized specifications that ensure optimal performance and safety across diverse operational environments. Manufactured to meet the stringent requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), this clevis pin by Buyers Products is a testament to precision, durability, and functional reliability.
Understanding SAE Standards in Clevis Pin Manufacturing
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) develops and maintains over 6,000 engineering standards for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicles. For components like clevis pins, adherence to SAE standards, specifically often referencing SAE J494 or similar documents, is not merely a recommendation but a foundational requirement for interoperability, consistent mechanical properties, and predictable performance. These standards meticulously define critical parameters including material composition, dimensional tolerances, surface finishes, and testing methodologies. By specifying that Buyers Products Clevis Pins are manufactured to SAE standards, it guarantees that each pin meets rigorous criteria for:
- **Dimensional Accuracy:** Ensuring precise fit with mating components like clevis yokes, rod ends, and brackets. This minimizes play, optimizes load distribution, and prevents premature wear. The specified 1/4-inch diameter (Dimension 'A' as 0.250 inches) is meticulously controlled, often within tight bilateral tolerances, to ensure proper clearance fit in standardized bores. The nominal length of 51/64 inches, reflected in dimensions 'E' (0.797 inches, often representing the effective grip length) and 'F' (0.891 inches, overall length), is critical for accommodating various assembly thicknesses while allowing sufficient protrusion for a retaining pin.
- **Material Integrity:** Specifying the type of steel (e.g., low-carbon steel like AISI 1010, 1018, or 1035) and its associated mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, and shear strength. This ensures the pin can withstand anticipated shear and bending loads without plastic deformation or fracture under normal operating conditions.
- **Surface Finish and Coatings:** Outlining requirements for corrosion protection. The option of cadmium-plated or zinc-plated finishes, as offered by Buyers Products, directly addresses environmental durability, a key consideration for SAE standards. These coatings are applied to specified thicknesses to provide sacrificial protection against oxidation and various corrosive agents.
- **Manufacturing Processes:** While not always prescriptive on the exact process, SAE standards imply a level of manufacturing quality that necessitates robust production methods, including cold heading, precision machining, and controlled heat treatment when applicable, to achieve the desired metallurgical structure and mechanical properties.
Detailed Dimensional Analysis: 1/4 Diameter x 51/64 Inch Long
Let's delve deeper into the specific dimensions of this S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin. The title specifies a 1/4 inch diameter and 51/64 inch length, which are crucial for proper fit and function. The accompanying specifications table provides further granular detail:
- **Diameter 'A' (0.250 inches):** This is the nominal diameter of the pin, precisely 1/4 inch. In manufacturing, strict tolerances are applied to this dimension. A pin slightly undersized could lead to excessive play, premature wear, and reduced load-bearing capacity due to point loading. An oversized pin would hinder assembly or require force fit, potentially damaging the mating bore or the pin itself. The precision of this diameter ensures smooth rotation in a pivot application and efficient load transfer in a shear application.
- **Overall Length 'F' (0.891 inches):** This represents the total length of the clevis pin from the underside of its head to the very tip of the shaft. This dimension is vital for ensuring the pin can fully penetrate the assembly and allow sufficient length for the retaining mechanism.
- **Usable Length 'E' (0.797 inches):** Often referred to as the grip length, this dimension typically denotes the distance from the underside of the pin head to the center of the drilled hole, or the maximum thickness of material that the pin can effectively secure. In some definitions, it might be the length of the shaft that passes through the mating components before the cotter pin hole. A close match between this length and the combined thickness of the components it secures is paramount to minimize axial movement and ensure the load is carried optimally.
- **Minimum Usable Length 'D (Min.)' (0.672 inches):** This specification indicates the shortest allowable effective length for the pin to maintain its structural integrity and proper function within an assembly. It provides a baseline for design considerations where minimum material thickness needs to be accommodated while ensuring adequate support.
- **Head Diameter 'B' (0.375 inches):** The head of the clevis pin prevents it from pulling through the assembly. A sufficiently large head diameter distributes the load effectively against the external surface of one of the mating components, preventing localized stress concentrations and providing a bearing surface during pivot.
- **Drill No. 49 (.073) (Hole Diameter):** This refers to the diameter of the cross-drilled hole near the end of the pin. A Number 49 drill bit creates a hole with a diameter of 0.073 inches. This hole is specifically designed to accommodate a cotter pin, R-clip, or safety clip, which secures the clevis pin in place, preventing axial disengagement. The precise diameter is crucial for a snug fit of the retaining pin, preventing rattle and ensuring positive retention without being too tight for easy installation/removal.
- **Dimension 'C' (0.094 inches) and 'G' (0.063 inches):** These dimensions likely relate to features such as chamfers, radii, or grooves. 'C' might refer to the depth or width of a circumferential groove if present, or a specific chamfer dimension on the pin's end. 'G' could denote a radius on the pin head or tip, or potentially a groove depth. Such features are critical for ease of assembly, stress relief, and aesthetic considerations. For instance, a chamfer on the tip facilitates insertion into bores.
Material Science and Mechanical Performance
The efficacy of a clevis pin hinges significantly on its material properties. Typically, S.A.E. standard clevis pins are manufactured from high-quality low-carbon steel, such as AISI 1010, 1018, or 1035. These materials offer an excellent balance of strength, ductility, and machinability, making them ideal for cold heading and subsequent processing. The primary mechanical properties of interest for clevis pins include:
- **Shear Strength:** Clevis pins are predominantly designed to resist shear forces. When installed, the pin acts as a pivot, transferring tensile or compressive loads between two components that are offset from each other. The pin's ability to resist the cutting action of these forces without fracturing is paramount. The 1/4-inch diameter pin, made from appropriate steel, is engineered to provide substantial shear resistance for its size.
- **Tensile Strength and Yield Strength:** While shear is the primary load, the material's tensile strength (resistance to being pulled apart) and yield strength (resistance to permanent deformation) are still crucial. These properties indirectly influence shear strength and ensure the pin can withstand bending moments that may arise from off-axis loading or dynamic forces.
- **Ductility:** A certain degree of ductility is desirable. A ductile material will deform plastically before fracturing, providing a visual warning of impending failure and preventing catastrophic brittle fracture.
- **Hardness:** Hardness contributes to wear resistance, particularly important in applications where the pin serves as a pivot point and experiences rotational movement against mating components. However, excessive hardness can lead to brittleness, so a balance is sought.
Advanced Corrosion Protection: Cadmium and Zinc Plating
The operating environment dictates the necessity and type of protective coating applied to clevis pins. Buyers Products offers this clevis pin with options for cadmium- or zinc-plated finishes, each providing distinct advantages:
- **Zinc Plating (Clear):** Zinc electroplating is a widely utilized and cost-effective method for corrosion protection. The "clear" designation refers to the chromate conversion coating applied over the zinc layer, which provides an aesthetically pleasing bright, silvery-blue finish and significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of the zinc. Zinc acts as a sacrificial coating, meaning it corrodes preferentially to the underlying steel, thereby protecting the base metal even if the coating is scratched. The benefits of zinc plating include:
- **Excellent Corrosion Resistance:** Particularly effective against atmospheric corrosion, white rust, and some chemical exposures.
- **Cost-Effectiveness:** Generally more economical than other high-performance coatings.
- **Aesthetics:** Provides a bright, clean appearance.
- **Environmental Considerations:** Modern zinc plating processes, especially those utilizing trivalent chromium passivation (as implied by "clear"), are significantly more environmentally friendly than hexavalent chromium or cadmium plating.
- **Cadmium Plating:** Cadmium plating offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly in saline environments, and excellent lubricity, making it an ideal choice for specific, demanding applications. Its characteristics include:
- **Exceptional Corrosion Resistance:** Outperforms zinc in salt spray environments and offers superior protection against galvanic corrosion when in contact with aluminum alloys.
- **Good Lubricity:** Provides a low coefficient of friction, beneficial in dynamic assemblies where the pin acts as a pivot.
- **Paint Adhesion:** Offers an excellent base for subsequent paint layers.
- **Environmental Regulations:** Due to its toxicity, cadmium use is heavily regulated (e.g., by RoHS and REACH directives) and is often restricted to critical applications where no viable alternative exists, such as aerospace and defense sectors, where its unique properties are indispensable for safety and performance.
Functional Integration and System Performance
The S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin acts as a fundamental pivot or connecting element in mechanical linkages. It works in conjunction with various components:
- **Clevis Yokes and Rod Ends:** These are designed with bores that precisely match the clevis pin's diameter, allowing for a secure, articulating connection.
- **Cables and Rods:** Often terminated with eyelets or similar fittings, these are connected to other components via a clevis pin, enabling transmission of tensile or compressive forces while allowing for angular movement.
- **Brackets and Hangers:** Used to mount components, with the clevis pin facilitating a swinging or pivoting connection.
- **Cotter Pins, R-Clips, or Safety Clips:** Essential for retaining the clevis pin axially. The 0.073-inch diameter hole (Drill No. 49) is precisely dimensioned to accept standard retaining pins, preventing the clevis pin from inadvertently disengaging from the assembly due to vibration or operational forces.
Manufacturing Excellence and Quality Assurance
The production of S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pins by Buyers Products involves a sophisticated blend of manufacturing techniques and stringent quality control protocols. The process typically begins with high-quality steel wire, which undergoes cold heading to form the pin's head and a portion of its body. This process improves the material's grain structure, enhancing its strength and fatigue resistance. Subsequent operations include:
- **Precision Machining:** CNC machining or similar automated processes are used to achieve the exact diameter (0.250"), length (0.797" usable, 0.891" overall), and other critical features like chamfers ('C', 'G') and the cotter pin hole ('Drill No. 49'). Tight dimensional tolerances are maintained through continuous in-process inspection.
- **Deburring and Finishing:** Edges are deburred to remove any sharp points, ensuring safe handling and preventing damage to mating components.
- **Plating:** The pins are then subjected to the chosen electroplating process (zinc or cadmium), where plating thickness is meticulously controlled to meet SAE specifications for corrosion resistance. Adhesion testing and salt spray testing are routinely performed to validate the coating quality.
- **Final Inspection:** Each batch undergoes rigorous final inspection, including dimensional verification using precision gauges and optical comparators, material property verification (if necessary), and visual inspection for surface defects. This multi-stage quality assurance process ensures that every clevis pin meets or exceeds the specified SAE standards and the high expectations of industrial performance.
Versatile Applications Across Industries
The S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin (1/4 Diameter x 51/64 Inch Long) finds application across a remarkably diverse range of sectors, underpinning the functionality and safety of numerous mechanical systems:
- **Automotive and Transportation:** Integral in trailer hitches and towing mechanisms, steering linkages, suspension components, brake linkages, and various chassis assemblies. The pin's robust design and corrosion resistance make it suitable for exposure to road conditions.
- **Agricultural Machinery:** Essential for connecting implements to tractors, securing PTO (Power Take-Off) shafts, adjusting hitches, and linking various articulating parts in plows, harvesters, and cultivators.
- **Construction Equipment:** Used in heavy machinery like excavators, loaders, and cranes for boom attachments, bucket linkages, and hydraulic cylinder connections, where high shear strength and reliability are paramount. Also found in scaffolding and temporary structural connections.
- **Marine Industry:** Zinc-plated (or cadmium for specific military/commercial vessels) clevis pins are crucial for boat rigging, trailer connections, davits, and other deck hardware, providing resistance against corrosive saltwater environments.
- **Industrial Machinery:** Employed in actuators, control mechanisms, conveyor systems, automation equipment, and general industrial fastening where a strong, removable pivot point or connector is required.
- **General Fastening and Hinge Points:** Utilized in gates, doors, movable fixtures, and custom fabrication projects where a secure, yet easily detachable, pivot is needed.
Installation, Maintenance, and Longevity
Proper installation and routine maintenance are critical for maximizing the lifespan and ensuring the safe operation of clevis pins. When installing, it is essential to select the correct pin diameter and usable length to match the assembly. The pin should slide easily into the mating bores without excessive play. Once inserted, a suitable cotter pin or R-clip must be correctly installed through the drilled hole to prevent axial movement. Regular inspection for signs of wear, bending, corrosion, or fatigue cracking is recommended, especially in high-load or dynamic applications. Any pin showing signs of degradation should be promptly replaced to prevent potential system failure. The robust materials and protective finishes of Buyers Products clevis pins inherently contribute to their longevity, but proper care ensures sustained performance.
Conclusion
The S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin (1/4 Diameter x 51/64 Inch Long) from Buyers Products is more than just a fastener; it is a precisely engineered component designed for critical applications. Its adherence to stringent SAE standards ensures dimensional accuracy, material integrity, and reliable performance. With a specific 1/4-inch diameter and a length optimized for diverse assemblies, complemented by the choice of durable cadmium or zinc-plated finishes for superior corrosion resistance, this clevis pin offers unparalleled quality and versatility. From heavy-duty industrial machinery to essential agricultural equipment and automotive linkages, this clevis pin stands as a reliable solution for engineers and manufacturers seeking components that meet the highest benchmarks of technical excellence and operational dependability.
