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. | 38 (.101) |
|---|---|
| A | 0.313 |
| B | 0.438 |
| C | 0.094 |
| D (Min.) | 0.813 |
| E | 0.969 |
| F | 1.063 |
| Finish | Zinc Plated Clear |
| G | 0.078 |
The S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin, with its precise dimensions of 5/16 inch diameter and 31/32 inch length, represents a critical component in the robust assembly of mechanical linkages. Engineered to stringent Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards, this clevis pin is designed for optimal performance, durability, and interoperability across a vast array of industrial, automotive, agricultural, and construction applications. Its fundamental purpose is to connect two or more components, typically allowing for rotational movement while maintaining a secure shear-resistant connection, often used in conjunction with a cotter pin or other retaining fastener through its drilled hole.
A clevis pin is, at its core, a non-threaded fastener characterized by a head on one end and a transverse hole drilled near the other end. This design facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, making it a preferred choice over traditional bolts in applications requiring frequent adjustments or where rotation is desired. The pin works by being inserted through corresponding holes in the components to be joined – typically a clevis fork and an eye terminal – thus forming a pivot point. The head prevents the pin from exiting from one side, while a cotter pin or similar securing device inserted through the drilled hole prevents axial movement from the opposite side. This specific 5/16 diameter clevis pin is designed to withstand significant shear forces, which are loads acting parallel to the cross-section of the pin, making it ideal for applications involving pivot points, hinges, and linkage connections where such forces are predominant.
Adherence to S.A.E. standards is not merely a label; it signifies a commitment to quality, precision, and performance that is crucial in demanding environments. SAE J standards for mechanical fasteners provide detailed specifications regarding material composition, heat treatment, dimensional tolerances, and testing methodologies. For clevis pins, this ensures consistent manufacturing quality, dimensional accuracy, and predictable mechanical properties. Engineers and purchasers can specify an S.A.E. standard clevis pin with confidence, knowing that it meets industry-recognized benchmarks for strength, durability, and fit. This standardization facilitates interchangeability, simplifies design processes, and ensures that components from different manufacturers will perform as expected when integrated into complex systems. It minimizes the risk of premature failure, reduces maintenance overheads, and contributes significantly to the overall safety and reliability of the end assembly.
The manufacturing process for high-quality clevis pins like this 5/16 diameter model involves several precise stages. Typically, these pins are fabricated from high-strength carbon steel, chosen for its excellent balance of tensile strength and ductility, which allows it to deform under extreme loads before catastrophic failure, offering a safety margin. The primary manufacturing method often involves cold heading, a process where a wire or rod stock is deformed at room temperature into a specific shape using dies and punches. Cold heading enhances the material's grain structure, improving its fatigue resistance and surface finish. Following this, the pin undergoes precision machining to achieve the exact diameter and length, along with drilling the transverse hole for the retaining fastener. Heat treatment, such as quenching and tempering, may be applied depending on the desired hardness and strength characteristics, further optimizing its mechanical properties. Throughout these stages, rigorous quality control measures, including dimensional checks, material composition analysis, and mechanical testing, are implemented to ensure each pin consistently meets the stipulated S.A.E. specifications.
The detailed specifications provided for this S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin highlight the meticulous engineering that goes into its design. Let's break down the significance of each dimension:
- A (0.313) - Pin Diameter: This is the critical nominal diameter of the pin, closely correlating to the 5/16 inch specification (0.3125 inches). This dimension dictates the fit with the mating components and is fundamental in calculating the pin's shear strength and bearing capacity. A precise diameter ensures minimal play and optimal load distribution within the joint.
- E (0.969) - Grip Length/Effective Length: Representing approximately 31/32 inch, this dimension specifies the maximum distance between the underside of the head and the far side of the drilled hole. It's the critical working length that passes through the components being connected, determining the range of material thickness the pin can securely fasten. An accurate grip length prevents excessive protrusion or insufficient engagement.
- C (0.094) - Drill Hole Diameter: This dimension (0.094 inches) corresponds to a standard Drill No. 38 (0.101 inches), indicating the size of the transverse hole drilled near the pin's end. This hole is engineered to accept a cotter pin or other retaining clip, which is essential for securing the clevis pin axially and preventing its inadvertent disengagement during operation. The precise sizing ensures a snug fit for the cotter pin, maximizing security.
- B (0.438) - Head Diameter: The head of the clevis pin serves to prevent the pin from passing completely through the assembly from one side. Its diameter (0.438 inches) provides a sufficient bearing surface against the outer face of the connected component, distributing pressure and ensuring secure retention.
- G (0.078) - Head Thickness: This dimension specifies the thickness of the pin's head, contributing to its structural integrity and the overall bearing surface it provides.
- D (Min.) (0.813) - Usable Length/Shoulder Length: This minimum dimension indicates the effective length of the pin available for engagement with components, typically from the underside of the head to the start of any feature or taper before the drill hole. It’s crucial for ensuring adequate bearing surface within the clevis eye.
- F (1.063) - Overall Length: This dimension represents the total length of the clevis pin from the top of the head to the very end of the pin. It is important for determining the necessary clearance in an assembly.
The surface finish of a clevis pin plays a crucial role in its longevity and performance, especially in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or abrasive elements. This particular clevis pin is specified with a "Zinc Plated Clear" finish, a highly common and effective method for enhancing corrosion resistance. Zinc plating involves electrodepositing a thin layer of zinc onto the steel substrate. Zinc acts as a sacrificial coating, meaning it corrodes preferentially to the steel substrate, thereby protecting the underlying steel from rust even if the coating is scratched or compromised. The "Clear" designation refers to the clear chromate passivation treatment applied over the zinc. This chromate layer further enhances the zinc's corrosion resistance by forming a protective barrier, improves adhesion for subsequent coatings if any, and provides a clean, aesthetically pleasing finish without altering the metallic appearance. Zinc plating offers good corrosion protection in mild to moderately corrosive environments, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications, and it is also a cost-effective solution compared to more exotic coatings.
While this product specifically features zinc plating, the option for "cadmium-plated finish" mentioned in the general description is notable. Cadmium plating offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly in marine and highly saline environments, and provides excellent lubricity, which can be advantageous in certain dynamic applications. However, cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, and its use is highly regulated and restricted in many regions due to environmental and health concerns (e.g., REACH, RoHS directives). Consequently, zinc plating, often with various chromate passivations (clear, yellow, black), and other advanced zinc alloy coatings (e.g., zinc-nickel) have largely replaced cadmium in many applications where environmental safety is a priority. The availability of both options underscores Buyers Products' commitment to providing solutions tailored to specific application requirements and regulatory landscapes.
The versatility of clevis pins makes them indispensable across a multitude of industries and applications. In the **automotive and transportation sectors**, they are found in steering linkages, brake mechanisms, clutch linkages, throttle controls, and various pivot points in chassis components, where they facilitate angular movement while bearing significant shear loads. **Agricultural machinery** heavily relies on clevis pins for connecting implements to tractors (e.g., hitch pins), securing hydraulic cylinder ends, and articulating various moving parts on cultivators, planters, and harvesters. The **construction industry** utilizes clevis pins in heavy equipment such for securing bucket linkages on excavators, crane rigging, scaffold connections, and in a wide range of earth-moving and lifting apparatus. In **material handling**, clevis pins are integral to conveyor systems, hoist mechanisms, and secure attachment points for lifting chains and cables. Furthermore, they are extensively used in **marine applications** for rigging, rudder linkages, and boat trailer connections (though typically stainless steel or specialized coatings are preferred here due to extreme corrosion). Their inherent simplicity, strength, and ease of installation and removal make them a go-to solution for creating robust yet flexible mechanical joints.
When specifying and deploying clevis pins, several engineering considerations are paramount to ensure optimal performance and safety. Foremost is the **load bearing capacity**, particularly the shear strength. Clevis pins are primarily designed to handle shear forces, where the load attempts to cut the pin in half. The 5/16 inch diameter is a critical parameter for calculating this capacity, often using material tensile strength and safety factors. **Fatigue life** is another crucial factor for applications involving dynamic or cyclical loading. Repeated stress cycles, even below the ultimate strength, can lead to material fatigue and failure over time. Proper material selection, surface finish, and design to minimize stress concentrations are essential. **Environmental factors** such as temperature extremes, exposure to corrosive chemicals, humidity, and vibration must be carefully assessed. The chosen finish, like zinc plating, must be compatible with the operational environment to prevent premature degradation. **Fit and tolerance** between the pin and the mating holes are critical. An overly loose fit can lead to excessive wear, rattling, and premature failure due to impact loading, while an overly tight fit can hinder assembly and cause binding. The specified dimensions and their tolerances ensure a controlled fit. Finally, the **retention mechanism** – typically a cotter pin or R-clip – must be appropriately sized and installed to prevent accidental disengagement of the clevis pin, which could lead to catastrophic failure of the entire assembly. Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn or damaged pins and retaining fasteners are also vital for long-term operational reliability.
Buyers Products stands as a reputable manufacturer in the realm of industrial components, and their S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin embodies their commitment to excellence. The precise manufacturing processes, adherence to strict S.A.E. J standards, and the offering of protective finishes like zinc plating ensure that each pin delivers consistent, reliable performance. Customers benefit from the confidence that these components will integrate seamlessly into their designs, provide durable mechanical connections, and withstand the rigors of their intended applications. The availability of multiple sizes, including this specific 5/16 diameter x 31/32 inch long variant, along with various finishes, allows engineers and procurement specialists to select the exact component that meets their specific technical and environmental requirements. Choosing Buyers Products means opting for components that are meticulously engineered, robustly constructed, and backed by a dedication to quality that translates into enhanced operational efficiency and extended service life for a wide array of industrial and commercial equipment.
In conclusion, the S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin, with its definitive 5/16 inch diameter and 31/32 inch length, is far more than a simple metal rod; it is a meticulously engineered precision component. Its design and manufacturing adhere to the rigorous specifications established by the Society of Automotive Engineers, ensuring unparalleled reliability, dimensional accuracy, and material integrity. The robust steel construction, enhanced by a durable Zinc Plated Clear finish, provides superior protection against corrosion and wear, extending its service life in diverse operational environments. From heavy-duty industrial machinery to intricate automotive linkages, this clevis pin serves as an indispensable element for creating secure, load-bearing pivot points that facilitate essential rotational movement while effectively resisting shear forces. Its critical role in connecting rods, cables, yoke ends, and various other assemblies underscores its fundamental importance in mechanical engineering. By integrating this S.A.E. standard clevis pin into designs, engineers can guarantee compatibility, minimize maintenance, and significantly bolster the overall safety and performance of their systems, making it a cornerstone component for any demanding application requiring a reliable and compliant mechanical fastener.
