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. | 29(.136) |
|---|---|
| A | 0.500 |
| B | 0.625 |
| C | 0.156 |
| D (Min.) | 1.203 |
| E | 1.359 |
| F | 1.540 |
| Finish | Zinc Plated Clear |
| G | 0.109 |
The S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin, precisely engineered with a 1/2-inch diameter and an effective length of 1-23/64 inches (approximately 1.359 inches), represents a critical component in a vast array of mechanical linkages and assemblies. Manufactured by Buyers Products, this clevis pin adheres rigorously to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards, ensuring dimensional consistency, material integrity, and performance reliability across diverse applications. Its fundamental purpose is to connect two or more components, typically a clevis (a U-shaped bracket) and an item requiring a pivotal or constrained linear motion, such as a rod, cable, or yoke end, facilitating robust yet flexible connections. The commitment to SAE standards signifies that this clevis pin meets stringent industry benchmarks for quality and interoperability, making it a dependable choice for design engineers and maintenance professionals.
A deep understanding of the technical specifications is paramount for proper selection and integration. Let us delineate the precise dimensions provided in the specification table and elaborate on their functional significance:
- A (Nominal Diameter): 0.500 inches (1/2 inch). This dimension represents the working diameter of the pin, which directly dictates the shear strength and the bearing surface area when the pin is loaded. A precise 0.500-inch diameter ensures optimal fit within mating components bored to corresponding dimensions, minimizing play and maximizing load distribution. The integrity of this diameter is critical for preventing premature wear and ensuring the longevity of the connection under dynamic or static loads.
- B (Head Diameter): 0.625 inches. The head diameter is larger than the nominal pin diameter, forming a critical flange that prevents the pin from passing entirely through the clevis tines. This dimension ensures the pin is securely retained at one end of the assembly, providing stability and preventing dislodgement. Its robust design is crucial for enduring any forces that might attempt to pull the pin through the clevis opening.
- C (Head Thickness): 0.156 inches. The head thickness contributes to the structural integrity of the pin's head. A sufficient thickness ensures the head can withstand the bearing forces exerted against the clevis wall, particularly when the pin experiences axial loading or when components are subjected to vibration or impact. This dimension is essential for the overall durability and resistance to deformation of the pin's retaining end.
- D (Min.) (Minimum Usable Length / Minimum Grip Length): 1.203 inches. This specification represents the minimum effective grip length, indicating the smallest distance between the underside of the pin's head and the closest edge of the cotter pin hole. It defines the minimum permissible cumulative thickness of the components (e.g., clevis tines and connected rod end) that can be securely fastened by the pin. Ensuring the assembled components fall within this range is critical for proper engagement and secure fastening.
- E (Nominal Grip Length / Effective Length): 1.359 inches (1-23/64 inches). This is the nominal effective length of the clevis pin, specifically the distance from the underside of the head to the center of the cotter pin hole. This dimension is crucial as it defines the precise span available for accommodating the thickness of the joined components. The accuracy of this dimension ensures that when a cotter pin or retaining clip is inserted, it secures the assembly without excessive play or undue stress, providing a tight and reliable connection. This value directly correlates with the "1-23/64 Inch Long" specified in the product title.
- F (Overall Length): 1.540 inches. The overall length of the pin, from the outermost point of the head to the tip of the shaft. This dimension is important for applications where clearance is a concern, ensuring the pin fits within the intended envelope of the machinery or assembly. It also provides the necessary extension beyond the cotter pin hole for ease of installation and removal of retaining mechanisms.
- G (Distance from End to Center of Cotter Pin Hole): 0.109 inches. This dimension specifies the distance from the end of the pin to the centerline of the drilled hole. This measurement is vital for determining the appropriate cotter pin length and for ensuring that there is adequate material beyond the hole to withstand shear forces without compromising the pin's structural integrity. It also provides space for the cotter pin to be splayed open effectively.
- (0) Drill No. (Drilled Hole Diameter): 29 (.136) inches. This specification indicates the diameter of the transverse hole drilled near the pin's end. This hole is engineered to precisely accept a standard cotter pin or a suitable retaining clip, which serves as the primary mechanism for preventing the clevis pin from dislodging from the assembly. The diameter of 0.136 inches (or a No. 29 drill size) ensures compatibility with readily available retaining hardware, providing a secure and reliable locking solution.
The manufacturing process for these S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pins involves precision engineering to meet the exacting dimensional tolerances and material strength requirements. Typically, clevis pins are cold-headed or machined from high-grade carbon steel or alloy steel, such as AISI 1010, 1018, or 1045, chosen for their excellent balance of strength, ductility, and machinability. Cold heading processes improve the material's grain structure, enhancing strength and fatigue resistance in critical areas like the head and shank. Subsequent heat treatment processes, if required for higher strength grades, further optimize the mechanical properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness, to withstand the rigorous demands of industrial applications. The inherent strength of the selected material is crucial, as clevis pins are primarily subjected to shear stresses perpendicular to their axis when connecting components under load. They must also resist bending moments and bearing stresses at the interfaces with the connected components. The combination of material selection and manufacturing technique ensures that each pin can reliably transmit forces without plastic deformation or brittle fracture over its operational lifespan.
Corrosion resistance is a critical factor in the longevity and reliability of clevis pins, especially in outdoor, marine, or chemically exposed environments. Buyers Products offers these clevis pins with two primary protective finishes: cadmium plating or zinc plating. Each finish provides distinct advantages:
- Zinc Plated Clear: As specified for this particular pin, zinc plating involves applying a thin layer of zinc metal to the steel surface. This sacrificial coating corrodes preferentially to the underlying steel, providing excellent cathodic protection against rust and atmospheric corrosion. The "clear" designation refers to the clear chromate conversion coating applied over the zinc layer, which enhances corrosion resistance, provides a bright, aesthetically pleasing finish, and acts as a barrier to oxidation of the zinc itself. Zinc plating is a cost-effective and environmentally favorable option for a wide range of applications, offering good protection in moderately corrosive environments. Its performance characteristics make it a standard choice for automotive, agricultural, and general industrial linkages where moderate exposure to moisture and environmental elements is expected.
- Cadmium Plated: Cadmium plating, though less common due to environmental regulations, offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly in saline environments, making it historically preferred for aerospace and marine applications. Cadmium provides excellent lubricity, reducing friction in moving parts, and exhibits a very low coefficient of friction, which is advantageous in dynamic assemblies. While highly effective, its use is restricted in many regions due to the toxicity of cadmium, prompting a shift towards alternatives like zinc-nickel alloys for comparable performance. However, for specific, regulated applications where its unique properties are indispensable, cadmium plating remains an available option, produced under strict controls.
The selection between these finishes should be guided by the specific environmental conditions of the application, regulatory requirements, and the desired service life of the assembly.
Adherence to SAE standards, such as SAE J494 for Clevis Pins, is a cornerstone of quality and interchangeability for mechanical fasteners. This adherence ensures that the Buyers Products Clevis Pin not only meets specified dimensional tolerances but also conforms to performance requirements. SAE standards establish uniform specifications for material composition, heat treatment, surface finish, and mechanical properties, which are critical for predictable performance. For design engineers, specifying SAE standard components simplifies the design process, guarantees compatibility with other standard parts, and reduces the risk of field failures due to non-conforming components. This standardization promotes safety, reduces manufacturing complexity, and allows for easier sourcing and replacement of parts in global supply chains. When a clevis pin is specified as SAE standard, it implies a level of engineering scrutiny and quality control that assures its suitability for demanding applications in automotive, heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial settings.
The versatility of the clevis pin is evident in its extensive range of applications, far beyond mere "rods, cables, and yoke ends." These pins are indispensable in:
- Agricultural Machinery: Connecting implements to tractors, securing hydraulic cylinder ends, attaching linkages for steering mechanisms and plows. Their robust design is critical for enduring the harsh, often dirty, and vibrating conditions of farm equipment.
- Construction Equipment: Used in articulated joints for excavators, loaders, and bulldozers, securing buckets, booms, and other attachments. The ability to withstand high shear forces and dynamic loads is paramount in these applications.
- Automotive and Trailer Systems: Essential for trailer hitches, safety chains, brake linkages, and various suspension components. They provide pivot points that allow controlled movement while ensuring secure connections.
- Marine Applications: While careful consideration of finish (e.g., stainless steel or heavily cadmium/zinc-nickel plated for salt water) is needed, clevis pins are used in rigging, mast connections, and steering mechanisms for boats and ships, requiring high corrosion resistance and strength.
- Industrial Robotics and Automation: Creating pivot points and connecting end effectors, sensors, and actuators in robotic arms and automated assembly lines, where precise movement and secure fastening are critical.
- Material Handling Equipment: Found in forklifts, cranes, hoists, and conveyor systems, connecting various components that manage heavy loads. They provide vital connections in load-bearing linkages.
- General Industrial Machinery: Integral to a myriad of machines across manufacturing, processing, and assembly plants, connecting levers, linkages, and hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.
- Rigging and Lifting: In conjunction with shackles and thimbles, clevis pins are used to secure loads, ensuring safe and reliable lifting operations.
In all these contexts, the clevis pin functions as a simple yet highly effective hinge or pivot point, facilitating rotational movement about its axis while preventing separation of the connected components. The design inherently distributes shear loads across the pin's cross-section, making it an ideal choice for connections subjected primarily to shear forces.
From an engineering design perspective, selecting the appropriate clevis pin involves more than just matching diameter and length. Engineers must consider the anticipated load conditions, including static and dynamic forces, impact loads, and fatigue cycles. Key calculations involve assessing the pin's shear strength (its ability to resist forces tending to cut it in half), bearing stress (the pressure exerted on the contact surfaces between the pin and the clevis holes), and bending stress (the stress induced if the pin acts as a beam). The material's ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength are crucial parameters that inform these calculations. For a 1/2-inch diameter pin, the cross-sectional area provides a substantial bearing surface and shear area, enabling it to accommodate significant loads. The specific length, particularly the grip length (E), must be carefully matched to the combined thickness of the components it connects to ensure proper retention by the cotter pin without excessive clearance that could lead to wear or looseness. Furthermore, environmental factors such as temperature extremes, abrasive particles, and chemical exposure must be accounted for when selecting material grades and surface finishes to ensure long-term performance and reliability.
Proper installation and maintenance are vital for maximizing the service life and safety of clevis pin assemblies. Installation involves inserting the pin through the aligned holes of the connected components and securing it with the appropriate cotter pin or retaining clip. It is crucial to use a cotter pin of the correct size for the drilled hole (0.136 inches for this pin) and to ensure it is properly splayed or secured to prevent accidental dislodgement. Regular inspection of clevis pins and their retaining hardware is recommended, especially in high-stress or critical applications. Inspections should look for signs of wear, deformation (bending or ovaling), corrosion, or damage to the cotter pin. Any pin exhibiting significant wear or damage should be promptly replaced to prevent catastrophic failure of the linkage. The simple design of the clevis pin makes replacement straightforward, minimizing downtime for maintenance.
Buyers Products maintains a rigorous quality assurance program to ensure that each S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin meets or exceeds the stipulated standards. This includes stringent material inspection upon receipt, in-process dimensional checks throughout manufacturing, and final product verification. Calibration of measurement tools, adherence to statistical process control (SPC) methodologies, and comprehensive testing protocols ensure that every pin, including this 1/2 Diameter x 1-23/64 Inch Long variant, consistently performs as expected. This commitment to quality minimizes product variations and provides customers with reliable components that integrate seamlessly into their systems.
Recognizing the diverse needs of the industrial landscape, Buyers Products offers these clevis pins not only in the specified 1/2-inch diameter but also in multiple other sizes, providing comprehensive solutions for various application requirements. Furthermore, customers can order these pins in quantities tailored to their specific project demands, whether for small-scale repair jobs or large-volume production runs. This flexibility in sizing and quantity, combined with the option of cadmium- or zinc-plated finishes, underscores Buyers Products' dedication to serving a broad spectrum of industrial and mechanical design needs with high-quality, standardized components.
In conclusion, the S.A.E. Standard Clevis Pin from Buyers Products, with its precise 1/2-inch diameter and 1-23/64 inch effective length, represents an essential and meticulously engineered component for secure mechanical linkages. Its adherence to SAE standards, detailed dimensional accuracy, robust material selection, and protective surface finishes like Zinc Plated Clear, ensure exceptional performance, durability, and reliability. From heavy machinery to intricate industrial assemblies, this clevis pin provides a dependable connection point, crucial for operational integrity and safety. Its design embodies simplicity, strength, and interchangeability, making it a preferred choice for engineers and professionals seeking uncompromised quality in their mechanical fastening solutions.
