Why are shear pins used?

​A shear pin (also known as a shear bolt) is a weak bolt that connects your auger to the auger shaft. These jams that interrupt the auger rotation cause the shear pins to break, releasing the auger shaft from the auger. While this stops the auger from rotating, this also prevents damage to the snow blower gearcase.

Where are shear pins used?

Shear pins as safeguards As a mechanical sacrificial part, it is analogous to an electric fuse. They are most commonly used in drive trains, such as a snow blower’s auger or the propellers attached to marine engines. Another use is in pushback bars used for large aircraft.

What is the difference between pin and bolt?

Pins are used when it is necessary to connect, mount, fix and seal components. Bolts are used for the transmission of shear forces and combine two or more parts, but mostly a movable part remains. All calculations are based on accepted technical literature books (e.g., Niemann or Decker).

Why do snow blowers have shear pins?

Shear pins. Notice the grooves in the pins where they will break off to prevent damage to your auger shaft and gear case. A shear pin (sometimes called a shear bolt) in a snow blower connects the auger to the shaft. It is designed to break away in case foreign objects come in contact with the moving parts.

What grade of bolt is a shear bolt?

Normally shear bolts are Grade 2 and there is no soft grade #5 as it is either a grade #5 or not.

Are all shear pins the same size?

How to Size a Shear Pin. There are three basic sizes of shear bolts, and it’s important to select the correct one for your snowblower to ensure it fits and works correctly. Brass 1/4″ shear bolts are most commonly used on smaller, entry-level snowblowers. Black 5/16″ shear bolts are for larger mid-grade snowblowers.

Can I use a bolt instead of a shear pin?

Never use a regular bolt to replace a “shear pin” bolt! The shearing of the shear pin bolt releases all force off the snow auger allowing it to no longer be driven but to spin freely.

What is the difference between nut and bolt?

Bolts and nuts are nearly always used together to fasten a stack of parts together. A nut is a small metallic object, whereas a bolt is basically a screw. A nut is a small hexagonal object made out of metal. A bolt is a long metallic piece that has a round stem as its body.

Can I use a Grade 5 bolt for a shear pin?

Grade 5 are too malleable and bend before they break, distorting the mount(understatement). Grade 8 should shear before they distort ( I think, haven’t actually checked the math on that though) but they don’t shear easily enough.

What size bolt is a shear pin?

What grade bolt is a shear pin?

Registered. Normally shear bolts are Grade 2 and there is no soft grade #5 as it is either a grade #5 or not.