Detent Pins

Detent pins are a type of positive lock pin that features a spring-loaded ball bearing at the end of the shank and a pull ring at the top. When the pin is inserted into a hole, the ball bearing protrudes from the end of the hole and the release of pressure triggers the ball the protrude from the pin shank, locking it in place. The pin is removed simply by pulling on the ring with more force than what is keeping the pin in position.

This pin is ideal for quick, light-duty, and temporary connections. It is reusable and comes in multiple materials, finishes, and sizes to accommodate your application needs.

Application Considerations

When considering the use of detent pins in your application, it's important to keep in mind several key factors that influence their effectiveness and appropriateness for the intended task:

Understanding Load Requirements: Determine the load-bearing capacity necessary for the application to ensure the chosen pin can handle the expected loads without failure.
Hole Size: Consider the hole dimensions, including diameter and length, to ensure the pin will have the proper fit and functionality within the application.
Application Space: Evaluate the spacing in your application to make sure that the pin can easily be installed and removed.
Movement: Think about whether the application will more or vibrate significantly once the pin is in place. If so, make sure your pin can withstand that motion.
Environmental Elements: Many detent pins are used outside in temporary agricultural settings. This means they may be exposed to rain, extreme heat or cold, hail, sun, and dirt or debris. It may also be exposed to chemical lubricants. Make sure your chosen material and finish will help the pin combat these corrosive elements.

Benefits

Detent pins offer a range of advantages for the right applications that increase efficiency and performance:

Rapid Assembly and Disassembly: They are easy to install and remove and do not require additional tools to facilitate assembly and disassembly.
Versatile Application Range: These pins are used in a wide range of applications, from furniture to mechanical and agricultural equipment.
Cost-Effective Solution: Detent pins offer a cost-efficient solution for temporary fastening needs, providing substantial value for the investment made.
Long-lasting Durability: Constructed from high-quality materials and often featuring protective coatings, detent pins are built to last and will maintain a long shelf life as long as they remain undamaged.

How to Measure a Detent Pin

There are two key measurements you need to take to accurately assess the size of your detent pin:

Effective Length: This is the length of the pin between the bottom of the ring and the top of the ball
Pin Diameter: This is the width of the pin shank

One other significant measurement is the ball height:

Ball Height: This measures the height of where the ball meets the shank to the top of the ball

This is important, but not as important as ensuring the shank is both long and wide/narrow enough for your application.

Detent Pins and Positive Lock Pins

A detent pin is a type of positive locking pin, which is a group of pin fasteners that keep themselves locked in place without the need for additional fasteners. The term "positive lock" means that the locking device must be visible and should lock in place because of a release of pressure, not because pressure is applied.

This is true of detent pins - when the shank is inserted into a hole, the balls are pushed back into their housing. When the end of the shank protrudes out from the hole, the balls are released and extend from the shank to lock it in place.

Quick Release Positive Locking Pins

Another popular type of positive locking pin is the quick release pin:

Quick Release: Refers to a button on the top of the pin that compresses the spring in the shank when depressed - this pulls the balls into the shank and "releases" the pin from its locked position

Huyett offers quick release pins in a range of head shapes:

Each head shape lends itself to different application needs, as they will fit in different kinds of places and offer unique holds.