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Hammerlock Cotter Pins, Zinc Plated

Also known as:  

Cotter Keys, Split Pins

Hammerlock Cotter Pins are similar to extended prong cotter pins except the end of the long prong is curved toward the short prong thus creating a tapered tip that can aid in insertion. Unlike standard cotter pins, you only need access to the head end. A hammer is used to lock the pin in place, hence the name "hammerlock." Striking the cotter pin head will partially close the eye and force the end of the short prong to move toward the curved tip—the tip is designed to automatically separate the prongs. When the prong tips are equal length, the pin is securely locked in place. To remove, insert a flat blade screwdriver in the eye and rotate the screwdriver to pull the short prong back to its original position. Patented in March 1912 as the Campbell Hammer-Lock Cotter-Pin, these cotter pins are said to be reusable although some sources generally discourage the reuse of cotter pins. Hammerlock Cotter Pins are measured from under the head to the tip of the extended prong.