ptsg
Super Member
For the most part, a roll pin will stay in place without the need for anything extra, however it's not uncommon for it to "walk" out under certain conditions. In this case, I think it's just the nature of the beast and not something the operator did.And how! I tried out there in the blowing snow, no joy. I could not get the pin in, so I took it out to look at in the comfort of my heated kitchen. I did try to stick a micro screwdriver into the shaft to see if I could find the path but was unsuccessful. There isn't much room down there and I was at too much of an angle. Will have to try again next I have an opportunity. For now, the bucket is clearing the driveway just fine.
Does a roll pin stay in place without any additional hardware? I mean I guess my predicament would indicate notbut it would seem it's _supposed to_. I estimate that the slot down the length of it allows one to 'squeeze' it into place, whereupon it would 'open up' and lock itself in?
The culprit, for any future searchers who might stumble on this problem:
A common trick to keep these in place, is to use a piece of safety wire going through the roll pin and around the shaft, then twist the ends together. You may even be able to double it and run two pieces instead of one. If you're not familiar with it, google "safety wire" and you'll see some pictures of what it is. Used a lot in aviation and any application where you don't want loose hardware falling somewhere it shouldn't.
Roll pins are fairly easy to use but in tight spaces, just like your situation, can be tricky to get it to start.
Note in your picture of the roll pin, that one end is squished tighter than the other. This is the end you want to use to start putting the roll pin as it will make it easier.
If you could find a bolt that would be a close/snug fit on the holes, as close as possible to the diameter of the roll pin, this would allow you it use the bolt to get things all aligned properly so you could then start hammering the roll pin back in.
