lynch pin alternative

[RjCorazza]

I started out using regular lynch pins and buying them in 10 packs. I'd loose a few every time I bush hogged. I switched to the heavy duty version that have a MUCH stiffer spring, and I think I've only lost one or two pins since then.

That's what I do also. The heavy duty lives in my area all seem to be black, and will snap your fingers good if you're not careful!

 

[Fields_mj]

That's what I do also. The heavy duty lives in my area all seem to be black, and will snap your fingers good if you're not careful!

Same here. I'm pretty sure that one of them bit the tip of my finger within the first few minutes of trying to use them. Only made that mistake once....

 

[Bentrim]

(2) Lynch Pin Keepers, Shields, Protectors for Cat II and Cat III

Lynch Pin Keepers, Shields, Protectors are bent "washers" that serve as a "stop" for lynch pins. Specify if it is for Cat II or Cat III.

woodwardcrossingscountrybasics.com

 

[OldPaint]

Harbor freight used to sell them in bulk also. Was a kit with several sizes. I lose them all the time. Lost one last week from my dump trailer rear door. I KNOW i placed it in my pocket. After dumping trailer….no pin.

I like the idea of the chain. Why didnt i think of this years ago. Real simple to do.

If losing them is the only issue, it may be more serious than you thought. I am sure I have gremlins. An example similar to lynchpin loss is a paint can key. Yesterday, when I first went out to the shop to build some accessories for my chicken coop, I looked and verified that the paint can key was still hanging on my peg board BETWEEN two bottle openers. I knew I was going to need it later, so was just verifying it was where I put it. Verification completed. I finished the thing I was working on and was ready to paint. Paint, check. Brush, check. Can key, on the hook…..not there. I did NOT take it down earlier, just looked at it. It was BETWEEN TWO bottle openers, both of which were still on the peg.

But, back to the topic, there are loads of different pin retention options. My favorite is 3/32 stainless steel aircraft cable with polyethylene jacket and crimped aluminum collets between a fixed point and the pin, preferably near where the pin will be used. I’d bet on the one you lost being under the deepest part of whatever you dumped, if your luck is anything like mine. But typically, after I dig to find it, give up because of the time it’s cost, replace it with a new one, I find it hanging in a place I would NEVER put it, or when I hit it with the mower and find myself paying for a neighbor’s windshield. The windshield thing was real, very real and very expensive.

 

[grsthegreat]

Doesn't that drive you crazy. Last week i was repairing my wifes rolling seat she uses for gardening. I pulled a cotter pin and washer and placed them in my magnetic parts tray. I went and ground and welded the seat, painted everything and left to dry. Later i returned to install seat…..no cotter pin and washer. I absolutely KNOW i placed them in the tray. Then i had to go scrounge up new parts. Its absolutely maddening.

Or worse yet. Working on a part in an clean area and dropping a screw or…, and not finding it. The floor is spotless, but no part. How can that happen.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I have solved the problem by using zip-ties to fasten the loop to whatever the pin slides through. That seems to take care of the problem. Zip-ties are pretty cheap and you can snap them off with a pocket knife of pair of pliers pretty easily when it's time to take them out.

 

[jyoutz]

That's what I do also. The heavy duty lives in my area all seem to be black, and will snap your fingers good if you're not careful!

Yep. TSC sells those heavy duty lunch pins and they will not come off. They’re black in color and will definitely snap your fingers hard if you’re not careful.

 

[88bradb]

It never seems to fail, I loose them. This time, on my new flail mower, maiden voyage learning the ins and outs. While I do have some spares, I'm tired of buying them. Anyone use anything different?

I use a quick hitch therefore I don't use them much but I do keep a few extra just in case.

 

[ljgordon]

It never seems to fail, I loose them. This time, on my new flail mower, maiden voyage learning the ins and outs. While I do have some spares, I'm tired of buying them. Anyone use anything different?

 

[ljgordon]

Let me give you a good reason to never use those damn things. I have a 6' brush hog. I was mowing a friends pasture when the pin came out. Result: broke my yoke. When a pin comes out it always shifts far to the right or left of the tractor. Mowing in the back acre around trees. Pin came out, mower shifted to the left and the the next thing I realize is that a dead tree was on me. Limbs went under the clutch, couldn't reach the key, I fought the tree until the FEL hit a tree and stopped. Emergency room. 4 broken ribs and lots of scratches. Third time: Grabbed another tree, brought it down and destroyed my left fender and lights. I went to Lowes, bought a bunch of locks. No more pins. Not a damn pin on my tractor.