If the cotter pin hole does not align with the slot after tightening, what is the proper action?

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Multiple Choice

If the cotter pin hole does not align with the slot after tightening, what is the proper action?

Cotter pins lock by passing through aligned holes in the bolt and the locknut or slot so the pin can’t rotate and the nut stays tight. If, after tightening, the hole in the bolt (or nut) doesn’t line up with the slot, you should not force a cotter pin through. Forcing it would bend or shear the pin and allow the fastener to loosen, defeating the safety purpose. The proper steps are to back off and re-torque or reassemble to try to achieve alignment, then recheck. If alignment still can’t be achieved, inspect for wrong parts, wear, or damage and replace components as needed. Do not drill new holes, and do not use a differently sized pin just to force it through.

Cotter pins lock by passing through aligned holes in the bolt and the locknut or slot so the pin can’t rotate and the nut stays tight. If, after tightening, the hole in the bolt (or nut) doesn’t line up with the slot, you should not force a cotter pin through. Forcing it would bend or shear the pin and allow the fastener to loosen, defeating the safety purpose.

The proper steps are to back off and re-torque or reassemble to try to achieve alignment, then recheck. If alignment still can’t be achieved, inspect for wrong parts, wear, or damage and replace components as needed. Do not drill new holes, and do not use a differently sized pin just to force it through.

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