- 1). Position the end with the prongs of the cotter pin at the insertion hole entrance. Position the axis of the eye on the cotter pin parallel to the shank when securing a clevis pin.
- 2). Gently tap the cotter pin into the hole with your hammer. Seat it all the way into the insertion hole until the cotter pin head rests firmly at the entrance.
- 3). Spread the cotter pin prongs open with the pliers by grasping each one and pulling it apart and away. You want to pull and separate them enough to mimic the way a cheerleader does the splits with their legs.
- 4). Tap each prong with a wooden mallet until both prongs have wrapped around the object they are securing and are as flat and flush as possible.
- 5). Secure any nut or bolt that needs to be positively locked into place and remain stationary. Insert the cotter pin into the retention hole, then bend one prong over the top. Pound the prong down with the mallet as flush as possible, then bend the other prong downwards, also pounding it down as flush as possible.
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