Filing cotter pins

Submitted by FreeLander on Wed, 05/25/2016 - 05:12

Does anyone have any advice, jigs or wisdom to share on how to file cotter pins? I have one article from Randy at My Ten Speeds but looking for others too. I currently carefully eye-ball the process with some success. Just looking for better more precise methods. Thanks and take care, Daryl

2 Comments

Submitted by DUOMATIC on Wed, 05/25/2016 - 10:34.

You could put them in a vise and use a flat file.

You can also still buy them for a dollar new.

If you file too much they may slip too far in so just file a little if you go that route.

I recommend new ones.

 

Submitted by FreeLander on Sun, 05/29/2016 - 14:14.

Thanks.  I do usually buy new although I understand the quality is not what it once was.  You can buy machined ones from the US but they are expensive. I usually file to match the original cotter pins if possible.  I would like to find some reference materials to show the angles of the most common brands (e.g. Raleigh, Peugeot, etc.). Also showing a cut-away of how they should seat against the BB Axle in an ideal fit.

Take care,

Daryl