cotter pin

jwbookworm614 · 05-19-2011, 01:03 PM

I'm trying to remove a brake pedal to replace it with a new one. So I figured out the removal of a circlip - turns out I already had the right tool - who knew?? Now I need to remove a cotter pin from the piece that holds the pedal on the bike - but its hard to get to as its under and behind the frame in a narrow space. What is the best way to do this?

WintrSol · 05-19-2011, 06:29 PM

Got a lift?

jwbookworm614 · 05-20-2011, 12:23 PM

got it!
There's such a thing as a "cotter pin extractor" - it looks like an awl with the end bent at a 90ish degree angle. Was able to fit one of those small mirror tools (1" circle) into the space behind the frame to see where the pin was. Used the extractor to push the ends of the cotter pin back around. Then fit the pointy end of the extractor into the head of the cotter pin and levered it out slowly.

Would've been a little easier if I didn't have to hold the flashlight in my teeth. Oh well.

WIP · 05-20-2011, 12:40 PM

What about putting it back in?

CookinBeans · 05-20-2011, 02:32 PM

Most of the time, a mini hitch pin works well. Looks kind of like a bobby pin.

Gumby73 · 05-20-2011, 03:35 PM

I have the same issue on my bike. I ended up using a pair of extended needle nose pliers I have that have a 90* bend on the tip. It was still a pain for lack of being able to see at first, but it still worked well.

LWRider · 05-20-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookinBeans

Most of the time, a mini hitch pin works well. Looks kind of like a bobby pin.

I prefer these when possible. I changed my my cotter pin on my rear hub for one. Now it is much easier to loosen the wheel up for those regular chain adjustments, plus the cotter pin was only good for a couple times before it is too weak to take all the bending.

Another thing that can be use is a wire "circle" for lack of a better term; it is something like the ring on a keychain. We used to use those for turnbuckles on sailboats back in the day; they did not catch so much on sheets and clews, etc.

Cheers,

Mike

Gumby73 · 05-20-2011, 04:04 PM

I believe the technical term for what you guys are talking about is "hair pin" or "cotter hair pin." It's still a cotter pin but of different shape and durability.

jwbookworm614 · 05-21-2011, 12:23 AM

I was wondering about that - substituting some other type of pin that would be equally secure, but a little easier to put in or remove when necessary. A mini hitch pin sounds like a good substitute. Thank you

05-19-2011, 01:03 PM	#1
jwbookworm614 Master At Arms Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 130	cotter pin I'm trying to remove a brake pedal to replace it with a new one. So I figured out the removal of a circlip - turns out I already had the right tool - who knew?? Now I need to remove a cotter pin from the piece that holds the pedal on the bike - but its hard to get to as its under and behind the frame in a narrow space. What is the best way to do this?

05-19-2011, 06:29 PM	#2
WintrSol Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Florissant, MO Posts: 2,556	Got a lift? __________________ '68-7? CB450 and '05 S50 Boulevard

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05-20-2011, 12:23 PM	#3
jwbookworm614 Master At Arms Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 130	got it! There's such a thing as a "cotter pin extractor" - it looks like an awl with the end bent at a 90ish degree angle. Was able to fit one of those small mirror tools (1" circle) into the space behind the frame to see where the pin was. Used the extractor to push the ends of the cotter pin back around. Then fit the pointy end of the extractor into the head of the cotter pin and levered it out slowly. Would've been a little easier if I didn't have to hold the flashlight in my teeth. Oh well.

05-20-2011, 12:40 PM	#4
WIP Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 378	What about putting it back in?

05-20-2011, 02:32 PM	#5
CookinBeans Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Asheville Posts: 1,045	Most of the time, a mini hitch pin works well. Looks kind of like a bobby pin.

05-20-2011, 03:35 PM	#6
Gumby73 Jack of all Trades, Master of None Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 217	I have the same issue on my bike. I ended up using a pair of extended needle nose pliers I have that have a 90* bend on the tip. It was still a pain for lack of being able to see at first, but it still worked well.

05-20-2011, 04:04 PM	#8
Gumby73 Jack of all Trades, Master of None Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 217	I believe the technical term for what you guys are talking about is "hair pin" or "cotter hair pin." It's still a cotter pin but of different shape and durability.

05-21-2011, 12:23 AM	#9
jwbookworm614 Master At Arms Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 130	I was wondering about that - substituting some other type of pin that would be equally secure, but a little easier to put in or remove when necessary. A mini hitch pin sounds like a good substitute. Thank you