Shear pins tend to break from time to time.
Older snow blowers will often see this problem arise and it can lead you to need an exact replacement. This creates a situation where you are unsure about how the snowblower is going to work and whether or not any type of shear pin is going to work.
You will wonder, are snowblower shear pins universal?
Snowblower shear pins are universal as long as the diameter is right. Each snowblower has a specific diameter for its shear pins. If the diameter is compatible, the shear pin will be too.
This is why the measurements are what you will want to account for.
If the diameter is off, the shear pin is not going to be a good fit. Look into this and then find the right shear pin for your setup.
This guide is going to show you how to find the right shear pin for your snowblower and what to account for when you are trying to find the best fit.
How To Find The Right Shear Pins For Snowblower
1. Know The Diameter
The most important detail to think about is the diameter.
Look at the existing shear pin to see how big it is. This will shed light on what is right and what is wrong when it comes to the shear pin.
You don’t want a situation where the diameter is not in line with what the shear pin requires. This is bad for the snowblower and it is not going to fit.
Even if it is the same brand, sometimes the diameter is going to be different between shear pins.
If you don’t have access to a proper shear pin from your snowblower, it is best to go through the manual to see what will work. It will often offer insight into what is going to be a good fit and what won’t be.
When a shear pin is not the right size, you are not going to see appropriate results.
It is not going to fit nor will the snowblower move.
Start with the diameter and then look at what type of shear pin you are getting.
2. Most Brands Have A Similar Fit
Let’s assume you are looking at a shear pin and it is the same brand.
Is that enough?
No, it might not be enough but it is usually a good indicator that you will find something that’s compatible. This is a good starting point as you do want to use the same brand for the shear pins going into the snowblower.
It will save you a lot of trouble when it comes to the overall fit.
However, this does not mean you can only use the same brand. It does not have to be the same brand as most shear pins are designed based on the measurements. Look into the measurements to see what will work for your snowblower.
3. Check For Potential Damage To The Connector
You will always want to look at the connecting point.
The connecting point is where the shear pin is going to sit. If it is not intact, this might be the major issue and not the shear pin.
The pin itself is going to keep breaking.
You will always want to take the time to check for potential damage to ensure the connector is a good fit for the shear pin you choose.
If the connector is damaged, you will need to find a way to replace that part of the snowblower too.
4. Don’t Rush The Installation
When it is time to set up the new shear pin, you are going to have to be meticulous with the installation.
This is essential when you are handling a new snowblower shear pin and want to make sure it settles into place.
Look at the connecting point to see where the new shear pin is going to go. Once you do this, you will get a better read on what will fit and what will not.
These are essential details that do matter when it is time to get the type of shear pin that will work as time goes on.
Final Thoughts
Are snowblower shear pins universal?
Snowblower shear pins can be universal as long as the diameter is the same. It’s best to know the measurement and then find a shear pin.
It is not always going to be the same but most shear pins will be the same measurement. This makes it a lot easier to find a good deal and get a shear pin that will be a great fit.
Always take the time to look at the measurements and then invest in a new shear pin. Otherwise, you will have to settle for something that does not work.
This is key with a good snowblower that works for a long time.
