Spring pins are hollow dowel pins manufactured from spring steel.

Types of Spring Pins

There are two main types of products:

• coiled 
• slotted

Coiled spring pins are made of spring steel or another metal, and are coiled into a hollow cylindrical shape. Roll pins (slotted steel springs, slotted spring pins) are made of rolled steel or another, similar metal and then rolled into a cylindrical shape. These headless, hollow fasteners have a slot that runs longitudinally down the length of the pin. Various types of specialty and proprietary spring pins are also available. Often, these spring pin fasteners are rated for specific applications.

Specifications

Spring pins are available in English and metric sizes, and carry specifications such as:

• size
• length
• material of construction

English pins are specified in inches or fractions of an inch. Metric pins are measured in units such as millimeters (mm) or centimeters (cm). Typically, the size of spring pins is expressed as the nominal diameter.

Materials

With regard to materials of construction, choices include plastic, hardened and ground steel, unhardened steel, and stainless steel. Plastic spring pins are made of thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight. Hardened and ground carbon-steel spring pins are extremely hard, but cannot absorb much shock or impact without braking. Stainless steel spring pins are used in applications that require chemical and corrosion resistance, as well as relatively high pressure ratings. 

Applications

Spring pins and spring pin fasteners are cost-effective industrial fasteners that require little preparation. Often, the user needs only to drill a hole prior to installation. With both coiled spring pins and slotted spring pins, there are a variety of applications. For example, electrical spring pins are sometimes used as electrical connectors. Spring pin fasteners are suitable for casting, stamping, and other production operations. Slotted spring pins are better able to withstand the effects of shock and vibration than other products. Spring loaded pins may feature a quick-release mechanism, and are well-suited for applications where space is limited. For all types of spring pins and spring fasteners, bulk pricing is often available. Spring pin suppliers are located across North America and around the world.

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