What is a spring pin?
Spring pins are cylindrical fasteners designed to hold two or more parts together. They have chamfered ends while allowing a spring-like action. Spring pins basically have a large slit that allows them to deform under pressure.
In airplanes, spring pins are often used to hold multiple parts together so that the parts are positioned opposite each other. Spring pins can be inserted through holes in the part. Once inserted, they hold the parts together while ensuring that the parts maintain their relative positions.
How Spring Pins Work
Spring pins work by filling the space of the hole they are in when trying to expand. They are called "spring pins" because they are spring-like rod-shaped pins. They will deform under pressure, and in the process the spring pins will try to expand by releasing the mechanical energy of that pressure.
After the spring pin is placed in the hole, it expands. Spring pins are chamfered, which means their diameter changes from one end to the other. With a chamfered design, the spring pin compresses as it fills the hole space. When doing so, the spring pin will exert a force on the inside wall of the hole.
There are two main types of spring pins:
Coil Spring Pins: One of the most common types of spring pins is the coil spring pin. Coil spring pins are characterized by a helical structure. Most of them are made of metals or metal alloys.
Slotted Spring Pins: Slotted spring pins are also available. Slotted spring pins are cylindrical pins with a slot underneath.
