Paul Eastham
Well Known Member
I've read AC43.13 about how cotter pins are supposed to look when installed, but I am wondering: what's the right tool for the job? I usually end up manhandling them with the snout of my diagonal cutters, which is prone to slipping and generally making a mess.
Do you bend first then trim to proper length? What tool do you use to trim when they are up snug against the nut/bolt as required?
If you trim first, it seems like you need to apply a lot of force very near to the bend location (i.e. not much mechanical advantage due to having a shorter "lever"). How do you grip them?
Surely there must be an easy way!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Do you bend first then trim to proper length? What tool do you use to trim when they are up snug against the nut/bolt as required?
If you trim first, it seems like you need to apply a lot of force very near to the bend location (i.e. not much mechanical advantage due to having a shorter "lever"). How do you grip them?
Surely there must be an easy way!