How do you remove a cotter pin lock?

Instead of a removal tool, you can use a nail and a small screwdriver or a small punch. Use a hammer and punch if the removal tool fails to extract a stuck cotter pin. Cut or break both ends of the cotter pin flush with the bolt or shaft and use the hammer and a punch to push the remainder of the pin through the hole.

What does a cotter pin look like?

Also known as a split pin, a cotter pin is a simple fastener that’s used to secure a bolt — or any other rod-shaped fastener — in place. As shown in the adjacent image, cotter pins consist of a narrow U-shaped piece of metal with a flared and circular top.

Can you reuse cotter pins?

Are Cotter Pins Reusable? Typically, when deforming the pin once, the pins keep their strength and provide a strong locking mechanism that can be relied on. As a general rule, cotter pins should not be reused as the extra bending weakens the pin.

What can I use instead of a cotter pin?

Instead of cotter pins, you can also try ring pins, as these have no sharp edges, but they tend to work their way out of the hole and fall off, thus making them an undesirable choice. The next option is to use seizing wire and wrap the turnbuckle to the screw hole.

Why do you need a cotter pin on a riding mower?

Riding lawn mowers use cotter pins to hold the front wheels in place. Riding lawnmowers make mowing the lawn faster and easier, especially if you have a lot of grass to mow. Unlike smaller manual mowers, riding mowers have inflated tires on their wheels.

How do you remove a hubcap from a lawn mower?

Pry the hubcap free with a flat-head screwdriver to access the axle spindle that the cotter pin connects to. If your lawnmower doesn’t have a hubcap, you should have direct access to the spindle and pin. Grasp the curved portion of the cotter pin with pliers and pull it straight out to remove it from the axle spindle.

How is a cotter pin held in place?

While the larger back wheels are typically held in place by bolts similar to a car wheel, the smaller front wheels are often held by a cotter pin that penetrates the axle spindle. If you need to remove the wheel to repair or replace the tire, the pin needs to be removed first. 1

How do you remove a wheel on a riding lawn mower?

Raise the mower gently and place a piece of brick or wood underneath its front edge. Follow the same process if you want to remove the rear wheel, and place a piece of brick or wood below the rear wheels. If you do not see a screw in the center of the wheel, you can be sure it is covered with a hubcap.

How do you remove the front wheel on a riding mower?

To remove the front wheel the flexible center hub cap must first be removed . Using a flat-bladed screw driver, or similar flat-edged tool, gently pry up on the outer lip (edge) of the hub cap until it becomes free.

How do you replace the front wheel on a Cub Cadet riding mower?

Elevate the front axle on the side nearest the tire to be replaced. After removing the hubcap (ref. Hubcap Removal above), remove the cotter pin and flat washer securing the wheel to the axle. The wheel assembly should now slide off the axle.