How to remove cotter pins
- Thread starter LordNelson
- Start date
They make a pair of pliers that has a small protrusion between the jaws. That protrusion goes into the "head" of the cotter pin, then the jaws clamp shut. Then you just muscle the cotter pin out - the "legs" will straighten (sort of) on the way out. I don't know what they are called, I had a rigger give me a pair one day.
Edit: Just did a google search, and they make cotter pin removal tools, but none of them are the pliers I saw. Pictured were various tools that would use leverage because of their shape, rather than brute force needed with my pliers. Do a search, see what you come up with. If you own a sailboat, it is a tool worth having.
Edit: Just did a google search, and they make cotter pin removal tools, but none of them are the pliers I saw. Pictured were various tools that would use leverage because of their shape, rather than brute force needed with my pliers. Do a search, see what you come up with. If you own a sailboat, it is a tool worth having.
You can also try using a small 90 angled pic or hook. Common in tool sections. Hook onto the head loop and pull.
Was finally able to get a needle nose vise grip on the loop that held it from spinning so I could pry open the cotter pins. Unfortunately when I got the old back stay off and put it next to the new on the old one was a foot longer. May have to reuse old one for another season.
I'm find of clipping the bent legs off rather than unbending
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