Roll Pins

About Roll Pins

Roll pins, also known as spring pins or tension pins, are hollow cylindrical fasteners manufactured from spring steel with a longitudinal slot running their length. This slotted design allows the pin to compress slightly during insertion, creating a secure friction fit that maintains tension without requiring additional locking mechanisms. Available in carbon steel for general applications and stainless steel for corrosion-resistant requirements, roll pins are essential components for securing parts on shafts, aligning assemblies, and acting as shear pins in mechanical linkages.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks comprehensive roll pin assortments from trusted brands like Draper, providing tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts with organised selections of the most commonly used sizes. These versatile fasteners typically range from 1.5mm to 25mm in diameter with lengths from 6mm to 100mm or more, making them ideal for everything from machinery repairs to custom fabrication projects where reliable fastening is essential.

Applications

Roll pins are utilised across numerous trades and industries including:

• Mechanical Engineers - machinery assembly, equipment maintenance and mechanical repairs
• Automotive Mechanics - vehicle component securing, transmission work and custom fabrication
• Agricultural Engineers - tractor repairs, farming equipment and implement maintenance
• Manufacturing Technicians - production line assembly and industrial machinery servicing
• Fabricators and Welders - custom metalwork projects requiring temporary or permanent fastening
• Plant Maintenance Teams - general industrial equipment repairs and servicing
• Bicycle Mechanics - securing components in bicycle assemblies and repairs
• Marine Engineers - boat equipment maintenance, particularly with stainless steel variants
• DIY Enthusiasts - home workshop projects, machinery restoration and general repairs

Choosing The Right Roll Pins

Size and Dimensions: Measure hole diameter and depth accurately using digital callipers. Roll pins require holes typically 0.1-0.2mm larger than the pin's nominal diameter for proper interference fit. Ensure pin length extends through the full component thickness with minimal protrusion.

Material Selection: Carbon steel roll pins offer excellent strength and economy for indoor applications, whilst stainless steel variants provide superior corrosion resistance for outdoor equipment, marine environments or food processing machinery. Consider operating conditions and chemical exposure when selecting material.

Load Requirements: Evaluate the shear and tensile loads your application demands. For high-stress situations, ensure adequate pin diameter and material strength. In safety-critical applications, consider whether the pin should function as a sacrificial shear component.

Assortment Kits: MyToolShed.co.uk offers convenient roll pin assortments from Draper, providing organised selections of commonly used sizes. These kits are ideal for maintenance workshops requiring regular access to various pin dimensions without delays waiting for specific sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between roll pins and solid dowel pins?

Roll pins are hollow with a longitudinal slot, allowing compression during installation and maintaining spring tension for retention. They tolerate greater hole variations and are easier to install and remove. Solid dowel pins are precisely machined cylinders requiring very accurate hole sizes but provide more precise alignment and higher load capacity in precision applications.

How do I determine the correct hole size for a roll pin?

The recommended hole diameter is typically 0.1-0.2mm larger than the pin's nominal diameter. For example, a 3mm roll pin requires a 3.1-3.2mm hole. The hole should be clean, burr-free and drilled perpendicular to the surface. Consult manufacturer specifications or standards like ISO 8752 for precise recommendations.

Can roll pins be reused after removal?

Whilst roll pins can often be reused, their spring tension may reduce after installation and removal, potentially compromising retention strength. For critical applications or high-stress environments, use new pins. For general workshop repairs and non-critical assemblies, carefully removed pins in good condition can typically be reused successfully.