These pins are manufactured and tested to strict U.S. military standards for material and construction. They lock the ends of clevis pins and shafts to keep components in place. Slide pins into a hole and then bend the prongs outward with pliers to secure. Also known as split pins, one prong is slightly longer than the other for easy opening once inserted. Repeated bending will weaken the pin, so they should not be reused.

Cut this square or rectangular key stock to length to create a straight machine key. Straight keys are the most common type of key. Machine keys are often the same material as the shaft and other components with which they are used. To use a key as a sacrificial part, choose a softer key that will shear off when parts are exposed to excessive force, preventing damage to expensive equipment.