Checkout
Pins and Clips
Pins & clips for locating and retaining components: dowel pins, split pins (DIN 94), circlips and e-clips. Stainless options stocked in A1, A2 and A4 from 1–16 mm for dependable assembly and retention.
Pins are used to position parts accurately during build and maintenance, while retaining clips secure components on shafts and in housings with a compact, serviceable fit. Widely used across engineering and automotive applications, with stainless grades also well suited to outdoor and marine environments. If you are unsure on type or size, we can advise.
What Type of Pin Should I Use?
Parallel Pins are the simplest dowel pins available. These pins are cylinders of solid material with parallel sides, hence the name, in contrast to tapered pins. Typically, these pins have a interference fit which helps to hold the pin in place. Parallel pins come with either a chamfered end or a rounded end, both of which aid insertion.
Tapered Pins perform a similar job to the parallel pins, but the tapered nature means when these are driven into a hole the compression force increases, holding the pin in place. These pins are becoming increasingly less common, as there are other methods of holding pins in place.
Slotted Spring Pins can be used to tightly fit into holes smaller than their relaxed diameter. The slot allows these pins to be compressed and forced into smaller holes, and the spring nature of these pins secures them in place. These pins also come with chamfered ends to aid insertion.
Roll Pins are very similar to Slotted Pins, but the material is coiled more than one revolution. This allows these pins to compress like the spring pins but will compress let and require more force to do so. Roll Pins are essentially heavy-duty spring pins.
Split Pins come bent in half and are designed to be fed through a hole in a nut or bolt, then have the two legs split apart to lock the pin in place. This pin then prevents the fastener from turning and therefore coming loose.
Clevis Pins, also known as Link Pins or Hinge Pins, have a large head with a hole drilled in the end of the shank for use with a split pin or R clip. These are commonly used for securing parts which require a rotational connection.
Detent Pins have a sprung ball bearing in the end which helps retain the pin into its hole. Some variants of the detent pins are quick release, and others require a button to be pressed to release the ball bearing, allowing for removal of the pin.
Need help finding the right Pin or Clip for your project? Give us a call today on 01233 713 581
Need Support?
Frequently Asked Questions
What stainless steel pins do you sell?
At Vital Parts, we offer a wide range of pin stainless steel options, stocked in A1, A2, and Marine‑grade A4 (316) stainless steel across diameters from 1 mm to 16 mm. This includes versatile dowel pins and resilient split pins (also known as cotter pins) built to DIN 94 standard, available in sizes such as 1 mm × 4 mm up to 13 mm × 140 mm, ideal for secure, corrosion-resistant fastening in marine, automotive, industrial, and construction applications. We combine these high-quality stainless steel pins with fast same‑day dispatch, competitive trade pricing, and expert technical support to help you rapidly source the right component solution for your project.
How fast can I get my order?
Need your parts tomorrow? Our rapid same day dispatch has got you covered! Simply place your order before 4pm Mon-Thurs or 2pm Friday and select our Next Day Delivery service in the shopping cart. We also offer Guaranteed AM delivery when required, in addition to a Saturday delivery option.
If you don't mind waiting, we have a Free delivery method for orders over £30, and an economic £4.85 2nd Class delivery for orders between £20-£30.
Can I get a Free Sample?
Free Samples can be requested through our product pages, displayed in the sizing table beside the product you require. Please note you can always give us a call on 01233 713 581 or contact us on Live Chat to discuss samples.
Do I need to Sign Up for an account?
You do not need to sign up to place an order, but it is recommended if you'd like to gain loyalty points, giving discount off future orders. To learn more about loyalty points, please view our rewards scheme page.
I am not sure what parts I need?
If you're unsure which part you need then please do not hesitate to give one of our friendly Sales Team a call on 01233 713 581 and they can assist you. Alternatively, we're active on Live Chat during office hours. You can open this using the button in the bottom right corner of the website. Alternatively, you can write to us using our contact form.
Do you offer Returns on Products?
We offer a return period on all of our products to give you peace of mind, to view our policies and learn more about this process should it be required, please see our returns policy page.
Can you supply different colours of this product?
In most cases we have the facilities to offer you different colours of a product, specific to your requirements. Minimum order quantities may apply depending on the manufacturing technique in question, but please get in touch with any queries you may have.
Is there a minimum order value?
Please note that there is a minimum order value of £10 through our website (inclusive of VAT).
If you're new to our website you may want to check out our frequently asked questions section for answers to common customer queries.
What do these abbrievations mean?
While browsing the website you may come across abbreviations used for material names that you are unfamiliar with. You can find an explanation for these in our material abbreviations guide.
