Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,762
This would only be a temporary rig, I just aquired a 5.5 fisherman and the prop was wire tied to the shaft, I have no prop cone to retain the pin. I attached the prop with a small nut and bolt to run the engine in a barrel, now thats done and I'm itching to see how well it pushes my boat, providing I don't strike an object (which I won't) would there be anything else I should be aware of?
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

I would use a brass bolt, in case you do hit something, there's a chance of it shearing. Otherwise, can't think of a reason to not do it.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,398
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

Temporary measure only in known deep water with a good watch ahead for obstructions.
Enjoy your motor.
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

Shear pins are hardened, they are also smooth so as not to marr the hole.
I would use the shear pin and come up with an arrangement of washers and nylon locnut to retain it.

A bolt can snap from the engine pulses. Then you'll need a prop too.:)
 

sbump52

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 5, 2008
Messages
115
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

I may be wrong, but I think he means the cotter pin that keeps the prop nut from turning, not the shear pin. Not sure though.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

I may be wrong, but I think he means the cotter pin that keeps the prop nut from turning, not the shear pin. Not sure though.

He means the shear (drive) pin. It has (supposed to have) a rubber snap-on "nut". The correct drive pin is made of stainless steel and is not intended to shear. The gearcase has a built-in slip clutch to absorb the strain of grinding up rocks.

The main drawback to the nut and bolt scheme is wear from the threads on the holes in the shaft and prop. And losing the whole shebang. Make sure the cotter pin is in the other hole in the shaft. That keeps the prop from sliding off. But hey, I understand and I'd probably be out there running the bolt myself. But let's keep it temporary, ok?
 

Cofe

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Messages
1,883
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

He means the shear (drive) pin. It has (supposed to have) a rubber snap-on "nut". The correct drive pin is made of stainless steel and is not intended to shear. The gearcase has a built-in slip clutch to absorb the strain of grinding up rocks.

The main drawback to the nut and bolt scheme is wear from the threads on the holes in the shaft and prop. And losing the whole shebang. Make sure the cotter pin is in the other hole in the shaft. That keeps the prop from sliding off. But hey, I understand and I'd probably be out there running the bolt myself. But let's keep it temporary, ok?

I agree FR,,,,,,Very Temporary,,,,,,And that is still a risk.
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,762
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

Hey thanks for all the replies it's for sure just a temporary measure and did manage to find a stainless bolt, the cotter pin will definately be in place. I did not know shear pins were hardened, always figured they were soft like a flywheel key, thanks for that little tid bit.
On to this rubber cap, It's sole purpose is to retain the pin correct? So now my mind is processing thoughts of improvision substitutes like Hmmm, how about the rubber snubber on this chair leg I'm sitting on, or hey that shower rod over there has rubber end caps, maybe I could use some heat shrink tubing to retain the pin, I'm just preparing for it to be N/A. Thanks again.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

Hey thanks for all the replies it's for sure just a temporary measure and did manage to find a stainless bolt, the cotter pin will definately be in place. I did not know shear pins were hardened, always figured they were soft like a flywheel key, thanks for that little tid bit.
On to this rubber cap, It's sole purpose is to retain the pin correct? So now my mind is processing thoughts of improvision substitutes like Hmmm, how about the rubber snubber on this chair leg I'm sitting on, or hey that shower rod over there has rubber end caps, maybe I could use some heat shrink tubing to retain the pin, I'm just preparing for it to be N/A. Thanks again.

I don't think he really meant "hardened" meaning hardened steel, but hard as compared to something like brass. They are made of stainless steel. Ok, so there are different grades of stainless, but I wouldn't consider that a factor.
The drive pin is part number 302333 and the rubber cap is 303365. From yuor friendly Evinrude dealer. The original caps only lasted 40 or 50 years. I don't know about you but 40 years is plenty for me.
 

Rick.

Captain
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
3,740
Re: Can I use a nut and bolt in place of shear pin

I can't help but think of a book by Patrick McManus i once read where he talked about "temporary measures" and how many of them had lasted for years and years. Funny writer but there is a moral to the story. Best of luck. Rick.
 
Top