R-clips, also known as spring cotter pins or hairpin cotters, are used to secure pins, shafts and stub axles with a cross hole. They prevent a pin from moving unintentionally out of its mounting position or a fitted component from sliding off axially.

The straight leg of the R-clip is inserted through the cross hole. At the same time, the curved spring leg grips the pin or shaft and holds the clip in position through its spring tension. This creates a quickly installed and removable retaining connection that normally requires no tools.

R-clips are particularly suitable for connections that need to be opened, adjusted or serviced regularly. Typical applications include trailers, agricultural equipment, machinery, stub axles, joint pins, linkages and adjustable fixtures.

Meaning of the Specifications in the Product Table

Specification	Meaning
Length L1	Overall length of the R-clip. It determines the required installation and movement space.
Length L2	Usable length of the straight retaining section. It must suit the position of the cross hole and the width of the connection.
Wire diameter d	Diameter of the spring wire. It influences the required cross-hole size, spring action and stability of the clip.
Inside diameter Di	Inside diameter of the curved eye or spring section according to the product drawing.
Secures from	Smallest pin or shaft diameter for which the R-clip is intended.
Secures to	Largest pin or shaft diameter within the specified retaining range.
Clamping height A	Additional dimension according to the product drawing. No separate clamping height is specified for the products currently offered.
Material	The R-clips offered are manufactured from spring steel 1.1200.
Surface finish	The zinc-plated surface provides basic corrosion protection.
Total stock	Total quantity currently held in stock.
Available immediately	Quantity currently available for immediate dispatch.

The wire diameter, usable length and specified retaining range are particularly important when selecting the correct size. The overall length alone is not sufficient.

How to Select the Correct R-Clip

Proceed in the following order:

Measure the pin diameter: The outside diameter of the pin must remain between the stated “secures from” and “secures to” values.
Check the cross hole: The hole must be large enough for the straight wire leg without creating unnecessary play.
Check the cross-hole position: Usable length L2 must suit the width of the connection and the location of the hole.
Consider the installation space: Sufficient clearance is required for overall length L1 and for inserting and removing the curved spring leg.
Assess the load: The R-clip secures the pin but is not intended to function as the load-bearing connecting element.
Check the operating environment: Humidity, salt, temperature and cleaning agents affect the suitability of the zinc-plated version.

A larger R-clip does not automatically provide better retention. If the pin is too small, the spring leg may not grip it securely. If the pin is too large, the clip may be overstretched and permanently deformed.

What Does “Similar to DIN 11024” Mean?

The term “similar to DIN 11024” describes the general design and operating principle. However, the dimensions of the products offered may differ from the standardised DIN dimensional series.

The R-clip should therefore not be selected solely by a DIN nominal size. The specific values in the product table and corresponding product drawing are decisive.

When replacing an existing clip, compare at least the wire diameter, overall length, usable length, cross-hole size and intended pin diameter.

Installation Recommendations

Before installation, the R-clip, pin and cross hole should be clean and free from burrs or damage.

Insert the straight leg completely through the cross hole. Then push the clip onto the pin until the curved spring leg rests securely against it. Check the fit by pulling gently on the clip.

The R-clip must not be hammered into position or forced onto an unsuitable pin diameter. Excessive opening may permanently reduce the spring action.

The installation position should prevent the clip from catching on cables, cargo, vegetation or moving components and being pulled out unintentionally.

Material and Corrosion Protection

The R-clips offered are made from spring steel 1.1200. This material provides the elastic return required by the curved spring leg.

The zinc plating protects the spring steel against corrosion in many general applications. For permanent outdoor use, road salt, high humidity, seawater or aggressive cleaning agents, the suitability of this protection must be assessed separately.

R-clips that are damaged, heavily corroded or permanently stretched should be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions About R-Clips

Is a tool required for installation?

Normally not. A correctly selected R-clip can be installed and removed by hand.

How do I determine the correct size?

The pin diameter, cross-hole size, wire diameter d, usable length L2 and specified retaining range are decisive.

Can an R-clip be reused?

Yes, provided that it is not deformed, damaged, worn or heavily corroded and still grips the pin securely.

Is an R-clip a load-bearing component?

No. Its main purpose is to prevent the pin from moving out axially. Operating loads must be carried by the pin and the surrounding structure.

What is the difference from a linch pin?

An R-clip consists of a continuous spring wire with one straight and one curved leg. A linch pin has a separate folding retaining loop.

Further quick-release retaining components can be found in our spring elements overview.