What is the correct procedure for installing a cotter pin?

The correct procedure for installing a cotter pin is to insert the pin through the fastener hole and bend the ends to secure it. This method ensures that the cotter pin effectively locks the fastener in place, preventing any movement or loosening due to vibrations or external forces. By bending the ends of the cotter pin after insertion, it creates a reliable and secure connection, which is essential in maintaining the integrity of the assembly.

The effectiveness of a cotter pin lies in its design, which allows for a quick and easy fastening solution in mechanical applications. When the ends are bent, they create a barrier that keeps the pin from slipping out, thus securing the main fastener effectively.

Other methods such as sliding the pin through the hole without bending it, leaving it unbent halfway through, or welding the ends post-insertion do not provide the necessary security and can lead to failure in the fastening system. Therefore, bending the ends after inserting the cotter pin is critical for ensuring a safe and effective assembly.