Groove Pin, Full Length, Metric Sizes
What Is a Full Length Groove Pin?
A full length groove pin is a solid cylindrical pin with three grooves rolled into its surface running the entire length of the pin. Rolling the grooves displaces material outward slightly beyond the pin's nominal diameter, so when the pin is pressed into a standard drilled hole, the raised material compresses and locks the pin securely in place by spring action.
Because grooved pins work in a standard drilled hole rather than a precision reamed hole, they are a lower cost, faster to install alternative to dowel pins in applications where an interference fit rather than an exact locating fit is acceptable. Full length grooving gives holding force along the entire length of the pin, making this style suited to blind holes and applications needing maximum retention force.
Key Features and Benefits
- Grooves Along Full Length: provides holding force along the entire length of the pin.
- No Reaming Required: fits a standard drilled hole rather than a precision reamed hole.
- Reusable Installation: can be removed and reinstalled a limited number of times without losing all holding force.
- Cost Effective Alternative to Dowel Pins: faster and less expensive to install where an exact locating fit isn't required.
- Suited to Blind Holes: full length grooving gives strong retention even when the pin doesn't pass all the way through.
Materials and Finishes
- Steel: standard material for general purpose grooved pins.
- Plain or Zinc Plated Finish: options depending on the corrosion resistance needed.
Standards Compliance
- ISO 8740, Grooved pins with full-length parallel groove
- DIN 1473, Grooved pins with full length parallel groove
Size Range and Availability
Available in a full metric size range, sold individually or in bulk quantities.
Related Categories and Products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a full length groove pin used for?
It's used as a press fit fastening pin to locate or retain parts in a standard drilled hole, without needing the precision reaming that a dowel pin requires.
2. How does a grooved pin stay in place without a reamed hole?
The rolled grooves raise material slightly above the pin's nominal diameter, so when pressed into a hole, the displaced material compresses and creates spring pressure that locks the pin in place.
3. What is the advantage of full length grooving over partial grooving?
Full length grooving provides holding force along the entire pin, giving stronger retention, which is useful in blind holes or where maximum holding force is needed.
4. Can a full length groove pin be reused?
Yes, within limits. It can typically be removed and reinstalled a few times before the grooves lose enough material to reduce holding force.
5. Is a groove pin as precise a locating fit as a dowel pin?
No, a groove pin relies on an interference press fit rather than a precision ground diameter, so it's best used where a secure fit is needed but exact locating tolerance isn't critical.
6. What sizes are available?
We stock a full metric size range, available individually or in bulk quantities.
