Cotter-Pin Puller

Cotter pins and split pins are often used in high stress situations where fasteners may be subjected to substantial tension and vibration, such as on hitch pins or machinery parts. Since they are sometimes hard to dislodge, a Cotter-Pin Puller (also known as an extractor) can be used to get the job done more quickly and safely. Although available commercially (see examples below), Tiffin, OH, farmer Steve Faber came up with a simple homemade version. Using an old screwdriver, he removed the shank, drilled a hole up through the handle, and inserted a length of heavy #9 wire down through the hole. He next bent the end to form a hook then flattened the other end so it couldn’t pull out of the handle.

Cost: Manufactured: $10-$30, depending primarily on length and type of handle

Limitations Addressed: Upper extremity