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Spring Pin Sizes — DIN 1481 / ISO 8752 Quick Reference
Spring pins (slotted roll pins) are specified by nominal diameter (matches the drilled hole) and length. The pin's slotted construction allows radial compression for an interference fit — no precision-machined clearances required. Manufactured to DIN 1481 (German standard) or ISO 8752 (international equivalent). Common workshop sizes from 1.5mm to 13mm nominal diameter.
| Nominal Ø | Hole Drill Ø | Common Lengths (mm) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 4 - 20 | Light fixtures, small linkages |
| 2.0 mm | 2.0 mm | 5 - 28 | Small mechanical linkages, hinges |
| 2.5 mm | 2.5 mm | 6 - 32 | General-purpose machinery |
| 3.0 mm | 3.0 mm | 8 - 40 | Workshop machinery, gear retention |
| 4.0 mm | 4.0 mm | 10 - 50 | Shaft-to-hub, conveyor links |
| 5.0 mm | 5.0 mm | 14 - 60 | Industrial linkages, pulley retention |
| 6.0 mm | 6.0 mm | 16 - 80 | Heavier machinery, large gears |
| 8.0 mm | 8.0 mm | 20 - 100 | Heavy industrial, agricultural linkage |
| 10.0 mm | 10.0 mm | 25 - 120 | Mining plant, heavy duty |
For non-reusable solid-pin retention or higher shear capacity, see pins range. For pivot applications, see clevis pins. Full background and selection guidance in our roll pin guide.
Spring Pins & Roll Pins — Slotted and Coiled Pins for Shaft and Linkage Applications
Spring pins (also called roll pins or slotted spring pins) are hollow cylindrical pins with a longitudinal slot that allows them to compress slightly during installation — creating a tight interference fit in the hole without requiring precision-machined clearances. AIMS Industrial stocks metric and imperial roll pins from Champion, GJ Works and Work Shop Buddy in individual sizes and assortment kits.
How Spring Pins Work
The slot in the pin wall allows the pin to compress radially when driven into an undersized hole. The spring tension of the compressed pin locks it in place and provides vibration resistance. Spring pins can be removed and reinserted — making them more reusable than solid dowel pins in applications where disassembly is required.
Metric Spring Pins
Metric roll pins are available in diameter and length combinations from 1.5mm × 5mm through to 10mm × 50mm. Champion stocks individual metric roll pins as well as large and small assortment kits. Work Shop Buddy metric roll pin grab kits (315 pieces) provide a convenient range of sizes for workshop use. Assortment refill packs are available for both standard kit sizes.
Imperial Spring Pins
Imperial roll pins from Champion are available in standard inch-dimensioned sizes for use with imperial-dimensioned shafts and linkages — common in agricultural machinery, older industrial equipment and North American-designed machines.
Applications
Spring pins are used for: shaft-to-hub connections (locking gears, pulleys and collars), pivot pins in linkages, door and hinge pins in panels and enclosures, shear pins in torque-limiting applications, and position pins in jigs and fixtures. They are manufactured to DIN 1481 (slotted spring pin) or ISO 8752 standards.
Need help selecting a spring pin for your application? Contact our team.
People Also Ask — Spring Pins (Roll Pins and Coiled Pins)
Q: What's the difference between a roll pin and a coiled spring pin?
Roll pins (also called slotted spring pins) are made from a single piece of spring steel rolled into a cylinder with a longitudinal slot — they compress on installation and spring back to fill the hole. Coiled spring pins use a wound spring-steel strip giving more uniform stress distribution — they tolerate dynamic loads better than roll pins. Roll pins are cheaper and adequate for static applications; coiled pins better for vibration and impact loads.
Q: What hole size should I drill for a spring pin?
Drill the hole to match the spring pin's nominal diameter — the pin compresses on installation to fit. For example, a 6mm spring pin fits a 6mm drilled hole. Don't oversize the hole — the pin's spring action provides the holding force. Don't undersize either — installation requires excessive force and can damage the pin or the assembly.
Q: How do I install a spring pin?
Align the pin with the hole, then drive it in using a pin punch and hammer — the pin compresses as it enters and springs back to fill the hole, holding by friction against the hole walls. For tight or precision assemblies, drive carefully to avoid damaging surrounding components. Spring pin installation tools (pneumatic or manual) handle high-volume installation more consistently than hand methods.
Q: What material should I choose for outdoor or marine use?
Standard spring pins are carbon steel — adequate for indoor and dry outdoor service but rust quickly in wet or marine conditions. Stainless steel spring pins (typically 302 or 420 series) handle outdoor and marine applications. Bronze spring pins for specialty non-magnetic applications. Match the pin material to the assembly's overall material to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Q: Can spring pins be reused?
Generally no — installation work-hardens the pin and removal damages the spring action. Replace pins after disassembly rather than reuse. The cost of replacement pins is minimal compared to the risk of a reused pin failing under load. Keep a kit of common sizes (3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm diameter in common lengths) for workshop maintenance work.