I'm using cotter pins(the hairpin type things that you stick thru and bend up) because I'm too cheap to buy a $20 roll of safety wire. And opinions either way?
:cheers:
Cotter pins are just as effective if the right size is used and they're installed properly. Safety wire just looks cooler. :lol:
safety wiring is only a requirement at the racetrack, and some trackdays. Cotter pins are fine.
Probably better off with the cotter pin instead of safety wire for securing the axle nuts.
I use a cotter pin on the rear axle of my TLR. Eventually I will change it to a hitch pin (kind of looks like a safety pin). The front axle has safety wire. My GS has hitch pins on the front & rear axles as well as the front caliper bolts. These wheels get changed a lot.
I need to try the hitch pin (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_2028_CotterPinsAndClinchPin.jpg) I bought a while ago. I guess my wheels don't get changed a lot lately ( :oops: ) so the opportunity hasn't come up yet.
Meanwhile, the cotter pins in that picture are about 1/2" longer than they need to be (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1828_CotterPin_Alambre_RearAxle_BeforeBending.jpg)...
... unless you like to bend them around the axle (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1830_CotterPin_Alambre_RearAxle_AfterBending.jpg) just for kicks.
PS - If the bike comes stock with cotter pins they had better be sufficient!
Kerry, why didn't you shell out the extra $0.15 and get the stainless instead of the zinc? Splurge a little, you deserve it! :lol:
what cotter pins :lol: