How to Replace Snow Blower Shear Pins
Broken shear pins stop the auger from spinning. Here's how to replace them quickly so you can get back to clearing snow.
handyman Tools & Materials Needed
- checkReplacement shear pins and cotter pins (match your model)
- checkPliers
- checkSocket wrench or wrench
- checkHammer (if stuck)
Turn off the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire. Wait for the auger to stop completely.
Locate the broken shear pin — it connects the auger to the auger shaft. You'll see a hole through both where the pin passes through.
Remove the cotter pin (the bent wire pin) from the outside end of the shear pin using pliers.
Push or tap the broken shear pin out from the opposite side. If it's stuck, a small punch and hammer will free it.
Align the hole in the auger with the hole in the shaft. You may need to rotate the auger slightly by hand.
Insert the new shear pin through both holes. It should slide through smoothly.
Install a new cotter pin through the hole in the end of the shear pin. Bend the legs apart to secure it.
Important: always use the correct shear pins for your model. They're designed to break before the gearbox does. Using a regular bolt instead of a shear pin can destroy the gearbox — a very expensive repair.
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