What Is A Shear Pin On A Snowblower

A snowblower is a pretty complex machine that is composed of numerous components and moving parts, almost like an automobile. 

The shear pin is one of the many different components found in a snowblower. But exactly what is a shear pin on a snowblower used for? 

That is what I have discussed in this short article. So, keep on reading if you want to learn more about it! 

What Is A Shear Pin, And Where Is It Situated On A Snowblower?

A shear pin is a bolt that attaches the auger of your snowblower to the auger shaft. That is why it is also commonly known as a shear bolt. It connects the auger to its shaft in a manner that enables it to rotate while remaining attached to the auger gear case. 

In this regard, you will typically find a shear pin in two-stage snow blowers. Many one-stage snow blowers have a shear pin as well, albeit a smaller one, considering that they have a smaller auger. And you will find at least one shear pin attached on either side of the auger gear case. 

What Does The Shear Pin Do?

While it does help to attach the auger to its shaft, the overall function of a shear pin is somewhat different compared to other bolts. To be more precise, a shear pin is designed in  a manner that it breaks apart or “shears” easily. This is in contrast to other types of bolts, which are designed to be durable. 

If something large gets wedged between the auger and its housing, it could cause severe damage to the auger as well as the gear case. That is why the shear pin is designed to snap apart under such circumstances so that the auger housing and the gear case remain protected. 

For example, if a rock gets wedged in the auger, it will stop the auger from turning. However, the auger gear case will keep the shaft spinning, which will eventually bend or break under pressure after a while. 

A shear pin is attached to the shaft to prevent this from happening. Once the turning force becomes too great, the weak point of the shear pin snaps, thereby breaking the attachment between the auger and the shaft. This will allow the gear case to keep the shaft spinning without any damage. 

Symptoms Of A Broken Shear Pin

A shear pin can break if any hard enough object gets lodged inside the auger housing. So, objects, such as rocks, gravel, tree branches, garbage, and plastic toys can break it. Apart from these, the pin may break even if things like ropes or large pieces of paper get lodged between the auger and the shaft. 

In any case, there are certain symptoms of a broken shear pin. If you notice these symptoms, it is time to get it replaced 

• Snow accumulates in front of the auger housing
• It becomes difficult to push through the snow
• The auger can be rotated manually along the auger shaft

Replacing A Broken Shear Pin

Replacing a broken shear pin is a fairly straightforward process. First off, make sure to turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Then clear out the snow from the auger housing to access the auger shaft. 

When a shear pin breaks, half of it falls off, while the other half remains lodged inside the auger shaft. So, using a screwdriver, carefully dislodge this other half. Once you have done that, align the auger shaft with the auger, and insert a new pin into the bolt hole. Then carefully tighten the new shear pin with a wrench. 

Final Words

And that is all I have to say about snowblower shear pins. Their fragile design helps protect the components in the auger housing, which are more difficult and expensive to replace. 

However, it is important to get the broken shear pin replaced as soon as possible, as you won’t be able to remove snow otherwise. That is why I have also explained its replacement process. 

In that regard, it is a wise decision always to keep some spare ones handy, as you may never know when it might break again. 

And with that, it’s time to wrap up this article. Until next time, take care!