What causes cotter pins to become jammed and how can I prevent it from happening?

Question

What causes cotter pins to become jammed and how can I prevent it from happening?

Answer 1

Good advice from Mirage, look for some thing called 'Copa slip' - Available from autospares shops or Halfords.  It's an anti-seize compound that comes in a tube. Useful when reassembling  seatposts(non carbon)  pedal threads and cotter pins! - It does exactly what it says on the tube!!

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Answer 2

It is the mechanical wedging motion of the cotter pin. To help remove it, hit the side of the crank arm where the top (round part) of the cotter sticks out. I made a steel block with a hole that fits over the pin so I could hit the arm without damaging it, otherwise you risk denting the arm.

To avoid this, go to your local auto parts store and get a can of anti seize compound. Lightly coat the inside of the hole and the flat on the spindle before inserting the pin and tightening.

If you email me your address I'll post you a cotter pin remover... looks a bit like a C clamp.