Why is it always the right hand cotter pin that gets stuck in place?

Question

Why is it always the right hand cotter pin that gets stuck in place?

Answer 1

It's due to the wedging action of the pin and the tendency that it is generally put in upside down. The head of the pin should be facing up when the crank arm is facing towards the front of the bike. This means the nut should be on the bottom. This goes for both arms.

Go to the auto parts store and get some anti-seize compound. Put a thin layer in the pin hole and on the spindle flat before installing the pin.

If you email me your address I'll post you a cotter pin remover... it looks a bit like a C clamp but made especially to push out cotters with little or no damage.

EDIT: There is actually another reason (other than the pin being jammed) that you want to orient the pin that way. If you wear long pants, your leg has a greater chance of getting caught on the nut than it does on the domed end, and the forward "push" is where the leg contacts the arm.

Answer 2

Because your right leg is stronger and it gets worn.

Assuming that's what you mean - the question isn't very clear.

Answer 3

Ahh! . . . . Cotter pins, those were the days !

You make me laugh Liam, as you seem to get yourself in a pickle whilst undergoing your rebuilds!

However; In a rather strange way I admire you for doing so! - You have a go, - make mistakes and seek advice - Brilliant!

I'm afraid it's been a long time since I had to deal with those little devils (we oldies remember the strange pedaling motion that a worn one will impart!)

It reminds me of an earlier question I recall, - that cyclists 'nasal discharge' seems more prolific from the left nostril????

My real answer is IDK but I could give you some technobabble about the right-hand side of your bike being roadside and more prone to collecting corrosive emissions from passing vehicles and 'melding' the cotter pin to the crank!  lol.

Best of luck mate.

EDIT: Interesting answer from Mirage! - I have replaced many cotter pins in my time and never considered the implications of whether they were upside down or not?

Take the offer of a cotter pin extractor, (not many of them about) I am sure Mirage has lots of them, as I believe he is an advocate of older style manufacturing methods!

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