When discussing fasteners, people usually think of screws and threaded bolts. These are the most commonly used fasteners in the world. However, bolts, nuts, and screws aren’t the only fasteners in existence, and there are plenty of other fastening devices on the market.

Depending on your requirements, there are a variety of different fasteners that all share a function, but provide distinct advantages. For example, the clevis fastener is mostly used to fasten loads to various types of machinery, such as construction equipment. Due to their versatility, clevis fasteners are a viable solution in a variety of situations.

What Are Clevis Fasteners?

A clevis fastener is a fastening system usually consisting of two parts: a clevis and a clevis pin. The clevis alone is a U-shaped piece that has bores at the end of its prongs, which are designed to accept and secure the clevis pin.

Clevis pin is similar to a bolt and has plenty of different types suitable for various applications. However, in the case of clevis fasteners, clevis pins are either threaded (entirely or partially) or unthreaded. Unthreaded clevis pins have a cross-hole at the bottom end of their chanks, which allows you to secure the clevis pin with a cotter pin — in most cases, a split pin.

It’s important to note that in the absence of threaded clevis pins, people usually attempt to use a threaded bolt. This poses a security risk for numerous reasons. Bolts are usually made of high carbon steel, which isn’t meant to withstand the same amount of lateral stress as a shank of a stainless steel clevis pin would. The combination of a clevis and a clevis pin is commonly called a shackle.

Clevises are a common component in a wide range of fasteners used in most industries like, agricultural machinery, sailboat rigging, as well as in the construction, automotive, and aviation sectors. A clevis, which is a component of a fastener, offers a way to permit rotation in some axes while restricting it in others.

What Are the Different Types of Clevis Fasteners?

There are several different types of clevis fasteners designed to meet different demands in different applications, giving us clevis hangers and other specialized clevis fastener solutions.

Threaded and Unthreaded

Despite having a very similar appearance, threaded and unthreaded clevis pins used in clevises have several significant variances. Unthreaded pins can be recognized by their cross-bore at one end and a rounded head or a pull-ring on the other. These usually slide into the clevis rather than being screwed in.

Threaded pins have a formed head on one end and threads on the other. Threaded pins offer greater security than unthreaded pins, as they can be screwed into the clevis.

Rod Clevis

Rod clevis, or clevis rod end, is a folded or machined component that has been shaped into a clevis and has a hole at the base through which a rod is attached. The hole is typically threaded in machined pieces.

Clevis Hook

A clevis hook is basically a hook with a clevis base. The hook itself can be equipped with a snap-lock, though that isn’t always the case. The clevis is usually secured via a threaded or unthreaded clevis pin, the latter of which can be secured via a hitch pin.

Clevis Hanger

Clevis hangers actually consist of a soft-V and a U-clevis, which are joined together with a bolt or pin. The base of the V-clevis is flattened to allow surface mounting via a bolt or a screw. These types of clevises are most commonly used for pipe attachment.

Twin Clevis

This single-piece clevis is actually made of two clevises directly opposing one another while joined at the base. Each side has its own threaded or unthreaded pins. These clevises are mostly used to join two lengths of chains.

Summary

Clevis fasteners are actually some of the most commonly used fasteners across various branches of industry. Nearly all industrial branches may require the use of clevis fasteners. If you’re interested in clevis, or other types of fasteners, you can get more info from Reid Supply and their extensive library of guides and other technical literature.