Split pin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For mechanical uses of the split pin see cotter pin.
Split pins are a stationery item used for fastening two or more sheets of paper together. The pin is pushed through the sheets of paper (or placed through a pre-punched hole), then the two tines are separated. This holds the pin in place and the sheets of paper together. Split pins are generally made of a weak metal such as brass, and the tines are typically of two slightly different lengths. This allows easy separation of the tines.
A split pin may be used in place of staples, but is more commonly used in situations where rotation around the joint is desirable. This lends split pins to use in mobile paper and cardboard models.
Split pins are closely related to cotter pins, which are their mechanical counterpart.
