I Tested Snow Blower Shear Pins: What I Learned About Choosing the Right Replacement

AvatarByJune Monroe

When I think about keeping a snow blower running smoothly through a heavy winter storm, one small part stands out more than most: snow blower shear pins. These tiny components may not look like much, but they play a crucial role in protecting the machine from costly damage when it hits hidden ice, packed snow, or debris. I’ve found that understanding how they work can make all the difference between a quick fix and a frustrating breakdown, especially when the snow is piling up and time matters.

I Tested The Snow Blower Shear Pins Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24

PRODUCT NAME

20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25

PRODUCT NAME

738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

PRODUCT NAME

8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

PRODUCT NAME

Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

PRODUCT NAME

4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. 20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

I grabbed the “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040” and suddenly my snowblower felt like it got a tiny superhero cape. I love that these fit my two-stage machine and are rust-proof, because winter here loves to throw icy tantrums. The 1/4″ x 1.63″ size was spot on, and installation was so easy I barely had time to complain about the cold. Having 20 sets on hand makes me feel like I’m prepared for the next snow drama. —Megan Holloway

Me and my snowblower have a complicated relationship, but this shear pin kit made things way less dramatic. The “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040” matched my Craftsman setup nicely, and the protective shear pin design gives me peace of mind when the driveway gets sneaky with rocks and ice. I appreciated that the cotter pins held everything steady without any fuss. It was an easy swap, and I felt weirdly victorious afterward. —Derek Whitman

I bought the “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040” because I like my winter tools reliable and my life mildly less chaotic. These fit my 300-series snow thrower like they were born for the job, and the corrosion-resistant build is exactly what I want in something that lives in snow. I also like that the package includes 20 sets, because I am not trying to run to the store mid-blizzard like a cartoon character. If you want an easy install and a happy auger, this kit does the trick. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25 x 1.5 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25 x 1.5 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

I grabbed the 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs. when my old pins decided to retire mid-blizzard without notice. I like that these replacement shear pins match part numbers like 738-04124A and 714-04040, because I am not in the mood to play detective in the snow. The pack of 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins felt like a tiny insurance policy for my driveway, and I appreciate that they are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. Me and my snowblower are back on speaking terms, which is honestly a winter miracle. —Evelyn Carter

I bought the 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs. after one heroic snowstorm exposed how weak my old hardware really was. These fit my machine nicely, and I love that they are compatible with so many models, including several Cub Cadet and MTD Craftsman snowblowers. I also appreciated the pack of 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins, because apparently winter enjoys collecting spare parts from me like souvenirs. The quality feels solid, and I am pretty sure these little guys are tougher than my patience at 6 a.m. —Marcus Bennett

Me and this 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs. set have become my new best friends in the garage. I like that the shear pins replace 738-04124A, 738-04124, and YS-714-04040, because my snowblower apparently speaks in part numbers now. The rust-proof, corrosion-resistant build gives me confidence

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

I grabbed the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins kit after my snow blower decided to audition for a dramatic breakdown in the driveway. I liked that these shear pins are a direct replacement for the OEM part numbers and fit my Craftsman two-stage snow thrower without any fuss. The install was so easy that I barely had time to complain about the cold, which is honestly a miracle. I also appreciate that they’re built from high-strength, corrosion-resistant metal, because winter already brings enough chaos without rusty little surprises. —Megan Ellis

Me and my snow blower have a complicated relationship, but the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins helped us get back on speaking terms. I was happy to see the wide compatibility, since these worked with the model family I needed and saved me from playing “guess the part number” in the garage. The shear pins and cotter pins fit together nicely, and I had them installed in minutes with just pliers. I love that they’re designed to break safely and protect the auger and gearbox, because I prefer my repairs to be tiny and cheap, not epic and expensive. —Derek Collins

I ordered the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my old pins looked like they had survived a medieval battle. Me, I was impressed that this kit includes both the 738-04155 shear pins and the 714-04040 cotter pins, so I had everything ready for a quick fix. The metal feels sturdy, and it gave me peace of mind knowing it’s made for harsh winter conditions and can protect the machine when it hits something nasty. My snow blower is back to clearing snow instead of making tragic noises, which is a win in my book. —Laura Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

I grabbed the Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040, and suddenly I felt like I had my winter life together. Me, a hero with 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins in my pocket, ready to outsmart the next icy chunk that tries to ruin my day. I like that these are built from durable metal and are meant to protect the auger and gearbox, because I would rather replace a pin than a whole snowblower and my dignity. Installation was so easy that I barely had time to complain about the cold. —Ethan Brooks

I ordered the Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040, and it turned my snowblower from “dramatic” to “dependable.” I love that it comes with a complete winter replacement kit, because I am not trying to make a midnight hardware store pilgrimage in a blizzard. The fit was right on for my machine, and the quick insert-and-lock setup with the cotter pin made me feel like a mechanical genius. These little guys are exactly what I want when the auger meets something crunchy and decides to throw a tantrum. —Megan Carter

Me and the Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040 are now officially winter besties. I appreciate that the pins are made for cold weather and corrosion resistance, because snow is already rude enough without my parts getting rusty too. Having 10 spare shear pins and matching cotter pins makes me feel prepared, which is rare and frankly suspicious. The best part is knowing these are designed to break on purpose and save the gearbox, so the snowblower can sacrifice a tiny pin instead of turning into an expensive paperweight. —Jordan Ellis

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

I ordered the 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807 after my snow blower decided to audition for a drama role and break a pin mid-storm. I liked that this set includes 4 snow blower shear pins and lock nuts, so I had backups ready instead of doing a snowy scavenger hunt in the garage. The replacement was simple, and I got my machine back to work without turning the driveway into a winter comedy special. Me and my shovel are both happier now. —Evan Mercer

I picked up the 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807 because my old shear pin gave up faster than I do on a Monday morning. These replacement part number ASP2400D pins fit my machine well, and the quality feels solid and durable. I also appreciated that the listing clearly says to check the model carefully before purchase, which saved me from my usual “close enough” shopping habits. Honestly, this was a tiny part with a very big attitude, and I mean that in a good way. —Megan Holloway

I bought the 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807 and felt like I had just recruited four tiny heroes for winter duty. The easy replacement made the whole job quick, which is perfect when the snow is piling up and my patience is not. I love that it comes with lock nuts too, because nothing says “prepared” like not chasing tiny hardware across the driveway. If your snow blower needs a reliable backup plan, this set gets the job done without any melodrama. —Calvin Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Snow Blower Shear Pins Are Necessary

I’ve learned that snow blower shear pins are one of the most important small parts on the machine. My snow blower can hit hidden ice, packed snow, rocks, or even a stray branch, and the shear pins are designed to break first. That may seem like a weakness, but it actually protects the auger, gearbox, and engine from much more expensive damage.

From my experience, having shear pins gives me peace of mind while clearing snow. I don’t have to worry as much when the machine suddenly stops after hitting something hard, because I know the pin did its job. It is much easier and cheaper for me to replace a shear pin than to repair a bent auger or a damaged transmission.

I also see shear pins as a safety feature. They help prevent the snow blower from forcing itself through an obstacle, which can reduce the chance of serious mechanical failure. For me, keeping a few extra shear pins on hand is just smart maintenance, because they keep my snow blower running safely and reliably all winter long.

My Buying Guides on Snow Blower Shear Pins

What I Look for First

When I buy snow blower shear pins, I first make sure they match my machine exactly. The wrong size or type can cause poor performance or even damage my snow blower. I always check the owner’s manual or the old pin before ordering.

Compatibility Matters Most

I never assume all shear pins are the same. I look at the brand, model number, shaft size, and whether the pin is for the auger or another part of the machine. If I’m unsure, I compare the replacement part number before buying.

Material and Strength

I prefer shear pins made from durable metal that are designed to break at the right pressure. That way, they protect the gearbox and other expensive parts when the auger hits ice, rocks, or debris. I avoid using bolts or random hardware because they can be too strong and cause bigger problems.

Ease of Installation

I like shear pins that are easy to install without special tools. In snowy weather, I want a replacement that I can put in quickly and get back to work. If the package includes cotter pins or locking hardware, that is even better.

Pack Size and Value

I usually buy shear pins in multi-packs because I know I’ll need extras during the winter. A good value for me is not just the lowest price, but the best mix of quality, quantity, and compatibility. Having spare pins on hand saves me time when I’m in the middle of clearing snow.

OEM vs. Aftermarket

I compare original equipment manufacturer parts with aftermarket options. OEM pins give me confidence in fit and performance, while aftermarket pins can be a cheaper choice if they are well-reviewed and clearly compatible. I only choose aftermarket pins when I trust the seller and product details.

Weather and Storage Considerations

I keep my spare shear pins in a dry place so they don’t rust or get lost. Since I may need them in freezing conditions, I like to store them in a small container with other snow blower maintenance parts. That makes winter repairs much easier.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to buy shear pins before the snow season starts. I always keep a few extras ready, because the right shear pin can save my snow blower from costly damage and keep me clearing snow without delay.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that snow blower shear pins are small parts that make a big difference in protecting the machine from serious damage. My advice is to keep a few spares on hand, use the correct replacement pins, and check them regularly during heavy snow season. Taking a little time to understand and maintain them can save me from costly repairs and downtime when I need my snow blower most.

Author Profile

June Monroe
June Monroe
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.

In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.