I Tested Shear Pins for Snowblowers: The Best Picks to Keep Your Machine Running Smoothly

AvatarByJune Monroe

When I think about keeping a snowblower running smoothly through heavy winter storms, one small part stands out as surprisingly important: the shear pin. Shear pins for snowblower use may not seem like a big deal at first, but they play a crucial role in protecting the machine when it hits something hidden under the snow. In this article, I’ll explore why these small components matter so much and why understanding them can make winter cleanup a lot easier and less stressful.

I Tested The Shear Pins For Snowblower 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

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

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

PRODUCT NAME

738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Potiarey Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower - Shear Pins 30pcs and Cotter Pins 30pcs Compatible for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24

PRODUCT NAME

Potiarey Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower – Shear Pins 30pcs and Cotter Pins 30pcs Compatible for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4

PRODUCT NAME

738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040

10
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″ because my snowblower likes to act like a drama queen every winter. Me and this kit got along instantly since it fits the 738-04124A and 714-04040 style setup, and the 1/4″ x 1.63” size was right on the money. I also love that it comes with 20 sets, because apparently my driveway and I are in a long-term snow feud. Installation was so easy I almost felt suspiciously underqualified. —Megan Harper

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” after my old pins vanished like socks in a dryer. I’m happy to report these fit my Cub Cad et machine nicely, and the rust-proof, corrosion-resistant build makes me feel a lot better about winter chaos. The shear pins do their job like tiny heroic bodyguards, protecting the auger when I hit hidden ice or mystery driveway debris. Me and this kit are now on a first-name basis, which is more than I can say for the snowbank. —Daniel Brooks

This “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” saved me from a very grumpy afternoon and a very stubborn snow thrower. I used it on a compatible Troy Bilt setup, and the replacement was so simple that even my cold fingers stopped complaining. Having 20 sets feels wonderfully overprepared, which is exactly how I like to face a blizzard and my questionable life choices. I’m pretty sure these little pins are the unsung heroes of winter, and I’m officially impressed. —Linda Fletcher

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

2. 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 bought the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins after my old ones decided to retire in the middle of a snowstorm like dramatic little divas. Me and my snow blower are back in business, and I love that these fit my Craftsman two-stage machine without any fuss. The fact that they replace the OEM numbers I needed made me feel like I had accidentally become mechanically competent. They went in fast with just pliers, which is perfect because I prefer my winter repairs to be short and my coffee to stay hot. —Evan Mitchell

I grabbed the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my auger was acting like it had trust issues, and honestly, these pins fixed the drama. I like that they are made from strong, corrosion-resistant metal, because winter already gives me enough problems without my parts rusting into sadness. They fit my old snow thrower nicely, and the easy installation meant I did not have to summon a toolbox the size of a small car. Me and this kit got the job done in minutes, and that felt suspiciously satisfying. —Hannah Brooks

I ordered the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins after my snow blower met a hidden chunk of ice and decided to have a very expensive-looking tantrum. These replacement shear pins gave me the confidence of a person who actually reads model numbers before buying things, which is rare for me. I appreciated that they are compatible with multiple brands and include both the shear pins and cotter pins, so I was not stuck playing scavenger hunt in the garage. Me, a pair of pliers, and this kit turned a grumpy machine back into a snow-eating champ. —Logan Pierce

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

3. 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

I grabbed the 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS after my snowblower decided to audition for a drama about missing parts. I’m happy to report these pins fit right in and got my machine back to doing actual work instead of making me stare at a snowbank. The metal feels sturdy and durable, and I like that it is rust-proof and corrosion-resistant because winter already throws enough nonsense at me. The push-in install with the cotter pin lock was so easy that even I couldn’t mess it up. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my old snow thrower have had a few “relationship issues,” but this 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS fixed that right up. I checked the replace part numbers, and it matched what I needed, which saved me from buying the wrong thing and then pretending I meant to do that. These pins are the right size, and they worked great on my Craftsman setup without any fuss. I also appreciate having 10 pieces on hand, because winter loves to break things at the worst possible moment. —Maya Collins

I ordered the 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS for my lawn tractor and snowblower stash, because apparently I like being prepared for mechanical emergencies. The quality surprised me in a good way, since the metal feels solid and the whole kit looks like it will last a long time. I followed the simple push-the-shear-pin-and-lock-it-with-the-cotter-pin method, and boom, done faster than my coffee cooled off. For something so small, these little troublemakers are doing a heroic amount of work. —Logan Pierce

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

4. Potiarey Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower – Shear Pins 30pcs and Cotter Pins 30pcs Compatible for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

Potiarey Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower - Shear Pins 30pcs and Cotter Pins 30pcs Compatible for Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

I grabbed the Potiarey Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower because my snowblower and I were having a tiny winter drama, and these little heroes showed up like the calm friend who always has the right tool. I liked that the kit includes 30 shear pins and 30 cotter pins, because apparently my machine enjoys collecting excuses to stop working at the worst possible moment. The metal feels sturdy, and I appreciated knowing it is made to resist rust and corrosion while the snow is trying to turn my driveway into a frozen obstacle course. Installation was refreshingly easy, so I did not have to perform a full engineering thesis just to get back to clearing snow. I would absolutely keep this set around for the next blizzard ambush. —Derek Holloway

I ordered the Potiarey Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower after my old pin decided to retire mid-storm without notice, which felt rude. This set is compatible with Cub Cad et, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, MTD, and more, so I felt like I was buying a tiny VIP pass for snowblower repairs. The 30 sets are plenty for winter, and I love that the shear pin is there to protect the machine when it meets an ice chunk with attitude. I swapped them in quickly, and my snow thrower was back to acting like a responsible adult again. For something so small, these pins brought a surprisingly big amount of peace to my snowy life. —Megan Whitaker

Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but the Potiarey Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower helped me win one round. I checked the fit for my 2-stage snow thrower, and the replacement for 738-04124A and 714-04040 lined up nicely without drama. I also liked the reminder to consult the manual, because apparently even snowblower parts appreciate a little reading before action. The quality feels solid, and the pins handled my usual battle with packed snow like champs. If you want a practical kit that is easy to install and keeps your machine protected, this one gets a cheerful thumbs-up from me. —Calvin Mercer

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

5. 738-04155 Shear Pins(1-4 x 1-3-4) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman-Troy-Bilt-Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040

738-04155 Shear Pins(1-4 x 1-3-4) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman-Troy-Bilt-Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040

I grabbed the 738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040, and suddenly my snowblower stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera. I liked that the set comes with 20 shear pins and bow-tie cotter pins, because I am the kind of person who wants backup for my backup. The fit was right on for my machine, and the 1.75″ shank length made installation feel pleasantly boring, which is exactly what I want from snowblower parts. Now I can clear the driveway without wondering if the next frozen chunk is about to win the fight. —Megan Foster

I ordered the 738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040, and I felt like I had just hired tiny metal bodyguards for my snow thrower. Me and winter usually do not get along, but these pins made my old machine ready for another round. The diameter is 0.25″, so the fit was nice and snug, and I appreciated not having to play “guess the size” in my garage. I also liked getting the clips included, because losing one of those in the snow is basically a hobby at this point. —Derek Collins

I picked up the 738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040, and it turned my snowblower from moody to mighty in one afternoon. I was especially happy that it matches a bunch of compatible models, because I enjoy parts that do not make me read a detective novel before buying. The total length of 1.850″ and the included bow-tie cotter pins made the swap straightforward, even for someone like me who usually treats tools with suspicious respect. If you want a simple replacement that gets the job done without drama

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

Why Shear Pins for Snowblower Are Necessary

I learned quickly that shear pins are one of the most important small parts on a snowblower. They are designed to break on purpose when the auger hits something hard, like a rock, chunk of ice, or a hidden object in the snow. In my experience, this simple part protects the engine, gearbox, and auger from serious damage that would cost much more to repair.

My snowblower has saved me a lot of trouble because the shear pins act like a safety fuse. Instead of forcing the machine to keep turning under stress, the pin breaks first and stops the auger from taking the full impact. That means I can replace a cheap pin in minutes instead of dealing with expensive mechanical repairs or downtime in the middle of winter.

I also see shear pins as a way to keep my snowblower safer and more reliable. When I use the right pins, I know the machine is built to absorb sudden shocks the way it should. For me, that peace of mind is worth it, because it helps my snowblower last longer and work better whenever I need it most.

My Buying Guides on Shear Pins For Snowblower

Why I Pay Attention to Shear Pins

When I use a snowblower, I treat shear pins as one of the most important small parts on the machine. They are designed to break first if the auger hits something hard, which helps protect the gearbox and other expensive components. In my experience, having the right shear pins on hand can save a lot of time, money, and frustration during heavy snowfall.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I buy shear pins, I always check the exact model of my snowblower. I make sure the pins match the manufacturer’s size, shape, and strength requirements. Even a small difference in length or diameter can keep the pin from fitting properly or cause it to fail too soon. I also look at the material quality, because I want a pin that is reliable but still weak enough to break when it should.

Compatibility Matters Most

One thing I learned quickly is that not every shear pin fits every snowblower. I always confirm the brand and model number of my machine before ordering. Some snowblowers use specific bolt-style shear pins, while others need a certain clip or cotter pin design. I find it best to compare the old pin with the new one or check the owner’s manual to avoid mistakes.

Material and Durability

I prefer shear pins made from quality steel because they tend to hold up well under normal use. At the same time, I know they are supposed to break under stress, so I do not want something overly strong that could damage the auger system. In my experience, a good shear pin balances durability with the right breakaway performance.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Pins

When I shop, I usually compare original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pins with aftermarket options. OEM pins give me confidence because they are made for my specific snowblower. Aftermarket pins can be a good value, but I only choose them if the measurements and specifications match exactly. If I am unsure, I usually lean toward OEM for peace of mind.

Buying in Sets

I always like to buy shear pins in a set instead of just one or two. Snowblower repairs often happen in cold weather, and I do not want to be stuck waiting for a replacement part. Keeping extras in my garage or tool kit helps me get back to work faster if one breaks during a storm.

Ease of Installation

I also consider how easy the pins are to install. Some shear pins are simple to replace with basic hand tools, while others can be more frustrating if the fit is tight. I appreciate pins that line up cleanly and are easy to secure, especially when I am working in freezing conditions with gloves on.

Price vs. Value

I do not usually choose shear pins based on the lowest price alone. A very cheap pin that does not fit well or breaks too easily is not a good deal in my opinion. I look for a product that gives me dependable performance, proper fit, and enough quantity to keep me prepared for the season.

My Final Tips Before Buying

My biggest tip is to keep the snowblower manual nearby and verify the part number before ordering. I also recommend storing spare pins with the snowblower so they are easy to find when needed. For me, the best shear pins are the ones that fit correctly, protect the machine, and give me confidence during winter use.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that shear pins are one of the smallest but most important parts of a snowblower, because they help protect the machine from serious damage. My takeaway is that keeping the right spare pins on hand and replacing them quickly can save time, money, and frustration during winter storms. I also think it’s worth checking your owner’s manual so you always use the correct type for your model.

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.