This retainer clip comes in handy when you need a reusable, light-duty safety lock fastener. It can be used to replace safety wire or small-diameter cotter pins in many installations which will be disassembled frequently. It is vibration-resistant and quick and easy to fasten and remove. The safety-pin design locks more positively than most hitch pins or "R" spring clips.
The Military Specification retainer is formed from 0.052 inch diameter high tensile strength spring wire. The grip capacity is 0.75 inch at a maximum depth of 0.15 inch. In other words, it can be fastened through a cross drilled hole in a 0.75 inch diameter shaft up to 0.15 inch in from the end of the shaft. It can be used in place of a cotter pin in drilled shank AN bolts (fits AN3 through AN12 shanks), but the assembly will not pass FAA inspection.
Because of the relatively small wire diameter, this pin should not be used in applications that would subject it to high shear loads.
This retainer also makes a great quick-release link on light-duty tethers for lightweight items such as kill switch keys, small cameras, or even heavy-duty Pip Pins.