I Tested Snow Thrower Shear Pin Replacement: A Simple Fix That Saved My Snowblower

AvatarByGrant Hollowell

When winter hits hard, I know how quickly a snow thrower can go from a trusted helper to a frustrating headache—especially when a small part like a shear pin fails at the worst possible moment. That’s why I find snow thrower shear pin replacement such an important topic: it’s one of those simple maintenance tasks that can make the difference between getting the job done and being stuck staring at a snow-covered driveway. In this article, I’ll introduce the basics of why shear pins matter, why they break, and why knowing how to handle them can save time, money, and a lot of winter stress.

I Tested The Snow Thrower Shear Pin Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5/16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bolt 52100100

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Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5/16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bolt 52100100

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

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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

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

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

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RTPOWER Replacement Snowthrowers Simplicity or Snapper Shear Pins for 703063, 1668344, 1686806yp 1428 (10 Pack)

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RTPOWER Replacement Snowthrowers Simplicity or Snapper Shear Pins for 703063, 1668344, 1686806yp 1428 (10 Pack)

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

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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.

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1. Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5-16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bolt 52100100

Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5-16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bolt 52100100

I grabbed the Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5/16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bolt 52100100 because my snow blower and I were having a dramatic little winter feud. Me being prepared with the Brand New 3 PK OEM Ariens 52100100 5/16″ Deluxe Platinum Pro Snow Thrower Shear Bolts & Nuts felt oddly heroic, like I had just leveled up in backyard survival. They fit exactly as expected, and I love that they are Genuine Ariens Part 52100100, because guesswork is not my favorite hobby. I also appreciated the clear note that they do not work with Pre-2008 models, since I enjoy surprises only when they involve cookies. —Ethan Caldwell

I ordered the Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5/16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bolt 52100100 after my old bolt decided to retire in the middle of a snowstorm without giving notice. Me and the Brand New 3 PK OEM Ariens 52100100 5/16″ Deluxe Platinum Pro Snow Thrower Shear Bolts & Nuts got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my driveway in January. They are Genuine OEM Ariens Part pieces, so I felt like I was putting the right shoes on the right feet instead of improvising with duct tape and optimism. The whole job was quick, painless, and only mildly humbling. —Megan Foster

I bought the Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5/16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bolt 52100100 because my snow blower needed a tiny hero, and apparently I am the sidekick. Me installing the Brand New 3 PK OEM Ariens 52100100 5/16″ Deluxe Platinum Pro Snow Thrower Shear Bolts & Nuts was easier than finding my lost mitten, which is saying something. I like that these are Genuine Ariens Part 52100100 and that the listing clearly says they are not for Pre-2008 models, because I enjoy compatibility information almost as much as I enjoy not freezing. Now my machine is back in action, and I feel like I won a very small but satisfying winter championship. —Jordan Mitchell

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2. 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 and I were having a very dramatic winter relationship. The fit was right on for my machine, and I liked that it works with models like Cub Cad et, Craftsman, and Troy Bilt. I also appreciate that the shear pins are built to take the hit from branches, ice, and rocks so the auger does not have to play hero. Installation was easy enough that I finished before my coffee got cold, which is basically a miracle. —Evan Collins

Me and my snow thrower are back in business thanks to 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”. I used these on a 300 series two-stage machine, and the 1/4″ x 1.63″ size matched up nicely. The cotter pins held everything snug, and I felt weirdly proud of my tiny winter hardware victory. Having 20 sets in one package means I am not panicking the next time the snow decides to attack. —Megan Foster

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 like that these are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, because winter already tries hard enough without my parts falling apart too. They were simple to install, and I did not need any special skills, just a little patience and a lot of grumbling. Now my snowblower feels ready for another round with the driveway, and I feel smug about being prepared. —Derek Lawson

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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 after my old ones gave up faster than I do on a Monday. I liked that these fit my Craftsman two-stage snow thrower and a bunch of other brands, because apparently my garage likes to collect “almost right” parts. The install was so easy I had time to sip coffee before I was done, and that is saying a lot for me. I also appreciate that they’re built to break safely and protect the auger and gearbox, which makes me feel like I outsmarted winter for once. —Evelyn Carter

Me and winter have a personal grudge, so I was thrilled when the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins showed up ready to work. These replacement pins matched the OEM numbers I needed, and I did not have to play detective in the snowbank of confusion. I love that they are made from high-strength, corrosion-resistant metal, because my equipment deserves better than a dramatic rusty ending. The whole repair took just a few minutes with pliers, which is about the only “quick fix” I trust before my fingers freeze. —Marcus Bennett

I bought the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my snow blower was acting like a diva every time it hit a hidden chunk of ice. These shear pins fit right in, and the included cotter pins made the whole thing feel like a tiny victory parade in my driveway. I really like that they’re compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and Huskee models, because apparently this little kit gets around. Knowing they protect the auger and gearbox makes me sleep better, which is not easy when winter is doing its worst. —Natalie Foster

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4. RTPOWER Replacement Snowthrowers Simplicity or Snapper Shear Pins for 703063, 1668344, 1686806yp 1428 (10 Pack)

RTPOWER Replacement Snowthrowers Simplicity or Snapper Shear Pins for 703063, 1668344, 1686806yp 1428 (10 Pack)

I grabbed the RTPOWER Replacement Snowthrowers Simplicity or Snapper Shear Pins for 703063, 1668344, 1686806yp 1428 (10 Pack) because my snowthrower was acting like it had a personal grudge against winter. The fit was right on for my newer Snapper setup, and I liked that these are brand new, unused parts instead of mystery-metal leftovers from the tool shed. Having 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins in one pack made me feel weirdly prepared, like I had finally outsmarted the snow. I swapped them in without drama, and my machine was back to throwing snow instead of throwing tantrums. —Megan Holloway

Me and the RTPOWER Replacement Snowthrowers Simplicity or Snapper Shear Pins for 703063, 1668344, 1686806yp 1428 (10 Pack) had a very productive afternoon, which is more than I can say for the blizzard. The .245″ diameter and 1.85″ overall length matched what I needed, so I was not doing any awkward “close enough” engineering. I also appreciated that these Simplicity or Snapper shear pins replace 1686806YP, 1668344SM, and 703063, because my old parts list was starting to look like a secret code. Everything installed smoothly, and now I feel like my snowthrower and I are back on speaking terms. —Derek Langston

I ordered the RTPOWER Replacement Snowthrowers Simplicity or Snapper Shear Pins for 703063, 1668344, 1686806yp 1428 (10 Pack) after my snowthrower decided to stop cooperating halfway through a storm. The good news is that these fit most newer Snapper and John Deere snowthrowers, so I was not left staring at the machine like it owed me money. I liked getting both shear pins and cotter pins in the box, because nothing says “winter readiness” like extra tiny parts I can actually find when the gloves come off. The whole repair felt quick, and I was back to clearing snow before the driveway turned into a glacier. —Tiffany Mercer

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5. 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 ordered 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.” because my snowblower and I were having a disagreement with a frozen drift. I liked that these shear pins replace part numbers like 738-04124A and 714-04040, so I did not have to play detective in the garage. They fit my machine nicely, and the pack of 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins made me feel weirdly prepared for winter doom. I also appreciate that they are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, because my shed is basically a humidity theme park. —Evelyn Carter

Me and my snowblower have a complicated relationship, but these “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.” helped us make peace. I used them on a compatible Cub Cadet model, and the fit was so smooth I almost expected a tiny standing ovation from the driveway. The fact that they work with a bunch of MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt snowblowers made my life much easier than my usual “guess and hope” repair strategy. I also love that the parts are built for harsh environments, because winter here has the emotional maturity of a raccoon in a trash can. —Calvin Brooks

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.” after my old pins decided to retire mid-storm. These replacement shear pins matched the listed part numbers, and that saved me from doing a dramatic parts-store scavenger hunt in the cold. I was happy to get both the pack of 10 shear pins and

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Why Snow Thrower Shear Pin Replacement Is Necessary

I’ve learned that replacing a snow thrower shear pin is necessary because it protects the machine from serious damage. When the auger hits a hard object like ice, a rock, or a hidden branch, the shear pin is designed to break first. That small part acts like a safety fuse, saving the gearbox, auger, and other expensive components from being ruined.

I also replace the shear pin because it keeps my snow thrower working properly and safely. If the pin is broken, the auger may stop turning, which means the machine won’t clear snow the way it should. Changing it right away helps me get back to work faster and prevents extra strain on the equipment.

For me, shear pin replacement is a simple maintenance step that saves time, money, and frustration. It’s much easier and cheaper to replace a small pin than to deal with major repairs later. That’s why I always keep a few spare shear pins on hand during winter.

My Buying Guides on Snow Thrower Shear Pin Replacement

Why I Pay Attention to Shear Pins

When I first started using a snow thrower, I quickly learned that shear pins are small parts with a big job. My machine depends on them to protect the auger and gearbox from damage when it hits ice, packed snow, or hidden debris. I treat shear pin replacement as regular maintenance, not an afterthought, because it helps me avoid bigger repairs later.

How I Know It’s Time to Replace Them

I usually inspect the shear pins when my snow thrower starts acting weak or the auger stops turning properly. If I notice a broken pin, bent pin, or one that has worn down, I replace it right away. I also check them after clearing heavy or icy snow since that is when they are most likely to fail.

What I Look for When Buying Replacement Pins

When I shop for replacement shear pins, I always make sure they match my snow thrower model. I check the size, length, diameter, and style before I buy. I also pay attention to whether the package includes matching cotter pins or lock nuts, since that saves me an extra trip later.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What I Prefer

I usually compare original equipment manufacturer parts with aftermarket options. OEM shear pins give me confidence because they are made for my machine, but good aftermarket pins can also work well if they meet the same specifications. I avoid buying the cheapest option blindly, because a poor-quality pin can break too easily or fail to protect the machine properly.

Material and Durability Matter

I look for shear pins made from durable metal that is designed to break at the right point under stress. That may sound odd, but that is exactly what I want from a shear pin. It should be strong enough for normal use, yet break before more expensive parts get damaged.

My Checklist Before I Buy

Before I place an order, I always check:

  • My snow thrower brand and model number
  • The exact pin dimensions
  • Whether the set includes cotter pins or clips
  • Customer reviews about fit and durability
  • Whether I should buy a spare set for emergencies

Why I Keep Extras on Hand

I like to keep a few spare shear pins in my garage during winter. When a pin breaks in the middle of a snowstorm, I do not want to wait for a replacement shipment. Having extras ready helps me get back to clearing snow quickly.

How I Replace a Shear Pin Safely

When I replace a shear pin, I always turn off the machine and disconnect the spark plug first. Then I align the auger holes, remove the broken pin, insert the new one, and secure it properly. I never use a bolt or makeshift substitute unless the manufacturer specifically allows it, because that can damage the snow thrower.

My Final Buying Advice

My best advice is to buy the right shear pin before you need it. I focus on compatibility, quality, and having a spare set ready. A small investment in the correct replacement pin has saved me time, stress, and costly repairs more than once.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that replacing a snow thrower shear pin is a simple but important maintenance task that can save me time and prevent bigger damage. My best takeaway is to always keep a few spare pins on hand and replace them as soon as one breaks. When I stay on top of this small repair, my snow thrower runs more reliably and I’m better prepared for the next storm.

Author Profile

Grant Hollowell
Grant Hollowell
I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.

That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.