Lateral Plungers | McMaster-Carr

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99 Products

Spring Locating Pins


Zinc-Plated Steel Head	Acetal Head

As the workpiece pushes against the pin head in one direction, the internal spring pushes back to hold it in place for clamping. Press into a drilled hole using the installation tool (sold separately). Also known as spring locating pins and side-thrust pins.

Acetal Head—Acetal-head pins won't mar soft metal and polished surfaces.

	Pins											Installation Tools
	Body		Head
	Dia.	Lg.	Dia.	Lg.	Max. Head Movement	Min. Spring Force, lbf	Max. Spring Force, lbf	Body Dia. Tolerance	Body Material		Each		Each
Zinc-Plated Steel Head



		0.25"	0.28"	0.12"	0.16"	0.04"	2.3	2.5	0" to 0.0009"	Aluminum	0000000	00000	0000000	000000


		0.25"	0.28"	0.12"	0.16"	0.04"	4.5	5	0" to 0.0009"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.25"	0.28"	0.12"	0.16"	0.04"	Not Rated	9	-0.002" to 0.002"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.44"	0.43"	0.2"	0.24"	0.06"	4.5	5	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.44"	0.43"	0.2"	0.24"	0.06"	11.3	12.4	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.44"	0.43"	0.24"	0.43"	0.08"	9	9.9	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.44"	0.43"	0.24"	0.43"	0.08"	16.9	18.6	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.5"	0.51"	0.31"	0.53"	0.1"	11.3	12.4	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.5"	0.51"	0.31"	0.53"	0.1"	22.5	24.8	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.63"	0.67"	0.39"	0.64"	0.13"	22.5	24.8	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		0.63"	0.67"	0.39"	0.64"	0.13"	45	49.5	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000


		6 mm	7 mm	3 mm	4 mm	1 mm	2.3	2.5	0 mm to 0.0221 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		6 mm	7 mm	3 mm	4 mm	1 mm	4.5	5	0 mm to 0.0221 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		6 mm	7 mm	3 mm	4 mm	1 mm	9	9.9	0 mm to 0.0221 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		10 mm	11 mm	5 mm	6.7 mm	1.6 mm	4.5	5	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		10 mm	11 mm	5 mm	6.7 mm	1.6 mm	11.3	12.4	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		10 mm	11 mm	5 mm	6.7 mm	1.6 mm	22.5	24.8	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		10 mm	11 mm	6 mm	10.7 mm	2 mm	9	9.9	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		10 mm	11 mm	6 mm	10.7 mm	2 mm	16.9	18.6	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		10 mm	11 mm	6 mm	10.7 mm	2 mm	33.8	37.1	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		12 mm	13 mm	8 mm	13.6 mm	2.6 mm	Not Rated	33	-0.01 mm to 0.01 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000


		12 mm	13 mm	8 mm	13.9 mm	2.6 mm	11.3	12.4	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		12 mm	13 mm	8 mm	13.9 mm	2.6 mm	22.5	24.8	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		16 mm	17 mm	10 mm	16.7 mm	3.2 mm	22.5	24.8	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		16 mm	17 mm	10 mm	16.7 mm	3.2 mm	67.5	74.3	0 mm to 0.0269 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		16 mm	17 mm	10 mm	16.7 mm	3.2 mm	Not Rated	33	-0.01 mm to 0.01 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000


		Acetal Head



				0.25"	0.28"	0.12"	0.16"	0.04"	2.3	2.5	0" to 0.0009"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000


				0.44"	0.38"	0.24"	0.41"	0.08"	13.5	14.8	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				0.44"	0.43"	0.24"	0.43"	0.08"	9	9.9	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				0.5"	0.51"	0.31"	0.53"	0.1"	11.3	12.4	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				0.63"	0.67"	0.39"	0.64"	0.13"	22.5	24.8	0" to 0.0011"	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				6 mm	7 mm	3 mm	4 mm	1 mm	2.3	2.5	0 mm to 0.022 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				10 mm	11 mm	5 mm	6.7 mm	1.6 mm	4.5	5	0 mm to 0.027 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				10 mm	11 mm	6 mm	10.7 mm	2 mm	9	9.9	0 mm to 0.027 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				12 mm	13 mm	8 mm	13.9 mm	2.6 mm	11.3	12.4	0 mm to 0.027 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
				16 mm	17 mm	10 mm	16.7 mm	3.2 mm	22.5	24.8	0 mm to 0.027 mm	Aluminum	0000000	0000	0000000	00000

Spring Locating Pin Installation Tools

For Press-Fit Pins

For Screw-In

Pins

Use these tools for easier locating pin installation.

For Press-Fit Pins—Tools for press-fit pins slip over the head of the pin to let you press or hammer it into place.

For Screw-In Pins—Tools for screw-in pins slot into notches on the side of the pin body to help you twist it into place.

	Material		Each
For Press-Fit Pins



	0.12", 3 mm	Steel	0000000	000000


	0.2", 0.24", 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm	Steel	0000000	00000
	0.31", 8 mm	Steel	0000000	00000
	0.39", 10 mm	Steel	0000000	00000


	For Screw-In Pins



			5 mm, 6 mm	Steel	0000000	00000


			10 mm	Steel	0000000	00000

Threaded Spring Locating Pins

Threading makes these guide pins easier to remove and replace than press fit, so they're useful for high-wear applications. A sealed top prevents debris from getting inside and making them seize up. As the workpiece pushes against the pin head in one direction, the internal spring pushes back to hold it in place for clamping.

	Pins												Installation Tools
		Body, mm		Head, mm
	Thread Size	Dia.	Lg.	Dia.	Lg.	Max. Head Movement, mm	Min. Spring Force	Max. Spring Force, lbf	Body Dia. Tolerance, mm	Body Material		Each		Each
Zinc-Plated Steel Head



		M12 × 1.75 mm	10	11.5	5	6	0.8	Not Rated	4.5	-0.15 to 0.15	Steel	0000000	00000	0000000	000000


		M12 × 1.75 mm	10	11.5	5	6	0.8	Not Rated	22	-0.15 to 0.15	Steel	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		M12 × 1.75 mm	10	11.5	6	10	1	Not Rated	9	-0.15 to 0.15	Steel	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		M12 × 1.75 mm	10	11.5	6	10	1	Not Rated	16	-0.15 to 0.15	Steel	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		M18 × 1.5 mm	16	18	10	16	1.6	Not Rated	33	-0.15 to 0.15	Steel	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		M18 × 1.5 mm	16	18	10	16	1.6	Not Rated	45	-0.15 to 0.15	Steel	0000000	0000	0000000	00000

Sealed Spring Locating Pins

Sealed at the top to prevent debris from getting inside and making them seize up, these guide pins are a good choice for machining fixtures. As the workpiece pushes against the pin head in one direction, the internal spring pushes back to hold it in place for clamping. Press into a drilled hole using the installation tool (sold separately).

	Pins											Installation Tools
	Body		Head
	Dia.	Lg.	Dia.	Lg.	Max. Head Movement	Max. Spring Force, lbf	Body Dia. Min. Tolerance	Body Dia. Max. Tolerance	Body Material		Each		Each
Stainless Steel Head



		0.25"	0.28"	0.12"	0.16"	0.02"	4.5	—	0.004"	Aluminum	0000000	00000	0000000	000000


		0.44"	0.37"	0.24"	0.41"	0.04"	6.7	-0.0004"	0.0004"	Aluminum	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
		0.5"	0.55"	0.32"	0.52"	0.05"	11.1	-0.0004"	0.0004"	Aluminum	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
		0.63"	0.68"	0.39"	0.68"	0.06"	18	-0.0004"	0.0004"	Aluminum	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
		6 mm	7 mm	3 mm	3.7 mm	0.4 mm	4.5	-0.15 mm	0.15 mm	Plastic	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		8 mm	9 mm	4 mm	5.2 mm	0.6 mm	6.5	-0.15 mm	0.15 mm	Plastic	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		10 mm	9 mm	6 mm	10.3 mm	1 mm	6.5	-0.15 mm	0.15 mm	Plastic	0000000	0000	0000000	00000
		12 mm	13 mm	8 mm	13.3 mm	1.2 mm	11	-0.25 mm	0.25 mm	Plastic	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
		16 mm	16 mm	10 mm	16.9 mm	1.6 mm	18	-0.15 mm	0.15 mm	Plastic	0000000	00000	0000000	00000

Create-Your-Own Spring Locating Pins

Thread in a screw, handle, or other part to create the right size and shape guide pin for your application. As the workpiece pushes against the pin head in one direction, the internal spring pushes back to hold it in place for clamping. Press into a drilled hole using the installation tool (sold separately).

	Body
Thread Size	Dia.	Lg.	Min. Spring Force	Max. Spring Force, lbf	Body Dia. Tolerance	Body Material		Each



	8-32	0.44"	0.43"	Not Rated	4.5	-0.002" to 0.002"	Aluminum	0000000	00000


	1/4"-20	0.63"	0.67"	Not Rated	45	-0.0004" to 0.0004"	Aluminum	0000000	00000

Spring-Loaded Guide Plungers for Thin Workpieces

Set the tang in a hole or recess below the work surface to ensure thin material cannot slide underneath the plunger's face. As the face is pushed in, the internal spring applies outward pressure to hold a workpiece in position against stops or rails. Plungers allow easy insertion and removal of parts in a fixture and accommodate slight variations in size from part to part. They mount on flat surfaces. Also known as spring stops.

Square Face with Tang


Triangular Base	Rectangular Base

			Base					Mounting Hole
	Face Wd.	Plunger Travel	Shape	Lg.	Wd.	Spring Force, lbf	Body Material	No. of	Dia.	Ctr.-to-Ctr.	Ctr.-to-Face Lg.	Mounting Fasteners Included		Each
Steel Face



		0.63"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	5.1 to 14.6	Aluminum	2	0.136"	0.656"	0.656"	No	0000000	00000


		0.88"	3/16"	Rectangle	1"	1.5"	2.3 to 25.8	Aluminum	2	0.203"	1.125"	0.983"	No	0000000	0000
		1.25"	1/4"	Rectangle	1.375"	2"	16.5 to 47.5	Aluminum	2	0.266"	1.5"	1.312"	No	0000000	00000

Spring-Loaded Guide Plungers

As the face of these plungers is pushed in, their internal spring applies outward pressure to hold a workpiece in position against stops and rails. They’re also known as spring stops. These plungers make it easy to insert parts into your fixture or remove them, and they allow for slight variations in size from part to part. Mount them on flat surfaces.

Round Face


Triangular Base	Rectangular Base

Round face plungers hold curved and contoured surfaces.

Acetal Face—An acetal face is nonmarring to protect soft metal and polished surfaces.

Steel Face—A steel face is strong and wear resistant.

Stainless Steel Face—Choose a stainless steel face for chemical and corrosion resistance.

			Base					Mounting Hole
	Face Dia.	Plunger Travel	Shape	Lg.	Wd.	Spring Force, lbf	Body Material	No. of	Dia.	Ctr.-to-Ctr. Wd.	Ctr.-to-Face Lg.	Mounting Fasteners Included		Each
Acetal Face



		0.38"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	1.5 to 2.5	Aluminum	2	0.138"	0.656"	0.593"	No	0000000	00000


		0.38"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	5.1 to 14.6	Aluminum	2	0.136"	0.656"	0.593"	No	0000000	0000
		0.56"	3/16"	Rectangle	1"	1.5"	2.3 to 25.8	Aluminum	2	0.203"	1.125"	0.875"	No	0000000	0000
		0.81"	1/4"	Rectangle	1.375"	2"	16.5 to 47.5	Aluminum	2	0.266"	1.5"	1.218"	No	0000000	00000


		Steel Face



				0.38"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	1.5 to 2.5	Aluminum	2	0.138"	0.656"	0.593"	No	0000000	0000


				0.38"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	5.1 to 14.6	Aluminum	2	0.136"	0.656"	0.593"	No	0000000	0000
				0.56"	3/16"	Rectangle	1"	1.5"	2.3 to 25.8	Aluminum	2	0.203"	1.125"	0.875"	No	0000000	0000
				0.81"	1/4"	Rectangle	1.375"	2"	16.5 to 47.5	Aluminum	2	0.266"	1.5"	1.218"	No	0000000	00000


				Stainless Steel Face



						0.38"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	1.5 to 2.5	Aluminum	2	0.138"	0.656"	0.593"	No	0000000	00000


						0.38"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	5.1 to 14.6	Aluminum	2	0.138"	0.656"	0.593"	No	0000000	00000
						0.56"	3/16"	Triangle	1"	1.5"	2.3 to 25.8	Aluminum	2	0.19"	1.125"	0.875"	No	0000000	00000
						0.81"	1/4"	Triangle	1.375"	2"	16.5 to 47.5	Aluminum	2	0.25"	1.5"	1.218"	No	0000000	00000

Square Face


Triangular Base	Rectangular Base	Rectangular Base 2 Mounting Slots


2 Mounting Slots 2 Mounting Holes	2 Mounting Holes	4 Mounting Holes

Acetal Face—An acetal face is nonmarring to protect soft metal and polished surfaces.

Steel Face—A steel face is strong and wear resistant.

Stainless Steel Face—Choose a stainless steel face for chemical and corrosion resistance.

2 Mounting Slots—Plungers with mounting slots can be fastened anywhere along the body, either through the slot or the hole. They also have an adjustable face—rotate it to point up, down, left, or right.

			Base					Mounting Slot				Mounting Hole
	Face Wd.	Plunger Travel	Shape	Lg.	Wd.	Spring Force, lbf	Body Material	No. of	Lg.	Wd.	Ctr.-to-Ctr. Wd.	No. of	Dia.	Ctr.-to-Ctr. Wd.	Ctr.-to-Ctr. Lg.	Ctr.-to-Face Lg.	Mounting Fasteners Included		Each
Acetal Face—Adjustable



		0.39"	1/8"	Rectangle	0.65"	0.866"	1.8 to 2.4	Zinc Alloy	2	0.307"	0.13"	0.551"	2	0.13"	0.551"	—	0.457"	No	00000000	00000


		0.39"	1/8"	Rectangle	0.65"	0.866"	2.5 to 4.5	Zinc Alloy	2	0.307"	0.13"	0.551"	2	0.13"	0.551"	—	0.457"	No	00000000	0000
		0.63"	3/16"	Rectangle	1.083"	1.25"	1.8 to 4.2	Zinc Alloy	2	0.606"	0.213"	0.827"	2	0.213"	0.827"	—	0.689"	No	00000000	00000
		0.63"	3/16"	Rectangle	1.083"	1.25"	4.3 to 10.1	Zinc Alloy	2	0.606"	0.213"	0.827"	2	0.213"	0.827"	—	0.689"	No	00000000	00000
		0.87"	5/16"	Rectangle	1.375"	1.5"	3.9 to 7.4	Zinc Alloy	2	0.787"	0.25"	1.063"	2	0.25"	1.063"	—	0.972"	No	00000000	00000
		0.87"	5/16"	Rectangle	1.375"	1.5"	6.1 to 16.8	Zinc Alloy	2	0.787"	0.25"	1.063"	2	0.25"	1.063"	—	0.972"	No	00000000	00000


		Steel Face



				0.63"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	5.1 to 14.6	Aluminum	—	—	—	—	2	0.136"	0.656"	—	0.656"	No	0000000	0000


				0.88"	3/16"	Rectangle	1"	1.5"	2.3 to 25.8	Aluminum	—	—	—	—	2	0.203"	1.125"	—	0.983"	No	0000000	0000
				1.25"	1/4"	Rectangle	1.375"	2"	16.5 to 47.5	Aluminum	—	—	—	—	2	0.266"	1.5"	—	1.312"	No	0000000	00000
				1.75"	1/4"	Rectangle	2.25"	1.75"	50 to 160	Steel	—	—	—	—	4	0.25"	1.38"	1.75"	1" (A), 2.75" (B)	No	0000000	000000


				Stainless Steel Face—Adjustable



						0.39"	1/8"	Rectangle	0.65"	0.866"	1.8 to 2.4	Zinc Alloy	2	0.307"	0.13"	0.551"	2	0.13"	0.551"	—	0.457"	No	00000000	00000


						0.39"	1/8"	Rectangle	0.65"	0.866"	2.5 to 4.5	Zinc Alloy	2	0.307"	0.13"	0.551"	2	0.13"	0.551"	—	0.457"	No	00000000	00000
						0.63"	3/16"	Rectangle	1.083"	1.25"	1.8 to 4.2	Zinc Alloy	2	0.606"	0.213"	0.827"	2	0.213"	0.827"	—	0.689"	No	00000000	00000
						0.63"	3/16"	Rectangle	1.083"	1.25"	4.3 to 10.1	Zinc Alloy	2	0.606"	0.213"	0.827"	2	0.213"	0.827"	—	0.689"	No	00000000	00000
						0.87"	5/16"	Rectangle	1.375"	1.5"	3.9 to 7.4	Zinc Alloy	2	0.787"	0.25"	1.063"	2	0.25"	1.063"	—	0.972"	No	00000000	00000
						0.87"	5/16"	Rectangle	1.375"	1.5"	6.1 to 16.8	Zinc Alloy	2	0.787"	0.25"	1.063"	2	0.25"	1.063"	—	0.972"	No	00000000	00000

Square Face with Chamfered Bottom


Triangular Base	Rectangular Base

Plungers that have a square face with chamfered bottom provide extra clearance for weld beads or imperfections on your workpiece.

Steel Face—A steel face is strong and wear resistant.

			Base					Mounting Hole
	Face Wd.	Plunger Travel	Shape	Lg.	Wd.	Spring Force, lbf	Body Material	No. of	Dia.	Ctr.-to-Ctr. Wd.	Ctr.-to-Face Lg.	Mounting Fasteners Included		Each
Steel Face



		0.63"	1/8"	Triangle	0.688"	0.875"	5.1 to 14.6	Aluminum	2	0.136"	0.656"	0.656"	No	0000000	000000


		0.88"	3/16"	Rectangle	1"	1.5"	2.3 to 25.8	Aluminum	2	0.203"	1.125"	0.983"	No	0000000	00000
		1.25"	1/4"	Rectangle	1.375"	2"	16.5 to 47.5	Aluminum	2	0.266"	1.5"	1.312"	No	0000000	00000

High-Precision Index Plungers


Plungers	Bushings

To align two parts with more precision than standard spring plungers, these index plungers have a mating bushing that improves alignment and repeatability. Press-fit the bushing into one part, and install the plunger body through a hole in the other part. The plunger has a notch on the side for locking it in place with a set screw (not included). A quarter turn of the handle retracts the plunger.

			Lg.		Shoulder
	Dia.	Dia. Tolerance	(A)	(B)	Dia.	Lg.	Nose Dia.	Extended Nose Lg.	Overall Lg.	Material		Each
Plungers



		0.752"	0" to 0.0003"	1 1/4"	1 1/8"	7/8"	1/8"	1/2"	5/16"	—	Steel	0000000	0000000


		1.127"	0" to 0.0003"	1 7/8"	1 1/2"	1 1/4"	1/8"	3/4"	3/8"	—	Steel	0000000	000000
		1.502"	0" to 0.0004"	2 1/8"	1 7/8"	1 5/8"	1/8"	1"	3/8"	—	Steel	0000000	000000


		Bushings



				0.752"	0" to 0.0003"	—	—	7/8"	1/8"	—	—	1/2"	Steel	0000000	00000


				1.127"	0" to 0.0003"	—	—	1 1/4"	1/8"	—	—	5/8"	Steel	0000000	00000
				1.502"	0" to 0.0004"	—	—	1 5/8"	1/8"	—	—	3/4"	Steel	0000000	00000