Use dowel pins as pivots, hinges, shafts, jigs, and fixtures to locate or hold parts. For a tight fit, your hole should be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter shown. Breaking strength is measured as double shear, which is the force required to break a pin into three pieces.

Steel pins are the strongest dowel pins. Pins with a black-oxide finish have some corrosion resistance. Steel pins are precision ground except for 1/32" diameter pins. 1144 steel pins, also known as stressproof steel pins, are harder than other steel pins for better wear resistance. 1215 carbon steel pins are easier to machine than other steel pins.

400 nickel pins and grade 2 titanium pins resist salt water and caustic chemicals. 400 nickel, also known as Monel, may be mildly magnetic. Titanium pins are about as strong as steel pins, but 40% lighter. They are not magnetic.

Brass pins are softer than other materials, so they’re often used as shear pins. They resist corrosion and are nonmagnetic.

Aluminum pins are one-third the weight of steel pins, but not as strong. They resist corrosion and are nonmagnetic.

Some pins meet material and dimensional standards set by ASME, Mil. Spec., DIN, or ISO.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.