Large Diameter Ball Lock Pins

Large diameter Ball Lock Pins are designed for extra heavy-duty applications where standard pin sizes cannot provide adequate load capacity. Double shear strength scales with the square of the pin diameter, making large diameter pins capable of handling significantly higher loads than standard configurations. 

These pins are most effective when kept as short as practical. Shorter grip lengths maximize rigidity, reduce bending stress, and improve load distribution across the locking balls and receiver. Most large diameter applications specify grip lengths of 12" or less to optimize structural performance. 

Standard Sizes 

Carr Lane maintains standard designs for the following large diameter pin sizes: 

Standard designs are available with grip lengths tailored to typical applications. Custom grip lengths can be specified during ordering. 

Materials and Heat Treatment 

Large diameter Ball Lock Pins are available in: 

17-4PH Stainless Steel (Condition H900): 

• High strength and corrosion resistance 
• Through-hardened to 40-45 HRC 
• Lead time: 4-6 weeks 

Yellow Zinc Plated Alloy Steel (Chromate-Free Trivalent): 

• Alloy steel shank (typically 4130) with trivalent zinc passivate 
• Through-hardened and tempered to 36-40 HRC 
• Lead time: 6-8 weeks 

Heat Treatment Limitation on Long Grip Lengths 

Grip lengths of 8" and shorter receive full heat treatment (through hardening and tempering). Grip lengths longer than 8" are ground to final size but are not heat-treated due to warpage. Long, slender parts distort unpredictably during heat treatment, and the resulting dimensional errors cannot be reliably corrected without compromising structural integrity or geometric accuracy. 

Pins with grip lengths exceeding 8" retain the mechanical properties of the base material in the unhardened condition. For applications requiring both long grip length and maximum hardness, alternative solutions such as case-hardened pins or mechanical reinforcement should be discussed with Carr Lane engineering. 

Compliance and Origin 

All large diameter Ball Lock Pins are: 

• DFARS compliant 
• Made in the USA 
• USMCA Originating 

Ordering Large Diameter Ball Lock Pins 

Standard large diameter Ball Lock Pins can be ordered by submitting a quote request with the following information: 

• Pin diameter (inch or metric) 
• Grip length 
• Quantity 

Diameters larger than 2" (50mm) are available but require engineering review to ensure proper ball retraction geometry, structural adequacy, and manufacturing feasibility. 

For quote requests, contact Carr Lane at 314.647.6200 or submit through Web Portal.