Quick verdict
For most MTD-family two-stage blowers, the 20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins kit is my pick. It matches the 738-04124A and 714-04040 part numbers, includes 20 pairs so you always have spares, and the shear pins are sized at 1/4 inch diameter by 1.63 inch long to break safely and protect your auger.
20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit
This kit includes 20 sets of shear and cotter pins matching part numbers 738-04124A, 738-04124 and 714-04040, covering a broad range of Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt and MTD-family two-stage throwers from 2005 on. The shear pin is designed to absorb impact from branches, ice or rocks and break before your auger or gearbox is damaged, while the cotter pin secures it. The maker lists a shear pin size of 1/4 inch diameter by 1.63 inch long, and 20 sets means plenty of spares.
The best snow blower shear pins compared: MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt and Ariens replacement kits with cotter pins that break safely to protect your auger and
Why you should trust this guide
I put this guide together by reading each shear pin kit’s listing and focusing on the detail that actually determines whether it will work: the part number and fitment. Shear pins are a safety component sized to a specific machine, and the 738-04124, 738-04155 and Ariens 5/16 patterns are not interchangeable. So I sorted these kits by their fitment and cross-reference numbers rather than lumping them together.
I have not sheared and replaced each of these on a running blower, and I am not going to invent that. What I can do is compare the part numbers, materials, pin sizes and quantities honestly, and stress that matching your machine’s exact shear pin spec is the entire point of buying the right kit. For a safety part like this, fitment accuracy beats everything else.
How we evaluated
My first and most important criterion was fitment, because a shear pin is engineered to break at a specific force for a specific machine. Using the wrong pin can either fail to protect your auger or break too easily, so I noted each kit’s OEM cross-reference numbers and compatible models carefully, and I separated the MTD-family 1/4 inch pins from the Ariens 5/16 bolts.
After fitment, I looked at material and quantity. Corrosion-resistant metal matters because these pins sit exposed to snow and salt all winter, and having enough spares means a sheared pin never ends your clearing session. I also considered how easy each kit is to install, since the good news is that most shear pins go in with nothing more than a pair of pliers and the included cotter pin.
What to look for
- Part number match: Confirm your machine’s shear pin number, such as 738-04124, 738-04155 or an Ariens part, before buying.
- Pin size: The diameter and length, like 1/4 inch by 1.63 inch, must match so the pin breaks at the right force.
- OEM vs aftermarket: OEM parts guarantee fitment, while quality aftermarket kits offer more spares for less.
- Corrosion resistance: The metal should resist rust and hold up through a winter of snow and salt exposure.
- Quantity: More sets mean more spares, so you are never stranded mid-storm by a sheared pin.
- Cotter pins included: A kit that bundles matching cotter pins makes each replacement a complete job.
- Ease of install: The best kits install with just pliers and the cotter pin, no special tools required.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit | Best Overall | Check price | |
| NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738 | Best Value | Check price | |
| Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replace | Best Premium | Check price | |
| Aifeier ET 15 Sets Snowblowers Shear Pins Kit | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5/16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bo | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit
This kit includes 20 sets of shear and cotter pins matching part numbers 738-04124A, 738-04124 and 714-04040, covering a broad range of Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt and MTD-family two-stage throwers from 2005 on. The shear pin is designed to absorb impact from branches, ice or rocks and break before your auger or gearbox is damaged, while the cotter pin secures it. The maker lists a shear pin size of 1/4 inch diameter by 1.63 inch long, and 20 sets means plenty of spares.
Reasons to buy
- Compatible with: Shear pin and cotter pin kits models 738-04124A, 738-04124 and 714-04040
- Fit for below models (not limited to): Fit for Troy-Bilt: Storm 2410, 2620, 2660, 5524. Fi
- Essential protective & fastening components: The shear pin absorbs impact from branches, t
- Easy to Install: This 20 sets of snowblower shear pins and cotter pins are easy to install
- Package Included: This set includes 20 sets of high-quality snowblower shear pins and cott
Reasons to avoid
- This matches the 738-04124 pattern, so confirm your machine uses that part number
- These are aftermarket replacement pins rather than OEM parts
NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738
The NoetSauesrfs 8-pack matches shear pin 738-04155 and cotter pin 714-04040, fitting Craftsman two-stage throwers in the 300, 500, 600 and 900 series from 2007 on, plus MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt and Yard-Man models. It lists a long set of OEM part numbers it replaces, which makes cross-referencing your machine easy, and it installs with just a pair of pliers using the included cotter pins.
Reasons to buy
- đč 1. Wide Compatibility These snow blower shear pins (CMXGZAM241056) are designed to fit C
- đč 2. OEM Replacement Part Numbers Directly replaces multiple OEM part numbers: 738-04155,
- đč 3. Premium Durability & Protection Made from high-strength, corrosion-resistant metal, t
- đč 4. Easy Installation The snowblower shear pin kit installs quickly and requires no speci
- đč 5. Reliable After-Sales Support We stand behind the quality of our products. If you have
Reasons to avoid
- It matches the 738-04155 pattern, which is a different part than the 738-04124 kits
- At 8 pieces it offers fewer spares than the larger kits here
Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replace
The Vvluvva kit provides 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins replacing 738-04124 and 714-04040, for MTD-style blowers including Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines and Bolens. The metal is chosen for strength and corrosion resistance in freezing conditions, and the shear pins are designed to break intentionally when the auger strikes ice or rocks to protect the shaft and gearbox. Installation is a simple insert-and-lock with the cotter pin.
Reasons to buy
- Complete Winter Replacement Kit: This snowblower shear pin and cotter pin kit includes 10
- Durable Metal Construction for Cold Weather: Manufactured from high-quality metal material
- Wide Compatibility with Popular Snowblower Brands: Compatible with many MTD-style snow blo
- Protects Auger and Gearbox from Damage: Shear pins are designed to break intentionally whe
- Easy Installation with Secure Locking: Installation is quick and straightforwardâsimply in
Reasons to avoid
- The maker states these are not OEM parts, though engineered to fit and function
- 10 sets is a middle amount, fewer than the 20 Sets kit for long-term spares
Aifeier ET 15 Sets Snowblowers Shear Pins Kit
The Aifeier kit offers 15 sets of shear and cotter pins matching 738-04124A and 714-04040 for MTD, Craftsman, Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt snow throwers. The metal is rust and corrosion resistant for reliable cold-weather performance, and the shear pin is sized at 1/4 inch diameter by 1.65 inch long. It installs by pressing the shear pin in and locking it with the cotter pin, a quick job with no special tools.
Reasons to buy
- ăQuality MaterialăSnow blower shear pin kit is made of sturdy and durable metal material,
- ăApplicable ModelsăOur shear pin and cotter pin kit models 738-04124A, 738-04124 and 714-0
- ăFunctionalityăWhen the snow blower hits a large piece of ice or rock, the shear pin can w
- ăEasy to InstallăSnow blower replacement parts are easy to install and replace, all you ne
- ăPackage Includedă15 pcs Cotter Pin 714-04040 and 15 pcs Shear Pin 738-04124; Snow blower
Reasons to avoid
- It shares the 738-04124A fitment, so it is not for machines needing other part numbers
- As with the other aftermarket kits, these are replacement rather than OEM pins
Ariens Genuine OEM Ariens 5/16th Deluxe Snow Blower Shear Bo
This is a genuine OEM Ariens option, a 3-pack of 5/16 inch shear bolts and nuts under Ariens part 52100100 for Deluxe and Platinum Pro snow throwers. Being an OEM part takes the guesswork out of fitment for the specific Ariens machines it covers, and the 5/16 size distinguishes it from the 1/4 inch MTD-family pins. It is the right choice when you want the manufacturer's own part.
Reasons to buy
- Brand New 3 PK OEM Ariens 52100100 5/16" Deluxe Platinum Pro Snow Thrower Shear Bolts & Nu
- Genuine Ariens Part # 52100100
- Genuine OEM Ariens Part
Reasons to avoid
- The listing states it does not work with pre-2008 Deluxe or Pro models
- As a 3-pack of OEM bolts it offers far fewer spares than the large aftermarket kits
What to look for
Correct part number
Shear pins are machine-specific and are the whole reason a kit works or does not. Identify your blower's shear pin number, such as 738-04124 for many MTD-family units or an Ariens part for Ariens machines, and match it exactly.
Pin dimensions
A shear pin is designed to break at a set force, which depends on its diameter and length. The MTD-family pins here are 1/4 inch by roughly 1.63 inch, while Ariens uses a 5/16 bolt. The wrong size can under or over-protect your auger.
OEM versus aftermarket
OEM parts like the genuine Ariens bolts remove any fitment doubt, while good aftermarket kits give you many more spares for the money. Decide whether guaranteed OEM fit or a larger stock of pins matters more for your situation.
Material and corrosion resistance
These pins live outdoors in snow and road salt all season. Rust and corrosion-resistant metal keeps them from seizing or weakening, so look for kits that call out cold-weather durability.
Quantity of spares
Shear pins are meant to break, so having extras on hand is the point. A 15 or 20 set kit means a sheared pin during a storm is a two-minute fix, not the end of your clearing session.
Our verdict
For most MTD-family two-stage blowers, the 20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins kit is my pick. It matches the 738-04124A and 714-04040 part numbers, includes 20 pairs so you always have spares, and the shear pins are sized at 1/4 inch diameter by 1.63 inch long to break safely and protect your auger.
FAQs
Look up your machine's shear pin part number, commonly 738-04124 or 738-04155 on MTD-family blowers, or the manufacturer's part for brands like Ariens. Match a kit to that exact number and check your model against the listing's compatibility list.
A shear pin is a sacrificial part designed to snap when the auger hits ice, a rock or a branch, absorbing the impact so your auger shaft and gearbox are not damaged. Replacing a cheap pin is far better than repairing a bent auger or gearbox.
It is strongly discouraged. Shear pins are engineered to break at a specific force. A random bolt may be too strong and let your gearbox take damage instead, or too weak and break constantly. Match the correct part number and size for your machine.
Quality aftermarket kits are engineered to fit and function like the OEM part, and they usually give you many more spares for the price. OEM parts, like the genuine Ariens bolts, remove any fitment doubt. Choose based on whether guaranteed fit or extra spares matters more.
It is one of the easier repairs. You typically line up the auger holes, insert the new shear pin, and lock it in place with the included cotter pin using just a pair of pliers. No special tools are needed, which is why keeping spares on hand is so worthwhile.