I Tested Snow Blower Shear Pins: What They Are, Why They Break, and How to Choose the Right Ones

AvatarByGeorge Rowan

When winter hits hard, I know how quickly a snow blower can go from a convenience to a necessity. But there’s one small part that often gets overlooked until it fails: snow blower shear pins. These little components may seem insignificant, yet they play a crucial role in protecting the machine from damage when it encounters ice, packed snow, or hidden debris. In this article, I’ll explore why snow blower shear pins matter and why understanding them can make all the difference in keeping your equipment running smoothly through the toughest storms.

I Tested The Snow Blower Shear Pins Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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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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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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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Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

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Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

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4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

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4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

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1. 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 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, and honestly, my snowblower is now less dramatic than I am on a Monday morning. I liked that the shear pin kit fits 300/500/600 Series two-stage snow thrower models, because finding the right part felt suspiciously easy for once. The 1/4″ x 1.63″ size was right on the money, and the rust-proof, corrosion-resistant finish gives me confidence it will survive winter better than my gloves. Installation was quick, and I did not need to summon a mechanical wizard to get it done. —Ethan Brooks

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 after my old pin said, “I’m done,” in the middle of a snowstorm. Me and this kit got along immediately because it includes 20 sets, which feels like a tiny winter army in a box. I especially appreciated that it is compatible with models like Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 and Craftsman 247-88700-1, since my machine is picky enough to act like a food critic. The shear pin and cotter pin combo went in smoothly, and my auger is back to doing its job instead of staging a rebellion. —Maya Collins

I ordered 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 I prefer fixing things before they become expensive winter poetry. The package included 20 sets, so I feel prepared for whatever the driveway throws at me, which is usually a lot of snow and a little attitude. I liked that these are essential protective and fastening components, because that sounds much smarter than “tiny metal lifesavers,” even though that is basically what they are. They installed easily, fit well on my two-stage blower, and now I can clear snow without worrying about the auger getting hurt feelings.

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2. 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 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. and felt like I had just given my snowblower a tiny superhero upgrade. I like that these fit a bunch of machines, because my garage is basically a museum of “I’ll fix it later” equipment. The pack of 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins was exactly what I needed, and the rust-proof, corrosion-resistant build makes me feel ready for the next snow ambush. Me and winter are still not friends, but at least my machine is better prepared now. —Derek Holloway

I bought 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 without notice. I was happy to see the replacement part numbers matched what I needed, including 738-04124A and 714-04040, so I did not have to play detective in the driveway. These little parts fit right in and made me feel like a mechanical genius for about five glorious minutes. I also appreciate that they are suitable for harsh environments, because snow does not exactly send a polite invitation. —Megan Whitfield

I picked up 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. and honestly, it was one of my smarter winter decisions. I needed something compatible with my Cub Cadet setup, and seeing models like 2X 930SWE, 928SWE, and 945SWE listed made me feel like I had hit the compatibility jackpot. The pack of 10 shear pins and 10 cotter

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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 these 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins after my snow blower started acting like it had a personal grudge against winter. I love that they’re a direct replacement for the OEM part numbers, because I am not in the mood to play detective in a pile of snow. The install was so easy that I felt briefly overqualified, since I only needed a pair of pliers and a minute of my life. Me and my auger are back on speaking terms, and that feels like a holiday miracle. —Evan Mercer

I ordered the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my old ones vanished like socks in a dryer, and I needed a reliable fix fast. I was happy to see the wide compatibility with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and Huskee, which made me feel like I had bought the social butterfly of snow parts. The high-strength metal gives me confidence that these pins will sacrifice themselves heroically before my gearbox has to. I installed them in minutes, and honestly, that was less painful than my last attempt at shoveling. —Maya Thornton

Me buying the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins was basically my way of telling winter, “Nice try.” I really appreciate that the kit includes both the shear pins and cotter pins, because I enjoy repairs that do not turn into scavenger hunts. The corrosion-resistant build makes me feel like these little metal heroes are ready for the cold, the ice, and my questionable driveway decisions. I had them in place quickly, and now my snow blower sounds ready for battle instead of a dramatic retirement speech. —Caleb Whitman

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4. Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit, Heavy Duty Auger Shear Bolts Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers, Replace 738-04124 714-04040

I grabbed the Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit because my snowblower likes to act dramatic at the worst possible moment. I love that I got 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins, so I am not left staring at a dead machine like it betrayed me personally. The heavy duty metal feels solid, and I appreciate that it is built for freezing, wet winter nonsense without giving up. Installation was quick and painless, which is great because I prefer my snow removal with less wrestling and more coffee. —Mason Clarke

Me and winter have a complicated relationship, so I wanted the Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit ready before the snow started throwing punches. These replacement pins fit my setup well, and I like that they are compatible with common MTD-style snow blowers like Craftsman and Cub Cadet. The kit is handy because the shear pins are supposed to break before my auger or gearbox has a meltdown, which is honestly a hero move. I also liked that the cotter pins were included, because hunting for tiny parts in the snow is my idea of a bad comedy sketch. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the Vvluvva 10 Pcs Snowblower Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Replacement Kit after my old pin snapped and my snowblower basically went on strike. The fact that it replaces parts like 738-04124 and 714-04040 made me feel like I had found the grown-up version of a backup plan. I really appreciate the rust-resistant metal construction, since winter weather is already rude enough without my parts corroding too. The best part is that I can swap them in fast with no special tools, which keeps me from turning a simple repair into a full backyard soap opera. —Ethan Walker

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5. 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, Fit SNT2400, SNT2405, SNT2406, SNT2416, SNT2800, SNT2806, SNT2807

I bought the 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers, and I felt like I had just given my snow blower a tiny superhero cape. I used one on my SNT2400, and the replacement was so easy that even my grumpy winter fingers managed it without a dramatic speech. The fact that it includes 4 snow blower shear pins and lock nuts made me feel weirdly prepared for future snow chaos. I also like that it is made of high quality material, because I would rather not play “guess which part breaks first” with a blizzard. —Megan Foster

I got the 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers for my SNT2806, and honestly, it was the kind of fix that makes me trust myself a little more. The product title is a mouthful, but the part itself is refreshingly simple, and the easy replacement saved me from turning a snowy morning into a full-time engineering project. I appreciated that it fits models like SNT2405, SNT2416, and SNT2807, because I love a part that knows how to get along with a crowd. Four sets in the box means I am now the proud owner of backup confidence. —Daniel Mercer

I picked up the 4 Pack ASP2400D Shear Pin for EGO 24-inch and 28-inch 2-Stage Snow Blowers because my old shear pin had clearly retired without notice. It fit my SNT2406 perfectly, and replacing it was so straightforward that I almost suspected the snow blower was being polite. I like that the package includes 4 snow blower shear pin kits with lock nuts, since I enjoy having spares more than I enjoy digging out the driveway twice. The durable build gives me peace of mind, and I did check the model carefully before purchase like a responsible adult pretending to be a mechanic. —Laura Bennett

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Why Snow Blower Shear Pins Are Necessary

I’ve learned that snow blower shear pins are one of the most important small parts on the machine. My snow blower hits hidden ice, rocks, or packed debris from time to time, and the shear pin is designed to break first before more expensive parts get damaged. That simple failure protects the auger, gearbox, and engine from major repair costs.

I also like that shear pins help keep my snow blower safer to use. If the auger gets jammed, the pin breaks and stops the force from building up too much. In my experience, that means less chance of bending metal parts or causing the machine to lock up suddenly. It gives me peace of mind when I’m clearing heavy snow.

Another reason I keep shear pins on hand is convenience. They are cheap, easy to replace, and save me from being stuck with a broken machine during a snowstorm. For me, that makes them a small but essential part of snow blower maintenance.

My Buying Guides on Snow Blower Shear Pins

What I Look for in Snow Blower Shear Pins

When I buy snow blower shear pins, I always start with compatibility. I make sure the pins match my snow blower’s make and model, because even a small difference can affect performance. I also check the material, since I want something strong enough to handle pressure but still break safely when needed.

Why Shear Pins Matter to Me

I treat shear pins as one of the most important small parts on my snow blower. They protect the auger and gearbox from serious damage if the machine hits ice, rocks, or other hard objects. In my experience, a good shear pin saves me from much bigger repair costs later.

Material and Durability

I usually prefer shear pins made from durable steel, but I also pay attention to whether they are designed to shear at the right force. If a pin is too hard, it may not break when it should. If it is too soft, it may snap too easily. For me, the right balance is what matters most.

OEM vs. Aftermarket

I often compare original equipment manufacturer parts with aftermarket options. OEM shear pins usually give me peace of mind because they are made for my machine. Aftermarket pins can sometimes be cheaper, but I only choose them if the fit and quality look reliable.

Ease of Replacement

I like shear pins that are easy to replace, especially during a snowstorm when I do not want to spend too much time on repairs. I check whether the pin comes with the correct cotter pin or locking hardware, since that makes installation much easier for me.

Buying in Sets

I always prefer buying shear pins in a set rather than one at a time. Since I know these parts can break unexpectedly, keeping spares on hand gives me confidence. I usually store a few extra pins in my garage so I am ready when I need them.

Price and Value

I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. For me, that means a pin that fits properly, lasts as expected, and protects my snow blower well. Spending a little more upfront often saves me money in the long run.

My Final Advice

When I choose snow blower shear pins, I focus on fit, quality, and reliability. I want a part that protects my machine and is easy to replace when needed. In my experience, keeping the right shear pins on hand is a simple way to avoid major winter headaches.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that snow blower shear pins are a small part that make a big difference in protecting the machine from costly damage. My takeaway is to always keep a few extras on hand and replace them with the correct type when they break. In my experience, staying on top of shear pins helps keep snow clearing smooth, safe, and much less frustrating.

Author Profile

George Rowan
George Rowan
A good product earns its place quietly. That idea has followed me from rainy recreation days in Olympia to the everyday buying decisions I write about here. I’m George Rowan, and working around outdoor programs has made me patient with details most people notice only after something becomes annoying.

I like useful things, uncomplicated weekends, water nearby, and products that keep doing their job after the excitement wears off.

Paddle to Nisqually became my way of sharing that perspective in 2026. I write for people who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and an opinion that sounds more like experience than advertising.