How to Use Tapered Alignment Pins

Tapered alignment pins align holes in multiple pieces of metal. The size of tapered alignment pins is slightly undersized to the actual hole diameter. During installation, the tapered alignment pin's diameter expands to fit tightly into the aligned holes. An installed tapered alignment pin is a permanent fixture designed to hold parts together while you install structural fasteners.

Things You'll Need

• Tapered alignment pins
• Socket set
• 3/8-inch ratchet handle

Instructions

1. Align the holes in the metal parts.

2. Push a tapered alignment pin through the aligned holes. Hold the head of the pin against the first piece of metal. Thread the draw bolt running through the draw cup into the threaded end of the tapered alignment pin. Turn the head of the draw bolt clockwise until the draw cup rests against the last part you are securing.

3. Attach a socket from a socket set that fits the head of the draw bolt onto the head of a 3/8-inch ratchet handle.

4. Slide the socket onto the draw bolt head. Turn the ratchet handle clockwise until the alignment pin locks in place.

5. Reverse the direction you are turning the ratchet handle to loosen the draw bolt from the installed tapered alignment pin. Turn the loosened draw bolt counterclockwise by hand to remove the draw bolt from the tapered alignment pin.

References

• NASA Tech Briefing: Alignment Pins for Assembling and Disassembling Structures
• Hutter Enterprises: Hutter Coupling Expandable Hole Alignment Pins