How to Replace Snowblower Shear Pins

If the engine of your snowblower starts, but the augers do not turn, chances are you have broken a shear pin. These devices are bolts that go through the auger shafts and are designed to break if the snowblower picks up something hard or large that could damage the gearbox. Once a shear pin is broken, the auger will turn freely by hand. Check both augers to see if just one side has broken. It is a good idea to have a supply of shear pins on hand. Replacing them is relatively easy and requires basic hand tools.

Hammer
Punch
Ratchet
Socket

Instructions

- 1
  Make sure the snowblower is turned off. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug so there is no chance the machine can start up while you have your hands near the augers.
- 2
  Turn the auger until you see the hole in the shaft for the shear pin. Most augers have a hole in the center of the shaft. Part of the broken pin might still be in the hole.
- 3
  Remove all broken shear pin pieces from the hole. Use a hammer and a punch to tap the pin out of the hole if necessary.
- 4
  Line up the holes in the inner and outer auger shafts and insert the new shear pin into the hole. Wiggle the shear pin to align it with the hole if it will not slide in. Gently tap the shear pin with a hammer if it will not go all the way through the hole by hand, but do not force it.
- 5
  Install the nut that came with the shear pin onto its threaded end. Use a ratchet and socket to tighten the nut. Do not over tighten. If the shear pin came with a cotter pin, install it into the hole in the end of the shear pin.
- 6
  Manually rotate the auger to make sure the broken shear pin was the problem. The auger should not turn freely.
- 7
  Repeat the above steps to replace the shear pin on the other auger shaft if both shear pins were broken.
- 8
  Reconnect the spark plug wire. Start up the snowblower and make sure the augers turn normally.

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