How to Replace Simplicity Snow Thrower Shear Pins

Smaller snowblowers may have only one auger blade while larger ones have two. The smaller ones will stop throwing snow completely when a shear bolt breaks. Large snowblowers may still throw snow if only one shear pin is broken, but it is likely that a pile of snow will accumulate in front of you on the side of the broken auger. It is not a good idea to use the snowblower with only one working auger blade because it can cause excessive wear or burn out the gears that drive the auger.

Stop the auger. Clear the blower and chute of any snow, or it may cause you problems later. Slushy snow can freeze into a solid ice block inside the second stage, and it would have to be melted before you could restart the blower.

The auger must rotate freely to replace the broken bolt. Often the auger with the broken shear bolt will rotate freely. Find and remove the item causing the jam if the blade won't rotate. It may require a hammer, screwdriver or other tool to knock it out of place.

Rotate the blades by hand so the screw hole in the blade lines up with the hole in the shaft. If the pin is gone, you're in luck. Replace it with a new one. If it is still in place, pour some door lock antifreeze or isopropanol on it. This is not always necessary, but often moisture has gotten into the hole and frozen, and this can make it difficult to remove the bolt. Make sure the hole is lined up exactly with the broken bolt, or you won't be able to push the broken pin out. Place the narrow metal rod or screwdriver on the broken bolt and tap it out with the hammer. Replace the broken bolt with a new one. Pliers may be needed to splay the cotter pin if you have a pin instead of a bolt.