splitpen
Dutch
splitpen Metalen bevestigings- en borgpen, meestal vervaardigd uit veerstaal, die door een boring in één of meerdere onderdelen wordt gestoken en vervolgens mechanisch wordt geborgd door het uitveren, spreiden of ombuigen van de pennen, zodat onbedoeld loskomen wordt voorkomen.
De splitpen wordt veel toegepast als veiligheidsborging in mechanische constructies, transportmiddelen en werktuigen, met name op plaatsen waar trillingen, schokken of wisselende belastingen optreden.
Definitions
- Borgpen bestaande uit een gebogen of gespleten metalen draad, die na plaatsing mechanisch wordt vastgezet door spreiding of veerwerking.
- Mechanisch zekere pen die dient om bouten, assen, scharnierpennen of sleutels tegen axiale verplaatsing te beveiligen.
Dutch variants and near-synonyms
- splitpen
- borgpen (algemeen, context-afhankelijk)
- veersplitpen
- veerpen (niet altijd identiek; kan ook andere veerpennen omvatten)
- veiligheidsplitpen
⚠️ Common misspelling:
- splitspen ❌ (incorrect; should always be splitpen)
English
Preferred term (mechanical and patent standard)
- cotter pin
This is the dominant and internationally accepted term in:
- mechanical engineering
- transport and lifting equipment
- safety locking systems
- patent and standards documentation (EPO, ISO, ASTM)
Definition
cotter pin A metal fastening pin, typically made of spring steel, inserted through aligned holes in one or more components and secured by bending, spreading, or spring action of its legs in order to prevent axial displacement or loosening.
Cotter pins are commonly used as secondary safety elements in bolted, pinned or hinged assemblies, particularly where vibration or dynamic loads are present.
Important English subtypes
double spring cotter pin
(Dutch: dubbele veersplitspen)
A cotter pin made from spring wire with two resilient legs that exert outward force automatically, eliminating the need for manual bending.
Characteristics:
- reusable
- vibration-resistant
- tool-free installation and removal
straight cotter pin
A traditional cotter pin requiring manual bending of the legs after insertion.
Other English variants (attested but less standard)
- split pin (British English, especially informal or workshop contexts)
- spring cotter pin
- double coil cotter pin
- safety pin (⚠️ ambiguous; may also refer to textile safety pins)
⚠️ Note for translators: Although split pin is used in British English, cotter pin is preferred in:
- patents
- technical standards
- international documentation because it avoids ambiguity and is globally recognised.
Usage notes (important for translators)
-
Dutch splitpen ≠ veerpen in all cases
-
veerpen may also refer to roll pins or spring pins without a split head
- In patent texts, cotter pin should be used consistently
- For dubbele veersplitspen, prefer double spring cotter pin
- Avoid translating splitpen as safety pin unless the context explicitly refers to a textile-type pin
Examples
| Dutch | English | Source |
|---|---|---|
| De afstel- en vergrendelsleutel wordt met een splitpen geborgd. | The adjustment and locking key is secured by a cotter pin. | Patent text |
| De dubbele veersplitspen voorkomt losraken tijdens transport. | The double spring cotter pin prevents loosening during transport. | Patent text |
| De scharnierpen is gezekerd met een splitpen. | The hinge pin is retained by a cotter pin. | Technical manual |
Image (open-source)
Images from Wikimedia Commons and other open-source technical repositories (public domain / CC-BY / CC-BY-SA).
External links
- Wikipedia (EN): Cotter pin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotter_pin
- Wikipedia (EN): Split pin (mechanical) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split_pin
- Engineering Toolbox: Cotter Pins https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/cotter-pins-d_1812.html
- McMaster-Carr: Cotter pins (industrial reference catalogue) https://www.mcmaster.com/cotter-pins/