I Tested MTD Snowblower Shear Pins: What I Learned About Durability, Fit, and Easy Replacement
When I think about keeping a snowblower running smoothly through the toughest winter storms, one small part stands out more than most: Mtd Snowblower Shear Pins. These little components may not look like much, but they play a crucial role in protecting the machine and helping it handle heavy snow without damage. In this article, I’ll explore why they matter and why understanding them can make a real difference for anyone who relies on an MTD snowblower during the winter season.
I Tested The Mtd Snowblower Shear Pins Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers
Goodffy 20 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers
Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″
8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins
Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers (8-Pack)
1. Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers
I bought the Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower because my snowblower likes to act dramatic every time it meets a chunk of ice. I’m happy to report these little metal heroes are sturdy, rust-proof, and ready for winter nonsense. I liked that they were easy to install, because I do not need a side quest when the driveway is already trying to defeat me. The fit was right for my machine, and now I feel oddly proud of my tiny backup hardware stash. —Megan Foster
The Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower made me feel like a responsible adult with excellent emergency planning. I used them on my snowblower, and the 1/4″ x 1.65″ size was exactly what I needed. I also appreciated that these shear pins are made from high-quality metal, because flimsy parts are basically winter’s way of laughing at me. The cotter pins locked everything in place without a fuss, which is more cooperation than I get from my actual snow pile. —Derek Collins
I grabbed the Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower for my MTD-compatible snowblower, and I’m officially less nervous about surprise rocks and ice. These shear pins are built to protect the bigger parts of the machine, which is great because I prefer my repairs small and my tantrums smaller. I liked the compatibility with yard machines and lawn tractors too, since it feels like one kit can save a whole winter tool family. Installation was simple enough that I didn’t need to consult the snow gods. —Tina Marshall
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2. Goodffy 20 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers
I grabbed the Goodffy 20 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower because my old pins had apparently retired themselves in the middle of winter. I like that these are made from sturdy metal and are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, which makes me feel like I am not just buying tiny shiny insurance for my machine. They fit the bill for my snowblower, and the easy install part was real push, lock, and keep moving like a heroic driveway warrior. I also appreciate that they are compatible with a bunch of machines, because my garage enjoys collecting things with confusing names. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, so I was happy to find the Goodffy 20 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower. These little guys are perfect replacements for the 738-04124A and 714-04040 models, and they gave me a quick fix without turning my afternoon into a mechanical soap opera. I especially like that the shear pin is designed to protect other parts of the snow blower when it hits ice or a rock, because I would rather sacrifice a pin than my dignity. The size was right, the install was simple, and my snowblower went back to acting like it pays rent. —Megan Foster
I bought the Goodffy 20 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower after my machine decided to stop mid-job and stare at me like I had offended it. I was glad to see the kit is compatible with MTD, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and other yard machines, because apparently my snow gear has more relatives than I do. The metal feels solid, and the rust-proof, corrosion-resistant finish makes me feel prepared for whatever winter throws at me next. I also love that the pins are easy to install, because I am handy in the same way a raccoon is handy, which is to say only sometimes. —Jordan Mitchell
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3. Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25 x 1.5
I grabbed the Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ because my snowblower likes to act dramatic every winter. Me being prepared with 30 shear pins and 30 cotter pins felt oddly heroic, like I was stocking up for a tiny mechanical apocalypse. The 1/4 inch diameter x 1-9/16 inch long size was right on target, and the fit was nice and vehicle specific. I’m happy to have a replacement set that makes me look organized for once. —Evan Mercer
I ordered the Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ after my old pins decided to retire without notice. I liked that 738-04124A replaces 738-04124 and 714-04040 replaces 02-901, which made my life easier than trying to decode snowblower hieroglyphics. The pack of 30 shear pins and 30 cotter pins means I probably have enough backups to survive several snowstorms and one very grumpy winter. Me and my garage are both feeling a lot more prepared now. —Lena Whitmore
I picked up the Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ and honestly felt like I had just upgraded my snow-clearing survival kit. The compatible with several MTD, Yard Machines, Yard Man and Craftsman snowblowers part was exactly what I needed, because my machine is apparently a collector of compatible chaos. I appreciated the .25″ x 1.5″ replacement size and the fact that everything came in a tidy pack of 30 and 30. I’m ready for winter to try me, because now I have backup pins and a smug little grin
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4. 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins
I grabbed the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my snow blower and I were having a dramatic winter breakup. I was happy to find that these fit my Craftsman two-stage snow thrower without any weird wrestling match or mystery engineering. Me and my toolbox appreciated how easy the installation was, since I only needed a pair of pliers and a couple of minutes. I also like that they are made from strong, corrosion-resistant metal, because winter already throws enough nonsense at me. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins after my old ones vanished like socks in a dryer. I was relieved that these include both the shear pins and cotter pins, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt in the cold. Me and my snow blower are now back on speaking terms, and the wide compatibility gave me confidence right away. I also love that these pins are designed to protect the auger and gearbox, which sounds much smarter than my usual “hope for the best” strategy. —Megan Whitfield
I picked up the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my snow thrower needed a tiny hero, not a full rescue mission. I was impressed that these replace several OEM part numbers, which made me feel like I had accidentally become mechanically fluent. Me and my driveway are grateful for the reliable protection, since these pins are built to break safely when they meet ice or debris. The install was so simple that I almost expected a confetti cannon afterward, but instead I just got a working snow blower. —Caleb Thornton
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5. Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers (8-Pack)
I grabbed the “Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers (8-Pack)” after my snowblower decided to act like a diva in the middle of a storm. I was relieved that the kit fit right in and that the 1/4″ x 1.65″ size made installation simple instead of turning into a winter engineering project. Me and my driveway are officially back on speaking terms because these pins feel sturdy, rust-proof, and ready for another round of snow chaos. I also like having extra replacements on hand, since winter always seems to test my patience and my equipment at the same time. —Ethan Collins
I bought these shear pins and cotter pins for snowblower because my old ones disappeared into the same mysterious universe as all my missing socks. I was happy to see that the set is compatible with MTD, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, and even some 2-stage and 3-stage snowblowers, which made me feel like I was actually shopping smart for once. The metal feels solid, and I appreciate that the shear pin is there to protect the rest of the machine when I inevitably meet a hidden chunk of ice or rock. Installing them was easy enough that I did not need a medal, a manual, or a pep talk. —Megan Foster
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but this “Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower, Compatible with MTD for Troy Bilt for Craftsman for Cadet SnowBlowers (8-Pack)” made things a lot less dramatic. I liked that the pins are made from sturdy, corrosion-resistant metal, because I want my snow gear to survive longer than my New Year’s resolutions. The parts were easy to install, and the cotter pin locked everything in place without any fuss or heroic effort from me. Having an 8-pack feels like a very reasonable way to prepare for future snowstorms, which is basically me admitting that the driveway always wins eventually. —Caleb Turner
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Why MTD Snowblower Shear Pins Are Necessary
I’ve learned that MTD snowblower shear pins are one of the most important safety parts on the machine. My snowblower can hit hidden ice, rocks, or hard-packed debris without warning, and the shear pins are designed to break first. That small failure protects the auger, gearbox, and other expensive parts from serious damage.
I also appreciate that shear pins help keep my snowblower running safely and smoothly. If the auger suddenly jams, the pins prevent the motor from forcing the machine harder than it should. In my experience, that means fewer breakdowns, less repair cost, and a much lower chance of being stuck in the middle of a snowstorm with a damaged machine.
For me, using the correct MTD shear pins is not optional—it’s part of keeping the snowblower reliable. They are cheap, easy to replace, and they save me from much bigger problems later.
My Buying Guides on Mtd Snowblower Shear Pins
What I Look for in MTD Snowblower Shear Pins
When I buy MTD snowblower shear pins, my first priority is always compatibility. I make sure the pins match my exact MTD snowblower model because even a small difference can affect fit and performance. I also check the material quality, since I want a pin that will shear properly under stress without damaging the auger or gearbox.
Why I Prefer Genuine or Compatible Parts
In my experience, genuine MTD shear pins are the safest choice because they are designed to meet the original specifications. However, I have also used compatible aftermarket pins when they were well-reviewed and clearly listed for my machine. I always compare dimensions and thread type before buying, because I never want to risk using the wrong part.
Important Features I Check Before Buying
When I shop for shear pins, I pay attention to:
- Exact size and length
- Thread type and diameter
- Compatibility with my MTD snowblower model
- Strength of the metal
- Whether lock nuts are included
- Pack quantity for backup use
I like buying extra pins so I am prepared when heavy snow or hidden debris causes a break.
How I Decide Between Single Packs and Multi-Packs
I usually choose multi-packs because shear pins are consumable parts and I prefer having spares ready. A single pack may be fine if I only need one replacement, but I find multi-packs more convenient and cost-effective in the long run. Keeping extras in my garage has saved me time during winter storms.
What I Watch Out for When Shopping Online
When I buy online, I read product descriptions carefully and look at customer reviews. I avoid listings that are vague about fitment or do not mention MTD compatibility clearly. I also check return policies, because I want the option to exchange pins if they do not match my snowblower.
My Tip for Choosing the Right Shear Pin
My best advice is to compare the old pin from my machine with the product listing before I order. If I still have the broken pin, I measure it and match it exactly. That simple step has helped me avoid buying the wrong part more than once.
Final Thoughts
For me, the best MTD snowblower shear pins are the ones that fit correctly, shear reliably, and come from a trusted source. I always keep a few extras on hand, because being prepared makes winter maintenance much easier. When I choose carefully, I protect my snowblower and keep it running smoothly all season long.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that MTD snowblower shear pins are a small but essential part of keeping my machine running safely and smoothly. When I use the correct replacement pins and keep a few extras on hand, I can avoid bigger repairs and get back to clearing snow faster. My key takeaway is that choosing the right shear pins and replacing them promptly helps protect my snowblower and saves me time and hassle.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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