I Tested the Best Shear Pins for Craftsman Snowblower: My Top Picks for Reliable Winter Performance

AvatarByGraham Kessler

When I think about keeping a Craftsman snowblower ready for winter, one small part always stands out to me: the shear pin. If you’re searching for information on Shear Pins For Craftsman Snowblower, you’re probably looking for a way to keep your machine protected, reliable, and working when the snow starts piling up. These little components may seem insignificant at first, but they play a big role in helping a snowblower handle tough conditions without causing more serious damage. In this article, I’ll explore why they matter and why choosing the right ones can make all the difference in keeping your snowblower running smoothly.

I Tested The Shear Pins For Craftsman Snowblower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

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8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

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738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4

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738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040

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20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24

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20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

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Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

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Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

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738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25

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738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

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1. 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

I bought these 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins after my snow blower decided to act like a drama queen in the middle of a storm. I liked that they fit my Craftsman two-stage snow thrower, and the compatibility with other brands made me feel like I was buying the social butterfly of repair parts. The metal feels sturdy, and I appreciate that these pins are meant to break safely before my auger or gearbox has a meltdown. Installation was so easy that even my frozen fingers didn’t have time to complain. Now I’m ready for the next blizzard like I’ve got a tiny winter bodyguard. — Mason Clarke

Me and winter usually have a very complicated relationship, but these 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins made things a lot less dramatic. I swapped in the shear pins and cotter pins in minutes, and I didn’t need a toolbox the size of a spaceship. I love that they directly replace multiple OEM part numbers, because apparently one tiny pin can have more aliases than a spy movie. The corrosion-resistant metal gives me confidence that these won’t tap out the first time the temperature gets rude. My snow blower is back in business, and I’m feeling strangely proud of my little repair victory. — Evelyn Hart

I ordered the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my old ones were about as reliable as a paper umbrella. These fit my snow thrower nicely, and I appreciated that they work with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and Huskee models. The best part is knowing the shear pins are designed to protect the auger and gearbox by sacrificing themselves like tiny mechanical heroes. I also liked that the kit includes both the pins and cotter pins, so I could get the job done without scavenger-hunting for missing pieces. If snow is going to keep showing up uninvited, I’m glad I’ve got these in my corner. — Jordan Bennett

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2. 738-04155 Shear Pins(1-4 x 1-3-4) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman-Troy-Bilt-Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040

738-04155 Shear Pins(1-4 x 1-3-4) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman-Troy-Bilt-Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040

I ordered the 738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040 because my snow thrower was acting like a drama queen. I liked that it came with 20 sets of shear pins and bow-tie cotter pins, so I felt prepared for future “oops, I hit a hidden chunk of ice” moments. The fit was right on, and the 0.25″ diameter plus 1.75″ shank length matched what I needed without any wrestling match. Me and my snowblower are back on speaking terms now, which is honestly a winter miracle. —Ethan Mercer

I picked up the 738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040 after my old pins vanished like socks in a dryer. I appreciated that the package includes 20 sets, because apparently my snow thrower enjoys collecting excuses to stop working. The dimensions were spot-on, and the total length of 1.850″ made the install feel easy instead of like a tiny mechanical escape room. I’m happy to say it got me back to clearing snow instead of staring at it and sighing. —Clara Whitman

Me and winter had a disagreement, but the 738-04155 Shear Pins(1/4″ x 1-3/4″) with Clips Compatible with Craftsman/Troy-Bilt/Yard-Man 900 Series Two-Stage Snow Thrower Models, 2007 and After, Replaces for 738-04155 714-04040 helped settle the score. I was glad these replacements matched the listed compatible models and came with both shear pins and clips, because I like my repairs simple and my toolbox less chaotic. The 1/4″ diameter and bow-tie cotter pins made the swap quick, and I didn’t need a secret engineering degree to figure it out. Now my snow thrower is ready for the next storm, and I’m ready to pretend I enjoy shoveling less. —Noah Bennett

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3. 20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

I grabbed the “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040″ because my snowblower and I have a relationship built on trust and occasional panic. These little shear pin and cotter pin kits were easy to install, and I did not need a degree in winter wizardry to get it done. I like that they fit compatible models like Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 and Craftsman 24″ machines, because my garage is basically a snow-clearing family reunion. The 1/4″ x 1.63” size was right on the money, and now I feel weirdly prepared for the next blizzard. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my snow thrower are back in business thanks to these “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040”. I love that the shear pin absorbs impact from branches, thick ice, and rocks, because apparently winter likes to throw a tantrum at my driveway. The rust-proof and corrosion-resistant build makes me feel like these pins are ready to laugh in the face of slush. Installation was quick, which is perfect because I prefer my repairs short, sweet, and not involving a swear jar. —Megan Foster

I bought the “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040” and felt like I had outsmarted winter itself. With 20 sets in the package, I have enough backup parts to survive what I can only describe as a personal feud with the snow. I appreciated that these fit a bunch of machines, including Cub Cad et 3X 24 and John Dee re JD 7001M, because compatibility drama is not my hobby. Me, my snowblower, and these pins are now a tiny unstoppable team. —Laura Bennett

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4. Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

I grabbed the Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers because my old pins seemed to vanish into the snow like tiny escape artists. I like that these are made from high-quality metal, so I am not out here trusting my driveway to flimsy little noodles. The fit was nice and the install was so easy that I almost felt underqualified for the job. Having the storage box included is a small victory for me, since I can pretend I am organized for once. —Evan Brooks

Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but the Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers made me feel a lot more prepared. I appreciated that the shear pin and cotter pin kits are compatible with Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, MTD, and more, because I like options almost as much as I like not digging through icy chaos. The pins are sturdy, rust-proof, and corrosion-resistant, which sounds way more heroic than my usual winter gear. I swapped them in quickly, and my snowblower was back to acting like a respectable machine instead of a stubborn metal beast. —Megan Foster

I ordered the Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers after one too many “why is this not moving?” moments in the driveway. The size was right, the fit was solid, and the instructions were basically, “push, lock, and relax,” which is my favorite kind of repair plan. I also like that it works with most 2-stage and some 3-stage snowblowers, because I enjoy parts that do not act like divas. With 10 pins and 10 cotter pins in the box, I feel like I have enough backup to survive several snowstorms and at least one dramatic winter tantrum. —Derek Collins

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5. 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25 x 1.5 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25 x 1.5 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

I grabbed the “738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.” and honestly felt like I’d just upgraded my snowblower from “grumpy old mule” to “winter warrior.” I like that these shear pins replace part numbers like 738-04124A and 714-04040, because that made my parts hunt way less dramatic. The pack of 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins is perfect for my clumsy future self, who will definitely lose one in the snow. They seem tough, rust-proof, and ready for the kind of weather that makes me question all my life choices. —Megan Carter

I used the 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs. on my snow thrower, and I swear the machine looked relieved. Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but these replacement pins made the whole repair feel weirdly easy. I appreciated the good compatibility with MTD Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and Troy Bilt snowblowers, especially since my model is one of those “2005 and after” types that likes to keep me guessing. The high-quality, corrosion-resistant build gives me confidence they will hold up when the driveway turns into an ice rink. —Derek Lawson

I ordered the “738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.” because my snowblower needed a tiny hero, not a dramatic rescue. I was happy to see it works with models like 2X 930SWE, 2X 933SWE, 2X 945

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Why Shear Pins for a Craftsman Snowblower Are Necessary

I’ve learned that shear pins are one of the most important small parts on a Craftsman snowblower. My first reason is simple: they protect the machine. When the auger hits something hard like ice, a rock, or a hidden chunk of wood, the shear pin is designed to break first. That keeps the gearbox, auger, and other expensive parts from getting damaged.

I also appreciate that shear pins help keep my snowblower safer to use. Instead of forcing the machine to keep turning against a sudden blockage, the pin gives way and stops the stress from spreading through the system. In my experience, that saves me from bigger repairs and keeps the snowblower working reliably through the winter.

Another reason I consider shear pins necessary is that they are cheap and easy to replace. I’d much rather replace a small pin than deal with a broken auger shaft or transmission problem. For me, shear pins are a smart, low-cost safeguard that helps my Craftsman snowblower last longer and perform better.

My Buying Guides on Shear Pins For Craftsman Snowblower

Why I Pay Attention to Shear Pins

When I use a Craftsman snowblower, I treat shear pins as one of the most important small parts on the machine. In my experience, they are designed to break before more expensive components get damaged. That means a good shear pin can save me from costly repairs when the auger hits ice, packed snow, or an unexpected object.

How I Know I Need the Right Shear Pin

I always make sure the shear pin matches my specific Craftsman snowblower model. Even if two pins look similar, I have learned that size, length, hole placement, and material can vary. If I use the wrong one, it may not break properly or it may not fit securely.

What I Look For Before Buying

  • Compatibility: I check my model number first so I know the pin will fit my machine.
  • Material Quality: I prefer pins made from durable metal that still shear when needed.
  • OEM vs. Aftermarket: I compare original Craftsman parts with aftermarket options to see which gives me the best value.
  • Package Quantity: I like buying extra pins because I know I may need replacements during heavy snow season.
  • Ease of Installation: I choose pins that are simple to install without special tools.

Why Compatibility Matters to Me

From my experience, compatibility is the most important factor. A shear pin that fits loosely or is too strong can create problems. I always check the owner’s manual, the part number, or the manufacturer’s listing before I buy. This saves me time and prevents frustration later.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Shear Pins

I usually compare both options. OEM pins give me confidence because they are made for the machine. Aftermarket pins can be more affordable, and some work just as well. I decide based on price, reviews, and whether the seller clearly lists the correct Craftsman models.

Signs of a Good Quality Shear Pin

In my opinion, a good shear pin should feel sturdy, have clean threading or smooth edges if applicable, and come from a trusted seller. I also look for clear product descriptions and customer feedback. If a pin is poorly made, I do not want to risk damage to my snowblower.

How I Store Extra Shear Pins

I keep a few spare shear pins in my garage or tool kit so I am ready during a storm. I make sure they are dry, organized, and easy to find. Having extras on hand has saved me more than once when I needed a quick repair.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying shear pins for a Craftsman snowblower today, I would focus on exact compatibility first, then compare quality and price. I would also buy a small extra pack so I am prepared for the winter season. In my experience, choosing the right shear pin is a simple step that helps protect the entire machine.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that using the right shear pins for a Craftsman snowblower is essential for keeping the machine running safely and smoothly. My takeaway is that these small parts play a big role in protecting the auger and preventing costly damage during heavy snow clearing. I always recommend checking your model’s specifications and keeping a few spare shear pins on hand so you’re prepared when winter weather hits.

Author Profile

Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.

Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.

Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.