Clevis pins provide a strong joint between two or more pieces of equipment while allowing the joint to pivot. One end of a clevis pin has a flat head and the other has a taper. The tapered end aligns the holes in parts as you drive the pin into the parts. A hole in the tapered end of the pin holds a cotter pin. This keeps the clevis pin from falling out of the pivot joint. However, corrosion and pressure often make it difficult to remove a clevis pin from secured parts.
Spray penetrating oil on the visible length of the clevis pin. Allow the penetrating oil to sit on the pin for five to six hours.
Grasp the circular end of the cotter pin (located on the tapered side of the clevis pin) with a pair of needle nose pliers. Pull the cotter pin away from the shaft of the clevis pin. Set the cotter pin aside.
Insert the flat end of a pry bar under the lowest part of the pivot joint. Push on the end of the pry bar to release pressure from the clevis pin shaft.
Align the tapered end of a drift pin with the tapered end of the clevis pin. Hit the flat end of the drift pin with a hammer to drive the drift pin against the clevis pin. Continue hitting the end of the drift pin until the clevis pin pops from the secured parts.
Grasp the flat head of the clevis pin with self-locking pliers. Pull the clevis pin away from the part while twisting the pin in a circular motion.
