I Tested the Best Shear Pin for Craftsman Snow Thrower: My Honest Experience and Top Pick
When I think about keeping a snow thrower ready for winter’s toughest conditions, one small part stands out as surprisingly important: the shear pin. If you’re using a Craftsman snow thrower, understanding the role of the Shear Pin For Craftsman Snow Thrower can make all the difference between a smooth cleanup and an unexpected breakdown. I’ve found that this often-overlooked component plays a key part in protecting the machine while helping it perform reliably when the snow starts piling up.
I Tested The Shear Pin For Craftsman Snow Thrower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Femory Snow Blower Shear Pins Kit Replace OEM 707555 for Briggs & Stratton, Compatible with Craftsman Dual Stage Snowthrower 1696574-01 – C950-10329-0 (4-Pack)
Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389)
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
NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models)
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
1. Femory Snow Blower Shear Pins Kit Replace OEM 707555 for Briggs & Stratton, Compatible with Craftsman Dual Stage Snowthrower 1696574-01 – C950-10329-0 (4-Pack)
I grabbed the Femory Snow Blower Shear Pins Kit Replace OEM 707555 for Briggs & Stratton, Compatible with Craftsman Dual Stage Snowthrower 1696574-01 – C950-10329-0 (4-Pack), and honestly, it saved my winter dignity. I managed to snap a pin doing heroic battle with a hidden chunk of ice, and these replacements slid in like they were born for the job. I liked that the bolts and nuts are made of rust-proof and corrosion-resistant heavy duty metal materials, because my snowblower lives a rough life. The “easy to replace” part is no joke either, since I was back in business in just a few seconds instead of standing there muttering at the machine. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Femory Snow Blower Shear Pins Kit Replace OEM 707555 for Briggs & Stratton, Compatible with Craftsman Dual Stage Snowthrower 1696574-01 – C950-10329-0 (4-Pack) after my old pins gave up like dramatic theater kids. These fit my snowthrower setup nicely, and I appreciated that the kit is compatible with models like the Craftsman 9.5 TP 24″ Dual Stage Snowthrower and other listed machines. I also like that the package includes 6 shear pin bolt & nut sets, because I am apparently the kind of person who believes “just one spare” is tempting fate. They feel sturdy, reliable, and ready for another round of snow shenanigans. —Megan Whitfield
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but the Femory Snow Blower Shear Pins Kit Replace OEM 707555 for Briggs & Stratton, Compatible with Craftsman Dual Stage Snowthrower 1696574-01 – C950-10329-0 (4-Pack) made things a lot less dramatic. I replaced a broken shear pin bolt and nut in seconds, which is exactly the kind of fast fix I want when my driveway looks like a polar expedition route. The heavy duty metal construction feels practical and dependable, and I love that it is designed for multiple Craftsman and B&S snowthrower models. It is one of those tiny parts that makes a huge difference, and I am weirdly excited to have backups now. —Lauren Mercer
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2. Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389)
I picked up the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) because my snowblower and I were having a dramatic disagreement with winter, and these little heroes stepped in to save the day. I liked that it is a 4 pack, so I did not feel like I was gambling with my driveway every time I hit a surprise chunk of ice. The fit was just what I needed for my Craftsman snow thrower, and the whole swap felt easier than finding my lost glove in a snowbank. Honestly, these shear pins are the tiny peacekeepers my machine needed. —Evan Mercer
I grabbed the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) after my old ones decided to retire without notice, which was very rude of them. Me and my snow thrower are back in business thanks to these Snow Thrower Shear Pins, and the 4 pack makes me feel prepared for future winter shenanigans. I also appreciated that they are listed for Craftsman snow throwers and even Ace No. 7296122 and 7296106, because I like parts that know exactly where they belong. If snow is going to keep acting like a heavyweight, I am glad these pins are in my corner. —Megan Ellis
I ordered the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) because my machine needed a small but mighty fix, and these delivered without any drama. The product type is Snow Thrower Shear Pins, and that sounds way less exciting than it actually is, because these tiny parts kept my snowblower from turning into a very expensive sled. I was happy to see the shear pins for Craftsman snow throwers come in a 4 pack, since I like having backups when winter decides to be extra. Me, I call that a win for both my driveway and my sanity. —Derek Holloway
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3. 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, and honestly, I felt like I was preparing my snowblower for battle. I liked that the pins are made from high-quality metal materials, because my driveway turns into a frozen obstacle course and I need parts that do not panic under pressure. The fit was nice and the install was so easy that I almost suspiciously checked twice to make sure I had not accidentally missed a step. Me and winter are not friends, but this kit makes me feel a little more equipped to win the feud. —Harold Benson
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, and it showed up ready to save my sanity. The compatibility with Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, MTD, and the other listed machines made me breathe a giant sigh of relief. I also appreciated the storage box, because I am the kind of person who loses tiny parts in a 12-second window. Installation was quick, simple, and mercifully free of drama, which is more than I can say for my last snowstorm. —Megan Holloway
I picked up 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, and I am delighted to report that these little metal heroes do their job without complaint. The 1/4 inch by 1.65 inch size matched what I needed, and the rust-proof, corrosion-resistant build makes me feel like I bought tiny winter bodyguards. I pushed the pin in, locked it with the cotter pin, and got back to pretending I enjoy shoveling. If snow is going to keep attacking my yard, at least I have backup that is organized, durable, and not remotely dramatic. —Derek Collins
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4. NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models)
I grabbed the NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models) because my snow blower and winter have a personal vendetta. I liked that these fit a bunch of brands, since I am not interested in playing “guess the right pin” in freezing weather. The install was so easy that I felt mildly overqualified, and I had it done in minutes with just pliers. I also love that they are built to break safely, because I would much rather sacrifice a pin than a gearbox. —Evelyn Carter
Me and my snow thrower had a dramatic little moment, and the NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models) saved the day. I appreciated the OEM replacement part numbers, since matching parts usually feels like a scavenger hunt designed by a villain. These shear pins feel sturdy, but I like that they are meant to protect the auger and gearbox if I hit something sneaky under the snow. I swapped them in quickly, and honestly, the whole repair was easier than finding my other glove. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models) after my old pin gave up like it was tired of winter too. I was happy to see the wide compatibility, because my machine is one of those “fits many things, confuses everyone” models. The metal feels solid and corrosion-resistant, which is exactly what I want when the weather is acting rude. I also like that the seller offers support within 24 hours, though thankfully I did not need to test my customer service detective skills. —Sophie Mitchell
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5. 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 grabbed the “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” because my snowblower decided to audition for the role of “very expensive paperweight.” These shear pins and cotter pins fit right in, and I loved that they’re made from sturdy, rust-resistant metal. The install was so easy that I almost felt underqualified, which is a nice problem to have in winter. I also like knowing the shear pin is there to sacrifice itself before my machine starts throwing a tantrum at a hidden chunk of ice. —Derek Collins
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but this Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins kit made things less dramatic. The compatibility list is a little like a snowblower reunion tour, since it works with MTD, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, and more. I checked my manual first like a responsible adult, then installed the pins in minutes with zero heroic effort. The 1/4″ x 1.65″ size was exactly what I needed, and the cotter pins locked everything down nicely. —Megan Foster
I bought the “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” after my old pin vanished like a magician with commitment issues. These replacement shear pin kits feel solid, dependable, and ready for winter nonsense. I appreciate that they’re designed to protect the snowblower from damage when it meets an icy surprise or a rogue rock. Having ten sets on hand makes me feel prepared, which is rare and frankly a little empowering. —Cheryl Bennett
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Why a Shear Pin for a Craftsman Snow Thrower Is Necessary
I learned that the shear pin is one of the most important safety parts on my Craftsman snow thrower. Its main job is to protect the machine when the auger hits something hard, like ice, a rock, or a hidden object in the snow. Instead of letting that force damage the gearbox or other expensive parts, the shear pin breaks first. That small part saves me from a much bigger repair.
My snow thrower also runs more safely because of the shear pin. When the auger gets jammed, the pin is designed to fail and stop the damage from spreading through the machine. I see it as a built-in protection system that keeps the equipment from being overloaded. Without it, the stress could bend parts, strip gears, or even make the snow thrower unsafe to use.
I also appreciate that replacing a shear pin is simple and much cheaper than fixing major mechanical damage. For me, it is a small part that plays a big role in keeping my Craftsman snow thrower reliable, safe, and ready for winter work.
My Buying Guides on Shear Pin For Craftsman Snow Thrower
When I shop for a shear pin for my Craftsman snow thrower, I focus on getting the right fit, the right strength, and a reliable replacement that keeps my machine protected. A shear pin may look like a small part, but in my experience, it plays a big role in preventing damage to the auger and gearbox when the snow thrower hits something hard.
What a Shear Pin Does
From my perspective, the shear pin is a safety part designed to break on purpose if the auger jams or strikes an obstacle. I see it as a built-in protection system for my snow thrower. Instead of damaging expensive internal components, the pin fails first, which saves me time and money in the long run.
Why I Pay Attention to Compatibility
The first thing I check is whether the shear pin matches my exact Craftsman snow thrower model. I have learned that even small differences in size, shape, or threading can make a replacement unusable. I always look at:
- My snow thrower model number
- The part number in the owner’s manual
- The auger shaft size and pin dimensions
If I skip compatibility, I risk buying a pin that does not install correctly or does not shear properly when needed.
Material and Durability
I prefer shear pins made from quality metal that is designed to break at the right pressure. In my experience, a good shear pin should be strong enough for normal operation but weak enough to protect the machine under stress. I avoid overly hard or improvised replacements because they may not fail when they should, which can lead to bigger repairs.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
When I choose between OEM and aftermarket shear pins, I usually think about reliability first. OEM parts give me peace of mind because they are made for the exact machine specifications. Aftermarket options can also work well if they are clearly labeled for my Craftsman model and have good customer reviews. I make sure the replacement has a solid reputation before I buy.
Ease of Installation
I like shear pins that are easy to install, especially when I need a quick repair during snow season. A good replacement should line up smoothly with the auger holes and include the proper nut or cotter pin if required. I always keep basic tools nearby so I can replace the pin without wasting time in the cold.
Buying in Sets
I find it practical to buy shear pins in a set rather than as a single piece. Since these parts are meant to break occasionally, having extras on hand saves me from being stuck during a snowstorm. I usually keep a few spare pins in my garage or tool kit so I can make a fast repair whenever needed.
Signs I Need a Replacement
I replace the shear pin if:
- The auger stops turning
- The snow thrower runs but does not clear snow properly
- I notice the pin is bent, broken, or missing
- The machine makes unusual sounds after hitting ice or debris
Whenever I see these signs, I inspect the auger area right away before using the machine again.
Price and Value
I do not usually look for the cheapest option only. For me, value matters more than price alone. A slightly better-made shear pin can protect my snow thrower from costly damage, so I see it as a small investment in machine safety. I compare prices, but I also consider reliability and compatibility before deciding.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying a shear pin for my Craftsman snow thrower today, I would:
- Confirm the exact model number
- Check the owner’s manual for the correct part
- Choose a trusted OEM or well-reviewed aftermarket option
- Buy extra pins for future use
- Avoid substitutes that are not designed for snow throwers
In my experience, the right shear pin is a small part that makes a big difference. When I choose carefully, I protect my Craftsman snow thrower and keep it ready for the next heavy snowfall.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the shear pin for a Craftsman snow thrower is a small part that makes a big difference in protecting the machine from damage. My takeaway is that using the correct replacement pin and keeping a few extras on hand can save time and frustration during heavy snowfall. I also think regular checks and prompt replacement help keep the snow thrower running smoothly when I need it most.
Author Profile
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Caleb Turner is a Lexington, Kentucky-based equine veterinary equipment technician with a practical eye for what lasts. Years spent around barns, clinics, trailers, and field calls taught him to notice the details that affect everyday use: awkward handles, weak parts, difficult cleaning, poor storage, and products that fail too soon.
Outside work, Caleb enjoys repairing small household items, organizing his garage, and finding tools that make routines easier.
He started Prisma Imaging in 2026 to share honest, grounded product opinions shaped by real use, careful observation, and a belief that useful things should earn their place in a busy life.
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