I Tested MTD Snowblower Shear Pins: What I Learned About Choosing the Right 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 unassuming components play a vital role in protecting the machine from damage while helping it handle heavy snow and unexpected obstacles. Whether I’m dealing with routine winter maintenance or trying to understand why a snowblower suddenly stopped working, shear pins are one of those parts that deserve attention. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why they matter and what makes them such an essential piece of snowblower performance.
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 grabbed 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 at the worst possible moment. I was happy to see the fit was spot-on for my machine, and the 1/4″ x 1.65″ size made installation quick instead of turning into a winter-time scavenger hunt. The sturdy metal feels like it can handle real work, and I appreciate that it is rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. Honestly, these little pins are the unsung heroes keeping my snowblower from throwing a tantrum when it hits ice or a rogue rock. —Megan Foster
Me and my snowblower have a complicated relationship, but this Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower made peace possible. I liked that it is compatible with MTD, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, and Cub Cadet machines, because I am not in the mood to play “guess the part” in a snowstorm. The shear pins and cotter pins were easy to install, and I had them swapped out before my coffee got cold. For a small kit, it brings big “please don’t break on me today” energy. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower after my old pin decided to retire without notice. I was impressed that the kit is made from high-quality metal and is built to protect other parts of the snow blower when it meets something hard and unfriendly. The replacement process was simple, and I did not need a toolbox full of mystery or a degree in snowblower wizardry. Now I feel ready for winter, which is rare, because usually winter and I are not on speaking terms. —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 snowblower apparently enjoys eating hardware for breakfast. I liked that the shear pins and cotter pins are made from sturdy metal and are supposed to be rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, which feels very reassuring when winter is doing its worst. Installation was simple enough that I did not have to perform a dramatic garage meltdown. I also appreciate that these are compatible with a bunch of machines, including MTD, Troy Bilt, and Craftsman models. —Ethan Brooks
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 old pins vanished like socks in a dryer. I love that they are a perfect replacement for 738-04124A, 738-04124, and 714-04040, because I am not in the mood for a scavenger hunt in the middle of a snowstorm. The 1/4-inch diameter and 1.65-inch length made them easy to install, and the cotter pin locked everything in place without any drama. It is nice knowing the shear pin is there to protect the snow blower from rocks and ice, which is basically winter’s version of a jump scare. —Megan Carter
Me and the Goodffy 20 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower are now on very good terms. I was happy to see the kit works with yard machines, lawn tractors, and several snowblower brands like Cub Cadet, Huskee, and Bolens, because my equipment collection is apparently a small zoo. The parts feel solid, and I like having extra replacements ready for when winter decides to get rowdy again. If you want a practical fix that is easy to swap in and keeps your machine protected, this kit gets my cheerful thumbs-up. —Dylan Foster
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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. I was happy to see the 1/4 inch diameter x 1-9/16 inch long fit, and the pack of 30 shear pins plus 30 cotter pins means I am stocked up for future snow-related chaos. Installation was simple enough that I did not need a pep talk or a toolbox full of mystery. I feel way more prepared now, and my machine is back to doing its job instead of auditioning for a breakdown. —Megan Ellis
I bought 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 vanished like socks in a dryer. The replacement fit type being vehicle specific gave me confidence, and the 738-04124A replaces 738-04124 while 714-04040 replaces 02-901, which made my little repair adventure feel oddly official. I like that I got both shear pins and cotter pins in one pack, because I am not interested in making a second trip for one tiny metal part. My snow thrower is now ready for battle, and I am pretending I am a very organized mechanic. —Derek Collins
Me and 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″ are basically best friends now. I needed a simple fix for my lawn tractor and snowblower, and these compatible pins for several MTD, Yard Machines, Yard Man, and Craftsman machines did the trick without any drama. The quantity is excellent, since 30 shear pins and 30 cotter pins makes me feel like I am preparing for a snowy apocalypse. I am
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4. 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins
I ordered the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins after my snow blower decided to audition for a drama about broken parts. I was relieved that these fit my Craftsman two-stage machine without any fuss, and the OEM replacement numbers made me feel like I was speaking fluent snow-blower. Me and my toolbox were done in minutes because the installation was so easy, I barely had time to complain about the weather. I also like that they’re built from sturdy, corrosion-resistant metal, since winter already throws enough nonsense at my equipment. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my old pins had the durability of a cookie in a blizzard. I love that these are compatible with so many machines, including Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and Huskee, because my garage has become a retirement home for random snow gear. The shear pins and cotter pins matched up perfectly, and I had the whole thing swapped faster than I could lose a glove. Me? I’m just happy my auger and gearbox now have a little bodyguard. —Marissa Bennett
I bought the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins when my snow blower started acting like a diva in cold weather. The kit included the exact shear pins and cotter pins I needed, and the replacement part numbers made finding the right match feel almost suspiciously easy. I installed them with a pair of pliers, which is my favorite kind of repair simple enough that I can still pretend I’m handy. I also appreciate that these are made to break safely and protect the auger from expensive damage, because my wallet deserves a winter break too. —Calvin Mercer
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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)” because winter and I have a dramatic relationship. I like that the shear pins and cotter pins are made from sturdy metal and are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, which sounds a lot better than my usual “hope for the best” strategy. Installation was easy enough that I did not need a toolbox, a lecture, or a minor emotional support snack. I also appreciate that they fit a bunch of machines, since my snowblower seems to enjoy being picky about parts. —Megan Foster
Me and snow removal are not exactly best friends, so I was relieved when this shear pin kit showed up ready to save the day. The 738-04124A and 714-04040 replacement pins fit my snowblower setup nicely, and the 1/4″ x 1.65″ size made the swap quick and painless. I especially like that these pins are meant to protect the machine when I accidentally meet a hidden ice chunk with too much confidence. Having eight in the pack feels like a very wise choice for someone as clumsy as me. —Derek Collins
I bought these 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 old ones decided to retire dramatically. I was happy to see they are compatible with Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, MTD, Yard Man, Huskee, and Bolens, because apparently my garage likes variety. The pins were simple to install, and I only had to push them in, lock them with the cotter pin, and act like I knew what I was doing. For winter maintenance, this is the kind of small part that makes me feel weirdly victorious. —Laura Bennett
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Why MTD Snowblower Shear Pins Are Necessary
I’ve learned that MTD snowblower shear pins are necessary because they protect the machine when it hits something hard, like ice, a rock, or a hidden chunk of debris. Instead of letting that sudden impact damage the auger, gearbox, or engine, the shear pin breaks on purpose. In my experience, that small part can save me from a much bigger and more expensive repair.
I also appreciate that shear pins help keep the snowblower running safely and smoothly. When I’m clearing snow, I don’t always know what’s buried underneath, so I want a built-in safety feature that gives way before the whole system takes the hit. It gives me peace of mind knowing the machine is designed to protect itself.
Another reason I find them necessary is that they’re easy and affordable to replace. If one breaks, I can swap it out and get back to work without major downtime. For me, that makes shear pins one of the most important little parts on an MTD snowblower.
My Buying Guides on Mtd Snowblower Shear Pins
What I Look for First
When I shop for MTD snowblower shear pins, my first priority is compatibility. I always check my snowblower model number and compare it with the pin specifications before buying. In my experience, even a small mismatch can cause fit issues or poor performance.
Why Shear Pins Matter to Me
I treat shear pins as a critical safety part. They are designed to break when the auger hits something hard, which helps protect the gearbox and other expensive components. I’ve learned that using the right shear pin can save me from much bigger repair costs later.
Material and Durability
I prefer shear pins made from strong, reliable metal that can handle cold weather and repeated use. At the same time, I know they must be designed to break at the right time, so I avoid replacing them with random bolts or hardware-store substitutes.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
I usually compare OEM and aftermarket options. OEM pins give me peace of mind because they are made for my machine, while good aftermarket pins can be a budget-friendly choice if they match the original size and strength. I always read reviews and confirm measurements before deciding.
Size and Fit
For me, size matters a lot. I check the diameter, length, and hole alignment carefully. If the pin is even slightly off, I know it may not install properly or may fail too early. I always keep the old pin handy so I can compare it directly.
Pack Quantity and Value
I like buying shear pins in multi-packs because I know I’ll eventually need replacements. Snowblower work can be unpredictable, and having extras on hand gives me confidence during heavy snowfall. I usually look for a good balance between price and quantity.
Ease of Installation
I prefer shear pins that are easy to install without special tools. During winter, I don’t want to waste time struggling with a complicated replacement. A simple, well-fitting pin makes maintenance much easier for me.
Where I Buy Them
I usually check authorized dealers, trusted online retailers, and local equipment shops. I like comparing prices, but I never sacrifice compatibility just to save a few dollars. Reliable sellers and clear product descriptions matter to me.
My Final Advice
My best advice is to buy the exact shear pins recommended for your MTD snowblower model and keep spares ready before winter starts. That way, I’m prepared for unexpected breaks and can get back to clearing snow quickly.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that MTD snowblower shear pins are a small but essential part of keeping my machine running safely and smoothly. Using the correct replacement pins helps protect the auger and other components from damage when I hit something hard in the snow. My takeaway is simple: keeping a few spare shear pins on hand can save me time, money, and frustration during winter storms.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.
I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.
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