Product and application brief
Quick-release pins are removable locating or retaining parts with different release mechanisms. The family name alone does not identify how the pin locks or which drawing applies. Choose the mechanism first, then specify the shank, usable grip, receiving hole and handle access. The illustrated T-handle button-operated form represents only one construction, not every quick-release pin or a verified manufacturer model.
Product forms and reference names
| Product form / field | Reference and distinguishing details |
|---|---|
| Push-button ball-lock pin | A button operates the internal mechanism to retract the retaining balls. Elesa+Ganter GN 113.3 describes two balls released by pressing the spring-loaded button. GN 113.3 is a manufacturer catalogue series, not a universal industry standard or a FastenerBridge certification. |
| Spring-ball detent pin | Spring-loaded balls depress as the pin passes through the receiving hole and extend afterwards. A pull ring or knob may provide handling. Do not assume that a detent pin has the same button-controlled locking action as a ball-lock pin. |
| Handle and button variants | Ring, T-handle, knob and recessed-button forms describe handling or actuator geometry. These names do not alone establish the locking mechanism, dimensions or interchangeability. |
| Mounted pull pins and indexing plungers | A retractable plunger mounted in a housing is a different installation arrangement from a loose removable pin. Identify that arrangement on the drawing rather than ordering solely by the quick-release family name. |
Grip length is not overall length
Specify the drawing datum for usable grip and the position of the retaining balls. Handle geometry, shoulder position and ball location affect the retained stack. Do not assume that all suppliers measure grip length identically. Overall length, insertion depth and retained thickness are separate requirements.
Receiving hole and release access
Give shank diameter and required tolerance separately from the mating-hole dimensions. Confirm clearance around the handle and button, space beyond the retained components and whether a lanyard is needed. A handle shape or visible ball is not proof of suitability for a safety-critical assembly.
Materials and reference boundaries
Specify pin body, balls, spring and handle materials separately where relevant, with the required surface condition. Third-party catalogue material options do not confirm our actual production specification. Manufacturer series references are identification aids, not equivalence to another maker, supply authorization or evidence of our compliance. Final dimensions, tolerances, inspection requirements and operating suitability remain subject to the selected specification.
Specification fields
| Product form / field | Reference and distinguishing details |
|---|---|
| Product identification | Button-operated ball-lock or spring-ball detent; selected maker reference if required, or drawing number and revision. |
| Shank and receiving hole | Diameter, shank tolerance, hole diameter/tolerance and relevant mating geometry. |
| Lengths and datums | Usable grip with its measurement datum, ball position, overall length and retained stack thickness. |
| Handling | Handle form, actuator access, recessed-button requirement and any tether or lanyard specified separately. |
| Material and finish | Body, balls, spring and handle materials; finish and inspection documentation requested. |
| Quantity and open items | Quantity in pieces; attach specifications or drawings and identify dimensions or mechanism choices still to be confirmed. |
Common product questions
Are ball-lock pins and detent pins interchangeable?
Not automatically. A button-controlled ball-lock mechanism and a spring-ball detent mechanism release differently. Names may overlap in catalogues; compare the actual mechanism, drawing and mating assembly.
Does a GN number mean an international standard?
GN 113.3 identifies an Elesa+Ganter catalogue series. It is not, by itself, a global standard, a cross-brand equivalence or a FastenerBridge compliance claim.
What should I specify before ordering?
Identify the mechanism, shank and receiving hole, grip datum and ball position, handle access, materials and quantity in pieces. Attach the selected specification or drawing and list unresolved requirements.
Related specification resources
Product references
References checked 6 October 2026 explain product identity. Third-party model names and approvals are not FastenerBridge brand affiliation, stock or certification claims. Final geometry and requirements follow the selected specification.