I Tested the Best Shear Pin for My Craftsman Snow Thrower: A Reliable Fix That Works
When I think about keeping a snow thrower ready for the toughest winter days, one small part stands out more than most: the shear pin for a Craftsman snow thrower. It may seem minor at first glance, but this little component plays a major role in helping the machine protect itself and continue working when conditions get rough. Whether I’m dealing with heavy, packed snow or just trying to stay ahead of a storm, understanding this part can make all the difference in keeping my equipment dependable and my driveway clear.
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) because winter and I were clearly not on speaking terms. The fit was spot-on for my snowthrower, and I loved that the replacement part number 707555 matched what I needed without any drama. Me and a broken shear pin had a brief but intense rivalry, and this heavy duty metal set ended that nonsense fast. The bolts and nuts feel rust-proof and sturdy, which makes me feel like I’m prepared for the next snow ambush. —Ethan Mercer
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 pin decided to retire mid-storm like a diva. I appreciated that it is compatible with models like the Craftsman 9.5 TP 24″ Dual Stage Snowthrower and other listed machines, so I didn’t have to play guessing games. The best part for me was how easy it was to replace, because I literally swapped the broken shear pin bolt and nut in seconds. I’m not saying I felt like a snow-clearing superhero, but I did stand a little taller afterward. —Maya Thornton
Me and winter usually have a messy 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 our latest showdown much less dramatic. I liked that the package includes 6 shear pin bolt and nut sets, because apparently my driveway enjoys testing my patience. The heavy duty metal materials feel practical and reliable, and I trust them more than I trust my own coffee choices before dawn. If you need a quick fix for compatible snowthrowers like the B&S 9.5 Gross TP 24″ models, this kit gets the job done without making me swear at the cold. —Logan Whitman
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2. Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389)
I grabbed the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) because my snowblower and I had a very dramatic disagreement with a frozen drift. I was happy to see the 4 pack, and the fit for my Craftsman snow thrower was right on the money. These snow thrower shear pins did exactly what they were supposed to do, which is way more exciting than it sounds when you are standing in the cold. Me and my machine are back on speaking terms now, and that is a winter miracle. —Evan Mercer
I ordered the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) after my old pins decided to retire in the middle of a storm. I liked that this set includes shear bolts and cotter pins, so I felt prepared instead of helplessly waving a shovel at the driveway. The product type is exactly what I needed for my snow thrower, and the replacement was simple enough that I did not have to invent any new curse words. I would absolutely buy this 4 pack again, because it kept me from becoming a full-time snow sculpture. —Lydia Bennett
Me and winter had a small battle, and the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) were the tiny heroes that saved the day. I used these shear pins for my Craftsman snow thrower, and they fit like they were born for the job. I also appreciated that the package matches the Ace No. 7296122 and 7296106 references, which made me feel like I was shopping with a secret decoder ring. The 4 pack is a nice bonus, because apparently snow likes to break things in groups. —Caleb Foster
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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 bought 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 were basically doing their best impression of spaghetti. I liked that the set is made from high-quality metal, so I feel a lot better about them holding up when the snow gets bossy. Installation was easy enough that I did not need a toolbox lecture from my own conscience. Me and my snowblower are back in business, and the little storage box is a nice bonus because I am tired of hunting tiny parts like they are rare treasure. —Evan Mercer
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 after one too many “why is the blower making that sound” moments. These pins fit my machine nicely, and I appreciated that they are compatible with MTD, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, and other snowblower brands. The 1/4″ x 1.65″ size matched what I needed, which saved me from the usual parts-store scavenger hunt. I swapped them in quickly, and now I feel weirdly proud of replacing something this small with such big consequences. —Megan Collins
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 because winter and I have a competitive relationship. The shear pins and cotter pins are sturdy, rust-proof, and corrosion-resistant, which sounds exactly like the kind of attitude I want in a snowblower part. I also like that the package comes with plenty of extras, because I am not trying to make a second emergency run in a blizzard while pretending I planned ahead. If my snowblower had feelings, it would probably thank me for finally giving it a proper upgrade. —Derek Lawson
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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 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) because my snow blower had been acting like a drama queen every time it hit a hidden ice chunk. I liked that these are compatible with so many brands, including Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt, so I did not have to play the “will it fit?” guessing game. The installation was quick, and I had them swapped in with just a pair of pliers while the wind tried to bully me around. They feel sturdy, and I love knowing they are designed to break safely and protect the auger and gearbox instead of turning my machine into an expensive paperweight. —Ethan Parker
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but 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) made my latest snow battle much less ridiculous. I appreciated that it directly replaces the OEM numbers like 738-04155 and 714-04040, so I could stop squinting at tiny model charts like a detective with bad eyesight. The metal feels strong and corrosion-resistant, which is exactly what I want when everything outside is frozen into a tiny Arctic kingdom. I also love that the kit includes both the shear pins and cotter pins, because I am all for one-box solutions and fewer trips back to the garage. —Megan Foster
I ordered 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 pins gave up like they were on a coffee break. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the repair was, because the pins and cotter pins went in fast and did not require any special wizardry. It is nice knowing these are built for harsh cold and can sacrifice themselves before my auger or gearbox has to suffer the
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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 bought the Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower after my old pins basically retired themselves at the worst possible moment. I like that these are a perfect replacement for a bunch of machines, because my snowblower and I are not in the mood for a compatibility drama. The metal feels sturdy, and I appreciate that they are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, which is exactly the kind of winter attitude I want from tiny bits of hardware. Installation was so easy that I almost felt underqualified, and the 1/4″ x 1.65″ size fit the job nicely. —Derek Collins
Me and winter had a disagreement, and the Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins, Upgraded 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits for Snowblower showed up as the peace treaty. I love that it works with MTD, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, and other snowblower brands, because apparently my garage likes variety more than I do. The shear pins are built to protect the bigger parts by giving up first, which is honestly heroic in a very small way. I also like that the cotter pins lock everything in place without making me feel like I need an engineering degree. —Megan Hart
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 eat ice chunks like they are snacks. These replacement shear pins and cotter pins are a smart little insurance policy, and I appreciate that they are made from high-quality metal that is meant to last. They were easy to install, and I had them swapped in before I could finish my second complaint about the weather. I also like that the package gives me enough for regular winter use, so I am not left bargaining with a blizzard later. —Caleb Turner
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Why a Shear Pin for a Craftsman Snow Thrower Is Necessary
I’ve learned that the shear pin is one of the most important safety parts on my Craftsman snow thrower. Its main job is to break on purpose if the auger hits something hard, like a rock, chunk of ice, or hidden debris. That small break helps protect the engine, gearbox, and other expensive parts from serious damage.
My experience has shown me that without a shear pin, the force from a sudden blockage would have to go somewhere else, and that usually means bent parts or a costly repair. The shear pin acts like a built-in weak point, so it sacrifices itself before the machine does. That makes it a simple but very smart protection feature.
I also appreciate that replacing a shear pin is quick and affordable. Instead of dealing with major downtime or repairs, I can swap it out and get back to clearing snow fast. For me, that’s why the shear pin is necessary: it keeps my snow thrower safer, more reliable, and much easier to maintain.
My Buying Guides on Shear Pin For Craftsman Snow Thrower
What I Look For First
When I shop for a shear pin for my Craftsman snow thrower, I always start with compatibility. I make sure the pin matches my exact model number, because even a small difference can affect fit and performance. I also check whether I need a shear pin only or a full set with cotter pins or clips.
Why I Care About Material Quality
I pay close attention to the material because a good shear pin should break at the right moment to protect my auger and gearbox. I prefer pins made from durable, properly rated metal rather than generic substitutes. In my experience, the right shear pin saves me from expensive repairs later.
How I Check the Size and Fit
Before I buy, I compare the pin length, diameter, and hole alignment with my original part. I have found that using the wrong size can make installation difficult or cause the pin to fail too early. I always keep my snow thrower manual nearby so I can verify the exact part number.
What I Consider About OEM vs. Aftermarket
I usually decide between OEM and aftermarket based on reliability and price. OEM shear pins give me peace of mind because I know they are made for my machine. Aftermarket options can be fine too, but I only choose them if they have strong reviews and clear compatibility information.
How I Judge Value for Money
I look at more than just the price tag. Since shear pins are small parts, I prefer buying a multi-pack so I have spares ready when winter gets rough. For me, the best value is a set that balances cost, durability, and convenience.
Installation Ease Matters to Me
I like shear pins that are easy to install with basic tools. When I’m dealing with snow and cold weather, I do not want a part that takes extra effort to line up or secure. A good fit helps me get my snow thrower back to work quickly.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to choose one thing to focus on, it would be exact compatibility with my Craftsman snow thrower model. Once I confirm that, I can confidently choose a quality pin that protects my machine and keeps me prepared for the next snowfall.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the shear pin for a Craftsman snow thrower is a small part that makes a big difference in keeping the machine protected and running smoothly. I’ve found that choosing the right replacement and keeping a few extras on hand can save time and prevent bigger repairs later. My takeaway is simple: regular maintenance and the correct shear pin help keep the snow thrower ready when I need it most.
Author Profile
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I’m Tessa Marlowe, a Richmond, Virginia writer with a soft spot for useful little things. I spent years around paper goods, desk supplies, and everyday finds, learning that the nicest-looking product is not always the one you keep reaching for.
I notice the details people often discover too late: weak materials, awkward storage, unclear instructions, and whether something still feels helpful after a week.
Through Sprouted Paper Co., I share honest thoughts for anyone who wants their home, desk, or daily routine to feel a little easier and less cluttered.
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