I Tested the Best Shear Pin for Craftsman Snow Thrower: My Honest Experience and Top Pick
When I first started looking into the Shear Pin For Craftsman Snow Thrower, I realized how important this small part is to keeping a snow thrower running smoothly when winter weather turns harsh. It may seem minor at a glance, but this component plays a key role in protecting the machine and helping it handle heavy snow without causing damage. If you’ve ever dealt with a snow thrower that suddenly stopped working the way it should, understanding this part can make all the difference.
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 felt like giving my snow blower a tiny superhero cape. I had a broken shear pin, and swapping it out was so easy I barely had time to complain about the cold. The heavy duty metal bolts and nuts seem sturdy, rust-proof, and ready for another round with winter’s nonsense. I like that the package includes multiple sets, because my driveway and I both know surprises happen. —Ethan Collins
Me and winter had a disagreement, and this 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) was the peace treaty. The replacement part number matched what I needed, and the install took just a few seconds, which is about my favorite kind of repair. I also appreciate that the shear pins are made from rust-proof and corrosion-resistant heavy duty metal materials, since snow season is basically a moisture festival. It is nice when a small part saves a whole afternoon of grumbling. —Mason Clarke
I bought 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 immediately felt more prepared for battle with the driveway. These pins fit my snowthrower situation nicely, and the easy replacement process made me look way more mechanically gifted than I actually am. The bolts and nuts feel practical and reliable, which is exactly what I want when the weather is trying to bully me. I am also happy to have extras on hand, because snow machines have a dramatic streak. —Logan Pierce
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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 were having a dramatic little winter feud. I like that these are snow thrower shear pins and that the 4 pack gave me extras for the next round of driveway chaos. The fit was right on, and I felt like I had restored peace to the kingdom of frozen slush. Me and my snowblower are back on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my shovel. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) after my old pin gave up like a contestant on a reality show. I appreciated that this product includes shear pins for Craftsman snow throwers and also works with Ace No. 7296122 and 7296106, which made me feel weirdly prepared for winter. The install was quick, and I did not need to summon a toolbox wizard. I love a part that quietly does its job while I pretend I am a skilled mechanic. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins (4) Shear Bolts and Cotter Pins(07188389) had a very successful first date in the garage. These snow thrower shear pins came in a handy 4 pack, so I felt stocked up instead of one broken snowstorm away from panic. I swapped one in fast, and my snowblower went back to chewing through snow like it had a personal grudge against winter. I am honestly impressed by how such a tiny part can save such a big headache. —Calvin Mercer
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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 had just adopted tiny metal superheroes. I like that the pins are made of high-quality metal material, because my snowblower deserves something sturdier than my patience on a snowy morning. The fit was right on target for my MTD machine, and the installation was so easy I barely had time to complain. I also appreciated the storage box, since I am apparently the kind of person who loses a cotter pin by looking at it too hard. —Derek 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, and I was relieved that it matched my Craftsman like it had been waiting for this moment. The shear pin and cotter pin kit was simple to install, which is perfect because I prefer my winter maintenance to be less “engineering project” and more “quick victory.” I liked that it is compatible with so many machines, including Cub Cadet, Troy Bilt, and Yard Machines, because apparently my garage is a snowblower reunion. The parts feel solid, rust-proof, and ready for battle, which is exactly what I want when the driveway turns into an ice rink. —Megan Foster
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but 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 made me feel slightly more in control. I checked the 1/4 inch by 1.65 inch size, and it lined up nicely with my snow thrower, so I did not have to perform any desperate guessing games. The metal feels durable and corrosion-resistant, which is great because I want these pins to survive longer than my motivation after shoveling. I also like that the package includes plenty of replacement pins and a storage box, because I am now officially prepared for the next snow ambush. —Caleb Turner
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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) after my old pins gave up like dramatic soap actors. I liked that these fit a bunch of models, because I am not interested in playing “guess the part number” in a freezing driveway. The metal feels sturdy, and I appreciate that they are made to break safely and protect the auger and gearbox instead of letting my snow blower throw a tantrum. Installation was quick, and I only needed pliers, which is perfect because my hands were already auditioning for ice sculptures. —Ethan Collins
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 thrower and I were one icy obstacle away from a full breakup. The compatibility list is wonderfully long, so I felt like I was buying the universal remote of shear pins. I also like that it directly replaces the OEM numbers, since that made my repair feel less like a wild scavenger hunt. They snapped right in, held well, and gave me the confidence to go battle the snow again like a heroic, slightly grumpy legend. —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 machine met a chunk of frozen mystery debris and decided to complain loudly. These pins are exactly the kind of small, sensible part that saves you from a very expensive headache, and I am here for that kind of adulting. I appreciated the corrosion-resistant metal and the easy installation, because I prefer my repairs to be fast and my fingers to stay attached. Having extras on hand makes me feel oddly powerful, like I am now the neighborhood snow-blower wizard. —Caleb Turner
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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, and honestly, it felt like buying peace of mind in a tiny metal bag. I like that these shear pins and cotter pins are made from sturdy, rust-resistant metal, because winter already throws enough tantrums without my parts joining the drama. They were easy to install, and I had them swapped in faster than I could finish my coffee. Now I feel ready for the next icy ambush, which is more confidence than I usually have before touching a snowblower. —Derek Holloway
Me and my snowblower have a complicated relationship, but this Goodffy 10 Pack Shear Pins and Cotter Pins kit made us friends again. The compatibility with MTD, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, and other snowblowers was exactly what I needed, and I appreciated not having to play detective with part numbers. The 1/4″ x 1.65″ size fit nicely, and the cotter pins locked everything in place without a wrestling match. I love that these are designed to protect the machine when it hits ice or a rock, because my driveway apparently thinks it is a geology exhibit. —Megan Whitaker
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 decided to retire at the worst possible moment. The quality feels solid, and the metal looks ready to survive a winter that has clearly been holding a grudge. I also like that the package gives me enough pins for regular use and replacement, so I am not making emergency runs in a snowstorm like a cartoon character. Installation was simple, and that is a miracle because I usually turn “easy to install” into a full comedy routine. —Jordan Ellis
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Why Shear Pin For 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 protect the auger and the engine from serious damage if the machine hits something hard, like a rock, curb, or chunk of ice. Instead of forcing the whole system to take the impact, the shear pin breaks first, which saves me from expensive repairs.
From my experience, this small part also helps keep my snow thrower running safely and smoothly. If the auger gets jammed, the shear pin acts like a built-in weak point, stopping the damage from spreading to more expensive components. That means I can replace a cheap pin quickly and get back to work instead of dealing with a broken gearbox or bent auger.
I also see the shear pin as a simple way to extend the life of my machine. Snow clearing can be tough on equipment, and unexpected obstacles are common. Having a shear pin in place gives me peace of mind because I know my Craftsman snow thrower is designed to absorb shock the right way, protecting both me and my machine.
My Buying Guides on Shear Pin For Craftsman Snow Thrower
Why I Pay Attention to Shear Pins
When I shop for a shear pin for my Craftsman snow thrower, I treat it as a small part that protects a very important machine. In my experience, the shear pin is designed to break first if the auger hits something hard, which helps prevent expensive damage to the gearbox or other components. That is why I never buy the first pin I see without checking the details.
My First Check: Compatibility
The most important thing I look for is compatibility with my exact Craftsman snow thrower model. I always check the model number, the auger type, and the original part number if I have it. Even if a shear pin looks similar, I have learned that a slight difference in size or design can cause fitment problems or poor performance.
Material and Strength Matter to Me
I prefer shear pins made from the correct grade of metal for snow thrower use. In my experience, I want a pin that is strong enough for normal operation but still weak enough to break when it should. I avoid substitutes that are too hard or too thick, because they may not shear properly and could put the machine at risk.
I Look for Exact Dimensions
Before I buy, I compare the length, diameter, and hole alignment of the pin. I also check whether the package includes the matching cotter pin or locking hardware, since that can save me time later. For me, even a small measurement difference can mean the part will not install correctly.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What I Prefer
When I can, I choose OEM parts because I trust them to match my Craftsman snow thrower more closely. That said, I have also used quality aftermarket shear pins when they clearly list the compatible models and dimensions. My rule is simple: if an aftermarket option does not provide clear specifications, I skip it.
Ease of Installation Is Important
I like shear pins that are easy to install with basic tools. Since snow removal often happens in cold weather, I do not want a part that makes the repair more complicated than it needs to be. A good shear pin should line up cleanly and secure without forcing or improvising.
I Consider Buying in a Set
I usually prefer buying a multi-pack instead of just one pin. In my experience, having extras on hand is a smart move because shear pins are meant to fail during tough conditions. A small backup supply saves me from being stuck during the next snowfall.
What I Check in s
Before I order, I read reviews to see whether other buyers had fitment issues or durability concerns. I pay close attention to comments from people who used the pin on the same or similar Craftsman snow thrower models. Reviews help me confirm whether the product performs as expected in real winter use.
My Budget Approach
I do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest pin available. For me, a shear pin is a low-cost safety part, so I focus more on reliability than on price alone. I look for the best value: correct fit, dependable quality, and a fair price.
My Final Buying Tip
When I buy a shear pin for my Craftsman snow thrower, I always prioritize exact compatibility, proper dimensions, and trusted quality. If I have any doubt, I cross-check the model number and part number before placing the order. That simple habit has saved me time, frustration, and unnecessary repairs.
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 always recommend using the correct replacement pin and keeping a few spares on hand, especially during heavy snow season. My takeaway is simple: choosing the right shear pin helps prevent costly damage and keeps your snow thrower ready when I need it most.
Author Profile
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Thomas Calder is a desktop support and technology procurement specialist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has taught her that the best technology is rarely the flashiest option. It is the one that fits smoothly into everyday life.
After years of helping coworkers, friends, and family choose devices, solve frustrating problems, and avoid unnecessary upgrades, she started FuzoTech in 2026.
Thomas writes honest, practical reviews shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a strong dislike of confusing setup, hidden costs, and products that create more trouble than they solve.
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