Clevis Joints: What Are They And What Are They Used For?

21 Jun 2023

In complex machinery, a variety of components work together to deliver seamless and reliable operation. Where components need to be joined, effective linkages are needed to resist even the greatest of forces, protecting assets and personnel from damage or danger. Clevis joints are simple yet effective couplings that form part of linkage assemblies.

In this article, we’ll consider what clevis joints are, how they work, and where they are used.

What Is A Clevis Joint?

A clevis joint is a simple yet highly versatile type of coupling in which the mating component – which could be a rod or other linkage - snugly fits between the forks, where it is held in place by a clevis pin, spring pin, or clips. A clevis joint can be used to connect a rod to an eye, a rod end, or a ball joint.

Clevis joints are designed to provide a flexible yet secure connection between two components. They are used in various applications, but their primary purpose is to fasten loads to construction equipment, pickup trucks, trailers, and agricultural machinery. Whether they are used to secure a plough to a tractor or link a control rod in a manufacturing machine, clevis joints offer a reliable and durable solution.

What Are The Advantages Of Clevis Joints?

The main advantage of using clevis joints is the way that they transmit loads. Unlike connections that rely on direct shear, clevis joints utilise friction grip to transmit spring load. This design allows for a smoother transfer of dynamic loads. When machinery or equipment is subjected to different or fluctuating forces, clevis joints help to prevent sudden shocks and jolts, enhancing overall stability and safety.

Furthermore, clevis joints offer additional benefits for a variety of industries and applications:

Versatility: Clevis pins are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, from agricultural machinery to industrial equipment.
Ease of installation: Clevis pins are simple to install and require minimal tools or expertise, making them a convenient choice for quick assembly and disassembly.
Secure connection: Because they provide a secure and reliable connection between two components, clevis pins reduce the risk of accidental disconnection or failure, thereby safeguarding equipment, goods, and people.
Adjustability: Clevis pins are adjustable, allowing connections or linkages to be fine-tuned, which is essential in many applications.
Cost-effective: Clevis pins are a cost-effective solution as they are inexpensive to purchase yet deliver exceptional and durable performance, making them an economical choice for connecting and securing parts in a variety of industries.

How Are Clevis Joints Used?

Clevis joints are used routinely in many industries. In agriculture, they are used to connect hydraulic cylinders, enabling the smooth and safe operation of tractors and other farming equipment. In the construction industry, clevis joints secure various attachments to heavy machinery, making it possible to carry out different tasks with a single piece of equipment. In automotive engineering, clevis joints help to control the movement of brakes and clutches, for optimum precision and safety.