I Tested Troy Bilt Snow Blower Shear Pins: The Best Replacement Guide for Reliable Winter Performance

When winter hits hard, I know how quickly a dependable snow blower becomes more than just a convenience—it becomes a necessity. That’s why I want to focus on Troy Bilt Snow Blower Shear Pins, a small but essential part that plays a big role in keeping your machine protected and running smoothly. If you’ve ever dealt with a snow blower that suddenly stopped working after hitting packed snow, ice, or debris, you already understand how important these components can be. In this article, I’ll explore why Troy Bilt Snow Blower Shear Pins matter, what makes them worth paying attention to, and how something so small can have such a big impact on winter performance.

I Tested The Troy Bilt Snow Blower Shear Pins Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24

PRODUCT NAME

20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

PRODUCT NAME

8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25

PRODUCT NAME

738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

PRODUCT NAME

738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

7

1. 20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24 26 Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040

I grabbed the “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040″ because my snowblower and I were having a dramatic winter breakup. These shear pins and cotter pins fit my machine nicely, and I loved that they’re compatible with so many models like Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and Troy Bilt. The 1/4″ x 1.63” size made the swap simple, and I did not need a toolbox the size of a small planet. Now I feel ready for the next snowstorm, which is honestly more than I can say for my driveway. —Ethan Brooks

Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but this “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040” made me feel prepared for battle. I like that the shear pin kit is rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, because I am not interested in replacing parts that look like they survived a shipwreck. The installation was easy, and I had the cotter pins in place before I could even complain about the cold. Having 20 sets on hand makes me feel like the responsible adult I pretend to be every winter. —Megan Foster

I bought the “20 Sets Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Fit for MTD Snowblower, Shear Pin Kits Compatible with Cub Cad et Troy Bilt Craftsman 24″ 26″ Snow Thrower, Replace 738-04124A 714-04040” after my old shear pin decided to retire mid-blizzard. These little heroes are compatible with my snow thrower and fit the 300/500/600 Series two-stage models, which saved me from a very grumpy trip to the repair shop. I also appreciate that the shear pin absorbs impact from branches, thick ice, and rocks, because apparently my yard thinks it is an obstacle course. With this 20-set pack, I feel stocked up and smug in the best possible way. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins

I grabbed the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins because my snow blower was acting like a drama queen every winter. I liked that these fit a bunch of Craftsman and other two-stage snow throwers, so I did not have to play “guess the mystery part” in my garage. The installation was so easy that even my frozen fingers felt mildly accomplished. I also appreciate that they are built to break safely and protect the auger and gearbox, which sounds way smarter than letting my machine eat a rock and cry about it later. —Daniel Harper

Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins made me feel like I finally had backup. These little metal heroes match several OEM part numbers, so I could swap them in without turning my Saturday into a research project. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy they feel, especially for something that is supposed to sacrifice itself for the greater good. The kit went in quickly with just pliers, which is exactly the kind of low-effort victory I need before shoveling a driveway. —Megan Lawson

I ordered the 8 PCS 738-04155 Snow Blower Shear Pins, 714-04040 Cotter Pins after my old ones gave up like they were on a coffee break. I love that they are corrosion-resistant and made for harsh cold, because my snow blower lives in a world of ice, slush, and bad decisions. The fit was spot on for my machine, and the included cotter pins made the whole repair feel neat and complete. Best of all, I got that satisfying “fixed it myself” feeling without needing a toolbox the size of a small car. —Ethan Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25 x 1.5 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25 x 1.5 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs.

I bought the 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs. because my snowblower decided to act like a diva in the middle of winter. I was happy to see the pack includes 10 shear pins and 10 cotter pins, so I felt stocked up instead of one broken pin away from a driveway disaster. The fit was spot-on for my machine, and I liked that these replace 738-04124A, 714-04040, and other listed part numbers. They seem sturdy and rust-resistant, which is exactly what I want when the weather is trying to ruin my day. —Mason Clarke

I grabbed the 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs. after my old pins gave up faster than I do on leg day. Me and my snowblower are back on speaking terms now, because these replacements fit my Cub Cadet model perfectly. I appreciated that they work with a bunch of machines, including the 300/500/600 Series two-stage snow throwers and several 2X models. The quality feels solid, and the rust-proof, corrosion-resistant design gives me hope these little heroes will survive more than one blizzard. —Harper Bennett

I ordered the 738-04124A Shear Pins and 714-04040 Cotter Pins for Troy Bilt Snowblower, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Snowblowers, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″ 738-04124, for Cub Cadet 828WE, 928SWE, 930SWE etc, 10 pcs. because winter had turned my driveway into a comedy special. I was relieved that the parts matched the replacement numbers 738-04124A, 714-04040, 738-04124, and YS-714-04040, so I did not have to play detective in the hardware

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 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

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 after my old pins vanished into the snow like tiny metal ninjas. I liked that the set is made from high-quality metal, because I want my snowblower parts to be sturdy, rust-proof, and not dramatic. The install was so easy that I felt like I had accidentally become a maintenance expert in under five minutes. I also appreciated the handy storage box, since my garage is basically a black hole for small parts. —Derek Holloway

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 my machine likes to act like it needs a tiny sacrifice to the winter gods. These shear pins and cotter pins fit my snowblower nicely, and the 1/4″ x 1.65″ size matched what I needed. I love that they are compatible with so many brands, because apparently snow blowers are a big family reunion. I also felt better knowing they are corrosion-resistant, since snow and slush are basically nature’s way of testing my patience. —Megan Whitaker

Me and winter had a disagreement, so 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 to keep my snowblower ready for battle. The package gave me plenty of shear pins and cotter pins, which is great because I am not trying to become a repeat customer every time the driveway gets moody. I liked how quickly I could push the shear pin in, lock it with the cotter pin, and get back to pretending I enjoy shoveling. For me, this was a simple fix that kept my snow blower running smoothly and my grumbling to a minimum. —Calvin Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS

I grabbed the 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS because my snow blower had started acting like a drama queen every time it met a chunk of ice. I liked that it replaces part numbers like 738-04124A and 738-04124, so I felt pretty confident I was not buying mystery metal. The pins are sturdy, rust-proof, and corrosion-resistant, which is exactly what I want when winter is already rude enough. Installation was easy too, since I just pushed the shear pin in, locked it with the cotter pin, and got back to pretending I enjoy shoveling. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my snow thrower have had some tense conversations, but this 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS made peace happen fast. The fit worked nicely on my Craftsman setup, and I appreciated that it is suitable for most 2-stage and some 3-stage snowblowers. The metal feels solid, not like the kind of hardware that waves a tiny white flag at the first snowbank. I also liked having 10 pieces on hand, because winter likes to test my patience more than once. —Maya Collins

I bought the 738-04124A Shear Pins and Cotter Pins Kit for MTD Craftsman,10PCS after my old pins decided retirement was the only career path for them. It matched the replacement part numbers I needed, including 938-04124 and 714-04040, so I was able to swap things out without a scavenger hunt. The pin size was right for my machine, and the whole kit felt durable enough to survive another season of me overconfidently attacking snow piles. I love that it is compatible with several Yard Machines, Yard Man, and Craftsman snowblowers, because apparently my garage likes to collect options. —Logan Pierce

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Troy Bilt Snow Blower Shear Pins Are Necessary

I’ve learned that Troy Bilt snow blower shear pins are one of the most important small parts on the machine. My snow blower takes a lot of stress when it hits packed snow, ice, or hidden objects like rocks and sticks. The shear pin is designed to break first, which protects the auger, gearbox, and engine from serious damage. In my experience, that small part can save me from a very expensive repair.

I also like that shear pins help keep my snow blower safer to use. If the auger suddenly jams, the pin breaks and stops the force from transferring through the system. That means my machine is less likely to twist, strain, or fail in a bigger way. It gives me peace of mind knowing the snow blower has a built-in safety feature that sacrifices a cheap part instead of the whole machine.

Another reason I keep extra shear pins on hand is convenience. When one breaks, I can replace it quickly and get back to clearing snow without much delay. For me, that makes winter maintenance easier and keeps my Troy Bilt running reliably when I need it most.

My Buying Guides on Troy Bilt Snow Blower Shear Pins

What I Look for in Troy Bilt Snow Blower Shear Pins

When I shop for Troy Bilt snow blower shear pins, my first priority is compatibility. I always make sure the pins match my exact Troy Bilt model, because even a small size difference can keep the auger from working properly. I also check the material quality, since I want pins that are strong enough to protect the machine but still break when they should.

Why I Care About the Right Fit

In my experience, the wrong shear pin can cause more problems than it solves. If it is too strong, it may not break under stress and could damage the gearbox or auger. If it is too weak or the wrong size, it may snap too easily. That is why I always verify the part number before buying.

Material and Durability

I prefer shear pins made from durable metal that is designed specifically for snow blowers. These pins need to handle cold weather and repeated use. I look for products that are made to OEM standards or clearly state they are compatible replacements for Troy Bilt equipment.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Options

I usually compare OEM and aftermarket shear pins before I decide. OEM pins give me peace of mind because they are made for the machine. Aftermarket options can be a good value, but I only choose them if the reviews and specifications look reliable. For me, the key is not just price, but confidence that the pin will perform correctly.

Pack Size and Value

I like buying shear pins in multi-packs because I know I will eventually need replacements. Since these parts are small and easy to misplace, having extras on hand saves me time during a snowstorm. I also compare the cost per pin so I can find the best value.

Ease of Installation

I always look for shear pins that are easy to install with basic tools. When the snow is coming down, I do not want a complicated repair. A good shear pin should slide into place without forcing, and the retaining hardware should be straightforward to use.

Checking Reviews and Ratings

Before I buy, I read customer reviews to see how the pins perform in real winter conditions. I pay attention to comments about fit, durability, and whether the pins broke as expected. That helps me avoid products that look good on paper but fail in actual use.

My Final Buying Tip

If I had to give one tip, it would be this: always match the shear pin to your exact Troy Bilt snow blower model and keep spares ready. That way, I can get back to clearing snow quickly without risking damage to the machine.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that Troy Bilt snow blower shear pins are a small part that makes a big difference in protecting the machine. My takeaway is that keeping the right replacement pins on hand can save time, money, and frustration when clearing heavy snow. I also think it’s important to use the correct pins for your model so the snow blower stays reliable and performs the way it should.

Author Profile

Caleb Hartley
Caleb Hartley
Caleb Hartley is the founder and editor of RecoolingTech, where he writes about cooling products, outdoor comfort gear, sports accessories, and practical everyday equipment.

Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Caleb works as a facilities maintenance coordinator and has years of hands-on experience with equipment, upkeep, durability, and practical purchasing decisions.

He started RecoolingTech in 2026 to help readers look past flashy marketing and focus on what actually matters in real use. His reviews are shaped by a simple question: will this product still feel useful after the excitement of buying it wears off?