“Found a pair of these hinged iron or brass things while cleaning out my late uncle’s shop,” the post began. “They’re about six inches long, heavy for their size, and don’t open very far. No markings I can see. Any ideas?”
The pair certainly looked interesting — solid, weighty, and clearly built for strength rather than decoration. Their short range of motion puzzled many at first; they looked like pliers that refused to open or clamps without a purpose.
But these sturdy little devices have a practical and often-overlooked job: they’re locking pins, commonly used for gates or removable gate sections.
Before modern latches and quick-release mechanisms became common, these hinged pins served as secure, mechanical fasteners. One end would be anchored or inserted into a hinge or socket, while the pivoting arm locked the pin in place — preventing gates, barriers, or detachable panels from shifting or coming loose.
The combination of iron and brass made them both strong and corrosion-resistant, ideal for outdoor use on farms, estates, or workshops where weather and wear were daily challenges.
Though they might not look glamorous, these locking pins are a fine example of practical design — simple, durable, and made to do one job perfectly.
So the next time you come across a pair of mysterious hinged metal pieces that barely open, don’t dismiss them as broken tools. They might just be the quiet gatekeepers of a bygone era — still ready to hold things steady, just as they did decades ago.
