Clevis

A clevis is a U-shaped fastening device used to connect two components with a pin or bolt. It consists of a flat, forked yoke with two parallel arms that have aligned holes. A pin passes through the holes and through a mating component, and is secured with a cotter pin, retaining clip, or nut to prevent withdrawal. The assembly forms a clevis joint, allowing the connected parts to pivot around the pin axis while remaining constrained in a specific direction.

Common forms include the standard clevis, with a forked end and two ears, and the slotted clevis, which includes a slot in one ear to facilitate installation or removal of the pin. Clevis joints are widely used in mechanical linkages and rigging, often paired with a clevis pin, washer, and retaining clip.

Applications span a range of industries. Clevises are used in towing and hitching systems, agricultural implements, hydraulic cylinders and other actuators, cranes and hoisting gear, and sailboat rigging. They also appear in electrical installations as clevis hangers, which support conduits or piping.

Materials and variants vary by application. Clevises are commonly made from steel or stainless steel, and sometimes aluminum, with finishes such as zinc plating or galvanizing. Selection is based on load requirements, pin diameter, material compatibility, and appropriate safety factors. Standards and sizing conventions exist to ensure interchangeability in mechanical and rigging systems.