194208 194209 Bow tie Lock Cotter pin Compatible with Craftsman Husqvarna Sears Lawn mowers

What It Is

The 194208/194209 bow tie lock cotter pin is a replacement retaining pin used to secure lawn mower blades, spindles, pulleys, and other deck components on Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Sears riding mowers and zero-turn mowers. It’s a simple, reusable fastener designed to hold parts in place under vibration.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify these three things:

• Model number: Compatible with most Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Sears mowers using OEM part numbers 194208 (for 5/16″ hole) or 194209 (for 3/8″ hole). Check your mower’s manual or existing pin for the correct size.
• Hole diameter: Measure the hole in your blade, spindle, or pulley. The 194208 fits 5/16″ holes; the 194209 fits 3/8″ holes. Using the wrong size will not lock securely.
• Deck size/style: Fits most 42″ to 54″ decks on older Craftsman (917 series), Husqvarna (GTH, YTH, ZTH series), and Sears LT/GT models. Not for push mowers or non-standard spindle designs.

If your mower uses a different OEM pin (e.g., 532194208), this aftermarket set is a direct replacement. Always match the pin’s shaft diameter to your application—not the hole it goes into.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: These are zinc-plated steel, not stainless. They resist rust but may corrode over time in wet conditions. Inspect annually.
• Installation difficulty: Easy—bend the “bow tie” legs over the shaft after insertion. No tools required. Remove by straightening legs with pliers.
• Common gotchas: The legs can snap if over-bent or reused too many times. Keep a few spares in your toolbox. Also, some aftermarket pins have slightly thinner wire than OEM; if it feels loose, replace immediately.
• Reusability: Good for 2–3 uses if handled carefully. After that, replace to avoid blade or spindle detachment.

Should You Buy It

If you own a Craftsman, Husqvarna, or Sears riding mower and need a quick, affordable replacement for a worn or missing cotter pin on your blade or spindle, this two-pack is a solid buy. It’s not for commercial use or heavy-duty applications, but for occasional home mower maintenance, it gets the job done without fuss.