The alloy steel dowel pin has a plain finish and meets American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME 18.8.2 specifications. The dowel pin is inserted into a hole to align and join components. It also can be used as a location guide. Alloy steel is often used in applications where strength is the primary consideration.

Pins are non-threaded cylindrical fasteners that are inserted into one or more holes to fix a component's position, join components, or maintain alignment between them. Several different pin styles fit a variety of application and installation requirements. Dowel pins, for example, have a solid shaft that is often rounded or beveled at the ends. Quick-release pins have a button, handle, or ring at one end that releases retractable balls at the other end to act as a lock-and-release mechanism. Clevis pins have a head at one end and one or more cross holes at the other end that allow insertion of cotter pins to lock components in place. Cotter pins have two prongs that can be inserted into the hole of clevis pins or other fasteners and bent to secure them in place.