The steel taper pin has a plain finish, meets American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B18.8.2 specifications, and has a standard tolerance. The taper pin has a diameter that tapers along the length of the pin for installing in tapered holes to position and secure components. 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.