Barrier Pins
When concrete traffic barriers sit at the edge of an active work zone, the pins holding them in place see constant traffic vibration, weather cycles, equipment strikes, and crew movement around the joints.
Valley Nut & Bolt manufactures barrier pins for the contractors, DOT crews, infrastructure builders, and state agencies who cannot afford a callback. Since 1969, our Olympia shop has supplied the Pacific Northwest with custom fasteners built to spec, traceable to the heat, galvanized in-house, and staged for shipment along the I-5 corridor.
Secure Your Project Today
Send us your drawing or spec section, and we will quote barrier pins in any quantity. Same-day pricing is typical for standard configurations, and Pacific Northwest contractors can expect shipment within 2 weeks for galvanized A36 concrete barrier anchor pins.
What Are Barrier Pins?
Barrier pins, sometimes called K-rail pins or jersey barrier pins, lock adjacent concrete barriers together through the cast-in pin pockets at each end. The pin keeps barrier segments aligned, transfers load between sections during an impact, and prevents creep on slopes or in heavy traffic.
Most highway projects in Washington and Oregon call for A36 concrete barrier anchor pins, typically one inch in diameter with a length matched to the barrier manufacturer's pocket depth. Valley Nut & Bolt produces these pins to your drawing with hot-dip galvanizing performed in-house, so the finish is consistent across the lot and inspectors see the same coating thickness on every piece.
Specifications and Capabilities
We manufacture barrier pins from ASTM A36 round bar, with options for higher-strength steels when a project specifies them. Standard dimensions range from 3/4 inch to 1-1/4 inch diameter and from 18 to 36 inches in length, with custom sizes produced on request. Pins can be supplied with a plain finish, hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A153, mechanically galvanized, or coated to a custom project specification.
Heads can be forged, welded, upset, or fabricated with a custom geometry, and we routinely add chain loops, handle bends, paint stripes, or stenciled markings for jobsite identification. Threaded versions are available with cut or rolled threads when a project pairs the pin with a coupling or anchor assembly.
Coating thickness is verified to ASTM A153 minimums, and we can stamp the pin head with project ID, heat number, supplier mark, or batch code when an inspector requires it on the visible face. Every order ships with mill test reports and full product traceability back to the heat number. WABO-certified welders handle any fabricated assemblies in-house.
Our Barrier Pins Are Manufactured to ASTM Specifications
| Component / Requirement | Common ASTM Specification | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Precast concrete barrier | ASTM C825 | Standard specification for precast concrete barriers |
| High-strength steel pins | ASTM A449 | Common for connecting/anchoring pins in highway barriers |
| Mild steel pins / anchor rods | ASTM A36 | Frequently used for stabilization pins |
| Reinforcing steel / dowel bars | ASTM A706 or ASTM A615 | Reinforcing or dowel-type applications |
| Hot-dip galvanizing | ASTM A153 or ASTM A123 | Corrosion protection for pins/hardware |
Industries and Applications
Barrier pins from our shop are used in work zones for state DOTs, paving contractors, bridge builders, and federal projects across the region.
Common applications include:
- Lane shifts on I-5, I-90, and I-405
- Temporary median barriers during widening projects
- Perimeter protection at port and rail facilities
- Security and ballistic barriers at government sites
When a project calls for A36 concrete barrier anchor pins in nonstandard lengths or with custom heads, we can quote, manufacture, galvanize, and ship the run without sending the parts out of state.
Built for Pacific Northwest Infrastructure Work
Founded in 1969, Valley Nut & Bolt has supported barrier installations for highway widening, bridge approaches, port expansions, and emergency detour setups. Several factors separate our barrier pin program from a typical distributor:
- We forge, machine, galvanize, and ship from a single plant eliminating handoffs between subcontractors that add weeks to lead times.
- Our trucks run the I-5 corridor on a regular schedule, so a job in Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, or Bellingham can have pins on site without freight surprises.
- We hold the certifications that general contractors and state agencies check for: WABO, ASTM, AGA, Pacific-West Fastener Association, and WSDOT compliance.
Our team knows the spec sheets, knows the inspectors, knows what field crews need when the truck pulls up, and knows how to keep a closure on schedule.
What is the minimum order quantity for custom barrier pins?
Valley Nut & Bolt can run a single prototype pin for spec approval, with production quantities typically starting around 50 pieces for fully custom configurations. Standard A36 pins in common sizes are usually available in smaller quantities for change-order or punch-list needs, so call with your count before assuming a run is too small.
Do you supply barrier pins compatible with specific manufacturers like Easi-Set or Bigelow?
Yes. We work from the barrier manufacturer's pocket detail or your project drawing. Send us the pin pocket diameter and depth, and we will match the pin diameter, length, and head style so the assembly seats correctly. If you do not have the detail on hand, our team can usually locate it from the barrier model number.
Can I pick up barrier pins from your Olympia location?
Yes. Will-call pickup is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM at 10111 Tilley Road S in Olympia. For larger orders, our trucks run between Vancouver, WA and Bellingham on a regular schedule, and we can arrange common-carrier freight to jobsites outside our regular service area.
Ask Our Team
Give us a call or fill out the form and one of our team members will be in touch as soon as possible to answer your questions.
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360-754-4877
