As most will know split pins usually come with unequal length legs (which is important) and are usually too long for the job at hand.
I've always struggled to gracefully take an equal amount off each leg, (ie still have unequal length legs) without ending up with an out of shape and hard to install split pin.
I've recently discovered that a suitable hole and a suitable tapered punch enables me to spread the legs and have them stay straight. I can cut the legs as required, use the vice to close them, and still have a nice straight split pin.
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