Grooved Pin vs. Dowel Pin
One pin retains itself in a drilled hole; the other needs a reamed hole and a press fit.
| Feature | Grooved Pin | Dowel Pin |
|---|---|---|
| Hole | Plain drilled | Reamed to size |
| Self-retention | Yes (grooves bite) | No (press fit) |
| Precision | Moderate | Excellent |
| Removal | Drive out | Press or punch out |
| Best for | Retention, shear pins | Accurate location |
Verdict
Use grooved pins for quick self-retaining assembly in drilled holes; use dowel pins when location accuracy is the priority.