What Is a Pin Anchor?
A pin anchor is a fastening stake used to secure a sheet of agricultural land.
Metal pin anchors are distributed, and there are a wide variety of types, including T-shaped and U-shaped pin anchors. Anchoring with pin anchors is completed by simply driving the pin into the ground using a hammer or other tool that is around you.
In addition, by inserting a special washer between the pin and the sheet, the load on the sheet around the pin can be reduced, thus keeping the sheet stable for a long period. However, care should be taken not to hit the sheet with a missed hammer strike, as this may result in tearing.
Uses of Pin Anchors
Pin anchors are used to keep sheets or nets in close contact with the ground. Examples are weed prevention sheets to prevent weed growth through shading and anti-scattering nets to consolidate and place materials to be placed on agricultural land. Sheets, especially when exposed to rain and wind, can become detached.
Pin anchors are useful because exposed soil can cause weed growth and other harmful effects. They are often used especially in windy areas and seasons. In addition, Pin anchors are used to secure nets to protect against animal and bird damage or pests.
Features of Pin Anchors
Advantages
- Pin anchors come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to secure a variety of objects.
- Another feature is that they do not require specialized tools and can be easily used in soft soil.
- It also provides protection from the environment, such as windbreaks, and the gaps between the soil and the sheet prevent damage caused by weeds, animal damage, bird damage, and pests.
Disadvantages
- Pin anchors have pointy ends and are strong enough to penetrate boots if they are stepped on on the ground, so care must be taken when storing them.
- If large quantities are stored together in bags or other containers, the bags may be damaged by the tips of the pin anchors.
- When using pin anchors that are not the right size, or when they are not sufficiently secured to the ground, they can easily be pulled out by wind or birds.
Types of Pin Anchors
There is a wide variety of pin anchors available. In addition to the shape and size of the pin anchor, some have a body that pierces the soil and a tip that is processed according to the hardness and properties of the soil.
It is important to understand the conditions of the site where the pin anchor will be used and to select the right type for the intended use.
1. L-Shaped Pin Anchor
This is the most common L-shaped pin anchor. They are resistant to distortion, easy to work with, and have a smooth surface for safety.
2. U-Shaped Pin Anchor
This is a U-shaped pin anchor. The U-shaped pin anchor has a high anchoring force because the tip pierces in two places, and it can sturdily anchor even coarse nets. It is also characterized by its resistance to falling out.
3. J-Shaped Pin Anchor
Similar in shape to the U-shaped pin anchor, this type of pin is characterized by the fact that one end is shorter than the other. They are less prone to damage and can be used to hook and finely secure nets.
4. Deformed L-Shaped Pin Anchor
This is an L-shaped pin anchor with an uneven surface and a screw-shaped tip. The uneven surface acts as an anti-slip device, making it difficult to pull out and sturdy enough to fix in place.
How to Select Pin Anchors
Pin anchors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and characteristics. L-shaped Pin anchors are generally used when the wind is not blowing very strong and high anchoring force is not required, or when workability is a priority.
The shape, thickness, and length of the pin anchor can be selected according to the size and coarseness of the net to be used and the required high anchoring force.
How to use Pin Anchors
After the net is set up, drive the pin anchor into the net by hooking it to the net. If the ground is soft, it is possible to drive them in with your foot, but if the ground is hard, it is important to use a hammer to carefully drive them in, as forcing them in may distort the pin anchors.
The number of pins needed to secure the anchor varies depending on the size and type of pin anchor, so use as many as needed. If the pins are not hammered in properly, they can easily come loose when strong winds blow or even if a foot catches on them while working, so it is necessary to hammer the pin anchors deeply down to the base of the pins.
As a precaution, if the pin anchor is driven close to the ridges, it may damage the crop roots. It is important to drive the pin anchor at a position and angle that does not affect the crop.