Open vs. Closed Plate Holes

One of the more common questions we receive from customers is about the rod lengths in our Stacked Weight Pin Series. With the Stacked Weight Pin, Short Stack Weight Pin, and Stacked Selector Pin, there are a variety of rod lengths to choose from:

• 3.65” (Closed Plate Hole)
• 4” (Open Plate Hole)
• 5” (Open Plate Hole)
• 6” (Open Plate Hole)

This can get pretty confusing if you’re new to looking into replacing a selector pin or want to add weight with the Stacked Weight Pin. Don’t worry, though, as we have an easy explanation to help you in choosing the right rod length for your machine.

Open Plate Hole

An open vs closed plate hole is actually quite an easy concept when you know what you are looking for. In simple terms, and open plate hole simply means that the selector plate itself has a an entry and exit selector pin hole drilled completely through the entire width of the plate. This means there is a visible hole on both sides of the plate.

You could flip the plate around and still be able to use it with a selector pin. This allows a little extra length for the Stacked Weight Pin or other product to be inserted completely through the pin hole in the plate. Most common and brand name manufacturers have open plate holes, as that has become the standard.

Closed Plate Hole

A closed plate hole is essentially the opposite. Meaning, the pin hole is only accessible on the front face side of the plate. There is no “exit” at the backside of the plate. These selector pins vary in length depending on brand, but we have found that on average, 3.65” fits most brands. To determine if you need a closed plate hole pin, simply check to see if your plates have an entry and exit pin hole in the same plate.

While this isn’t the case for every single brand, as there are a few closed plate options that are still 4” in rod length, it’s about 99% accurate. If there is doubt, you can always take a measurement of the default selector pin you currently have.

You will see a closed plate hole among a few select American manufacturers, but it is also common among several European brands of machines.

Still not sure? Shoot us an email and we’d be happy to help you!

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