Brake pad retention methods

[shutuplegs]

I had previously favoured brake pads that are retained by a bolt over split pins as I saw it as a faff to have to carry a pair of pliers just in case. UNTIL, my ride on Saturday when I found out how much of a faff it is to not be able to brake ‘coz yer pads ain’t there (Incredibly this happened very close to home).

So, should I change them all to split pins, suck it up and carry a lightweight pair of pliers? Or have I missed something with bolts? I’ve not seen those little R clips that normally come with the bolts hang around for long either...

Thanks in advance for advice shared.

[Chew]

Extremely rare I’d ever have the need to change a pair of pads once out (if ever)

If I’m going on a big trip I’ll put new ones in and put the part used ones in a box to trickle down to the trail bike.

In an emergency you can squish the split pin with your fingers.

[PaulE]

You can squish the split pin with your chain tool in despiration

[Bearlegged]

I carry a little pair of pliers anyway, having previously spent far too long swearing at a recalcitrant tubeless valve lockring.

[ScotRoutes]

I bought some pad retention bolts for the calipers I had with the split pins.

[whitestone]

My bikes have Hope brakes so it's a 3mm Allen Key on a retaining bolt. Higher end Shimano also use a retaining bolt, I think it's just SLX that use the split pin.

I have a small Leatherman Squirt with me anyway as a general tool.

[In Reverse]

I carry a little pair of pliers anyway, having previously spent far too long swearing at a recalcitrant tubeless valve lockring.

Same - I carry a little pair of needle nosed pliers for this very reason. Surprising how often they've come on handy tbh.

[fatbikephil]

Make sure the pins are nipped up tight and the R clip is in place, shouldn't be an issue. R clips can be bought or else just use a bit of lockwire / strand of gear cable. I carry pliers and a couple of split pins as well mind as its easy to lose the pins if you do have to do a pad change mid ride.

[shutuplegs]

Thanks all, sounds like a pair of pliers should come in handy anyway.

I should have clarified, the bolt holding my rear pads fell out the other day, must have been unlucky to have rattled loose as it’s not been touched for months.

[Chicken Legs]

Everyone should carry a Leatherman Squirt

[Alexpalacefan]

I've always used a bolt and thread lock.
Never had a problem.

APF

[ScotRoutes]

My bikes have Hope brakes so it's a 3mm Allen Key on a retaining bolt. Higher end Shimano also use a retaining bolt, I think it's just SLX that use the split pin.

I think they're all tapped for the bolt though.