Shear stress or strength is one of the mechanical properties of a material which is determined by either performing direct single or double shear test or calculated from tensile strength. This mechanical property is very vital in shear pins used in variety of application and cantilever beam loading applications.

Some of the common items on which a shear test is performed are shear pin in locomotive couplers, various automotive pins, valve pistons, bridges metallic rivets, spot and stud welds, etc.