Casket Securement
Bier Pins and Bier Pin Plates
for Hearses and Funeral Vehicles
Bier pins and bier pin plates are essential casket securement parts for hearses, funeral vehicles, first-call vehicles, and custom casket deck builds. Whether you are replacing worn floor hardware, updating an older hearse, converting from 7/16" to 1/2" bier pins, changing from hex to round pins, or building a new casket floor, the right pins and plates help keep the casket properly positioned during transport.
G. Burns offers 1/2" chrome-plated steel bier pins, compatible bier pin plates, casket guide posts, and floor package solutions for funeral homes, builders, and vehicle owners looking for dependable casket loading and securement parts.
What Are Bier Pins and Bier Pin Plates Used For?
Bier pins and bier pin plates are used to help secure a casket inside a hearse. The bier pin fits into the bier pin plate installed in the vehicle floor, creating a secure positioning point that helps keep the casket from shifting during transport.
The pins and plates work together as part of the vehicle’s casket securement system. Bier pins provide the vertical stopping point, while bier pin plates create the floor-mounted locations where those pins can be placed. Depending on the floor layout, different plate styles may be used to give more flexibility when positioning and securing a casket.
For many hearse floor updates, replacement projects, and new builds, bier pins and bier pin plates are among the most important pieces of casket securement hardware to plan correctly.
Choosing the Right Bier Pin Type
Choosing the right bier pin starts with three key decisions: pin shape, pin size, and pin style. Each one matters because bier pins and bier pin plates need to work together properly for secure casket positioning.
Round bier pins are the most common and widely available option for many hearse and funeral vehicle floor layouts.
For most replacement projects, floor updates, conversions, and new casket deck builds, 1/2" round bier pins are the best starting point because they are easier to match with compatible bier pin plates and related floor hardware.
Round Bier Pins
Hex bier pins are an alternate bier pin style. They are not simply an older version of bier pin, but they are less common than round pins in many floor layouts.
If you are replacing existing hex pins, make sure the plates are compatible with hex-style pins. If you are updating or rebuilding the floor, many customers choose to convert to 1/2" round bier pins and matching round plates for easier future replacement and compatibility.
Hex Bier Pins
Stationary bier pins provide a fixed casket securement point. They are a practical option when the floor layout and casket positioning needs are consistent.
Stationary Bier Pins
Adjustable bier pins allow the user to adjust the height or position of the pin for a more flexible securement setup. These are useful when the vehicle may carry different casket styles or when more adjustability is needed in the floor layout.
Adjustable Bier Pins
Quick release bier pins are similar to adjustable bier pins, but they include a button-style release for faster adjustments. Instead of taking extra time to loosen and tighten the pin manually, the quick release design allows for quicker repositioning during use.
Quick Release Bier Pins
1/2" vs. 7/16" Bier Pins
G. Burns focuses on 1/2" bier pins and compatible 1/2" bier pin plates. Many older hearse floors may use 7/16" bier pins, but 7/16" replacement parts can be harder to find. If you are updating an older hearse floor, converting to 1/2" bier pins and matching 1/2" bier pin plates can make future replacement and floor planning easier.
Why Many Customers Choose 1/2" Round Bier Pins
For many hearse floor updates, casket deck builds, and replacement projects, 1/2" round bier pins are the most practical direction. Round bier pins are more common, easier to source, and easier to match with compatible bier pin plates and related floor hardware.
G. Burns sells both 1/2" round and 1/2" hex bier pins, but round pins are the main recommendation for most customers planning a floor update or new build. If you are replacing existing parts, it is important to match the pin style and plate style already in the vehicle. However, if you are rebuilding the floor, updating older hardware, or planning a custom casket deck, choosing 1/2" round bier pins and compatible round plates can make future replacement and maintenance easier.
This is especially important when working with older hearse floors, hard-to-find 7/16" parts, or less common hex-style layouts. Moving toward a 1/2" round bier pin setup can give funeral homes, builders, and vehicle owners a more available and easier-to-service casket securement system.
Updating from 7/16" to 1/2" Bier Pins
Many older hearse floors may use 7/16" bier pins and bier pin plates. While these systems are still found in some vehicles, 7/16" replacement parts can be harder to find. For that reason, many funeral homes, builders, and vehicle owners choose to update older floors to 1/2" bier pins and compatible 1/2" bier pin plates.
It is important to know that 7/16" and 1/2" bier pins are not interchangeable. A 1/2" bier pin needs a compatible 1/2" bier pin plate. When converting from 7/16" to 1/2", the existing bier pin plates usually need to be replaced.
Before planning the update, measure the footprint of the current bier pin plates in the floor. Because bier pin plates sit recessed into the hearse floor or casket deck, you will need to confirm whether the new 1/2" bier pin plate fits the current opening or whether the floor can be adjusted to accept the replacement plate.
For many floor updates, this is also a good time to review the full casket loading and securement setup, including bier pins, bier pin plates, casket rollers, and skid bars.
Changing from Hex to Round Bier Pins
Hex bier pins are an alternate bier pin style, not simply an older version of bier pin. However, round bier pins are more common and more widely available, which makes them a practical choice for many hearse floor updates, funeral vehicle conversions, and new casket deck builds.
If your current floor uses hex bier pins, the existing plates should be reviewed before ordering replacement parts. Round bier pins and hex bier pins are different shapes, so they should be matched with compatible bier pin plates. In most cases, changing from hex to round means replacing the bier pins and bier pin plates together.
For customers updating a floor or building a new casket securement system, 1/2" round bier pins and matching 1/2" round bier pin plates are often the cleaner long-term direction. This helps simplify future replacement, makes compatible parts easier to source, and gives the floor layout more flexibility when paired with the right plate style.
Bier Pin Plates Explained
Bier pin plates are the floor-mounted receiving points that allow bier pins and casket guide posts to be positioned inside a hearse, funeral vehicle, or custom casket deck. The plate is installed into the floor, and the bier pin drops into the plate to create a secure positioning point for the casket.
Different plate styles exist because not every floor layout, casket position, or vehicle build is the same. Some floors only need a fixed securement point, while others need more adjustment for different casket sizes, loading positions, or floor designs.
A 1-hole bier pin plate creates a single fixed location for a bier pin or compatible casket guide post. This is a practical option when the securement point does not need to move or when a simple floor position is needed.
1-Hole Bier Pin Plates
A 2-hole bier pin plate gives the floor a small amount of adjustment while still keeping the layout compact. This can be helpful when a little flexibility is needed without using a larger plate.
2-Hole Bier Pin Plates
A 4-hole bier pin plate provides more placement options in a compact footprint. These plates work well for casket securement and are also a strong option when using compatible casket guide posts.
4-Hole Bier Pin Plates
A 5-hole bier pin plate adds another level of flexibility for positioning bier pins or compatible casket guide posts. These are useful when the floor layout needs more adjustment for casket placement, guide post placement, or varied loading needs.
5-Hole Bier Pin Plates
When choosing bier pin plates, the most important factor is compatibility. The plate needs to match the bier pin size and style being used. G. Burns bier pin plates are designed to work with compatible 1/2" bier pins, and mounting hardware is included with the plates to make planning the project easier.
10-Hole Bier Pin Plates
A 10-hole bier pin plate offers the most adjustment and flexibility. This style is often used when the floor needs to accommodate different casket positions, different casket sizes, or a more versatile casket securement layout.
Casket Guide Posts for Floor Guidance and Protection
Casket guide posts are another important part of a well-planned hearse floor or funeral vehicle casket deck. While bier pins are used for casket securement, casket guide posts help guide the casket during loading and unloading and help protect the vehicle interior from unwanted contact.
G. Burns casket guide posts are made from chrome-plated steel and are designed to fit compatible 1/2" round bier pin plates. They work with all G. Burns 1/2" round bier pin plate options, with the 4-hole and 5-hole plates being especially useful when more guide post positioning flexibility is needed.
For funeral homes, builders, and vehicle owners updating or building a casket floor, guide posts are worth considering alongside bier pins and bier pin plates. Together, these parts help create a more complete casket loading and securement setup for hearses, first-call vehicles, and custom funeral vehicle builds.
Casket Loading and Securement Work Together
Bier pins, bier pin plates, and casket guide posts are focused on casket securement and positioning. Casket rollers, skid bars, and casket slides support the loading and unloading process. When planned together, these parts help create a more complete and functional hearse floor or funeral vehicle casket deck.
For a simple replacement, you may only need a bier pin, bier pin plate, or guide post. For a larger floor update, conversion, or new build, it is worth reviewing the full casket loading and securement system. The right combination of securement parts and loading hardware can make the floor easier to use, easier to service, and better suited for the vehicle’s purpose.
G. Burns offers casket securement hardware, casket loading parts, and floor package options for funeral homes, builders, and vehicle owners updating hearses, first-call vehicles, funeral vans, and custom casket deck builds.
Floor Packages for Updates, Conversions, and New Builds
If you are updating a hearse floor, converting from 7/16" to 1/2" bier pins, changing from hex to round bier pins, or building a new casket deck, individual parts may only be part of the project. A complete floor package can help bring the right casket loading and securement parts together for the vehicle and layout you are planning.
G. Burns offers floor packages built around customer needs, drawing from decades of experience supplying hearse floor parts and funeral vehicle hardware to customers around the world. These packages may include bier pins, bier pin plates, casket rollers, skid bars, casket slides, guide posts, and related floor hardware depending on the project.
For funeral homes, builders, and vehicle owners, floor packages can make planning easier by helping connect the parts that work together. Instead of sourcing each item separately, customers can shop floor package options designed for updating, upgrading, or building a functional casket floor.
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FAQs About Bier Pins and Bier Pin Plates
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Bier pins are used to help secure and position a casket inside a hearse, funeral vehicle, first-call vehicle, or custom casket deck. They fit into compatible bier pin plates installed in the floor and help keep the casket from shifting during transport.
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A bier pin plate is the floor-mounted plate that receives the bier pin. The plate is installed into the hearse floor or casket deck, allowing the bier pin to be placed in a secure floor position. Bier pin plates are available in different hole counts to provide different levels of positioning flexibility.
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G. Burns sells 1/2" bier pins. We offer 1/2" round bier pins and 1/2" hex bier pins, with round bier pins being the most common and widely available option for many hearse floor updates, replacements, conversions, and new builds.
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The difference is the pin size and plate compatibility. 1/2" bier pins and 7/16" bier pins are not interchangeable. A 1/2" bier pin needs a compatible 1/2" bier pin plate, and a 7/16" bier pin needs a compatible 7/16" plate.
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Yes, but the bier pin plates need to be replaced with compatible 1/2" plates. Before planning the conversion, measure the footprint of the existing plate and confirm whether the new 1/2" bier pin plate will fit the current recessed opening or whether the floor can be adjusted to accept it.
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Round and hex bier pins are different pin styles. Round bier pins are more common and more widely available, which makes them a practical choice for many replacement projects, floor updates, and new casket deck builds. Hex bier pins are an alternate style and should be used only with compatible hex-style bier pin plates.
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Yes, but round and hex pins need compatible plates. In most cases, changing from hex to round means replacing the bier pins and bier pin plates together. For many floor updates and new builds, 1/2" round bier pins and matching 1/2" round plates are the cleaner long-term direction.
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Stationary bier pins provide a fixed casket securement point. Adjustable bier pins allow for more flexibility in the securement setup. Quick release bier pins are similar to adjustable bier pins, but they include a button-style release for faster adjustments.
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The right bier pin plate depends on your floor layout and how much positioning flexibility you need. A 1-hole plate creates a fixed point, while 2-hole, 4-hole, 5-hole, and 10-hole plates provide added adjustment. The 10-hole plate offers the most flexibility for varied casket positioning.
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Yes. G. Burns casket guide posts are designed to fit compatible 1/2" round bier pin plates. They work with all G. Burns 1/2" round bier pin plate options, with 4-hole and 5-hole plates being especially useful when more guide post positioning flexibility is needed.
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Yes, they are often planned as part of the same overall floor system. Bier pins, bier pin plates, and casket guide posts help with casket securement and positioning, while casket rollers, skid bars, and casket slides support loading and unloading. For larger updates, conversions, or new builds, G. Burns also offers floor packages to help bring these parts together.
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Yes. G. Burns bier pin plates include mounting hardware, giving customers one less item to source separately when updating, converting, or building a hearse floor or funeral vehicle casket deck.