Drag Racing Action, March 2012: Piston Pin Theory, Design And Proper Application. If an engine has a crankshaft it uses a piston pin (or wrist pin) to attach the piston to the connecting rod. Yet this critical component has enjoyed little discussion in print or as the focus of bench racing sessions. Even the most cutting-edge teams and engine builders look at the piston pin with not much more scrutiny than they would a pair of laces when purchasing new shoes. I have never had anyone tell me that they chose a pair of shoes because of the laces. To further compound this effect, most piston companies supply piston pins with their product, so other than a few decisions or recommendations from the technical line not much thought is dedicated to the pins.