Architectural steel structures with visible tension and compression members are becoming more prevalent as a popular form of construction that reflects the nature of the resistance to the applied loads. These members require the use of structural steel pins at their ends to ensure either axial tension or axial compression in the members. Structural pins have been used as a means of connection for centuries and it would appear that their behaviour is relatively well understood. However, the rules for the design of pins vary quite considerably from code to code and this has caused some confusion amongst consulting structural engineers operating internationally. To provide some insight into this problem, a comprehensive testing program has been carried to examine the influence of parameters such as pin diameter, material properties of the pin, thickness of the loading plates, material properties of the loading plates and the distance of the pin to the edge of the loading plates. The modes of failure have been carefully examined. Based on this study, modifications to current design procedures are proposed that properly take into account the different possible modes of failure.