Pin direction thru mast tangs

[Patrick_Seattle]

When I took my rig down the pins on some tangs, the onese where you need to remove the tangs to remove the pins were placed from the inside out (i.e., the cotter was on the outside away from the mast).

Is there any standard for the direction you insert the pint through the mast tangs?

If I put the cotters on the outside the pin can't be removed without removing the tang.
If I put the cotters on the inside I might scratch my newly painted spars (I know a little vain).

I'm more concerned about the pin being captured behind the tang though. Part of me views that as a backup to the cotter and part of me views that as a pain since that what it was to remove the tangs to remove the pins in the first place.

Thanks,
-p