Verkyg,

It is interesting that you mentioned "distorted mount holes" and "cheap cranks". I do not know if this is related to my cotter-pin woes, but the arm on this side in question is having a really tough time sliding onto the spindle. I can "get it on", but I have to twist and shout. A spare, identical arm, goes on with no effort. This is the crank I am using, a Raleigh-branded Nicklin: