Abstract: A leader pin for guiding and directing the halves of a mold as it opens and closes. The pin has a base, a shoulder at one end of the base, and a frustoconical tapered section which extends outwardly from a ledge on the base. A cylindrical guide pin projects outwardly from the narrow end of the tapered section. The tapered section and the guide pin fit into a complementary tapered and cylindrical opening in the sleeve of a bushing. The two tapered sections accurately guide, direct, and align the mold halves, without the assistance of separate cones and conical orifices.