AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Longwalker on September 14, 2018, 09:20:56 PM

Title: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Longwalker on September 14, 2018, 09:20:56 PM
Hello Folks,
I was just wondering this morning, what size (dia.) "pins" does every one like to use when affixing the barrels, trigger-guards, ramrod thimbles etc. to their long rifles or fowlers?
What type or material do you like? Just curious. I have a good stock o f 1/16" stainless welding rod I have used before.
Any comments would be interesting!
Thanks,
Harry
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Mark Elliott on September 14, 2018, 09:24:25 PM
I use 1/16" and 5/64" music wire.   I used to use the 5/64" for barrel pins, but now I start out with 1/16" for everything and go to 5/64" if I have to re-drill to tighten something up.   
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: PPatch on September 14, 2018, 09:57:10 PM
I use 1/16" and 5/64" music wire.   I used to use the 5/64" for barrel pins, but now I start out with 1/16" for everything and go to 5/64" if I have to re-drill to tighten something up.   

What Mark said.

dave
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: BOB HILL on September 14, 2018, 10:18:31 PM
I’ve used the1/16” ss welding rod a lot. I use to have a source for 1/16” ss rod at an Ace Hardeare, but they quit carrying it. If you use ss just darken the ends so it’s not shining on your finished gun. 1/16” music wire is great, also.
Bob
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: WKevinD on September 14, 2018, 10:46:14 PM
Bright finish nails and a #49 bit. They cut easily with face nips and cut ends clean up on belt grinder.

Kevin
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Scota4570 on September 15, 2018, 12:25:20 AM
http://www.ksmetals.com/17.html

0.062" is 1/16.  This will not bend in use.  A piece should cost a dollar or so for 36".

Softer materials, like nails, might get a bit rusty,  then bend when you try to drive them out.  This will make a big mess in a hurry. 

Hobby ships have this.

Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: flehto on September 15, 2018, 03:15:31 PM
Only .062 dia music wire is used on my builds....the one exception is a curved  Pbox hinge which requires 1/16 dia baling wire.

To cut this "tough stuff" , I'm fortunate in having a  side cutter  that withstands  the hardness...bought another side cuter and it chipped out w/ the first cut....evidently the "modern" tool producers don't know how to heat treat side cutters.....Fred
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Craig Wilcox on September 15, 2018, 03:41:01 PM
I am with all the above - and music wire can be found almost anywhere. 1/16" is really great.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Frank on September 15, 2018, 04:18:01 PM
I got tired of ruining my wire cutters on music wire and started using finishing nails years ago. That's all Don Getz ever used and if they were good enough for Don, they are good enough for me.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: JBJ on September 15, 2018, 04:26:31 PM
Have used all of the above. Finally resorted to a Dremel cutoff wheel to handle music wire. Both the reinforced and non-reinforced wheels zip through and my sidecutters no longer have gap-o-sis. The reinforced Dremel cutoff disks are worth the extra $$.
J.B.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: P.W.Berkuta on September 15, 2018, 06:39:02 PM
I use the 1/16" steel welding rod which is copper plated/washed. I also have used 1/16" music wire as I have both ;).
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: stubshaft on September 15, 2018, 08:08:20 PM
I use 1/16 music wire and anneal it to cut easier.  I also reharden it when final assembling the rifle.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Scota4570 on September 15, 2018, 11:42:31 PM
It takes only a second to cut it on the bench grinder.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Herb on September 16, 2018, 06:11:09 PM
Well, I differ.  1/16" drill bits can bend easily and drill a crooked hole.  I like sheet rock nails, which I think are .080.  They have sharp points with no burrs and are  about the right length with a head to pull them out, as needs to be done frequently.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: moleeyes36 on September 16, 2018, 09:54:46 PM
Have used all of the above. Finally resorted to a Dremel cutoff wheel to handle music wire. Both the reinforced and non-reinforced wheels zip through and my sidecutters no longer have gap-o-sis. The reinforced Dremel cutoff disks are worth the extra $$.
J.B.


I've also found this approach to be a good one and use it all the time.

Mole Eyes
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Dphariss on September 17, 2018, 01:06:15 AM
Music wire. But seldom 1/16".   I don't like them little bitty bits either. But use what I think is best at the time. Soft pins are a pain.
Dan
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: Jerry V Lape on September 17, 2018, 02:47:47 AM
I happen to use long drill bits 1/16" diameter.  The shanks are plenty long enough so I save the snapped off shanks for pins. 
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: alacran on September 20, 2018, 01:50:33 PM
I have never seen originals weather in pictures or in the flesh that had such small pins. Not saying that they aren't out there.
Saying the majority have pretty good sized pins. Can't see drilling a 1/16th inch pin hole with old timey tools.
I use 3/32 piano wire pins. cut them off with dremmel tool. They do not bend.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: okawbow on September 20, 2018, 03:02:08 PM
I agree. 3/32” tempered wire. The holes drill straighter than 1/16”, and the pins can be tapped out easier. Looks more like the originals.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: WadePatton on September 20, 2018, 04:51:10 PM
Cleared that right up didn't we?

Pins, we have options.
Title: Re: "Pins" for hardware
Post by: flehto on September 22, 2018, 03:39:15 PM
Actually on my Bucks County builds there aren't any options for pin dias....the webs on these builds are 1/16" at the breech and require a 1/16 dia music wire   pin and the bbl lug shown below. ....also some accurate drilling......Fred
(https://preview.ibb.co/jtF6Gp/P1010010.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bJ0HNU)