Author Topic: "Pins" for hardware  (Read 2063 times)

Longwalker

  • Guest
"Pins" for hardware
« 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

Offline Mark Elliott

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5191
    • Mark Elliott  Artist & Craftsman
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #1 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.   

Offline PPatch

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2456
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #2 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
Dave Parks   /   Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Offline BOB HILL

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2223
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #3 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
South Carolina Lowcountry

Offline WKevinD

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1357
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #4 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
PEACE is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.  Thomas Jefferson

Offline Scota4570

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2254
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #5 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.


Offline flehto

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3335
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #6 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

Offline Craig Wilcox

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2440
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #7 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.
Craig Wilcox
We are all elated when Dame Fortune smiles at us, but remember that she is always closely followed by her daughter, Miss Fortune.

Offline Frank

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 966
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #8 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.

Offline JBJ

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 579
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #9 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.

Offline P.W.Berkuta

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2143
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #10 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 ;).
"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it." - Chinese proverb

Offline stubshaft

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 353
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #11 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.
I'd rather die standing, than live on my knees...

Offline Scota4570

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2254
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #12 on: September 15, 2018, 11:42:31 PM »
It takes only a second to cut it on the bench grinder.

Offline Herb

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1694
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #13 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.
Herb

Offline moleeyes36

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1436
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #14 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
Don Richards
NMLRA Field Rep, Instructor, Field Range Officer
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer

Offline Dphariss

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9741
  • Kill a Commie for your Mommy
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #15 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
He who dares not offend cannot be honest. Thomas Paine

Offline Jerry V Lape

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3019
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #16 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. 

Offline alacran

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2100
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #17 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.
A man's rights rest in three boxes: the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.  Frederick Douglass

Offline okawbow

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 807
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #18 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.
As in life; it’s the journey, not the destination. How you get there matters most.

Offline WadePatton

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5274
  • Tennessee
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #19 on: September 20, 2018, 04:51:10 PM »
Cleared that right up didn't we?

Pins, we have options.
Hold to the Wind

Offline flehto

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3335
Re: "Pins" for hardware
« Reply #20 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

« Last Edit: September 22, 2018, 03:42:54 PM by flehto »