"Pins" for hardware

[Longwalker]

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

[Mark Elliott]

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.   

[PPatch]

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

[BOB HILL]

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

[WKevinD]

Bright finish nails and a #49 bit. They cut easily with face nips and cut ends clean up on belt grinder.

Kevin

[Scota4570]

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.

[flehto]

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

[Craig Wilcox]

I am with all the above - and music wire can be found almost anywhere. 1/16" is really great.

[Frank]

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.

[JBJ]

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.

[P.W.Berkuta]

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 .

[stubshaft]

I use 1/16 music wire and anneal it to cut easier.  I also reharden it when final assembling the rifle.

[Scota4570]

It takes only a second to cut it on the bench grinder.

[Herb]

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.

[moleeyes36]

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

[Dphariss]

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

[Jerry V Lape]

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. 

[alacran]

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.

[okawbow]

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.

[WadePatton]

Cleared that right up didn't we?

Pins, we have options.

[flehto]

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