Thread: Pins Revisited

I just found replacement scales for a gold edge that was rescaled before I bought it. So, I wanted to do a swap with another blade, but need to purchase some pins and washers.

I was hoping Classicshaving had some available since I used them awhile back to rescale a blade with one of their Dovo scales, but the site says the pins are on back order. Anybody know if they will be getting them back again?

But, according to the threads I've read, I need to go check out the local hardware stores. Any other suggestions? If not, which stores are more likely to have what we need for our odd hobby? BTW, I need one brass set and one steel.

Thanks.
Mike

you probably want to check the restoration section of the site - there are stickies there.

Mike you have to use your own initiative to find things that will do.

Some guys buy nuts bolts and washers. They are really effective but in my opinion a bit bulky. In England you can buy them from model railway/modeling shops. On the internet search under "model engineering supplies". They come in a size called "BA". BA 11 or 12 is about the right size. I tried BA10 but I found them to be too bulky. In the US the size to look for is 00/80, I think. 3/4" length is better than 1/2", because you just snip off what you don't want. Incidentally, if you want to stop the nut loosening, you can get locktite or you can pien the end as I describe below. Cheaper but permanent.

Another way is to buy brass bar with a diameter of between 1.5 and 2.0 millimeters. and and some brass washers to match. You need to cut the brass bar and shape it with 4 oz ball pien hammer. First you cut the bar and flatten the end with a fine metal file. Then you put the pin in a vice and tap the top until you get an overlapping top that looks like a pin. This overlap will hold against the washer. Repeat the process on the other end but with the pin inserted. If you get the length correct, it will hold it all together in the same way as the out of stock pins do. The trick is to not hammer too hard or you will bend the pin. Softly, gently, repetitive, your patience will be rewarded. It takes time. When fitting in the handle, you ned to cut it really fine and bind the razor together tight with sellotape or something. Make sure the pin head on the underside is resting on solid metal before you tap the top. It's also good to protect around the surface of the scale with sellotape.

All commonsense really. Well it's commonsense once you have made a few mistakes.

The nearest thing I have found in England to the pin is the pin used for those brass picture frame hanging hooks. I still have not been able to find the eyelets in a small size. The sort of thing you are looking for is a 2mm eyelet. They use larger sizes in dress making or in leather belt making (you know, the hole the buckle fastener fits into). Also the bit in the end of a rivet is similar if you can find miniature rivets.

It's best to practice on something first and make sure you don't hit the wood or bend the pin.

Anyway, just for the record, I scoured the forum but couldn't find anything about the eyelets. It doesn't surprise me that they are out of stock. I just can not see why DOVO would want to supply them. It's of no benefit to them. Also I'm sure they got a cupboard full of them at the factory.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

PS If you don't feel confident, you might want to send your blade off to one of the guys who advertise in the classifieds and let them do it. I can tell from the photo's they are really good at what they do. Whatever they charge, it's cheaper then splitting one of your scales. But that is defeatist talk.

Razor Scales & Pin kits

Sweet. I think I'll give Invisible Edge a try. Those are the pins I used before, and it was real easy.