Thread: pin removal help

I need help with a method to unpin this razor. Someone has re-pinned it previously and used what I would guess is a nail. It is very flat to the scales on both sides so I can't get at it with snips. I have considered a small drill bit, but am slightly reluctant before considering other methods. Can anyone help suggest the best approach?

Sure....File or needle files, a small drill, maybe a dremel bit...
I have used all of these methods.
You name it it can be done.
Just go slow and it will be fine.

I was thinking dremmel. Trouble is I'm being extra cautious as this razor belongs to a work mate. If it was mine I wouldn't hesitate to use the dremmel.

I generally file flat to the scale being careful not to hit the scale. Place it with other side flat on edge of pliers with rivot hanging off edge. Use a fine punch and tap the pin out. Once it clears one side of scales I cut the other side off with side cutters and push it thru the way it came.

I always file with cabinet makers files. I also use a small rectangular piece of aluminum can
with a universal size hole that lays over the pin and washer. With that if my file slips a bit
it hits the aluminum. On a difficult bent pin situation I use an Xacto metal saw. The blade is thinner than most washers and I carefully slide it under the tip of the scale and saw the pin
through above or below the washer.

Thanks for the advice guys

Put electrical tape over the top of the pin and scale area. Then file the pin head down. The tape is to protect the scales from errant filing. If you have a drill press, you can drill the pin out, but you will have to take your time so that the pin doesn't heat up and damage the scales. The same goes with a Dremel tool, go slow because a steel nail will get hot quickly.

Make a mask, small strip of steel or plastic, Laundry soap jugs work well or a tin can, large enough to cover and protect the scale if the drill slips off the pin, about 1X2 inch piece. Drill a hole the size of the washer or pin if no washer, in the center and tape in place with duct tape over the pin.

Then file the pin flat and remove as much of the pin as possible, go slow and use a sharp file.

Then center punch the pin. Rest your razor on a strip of 4mm craft foam to protect the scale and keep it from dancing on the table.

Drill with a plain no.1 Center Drill in a drill press and some cutting fluid. Take light cuts and completely remove the head. Lift the scale from the pin, if you try to punch the pin though and it is bent you run the risk of breaking the scale on the other side.

If it is a steel pin, chances are it is bent. Go slow and use sharp tools.

Once the one side of the scale and the blade have been lifted off, you can clip the pin with dikes, file the edges and carefully push through the scale.

Use a sharp (new) 1/16" drill bit in a pin vise...drilling my hand.

good advice, and by all means don't punch the pin through. sometimes it is flared from the peening and will crack the scale.it is better to think of it as pushing the pin through, very carefully.