Thread: Drill bit advice.

I have a small drill press and I want to drill out the top of the pivot pin with out destroying the scales. Any suggestions on choice of bits? I have been thinking of using a 1/16" flat faced wood bit to controls material removal. Any suggestions or advice would greatly appreciated.

Let me suggest a self-centering 1/16" drill bit. I use one in a pin vise with decent results.

Let me suggest the file and punch method. Because the risk of damaging your scales will be much less than when you use a drill press. Especially if you haven't done this yet.

Blue Painters tape over pin, file flat, use a 1/16 Split Tip in a "Pin Vise / Pin Drill" you can get them started that way for sure, but honestly you probably will not need the Drill Press if you have a Pin Vise.. You can use one if you want...


PS: You might note that 3 fast answers came, and not one of us recommended a Drill Press to remove pins

As above,use a pinvise and do it by hand,Punch a hole in two layers of masking Tape,about 1/8th in..
Place over the pin,With a fine file, file the pin flat.With the proper bit start drilling (trust your eye,the eye always centers)
When you start to get into the scale material,push the pin out the other side (do not use a punch and hammer)
This may take you 30 minutes.
The main problem with using a drill press is you are dealing with a curved Rounded surface,is no way to make all square to the bit,JMO

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Blue Painters tape over pin, file flat, use a 1/16 Split Tip in a "Pin Vise / Pin Drill" you can get them started that way for sure, but honestly you probably will not need the Drill Press if you have a Pin Vise.. You can use one if you want...


PS: You might note that 3 fast answers came, and not one of us recommended a Drill Press to remove pins

Actually 4 Glen am real slow on the keybrd.

Whilst not disagreeing with the method described by these venerable gents, I use a cobalt drill in a dremel press - having filed the pin flat beforehand. It works for me.

Aren't we answering the "how do I remove a pin" question about once a week? Maybe a sticky would be in order?

Originally Posted by Splashone

Aren't we answering the "how do I remove a pin" question about once a week? Maybe a sticky would be in order?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

Been there for years

However, each time a question is asked sometimes new answers or ideas are discussed and SRP grows.. So we do have sticky's and the Wiki but conversation is what grew the knowledge in the first place

Gotta go with the guys on this one. I broke more in the drill press than I saved. By hand took longer for sure, that said I have more intact scales going by hand. The main , or one problem with the press is you cant asses what going on in the backside. By hand before I spit the backscale I can access it.
If you are hell bent on trying it as I was at least score punch pin a center spot and only drill 1/16 at a time. re access and find a way to stabilize your work. I use craft store foam . Shop rag bad.
It hard to replace what they dont make anymore. Just saying.
Lastly I WD40 that thing so that its free flowing either way.