Thread: Tighten Up a Pivot Pin

I have a couple razors that over the years become really loose and sloppy at the pivot. One flops about so that I really can't feel easy about stropping it.

What at is a correct and easy way to tighten up the pivot using common household tools (if there is such a thing)?

Thanks for any advice

You can use a tablespoon. Check out the search box on the top right hand side of this page. There are TONS of threads showing you how.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi..._Place_Library

I do it by placing one side on the side of a flat hammer. It acts as an anvil. With a small ball peen hammer very lightly tap the pivot pin. Flip the razor over and repeat tapping until blade is tight. I alternate between the peen side and flat side of the hammer. What really helps if on the hammer you use as the anvil you drill a small indent in the side. This helps keep the pin rounded off.

Also there are videos on this on the site I believe.

Small ball peen is the way to go. The biggest issue is people tapping too hard and tightening the pins to much. If you have an older razor and tighten it too much you can crack the scales. Just tap lightly and put it on something hard, any scrap of steel, head of another hammer or sledge hammer, vice, etc...

Remember you are NOT smashing the center of the pin. You are mushrooming AROUND the pin.

what about pins that don't have washers/collars ?

Originally Posted by boostdemon

what about pins that don't have washers/collars ?

Be more careful

But still the same principle

Originally Posted by boostdemon

what about pins that don't have washers/collars ?

halve the pressure of the hit of what you thought were the light taps with the washers should work LOL

Originally Posted by boostdemon

what about pins that don't have washers/collars ?

There are a few additional bits of advice when pinning without washers - although they obviously don't apply to a situation of tightening loose scales unless you want to go to the trouble of removing the existing pin.

Firstly the pin hole can be chamfered slightly to accomodate the peen. Neil Miller even considers a method of tapering the pin hole in order to take up any potential bulge in the rod.

A few people recommend annealing the very tip of the pin - when cut to size, so that it's easier to peen.

It's a difficult decision when you have loose scales - on the one hand it does make stropping very difficult, but there is the added risk you run when tightening them. Personally, I've always gone the route of tightening - but not as far as I would with less valuable material.

Originally Posted by Chevhead

Remember you are NOT smashing the center of the pin. You are mushrooming AROUND the pin.

So I am presuming the hammer is being applied to the right side (as opposed to the "show" side) of the razor? Or do I have it backwards..or does it make any difference at all??