Thread: Aluminum rod for pinning?

Has anyone used aluminum rod for pinning? I have a rebuild I'm working on and I'm using Stainless washers so I think I would like the look of the aluminum with them rather than brass. I found some aluminum rod the other day and I just wanted to see if anyone has had experience with aluminum and if it holds up well and is strong enough.

Nickle (or is it nickle silver?) is a popular choice. It's more a question of will it peen well than is it strong enough; if you can't tap it gently to peen it, you'll be at it for way too long and/or bend the pin.

Is it advisable to use two different metals together? Dissimilar metals touching each other tend to corrode, just asking so if it's the case you won't create a priblem down the road. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Is it advisable to use two different metals together? Dissimilar metals touching each other tend to corrode, just asking so if it's the case you won't create a priblem down the road. Tc

^^^^^ What TC said added to what Dylan said gives you the answer

Brass and Nickel Silver are very low on the Galvanic reaction table when touching Steel and they peen easily, probably why they have been used on so many razors for so many years....

Or as I like to say,,, Those old farts making razors for a few hundred years might have known a thing or three might be a good idea to copy what they did at least for awhile

Aluminum is very susceptible to soaps and corrodes easily. It also wears quickly.
~Richard

All of the above,plus as you peen it and it starts to mushroom,it will Crack along the edges,been there,done that.

Thanks guys!! I wasn't thinking about the galvanic reaction between the metals, but that's why I have you guys here!! I figured I would have to go really gentle to keep it from cracking, but it sounds like it is definitely not worth the effort with all the possible negatives that are there. Thanks again guys!! I'll post some pics when its done