Thread: Pivot Pin replacement help

The 2 ERN's that i won on ebay were delivered today. They are both really nice razors, but i noticed the one has a really loose blade that has no tension at all when pulled out of the scales, and the blade also wobbles side to side and has to be guided back into the scales. I'm guessing that it is the pivot pin that needs replacing? Is this something best left to a professional? I don't feel comfortable trying to fix this myself as this razor has survived all these years, and i don't want to damage it. Could you point me in the direction of a professional who could take this on? Thanks!

Originally Posted by RiseAbove

The 2 ERN's that i won on ebay were delivered today. They are both really nice razors, but i noticed the one has a really loose blade that has no tension at all when pulled out of the scales, and the blade also wobbles side to side and has to be guided back into the scales. I'm guessing that it is the pivot pin that needs replacing? Is this something best left to a professional? I don't feel comfortable trying to fix this myself as this razor has survived all these years, and i don't want to damage it. Could you point me in the direction of a professional who could take this on? Thanks!

You know, if you like working on bikes and trucks, this wouldn't really be a problem for you. Some people (probably most) would disagree with my methods because I haven't been doing this very long. However, I had a vintage razor break (scales) and I looked on the internet at pinning and peening a straight razor. Not that difficult. Using 3/32" hollow brass tube to sleeve the blade and a 1/16" brass rod, and a small (8oz.) ball pin hammer, I was able to re-scale my 1906 JR Torrey and re-pin it. it looks great and functions correctly. Do a search on line and save yourself about $100.00 or you can always send it out to someone who does these things. Good luck, wish you well!

Should be no need to repin if the scales are not cracked
You only need to repent the pin until tight
Use a small ball peen hammer and tap the pin lightly on each side until good
Search peening a razor on here and you tube there are a few
Charlie Lewis has a good peening video on YouTube and seen many others
Very easy to do
Post some pics of the str8s will help

Razor Peening Tips for Beginners

Try this also

Originally Posted by RiseAbove

The 2 ERN's that i won on ebay were delivered today. They are both really nice razors, but i noticed the one has a really loose blade that has no tension at all when pulled out of the scales, and the blade also wobbles side to side and has to be guided back into the scales. I'm guessing that it is the pivot pin that needs replacing? Is this something best left to a professional? I don't feel comfortable trying to fix this myself as this razor has survived all these years, and i don't want to damage it. Could you point me in the direction of a professional who could take this on? Thanks!

I believe that 99.99% of EVERYTHING to do with straight razors is 'Personal Preference'!

Personally, I'd pick up a Jewelers Block and a 4 oz Chasing Hammer and Ever So Carefully tap on the pivot pin to tighten it.

Glen did a nice video on pinning/check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmwvf8xLKmk

Watch Glen's video on pinning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmwvf8xLKmk

Thanks for the advice and encouragement...i think i'm going to try do this myself. I'll definitely be looking at those links and videos.

The lady that i bought the razors from on ebay told me that she would issue me a refund, or pay the repairs. She is being very understanding and helpful. I'd prefer to keep the razor, as it has a nice blade and is overall in very good condition besides the pivot pin issue.

As the razor lays closed on its side, the blade falls down to the side. I noticed the top of the scales seem to flare outwards a little. The spacer at the bottom of the razor between the scales (I'm unsure of its name) is loose and moves side to side. Because of this damage, the blade may of caught the scales a number of times as it was closed, as there are small notches on the insides of the scales where the blade caught. The blade has a very small nick, i'm guessing as a result of that. I'm new to honing (new to everything SR!), but my guess would be that the small nick could be honed out as i can't even get a photo of it, it is that small, but i can feel it when i run my finger tip over it.

Here are some photos...

I'm sure you could do it yourself but peen only enough to tighten, light strokes and a little on each side. Over peening can "crack" the heads of the pins especially nickle pins. If you have issues then send it in. In my, admittedly limited, experience, removing pins leads to damaged scales for a novice. Find some junky ones to practice on. It is not uncommon for the pins to be bent making their removal problematic. I have a couple razors in my to do pile because of this. Good luck.

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Even read someone suggesting using a metal spoon to tap it tight, would be a lot of taps I think but

If you can possibly get to a meet up in your area - even with just one experienced guy - you can see first hand how it's done. One of our Australian blokes (Havachat45) showed me how hard to hit the hammer and to gauge the results. I think there's no substitute for one on one tuition for stuff like pin tightening.

Very gentle taps with a hammer on an anvil, vice or other sturdy surface works okay as long as the pin isn't bent. A few light taps and test, repeat until you feel it improve to where you want it to be. Did I mention gentle taps?