Thread: Make your own solid brass washers

Nice work xaiotuzi and Geezer.

Geezer, do you have any problem with the washer flattening while peening?

Good question! I use a .156/ 5/32s washer with a .078 / 5/64ths hole as a backup; as back in days of yore. Big one snuggles in and little one takes the strain.

The problem I have with lots of solid collars is a 1/16 hole in them is too tight to peen properly using 1/16 rod.
IMO, the rod will seize to the collar quickly and shall not be 'pushed-down' to make a tight job.
As the rod mates-up and seizes to it, anything else is bending the pin.

Therefore, I can also recommend at least a 5/64 hole in collars to use with 1/16 pins.

You're right, the 1/16 hole gets tight and I usually will ream them out some with a diamond bit if needed. It would probably be better to use 5/64 and I may look into that. Wouldn't take much to just make the holes in the steel rod a little bigger. I keep trying to make improvements to the kit. Would need different tubing with larger inside diameter.

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

You're right, the 1/16 hole gets tight and I usually will ream them out some with a diamond bit if needed. It would probably be better to use 5/64 and I may look into that. Wouldn't take much to just make the holes in the steel rod a little bigger. I keep trying to make improvements to the kit.

TBH, a 5/64 hole in the scales is also beneficial. Pushing as peening will allow for more precise alignment.

"A little here...Means a LOT there!'

“Wouldn't take much to just make the holes in the steel rod a little bigger. I keep trying to make improvements to the kit. Would need different tubing with larger inside diameter.”

Just, super glue them to a popsicle stick and drill them, then pop them off the stick.

That is really impressive looking pins you created! Thanks for sharing how you do it with us

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Just, super glue them to a popsicle stick and drill them, then pop them off the stick.

That's a terrific idea, it's hard to hold these things. A simple solution and I will use this method a lot I'm sure, thanks for this!

Likely, you might hold them with pliers and oversize them a bit with a round jeweler's file or bit/hand-vise before the polishing process?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Likely, you might hold them with pliers and oversize them a bit with a round jeweler's file or bit/hand-vise before the polishing process?

That's what I've been doing to get the recess in the top for the pin to set in. It works ok but the washer really wants to spin in the pliers. I do it on sandpaper to give the bottom something to grip and still tends want to spin. I'm trying not to grip them too tightly so not to mark them up too much before sanding/polishing. I think a little super glue is a great idea, and after popping them off the stick it would be easy to get any left over glue off the washer.