Removing pins from scales

Guys, I'm sorry if this has been asked a thousand times... I tried looking for existing threads, and didn't have much luck. So...

What is the best way to remove pins from scales? I have several vintage straights that I'd like to restore. Putting them in my ammo vibrating polisher with the scales attached causes two problems: the blade doesn't get polished as well, and the media I'm currently using stains the scales. So from now on, I'll be removing the scales before they go in the polisher.

Also, I can't seem to find the thread that talks about replacing pins with screw-in type adjustable pins. I should have subscribed to it, darn it. Same thing for that thread that shows how to put in regular pins. Sheesh, I'm such a newb. Any pointers to those threads would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Edit: found the post about adjustable pins... http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...able-pins.html

Also found the thread about putting in new pins...http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...in-scales.html but I'm still not finding info on the best way to remove them...

I have tried a few methods - using the dremel to grind them away is my current method for scrap scales. If I need the scales then i guess i would try to drill them?
Not sure what others do about it - my approach is a bit brutal in my opinion.

You might want to take a look at this article: An Illustrated Guide to Un-pinning and Re-pinning - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I've used a few different methods (drill press mainly), but I used a new method that worked surprisingly well for me.

THESE

I've had those little lightweight nippers for quite awhile. I needed to de-pin a Boker Red Injun 101. I carefully worked around the washers by applying light pressure to the nippers. This slightly squashed the washer enough where each subsequent squeeze of the nippers allowed the nippers to lift the washer more and more. I was NOT squeezing the handles of the nippers together each time, I was just working each washer gradually. With only a handful of light partial squeezes. the washers were easily worked loose allowing me to nip the ends off the pins. The bakelite scales or whatever they are (they aren't hard rubber) were barely scratched and certainly nothing that polishing wouldn't cure.

Keep in mind you still have to have a good method to free the razor and the spacer from the scales as the nippers only get the washers off in short order. You can easily grab the pin that remains sticking above the scale, but avoid using the nippers like they're intended to be used for (as a pulling lever to pull out nails, brads, etc) because you can easily crack scales. Without boring you, I still ended up breaking the end off of one of the *&^(+@$^%7&*(*&^^((&&!!!!!!) scales. Kiss the nice boker tree scales goodbye. Oh well, I want to put custom scales on it anyway.

I hate bakelite scales because of that. Through age they are so utterly brittle, they suck. Or maybe they're just great and I suck for technique in keeping them intact.

Chris L

I file the pins flat with a needle file and use a small hammer and put a center punch mark close to the center of the pin. Then I put a very small drill, about .032 dia but size isn't very important just something close to half the .062 dia of the pin, in a pin vice and drill by hand about 1/32 deep. Then I grab a .062 (1/16) or slichtly larger like a .068 and again drill by hand until the washer breaks free and can be removed. Lastly I file the pin some more with the needle file until the pin can be pushed ot tapped through the scales using caution as to not break/crack the scales. This works better for me than a drill press because there is less of a chance to damage the scales if the drill slips off the pin while drilling.

To pin use 1/16 brass or nickle/silver rod, file one side flat and then peen the end slightly until the washer can't slip past the end. Assemble the scales, wedge(or blade) and washers with the pin longer than needed. Cut the pin ! 1/16 over the washer and file flat. Peen the end so the second washer stays on. Alternate between sides until the pin is tight. Use caution not to use a lot of force peening the pins or they will bend. Take your time.

http://www.microfasteners.com/catalo...cts/MSCHBB.cfm has the #0 screws, nuts and washers if you want removable pins.

Thank you all very much for the responses and help! I'm getting the idea that there is a very good chance that I'll crack and/or break the scales doing this. I'd like to keep this razor all-original (it's a vintage Hill & Sons), so maybe I'll just put the whole thing (scales intact) in the polisher and call it good.

Two other razors have nice scales, but the blades are damaged beyond repair, so I'll try using the help from this thread to successfully remove those scales.

Is it possible to buy scales seperately? I'm not looking for high-dollar stuff, just usable scales I can put a blade in.

Besides most of the options described I've had very good luck with a jewelers saw, .019/.0095 sized jewelers saw blade between the tang and scales if there's some room.