Thread: Pins/washers help

So I'm trying to get into the whole restoration deal, made myself some scales and cleaned up some razors, but I'm having a bit of a problem finding pins and washers. While I managed to get some 1/16th inch piano wire at a hobby shop that I figure I could use for making pins (although I don't know yet if it will in fact work), I have no clue where to get washers. I dunno about you guys, but I find some of the size designations on some of the sites a bit confusing... for example: from microfasteners.com, (under their 'washers' section) what does #2/4/6/8/etc mean in terms of the interior/exterior diameter of the washers? To further add to my confusion, they also have another section labeled 'Metric screws, nuts, and washers', with washers with sizes like M1.6? If someone could clarify, or simply provide a link to some 1/16th inch washers (and pins if possible, in case my current wire dosn't work out), I would be most grateful. Thanks!

PS: Is there a particular metal that people usually use for pins and washers, or are they all ok?

Size #0 is standard for 1/16 pins... size 0#wide would be good if you wanted to do a stepped washer look (big #0wide washer, then stack a #0, then peen the pin). This would be from microfasteners.com

hope it helps

I don't believe piano wire will be suitable for pins. It is very hard and would be difficult (or impossible) to peen (mushroom) in order to hold on the washers. I found everything I needed at a model train shop in brass. 1/16" wire, #1-72 washers and #2-56 washers which I peened as flat as possible for bearings. I didn't realise at the time that #0 washers might be available but the #1s worked. I also purchased a piece 1/16" ID (inside diameter) tubing to use as bushing material when the hole in the razor is larger than 1/16". Try to find a shop catering to RR or perhaps RC model builders.

Piano wire will also rust.

1/16 brass rod stock from the hardware store or hobby shop is what your need for pins, size 0 washer for the washer. They also work good for blade bearings.

After peening the pin, what size punch would a bloke have to buy in order to create a uniform dome on the end of the pin ?

Also, does anyone know what sized washers to buy in British sizes ( BA sizes)

I would say 3/32 neil punch but it does depend on size of head you making.

I've been talking to Bill Ellis about the best supplies to use and he gave me some links.

http://www.microfasteners.com/catalo...cts/WASFWB.cfm
Washers

K&S Brass Rod 1/16" (15)
Pin stock

Hope this helps you:-)

Guys hate to point to the obvious but we put all this in the Wiki some time ago... Alex and I did Illustrated guides and even vids on how this is all done, we included every link, to every supply, you might possibly need....

The whole thing is but a mouse click away

Originally Posted by HugoVonStype

After peening the pin, what size punch would a bloke have to buy in order to create a uniform dome on the end of the pin ?

Also, does anyone know what sized washers to buy in British sizes ( BA sizes)

Originally Posted by adrspach

I would say 3/32 neil punch but it does depend on size of head you making.

I would be very, very, careful here... using a nail punch concentrates the force to the pin.... using gentle taps from a light Ball Peen hammer, around the pin is what creates that nice smooth look... As always you might want to practice this on scrap wood a few times before you try it on scales....