Thread: Good/Bad pin metals?

So I'm wondering about good and bad pin materials. I know that brass and NiAg are used, but what about other metals? Copper? Carbon steel? Aluminum? What are the qualities of metal that make for good pins, other than resistance to water and plasticity?

Thanks!
Jim

The ideal metal would be:
-Ductile enough to peen
-Hard enough to stay tight after peening
-Chemically inert and stable in the presence of soap, water, oxygen etc.
-Visually appealing
-Cost effective

Carbon steel is too brittle and rusts easily
Aluminum and copper are too ductile and will loosen easily
Bronze may be a valid candidate, but I don't know where to get 1/16" bronze rod stock
Sterling Silver, platinum and gold (assuming it's on the hard side, say 10c or less) would likely work but be cost prohibitive

If you're not using the peening technique in pinning you may need to re-evaluate.

Thanks Dan, that helps.
I'm just looking at the options because I'm having trouble finding brass rod. I can find aluminum, and copper, and carbon and stainless steel...and I was thinking the copper or aluminum might be ok. I guess not.
I wonder how soft the stainless is?

Jim... when I send you the brush... I'll throw in a few short pieces of brass and Nickel silver (plenty for a few razors).

Dave, that's too generous. Thank you!

Jim these should be available at most hardware stores even in Japan....

http://www.rjleahy.com/store/nails/brassesctcheon.htm

Couple of hints; Make sure you get pure brass ones, and also it helps to heat them up with a torch first, even a good lighter, like one of the butane wind proofs, would probably works to soften the brass slightly before peening....
Put the pin in from the show side to get that perfect rounded pin on that side and peen from the back....

Wow, guys, lots of great advice. Thanks!

And that escutcheon pin idea is fantastic, Glen! Thanks!

That should be wiki'd...

No really Jim it shouldn't be, they work in a pinch, but honestly 1/16 brass or nickel silver rod is the best....

I got 1/16 bronze rod at the welding supply, thinking I was getting brass. I WAS goign to take it back but like most things never did. Might try it since I've got it here anyways.

Red

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

Jim... when I send you the brush... I'll throw in a few short pieces of brass and Nickel silver (plenty for a few razors).

I'm curious where you are able to purchase nickel silver, an excellent choice. I have some 1/16 SS filler rod left over from the sink foundry but even with annealing (which might not be productive with SS), it's very hard to work with.