Thread: Dumb questions about pins from brass rods, got tips?

Originally Posted by obsessis

What is the 1/8" hole in the anvil used for?

You want the pin and washer to settle in the dimple, later on you are going to need the 1/8 also trust me this is addictibve...

Should I do a 1/16" hole also?
No Need


AS far as scrap wood, you are talking about practicing drilling a hole in the scrap wood?

Yes drill a hole in two Popsicle sticks and try to pin them together without cracking them... or something like them...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Yes drill a hole in two Popsicle sticks and try to pin them together without cracking them... or something like them...

Oh god, I feel stupid. I thought you meant to drill a hole in some wood to practice drilling holes! That makes sense, though, practicing the whole pinning process with something that could break, to get a feel for completing the job. That's a great idea.

I have some size 0 stainless steel washers. I hope to have a fun weekend.

Does anybody have any tips for creating the first peened end, like the initial peen? How to hold it? I'm going to use the holes in the anvil to help the first peened end.

Thanks again to everybody!

Did you look at the Wiki article???


Either a small vise or a pair of linesmen pliers or vise grips can do this...

Some people set the first peen while the pin is in the scales, I DO NOT recommend this...

If you follow the Wiki Link to the actual thread that I did you will find many asked and answered questions....

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Did you look at the Wiki article???

Yes, there is the picture where you actually peen the first end and it is hidden behind the vise. I can't tell what you are placing the brass rod in or how you are holding it while you hit it with the hammer. Or am I not looking at the right picture? I see where you cut it while it is in the vice. Then take out, file and peen one end? I wasn't sure if some people placed one end in the drilled holes in the anvil to do the initial peening.

Did you just have the pin sitting on the table, holding with your hand? Or am I not looking at the right picture?

Joseph, listen to glen, he has given you the info you need. Go over what glen said, and then watch the pinning videos by philadelph. I learned to pin by looking at glens wiki article and then watching Alex put everything in action on his videos. It will all make sense when you think about what glen says, while watching Alex put everything into action.

I had read everything and needed some clarification. I really do appreciate those who are helping me.

Originally Posted by obsessis

Yes, there is the picture where you actually peen the first end and it is hidden behind the vise. I can't tell what you are placing the brass rod in or how you are holding it while you hit it with the hammer. Or am I not looking at the right picture? I see where you cut it while it is in the vice. Then take out, file and peen one end? I wasn't sure if some people placed one end in the drilled holes in the anvil to do the initial peening.

Did you just have the pin sitting on the table, holding with your hand? Or am I not looking at the right picture?

The rod is just being held by the vice.... it takes very very little peening for the rod to hold onto the washers... Trust me here it is way easier to do pinning then explain pinning once you do one in a piece of scrap the light will go on....

The problem comes in tightening, and making them pretty...

The biggest mistake people make is having the rod to long, IT WILL bend inside the scales ....

Originally Posted by obsessis

I had read everything and needed some clarification. I really do appreciate those who are helping me.

did you see the videos by philadelph yet?

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

did you see the videos by philadelph yet?

No sir. Were they the ones referenced at the end of Glen's wiki?

I have rounded up everything I need to re-pin a razor I think....except for the 1/16" punch. I am really excited to get this started. I have Bill's CD from 2005/2006 when I started getting into this. I got sick and had some problems for awhile so I put everything aside but now I am ready to go and I have a shoebox with a whole bunch of restoration projects ready to start....like 15 to 20 old straights!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The rod is just being held by the vice.... it takes very very little peening for the rod to hold onto the washers... Trust me here it is way easier to do pinning then explain pinning once you do one in a piece of scrap the light will go on....

The problem comes in tightening, and making them pretty...

The biggest mistake people make is having the rod to long, IT WILL bend inside the scales ....

I read an old post where someone, greatwhitehuntr, said he drilled a 1/16" hole 1/2" deep into the anvil to use for peening. I got thrown off thinking about the different holes drilled different depths but I am pretty sure I am ready to go now. I have more than enough brass rod to mess a couple up so I think I'll sit down and try to make 10 sets of pins this weekend.

Thanks for all the help!