Thread: A little advice please

Ralfy, my friend, unfortunately I suspect the MOP is already broken. Looking at the photo I see a not too healthy the pivot pin, it would appear the previous owner replaced the pin, and considering how delicate The MOP, if he had a heavy hand. Also I see a dark line in the MOP near the pivot, it may very well be just a line, but considering the condition of the pivot pin…
If the MOP is damaged all is not lost, a crack or brake can be easily mended and you would never know it was… but you don’t want it shattered.

The MOP covers are held by pins and are smaller than the ones used at the pivot and wedge… the pin goes through the MOP and a hole in the steel to the other side. The pin is not welded to the steel but is simply preened on both sides to hold the covers.

Drill them out is the best way I know with a drill press, a 3/64” bit and lots of patience to slowly drill out the pin. The mop will come off as it is not usually glued in.
However the problem is not getting them off in one piece, it is putting them on after cleaning up the steel. You will need pins of the same size (about the size of a jumbo paperclip) and you will have to re- preen them, and that’s where the problems lies, the pins need to be cut at just the right length and pinned flush with the covers, but the hammer will most likely hit the covers and damage them.