Thread: How to unpin a razor using hand tools while preserving the scales?

I have been trying to unpin several razors so I can hand sand and polish the blades. So far I have broke 4 sets of scales, all of which I had wanted to reuse! So my first question is what is the best way to unpin a razor using hand tools, in a way that will not damage/ruin the scales? I have read on the wiki and other posts about the flush cutters, but it seems like that would scratch up the scales. Second question: I don't have the tools to make my own scales so is there a place where I can get relatively inexpensive pre-made scales? Thanks again for all the advice and tips!

use electrical tape around the pins , use hand file to file the pin heads down. Use 1/16 punch and a hammer to push the pin out, but not all the way since you can't file the pin head to 1/16 it will be a little wider. What sticks on the other side you can cut off with flush cutters, the punch the cut end till the pin is out.

I have unpinned at least a hundred razors with my flush cutters and have yet to scratch any scales. I cut off one side and then gently squeeze the flush cutters on the other side just enough to pull the pin up a little. That way the cut pin on the first side has been pulled down into the scales and that makes it easier to fit the punch into the hole to get a clean centered contact between the punch and the recessed pin. Then it's a simple matter of tapping the pin out.

Have I got just the thing for you! Here's what JoeD showed me few weeks ago:

Use the tools from bottom to top
- file the pin surface a bit so that it's flat
- use (automatic) center punch to set the location of the drill hole
- (not in the picture but if you punch a bit off-center use a punch, small hammer and potentially a loupe to move the hole to the center)
- use few progressively larger drill bits in a pin vise to drill a shallow hole, the last bit should be just enough to cut over the collar
- push out the pin (Joe had a needle, and so do I)

It is slow (5min, may be even 10 if you drill off-center) but that limits any damage you can inflict.

Unfortunately, breaking scales will happen during the learning process. I've broken my share of scales. (I think I also broke a pair of flush cutters, too.)

I think Stefan's method is pretty straightforward and you can tell when you've filed enough of the pin when the washer falls off easily. The only problem with this method is the original washer will likely be garbage by the end of it.

Also, some pins are bent on the inside of the scales/tang and that'll make the job harder. Be easy, take your time and don't force anything. That's about the best you can do.

As for pre-made scales, Straight Razor Designs and a few other online merchants offer pre-made scales. The thing is, you'll need to drill a hole for the pivot pin. And unless they come with the "adjustable pins" that screw on, you'll be left to pin the razor the old fashioned way. There's a learning curve to that, too.

Honestly, you can make your own scales without much in the way of tools. A coping saw, drill (drill press is better), some sand paper and a ball peen hammer ought to get the job done. If you use wood, you'll need to finish the scales, so add a finisher and brush. For materials, you can search online or check the sticky thread in the Workshop section to find retailers. Since you're just starting to make scales, I would recommend hand tools anyway.

When you're done, post photos!

Sorry about your busted scales, I know the frustration you feel when that happens.

If you just want cheap replacement scales google "Thiers-issard replacement scales" or go to any of the vendors advertised on this site, most of them carry the replacement scales sold by TI or Dovo.

On the few I have unpinned I have gone and carefully used a Dremmel with a cut off wheel and slowly ground the end of the pin off ensuring that I do not get anywhere near the scales, as far as replacement scales use the link to Classic Shaving on the forum pages they are relatively in expensive and have several choices the last time I looked.

A Dremel with a round, longish (Don't know the proper nomenclature) grinding bit. Sort of looks like a piece of 3/16" dowel mounted on a shaft--and a lot of care and patience. Or, if you don't have a Dremel, a small file will serve the same purpose. Just grind/file the end of the pin down to the washer and carefully push/tap it out with a 1/6" pin drift or an old 1/6" in drill bit.

Using the method I described above, I can unpin virtually any razor in 30 seconds. It's easy, it's fast, and it doesn't break scales.

On the very rare occasion when I cannot get a bite with the flush cutter because the washer is too flush with the scales, I use a milling bit in a drill press. I drill down just enough to release the washer and then use a punch to remove the pin.

Thanks everyone for the responses and great advice! I have a dumb question, where do you find the vendors? I have gone to the vendors corner, but don't see actual sites for the vendors. Thanks