Thread: My non-destructive method of unpinning

Another option is to make a guard out of some thin brass sheet by drilling various sized holes in it as needed. No mess, and reusable.

I like flushcut wire cutters the best. I will have to try this though.

That is a neat trick, Thank you! ' Never thought of using it for pin removal!

My favorite is a double sided adhesive tape with a very hard paper liner that is pulled off later to use the other adhesive side of the tape. That treated paper will even survive buffing. Some carpet tapes have the same liner paper. But either the cloth or vinyl but not the fiberglass stuff.

I prefer not to use the flushcut on any scales I wish to save because it does pull up a bit and has cracked some scales for me; fortunately already broken ones.

Respectfully
~Richard

If you use a Drenel tool and very small ball-shaped burr on the pin's head itself, you may even be able tro save the washer.

Originally Posted by Caledonian

If you use a Drenel tool and very small ball-shaped burr on the pin's head itself, you may even be able tro save the washer.

A drill press works well to save washers as well...but most of the time I use the dremel or flush cut pliers.

this is good, instead of trying to get the tape arond the pin just stick it straight over and file thru the tape. great idea!

Super, I'll try this on my floppy bladed Stead. Thanks:)

Originally Posted by Caledonian

If you use a Drenel tool and very small ball-shaped burr on the pin's head itself, you may even be able tro save the washer.

Has anyone tried putting the ball shape burr from a Dremel into a drill press?
It might give you more control over the tool therefore less chance of damaging the washer and scales.
FWIW
Cheers,
Geoff

Great tip for protecting the scale when filing off the pin! Thank you.

Related question: any tips on how to protect the razor/scales when tapping out the pin AFTER the head has been filed off? I've experimented placing the razor over my open vice with a protective cloth underneath the razor to prevent scratches, but it moves around too much. How do you guys secure the razor for this procedure?

Originally Posted by diyguy

Great tip for protecting the scale when filing off the pin! Thank you.

Related question: any tips on how to protect the razor/scales when tapping out the pin AFTER the head has been filed off? I've experimented placing the razor over my open vice with a protective cloth underneath the razor to prevent scratches, but it moves around too much. How do you guys secure the razor for this procedure?

You could embed it in a block of child's modeling clay, known in the UK and probably some other places as plasticene, the kind which isn't gritty and never hardens. If the pin is properly liberated at its top end, it will drive out easily into the clay.