Thread: My non-destructive method of unpinning

I remembered reading about somebody putting electrical tape around the pin as they were filing the pin down. I found what I feel is an easier and more efficient way to protect the scales. I took a piece of electrical tape and wrapped it tightly once over the pin. Then I take the file and start to file the pin through the electrical tape. You end up with something like this:


Of course in this instance I picked the side that did not have the washer on it... tricksy razor makers! I have started unpinning a handful of razors like this, and have yet to wear through the electrical tape and damage a set of scales. And for what is going in these scales:

A W&B Bow that I picked up on the cheap. Fits very nicely.

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:)

As an addendum, I would like to mention that you do need to pay attention to the marks that are being put on the electrical tape by the file. I have come close to burning through the tape once or twice, but you can actually tell how deep you've gone just by looking at the tape. It's just another thing to be cognizant about.

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