Thread: Pin removal vise

If I may give you a tip: consider using a small file and a very small punch.
Glen has a tutorial on removing pins where he shows how to use them.
I've found that that method is much safer for the scales, and easier than using a drill press.

Aside from the obvious 'dancing drill bit' issue, if you drill slow (like you should) you get a lot of heat buildup, and this may also affect the scales.
I've had washers embed themselves in plastic scales because they got hot.
Punching out the pins is my preferred method these days.

Originally Posted by Bruno

If I may give you a tip: consider using a small file and a very small punch.
Glen has a tutorial on removing pins where he shows how to use them.
I've found that that method is much safer for the scales, and easier than using a drill press.

Aside from the obvious 'dancing drill bit' issue, if you drill slow (like you should) you get a lot of heat buildup, and this may also affect the scales.
I've had washers embed themselves in plastic scales because they got hot.
Punching out the pins is my preferred method these days.

This is my most often used method. There is still difficulty holding razor, pin, and hammering simultaneously. I have found some pins are so frozen to the blade scale destruction is inevitable if I attempt to punch them. Then there are pins set in inlaid bolsters and the set of ivory scales which were almost free then snapped. Old scales challenge me often enough I want to try machining them out or at least reducing them to the point a few gentle taps might do the trick. The carbide bits don't walk unless there is bearing play in the driver. Clamping methods with some soft face material is what I am hoping to discover. Getting good position under the bit is essential.

Originally Posted by jaswarb

This is my most often used method. There is still difficulty holding razor, pin, and hammering simultaneously. I have found some pins are so frozen to the blade scale destruction is inevitable if I attempt to punch them. Then there are pins set in inlaid bolsters and the set of ivory scales which were almost free then snapped. Old scales challenge me often enough I want to try machining them out or at least reducing them to the point a few gentle taps might do the trick. The carbide bits don't walk unless there is bearing play in the driver. Clamping methods with some soft face material is what I am hoping to discover. Getting good position under the bit is essential.

This is why I prefer my method mentioned above. I am a fiend for saving collars and filing or cutting them off is not an option. Slow bit speed and a drop of oil on the bit keeps heat to a non issue and controlling my hands is easier than any other technique I have tried. (I have tried plenty others!). Also pins are usually swollen in the scale holes. Knocking them out with a punch results in broken scales too often, IMO. If one can find center of the pin and slowly drill down a bit and then wobble the razor, the collars come right off most of the time, and are reusable. Then, a slight twist of the blade will tell you how tight the pin is in the scales. If the scales separate, you might try the punch. If not, Might as well keep drilling! If the pin you are trying to remove is bent,(they sometimes are!) the punch will not work! Some scales are priceless to the blade!

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...-pins-out.html


I am not so sure there is one "Best way" for everyone or every razor, that thread has some good ideas in it..

I still use mostly a file and time, but it really depends on what I am trying to accomplish and what the razor decides I should do

Maybe no reason for using any power tools for removing pins,JMO

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Maybe no reason for using any power tools for removing pins,JMO

How would you unpin collarless pins without drilling? They are usually swaged below the surface of the scales.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

How would you unpin collarless pins without drilling? They are usually swaged below the surface of the scales.

With a pin vise by hand