Thread: Pin removal vise

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!