Thread: Pin removal vise

I have borrowed a variable speed Dremel Drill Press and obtained some carbide drill bits.

Pin removal via drillout is on my mind but I am stuck at just how best to clamp the razor.

The carbide bits won't take any side thrust and the thought of the Dremel grabbing the razor outta my fingers and having her way with me is daunting.

Get some modelling clay and stick it to a work surface. Press the razor/scales into the clay. Drill away.

I have learned to do it with a slow-turning drill press, about 280 rpm, holding the razor up to the spinning bit with my hands resting on the vise underneath. A rag over the vise to catch shavings and runaway collars as well as cushion the vise a bit. Let the bit do the work, slowly. This way, you can angle the attack of the bit and find center easily. Split-tip bits are a must! Drop of oil on the bit helps. Works well for me.

I use centre bits at the slowest speed on my drill press and they work real well, too

Harbor Freight makes a great vacuum-base, articulated vise (I own one, and love it!), which works perfectly for clamping razors, drilling-out pins, etc. For the price + S/H (unless you've got one of their stores nearby), you can't go wrong.

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.

I don't trust any power tools anymore for unpinning - too many holes drilled next to the pins, melted scales, broken bits and broken scales. Gently gently with a file and punch is my preferred method (flush cutting can work to but it's risky).

This is my method, i give the pins and pivot a spray with WD40 then cover both sides of the pin and scales with masking tape, then with a small file take the head down till I'm taking metal off the washer, then turn the razor over file a little off the opposite side of the pin so It doesn't stop the pin from coming through now place on a length of hardwood with a small hole drilled in it line up the pin and very lightly tap the pin out with a purpose made punch.

Jamie.