blind assembly pins

crusader44 · January 31, 2002, 10:02 AM

i need to fab some pins to use in assembly of some pinned parts in a handgun. the term for what i'm making is a 'blind pin', where the pin is long enough to hold the parts together, but not long enough to hold the assembly in the handgun. the REAL assembly pin is used to push the blind pin out as it is being inserted/assembled.

just where do i find the materials/stock to make these blind pins from??? locally, i can't find anything smaller than 1/8" that's smooth. i don't want to buy large amounts of the stock, either.

Jim Watson · January 31, 2002, 10:46 AM

I allus called 'em slave pins.
No need to have neat, machined, close fitting pins for assembly only, unless you are doing it on a production basis. I have used toothpicks, matchsticks, whatever would go in the hole and easily cut to length.

If you want something nice, though, try the local hobby shop, they will likely have brass rod in assorted diameters. You will probably have to buy a yard or at least a foot.

Clemson · January 31, 2002, 11:30 AM

I typically use pin punches that can be bought in the local hardware store. A 1/16" and a 3/32" do 99% of what I need. The pin punch is turned from Hex stock, and it has a handle to hold onto. If you wanted a true, cheap pin in a specific diameter, you could purchase a cheap drill bit in that size and cut off the shank with a Dremel tool.

Bill Adair · February 3, 2002, 06:15 PM

crusader44,

They make drill blanks in almost every size, which should work well for that application. I had a complete numbered set (1 thru 60) at one time, but foolishly let them slip away.

I would think any machine tool supplier, would know where to get them.

Bill

January 31, 2002, 10:02 AM	#1
crusader44 Junior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 10	blind assembly pins i need to fab some pins to use in assembly of some pinned parts in a handgun. the term for what i'm making is a 'blind pin', where the pin is long enough to hold the parts together, but not long enough to hold the assembly in the handgun. the REAL assembly pin is used to push the blind pin out as it is being inserted/assembled. just where do i find the materials/stock to make these blind pins from??? locally, i can't find anything smaller than 1/8" that's smooth. i don't want to buy large amounts of the stock, either.

January 31, 2002, 11:30 AM	#3
Clemson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2001 Location: Greenwood, SC Posts: 816	I typically use pin punches that can be bought in the local hardware store. A 1/16" and a 3/32" do 99% of what I need. The pin punch is turned from Hex stock, and it has a handle to hold onto. If you wanted a true, cheap pin in a specific diameter, you could purchase a cheap drill bit in that size and cut off the shank with a Dremel tool. __________________ NRA Life Member, NRA Certified Instructor CWP Holder US Army veteran Gunsmith

January 31, 2002, 10:46 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 9,670	I allus called 'em slave pins. No need to have neat, machined, close fitting pins for assembly only, unless you are doing it on a production basis. I have used toothpicks, matchsticks, whatever would go in the hole and easily cut to length. If you want something nice, though, try the local hobby shop, they will likely have brass rod in assorted diameters. You will probably have to buy a yard or at least a foot.

February 3, 2002, 06:15 PM	#4
Bill Adair Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2000 Location: Seattle/Tacoma, WA USA Posts: 345	crusader44, They make drill blanks in almost every size, which should work well for that application. I had a complete numbered set (1 thru 60) at one time, but foolishly let them slip away. I would think any machine tool supplier, would know where to get them. Bill