stuck pin

[AC]

I have a simple question on a pin I cannot remove from a Ruger Blackhawk hammer.

The hammer plunger broke on me. So I need to drift out the pin that holds it to replace the plunger. This one is in incredibly tight. I bent a steel drift punch. Then I tried tapping it out with a couple of small nails that bent.

I pondered holding a torch on it but was leary of changing the temper. But I did light two consecutive wooden matches and heated it up like that. Then I took a Lee decapping punch that is very rugged and went after the pin. No luck. This however is starting to dimple the end of the pin.

I don't want to do something that will cause permanent damage and it occurred to me that there are people on these boards that will know just what to do.

Help!

[James K]

Hi, AC,

AFAIK, there is no secret on those pins, they are just a tight drive fit. Your best bet is to get a good punch and cut it to a stubby size (1/4" or so) to use as a starter. You can buy one thicker than the pin and taper it, but be sure to leave a flat end, not a pointed one. Start the pin with that stubby punch, then use a regular punch to drive the pin out the rest of the way. You need a good solid support and a place for the pin to go. For the few extra cents, I would buy a new pin along with the plunger, in case the original pin is too battered to use and look right.

Jim

[George Stringer]

Jim's advice is good as always. I have a set of nail starters that I ground flat. They are very sturdy and make reall good starter drifts for thost stubborn pins. George

[AC]

Thank you, gentlemen.