Knurling a pin?

[MT Gianni]

I have recently picked up a revolver that has a couple of loose pins. I am considering knurling the right end of the pin [drives right to left with the bbl downrange] but don't know how other than reefing on it with vicegrips. Is this a viable option and is there a better way other than redrilling everything and installing an oversize pin?

[John Taylor]

A drop of blue Loctite may work to hold it in place. Vice grips would most likely work also.

[reed1911]

Depending on the pin hardness you could use two files, but it would have to be soft and you need a lot of weight or use a vise. You can also get an over sized pin for it or make one. The later being the first route I would take.

[Cap'n Morgan]

Put a slight bend on the pins. Nothing drastic, just enough to keep them from moving out.

[DLCTEX]

Stipple the pin with a center punch.

[MT Gianni]

The current pin is a roofing nail. I am looking for some 1/8" stock to make one with before I grind down a #30 bit. Thanks for the ideas. It is a hammer pin for a High Standard revolver so to me stipiling make more sense than a bend, The loose lower pin could do with a slight one tho.

[smokeywolf]

I have a considerable collection of hardened and stainless dowel and taper pins. I would be interested in learning what the dimensions might be of your needed pin.

smokeywolf

[MT Gianni]

.125" x .900" is what I am going for.

[Rifle 57]

Try a bolt supply store or a hardware store and see if they have some dowel pins that size.Or you could buy a .125 drill bit and grind off the shank they are about an inch long??

[smokeywolf]

.125" x .900" is what I am going for.

Want stainless or case hardened standard .125 dowel pin? I'm 90% sure I have both. Will grind to .900 length and send it to you.

smokeywolf

[MT Gianni]

PM sent.

[smokeywolf]

PM replied to.

[FLHTC]

Go to a garage or shop that has a stick welder and pick up some arc rod nubs in 1/8". You can probably find plenty

[Dutchman]

Put a slight bend on the pins. Nothing drastic, just enough to keep them from moving out.

My method:

Lay a round pin on a flat surface like an anvil.

Smack pin once with hammer. This creates a less-than-round pin that will now fit tight in a round hole.

Dutch

[oldred]

Big thumbs up to Smokeywolf!!!!!!!

[country gent]

Simplest way would be a small prick punch and light hammer lightly stiple pin in 4-6 rows the length wanted and them lightly polish to remove sharp edges and leave at the desired size. A dowel pin sounds good but is very hard normally and would punch up very well. A pin 3.5 mm is .137 dia or +.012 allowing it to be polished to fit snugly.

[Junior1942]

My method:

Lay a round pin on a flat surface like an anvil.

Smack pin once with hammer. This creates a less-than-round pin that will now fit tight in a round hole.

DutchThe man is a genius.

[bangerjim]

Back to the OP question.......yes you can knurl a pin. I do it all the time. Smashing it is a poor man's quick fix, but if you really want a knurl, buy or make a 3 roller knurling tool. Simple to make. I have two pro ones that can be use in the lathe (not required) or in a vise to knurl anything round from ~3/32 to almost an inch in diameter.

Most people think knurling is done with a single wheel tool in a lathe tool post and a ton of pressure pushing in on the stock. NOT!

PM me if you want a quick drawing on how to make one.......and do it the RIGHT way!

bangerjim

[smokeywolf]

Also, right speed, feed and lots and lots of flood coolant to wash particulate away so it doesn't get embedded in your part.

smokeywolf

[Pavogrande]

I'll go with the dutchman --

[bangerjim]

I'll go with the dutchman --

That is one way to solve a problem. But when you have ever power and hand tool known to man like I do ( and many custom-made one-of-a-kind), I do it the professional right way the 1st time.

But use whatever gets you out of a bind.

banger

[smokeywolf]

Not everyone has a couple of garages full of tools and machinery. bangerjim is blessed to have that and more. Me, not quite so blessed, but still more than most.

Knurling, deforming a pin in pursuit of making it not fall out of a round hole in your otherwise precision firearm is fine as long as you acknowledge that it is a temporary fix, a bandaid. Replacing a part in your rifle or pistol with another that does not measure up to or surpass the original design specs, both weakens and cheapens it.

I was pleased to be able to provide this very small bit of help to MT Gianni. Being able to assist and get assistance from one another is one of the best features of the CB Forum.

smokeywolf