Lyman 450: how to keep pins from backing out

[hornady308]

The Lyman 450 has two large pins that hold the handle and ram together. On the attached photo you can see that the pins have a head on one end and are held in place by small cotter pins on the other side. However, my 450, which was apparently made around 1970 and came to me used, has pins with no provision for a cotter pin. So, the pins tend to work themselves loose every few minutes. It's not a big deal, but it is sort of annoying. I can think of several ways to solve the problem: drill holes and insert cotter pins or split rings, thread the pins for lock nuts, cut grooves for E or C retaining rings, etc. Just thought I'd ask for any simple solutions. I am not a machinist, but do have access to a 267200drill press and lots of files. Thanks

[metricmonkeywrench]

Mine must be newer, it has bolts with washers and lock nuts

[smithnframe]

I have one with cotter pins. I'd just get the proper size bolt with a lock nut and a washer!

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello hornady308,

The push nuts kept falling off on mine also, I installed a Shoulder Bolt with Nyloc Nuts.

AntiqueSledMan.

[rancher1913]

you can also pick up a "push cap" that has teeth inside so when it gets pushed on a shaft it stays. you can still remove it and no damage is done to the shaft, but it does take a good pair of pliers to pull it off. the bolt and nylock would probably be better.

[hornady308]

It turns out that some small rubber O-rings I had on hand work great for holding the pins in place. Problem solved.

[onelight]

It turns out that some small rubber O-rings I had on hand work great for holding the pins in place. Problem solved.
Nice simple solution.

[JoseBob]

Nice simple solution.

I have the same model. No cotter pins or threads. My solution was triple wrap a small rubber band around the pins. I did not have the O rings. Guess it serves the same purpose...Bobby

[GONRA]

GONRA sez AntiqueSledMan's bolt looks the best to me!