Thread: I would like opinions on this method of removing the pin/washers.

I have been mulling this over for a while and I would like the forums opinions on this idea. I think that the peened pins, and the washers could be removed using a soldering iron, if a sufficient temperature could be applied to the area without damaging the scales. What do you guys think?

Most of the pins are made of brass or other metals that are a lot harder than solder. I don't think a soldering iron generates enough heat to melt those metals. If it does get hot enough, it would scorch wooden scales or melt plastic ones. I assume there would also be a problem with melted metal spreading and solidifying on unwanted places.

It's a lot easier to use a file and / or a drill. I like to file pins flat then use a little eggbeater style hand drill to drill out the pins. Then use a punch to lightly force out stuck bits.

I don't know if I'd want to get that kind of heat close to the scales. I personally use a pair of flat cut jewelers snips.

Thank you guys, MinATX - I agree, I was thinking about it, and if celluloid can spontaneously combust ... well lol. I like your way of doing it, I tried to use a dremmel type cutting tool to whizz the top bit off and was not happy with what happened next. There is a tiny scratch on the scale from the washer popping off at such speed. I will try your method

Theseus, I have tried this but when the peened end is within a setting (like on my Wester Bros 34 De-Fi) I can't get cutters anywhere near close enough to cut. Thank you though That was why I was pondering the soldering iron idea.

Thanks guys. ALL ideas are welcome

Besides all the info in the Workshop sticky itself here is a thread on popping pins specifically

Some tricks to popping pins out...


Soldering iron IMHO would be a very bad idea

Hey Gssixgun, Yeah I read all that, there are some good ideas, I was just curious what people thought. I am the kind of guy who will try anything once, but I wasn't about to try this without first finding out if somebody else had tried it ... and second without other opinions. I think I have resigned this idea to the large scrapheap out back lol! If it were tried I see a small mound of melted (whatever) in the near future ... Thanks guys!

Lately, I just break the scales with a hammer. It's fast and I don't have to go through all the tension, worry, and pain that comes with trying to extract them undamaged.

Jesus Stimpy, I am still LMAO

Dont you know...hammers fix everything!

Since its tough to get a pin out whole. The idea of reusing the pins is a waste of time.

I certainly haven't done as many as Glen or some of the other guys but I have been using my Foredom with a 1/16" round head bur and grinding the pin down past the peen and it all pretty much falls apart. You can't save the pins but if your careful you can save the washers this way.

Ray