1/16 inch steel dowel pins

[aragorn]

Where do I get them? I ran out and have tried all my local hardware stores, with no success. I know I could go to a specialist stock dealer but was wondering if I'm missing something.

TOW insists we should be using 3/32", which they stock, but I've used 1/16" for my project so far and would rather stick with it now, if I can find more!

What's the expert opinion on 1/16 vs 3/32?

What about using nails and cutting off the ends??

All advice much appreciated.

 

[Erzulis boat]

You can get commercially available taper pins all the live long day.
They taper 1/4" per foot and are rated by large end diameter. They come in various lengths, and then are specified in small end diameter in relation to length. Tapered drills are available, but run about $40.00 at least.
Below is a table.

SIZE/LARGE END DIA./SMALL END DIA/LENGTH

6/0 .078 .052 1.250

5/0 .094 .068 1.250

4/0 .109 .083 1.250

3/0 .125 .099 1.250

2/0 .141 .110 1.250

Etc. Etc. They come in different lengths, but 1.250 will handle just about all your pinning needs.
Cost? About $12.00 for 50.
Composition? 12L14 Steel.
Hardness? Rockwell B85 (Easy to work!)
Coated? Nope!
What happens if I forget which side I did it from 10 years from now? Or I sell it? Catastrophe!
I actually use straight pins, but I threw this in for the sake of builders that prefer taper pins.
On my next build however, I will probably go with tapered pins, they are nice!

 

[LRB]

Any good hardware store, or hobby shop, should have tempered spring wire. It is commonly called music wire. It comes in 1/16" and up to 1/4". I use 1/16", and often, 5/64", which is the next step up. 3/32" is a tad large for my tastes. I have just about stopped using the 1/16", because with 5/64", there is less chance of the drill bit wandering, and it is still small enough to not stand out. 3/32" will be much more noticable.

 

[CrackStock]

automotive pop rivet -- the Turpin solution!

CS

 

[Zonie]

I totally agree with wick.

The 5/32 wire is available at some hardware stores and most hobby shops.
The drills are available at almost all hardware stores.

It is 56% stronger than the 1/16, the drills don't wander off course as easily as the 1/16 and a 1/16 diameter pin/wire works for a knockout pin which does not enlarge the hold in the stock.

 

[aragorn]

Thanks everyone. I'll try calling round for tempered spring wire. I agree that 3/32 looks big after you've got used to 1/16, and so far I haven't had problems with 1/16 drill bits wandering significantly (touch wood ...!)

 

Strider, I use 1/16th" drills to make the hole and I use 1/16th" copper coated welding wire for the pins for barrels, triggerguards and rampipes etc. I use a 1/16th" pin punch to knock them out with. I have used this system for many years with good success. No enlarged holes and no rusted in the wood pins.
Don

 

[aragorn]

I just made some nice pins from 1/16th diameter inch smooth nails, 1 and 1/4 inches long, cutting off the ends with my Dremel and filing. I think these will fit the bill nicely for what I need right now (ramrod pipe pins), but I'll look into stocking up for my next build using the sources suggested here. Thanks!

 

[Bookie]

I use plain ol' drill rod from Brownell's in Montezuma, Iowa for all pins on my East Tennessee hog rifles. fore the past 20 years. It comes in about 18" lengths. 1/16" for thimbles and 3/32" for the barrel and sometimes trigger guards. Have never used a tapered pin in over 30 years of professionally building. Cheers, Bookie

 

[Zonie]

I did forget to mention that I do use 1/16 music wire for the Ramrod Pipes and trigger guards. :grin:

 

[B.Habermehl]

5/64 dia music wire is my favorite. It is available at most hobby shops that cater to the R/C model airplane crowd. Mail order it from tower hobbies or sig manufacturing. The only drawback is that it is best cut with a abraisive cut off wheel. BJH

 

[bob1961]

i've found a good source fer pins in any size ya guys are looking fer....go to a craft shop and git some stiff wire rods that are used fer model RC airplane tire axles....i git them fer my blow gun.........bob