As Pig Hunter posted, the general rule of thumb is left to right for removal. I always figure out which way the pin went in and reverse it to remove.
How to tell which way the pin went in? Forensics. Use magnification if the pins have domed ends which is the case for pre war hand ejectors; pins are flush polished beginning in the post WWII era.
You will usually see a tiny ring of upset metal around the pin at the exit end of the hole which is typically the left side, and no ring around the entrance to the pin hole, usually on the right side.
Reversing the pin's travel to remove, does not upset more metal; it passes back thru the hole that's already been stretched in one direction.
Reversing direction therefore makes removing the pin easier. Lubricating and marking the end of the pin for indexing it upon re-installing it in the same orientation also helps, especially with barrel pins. Always use a cupped tip pin punch of slightly smaller diameter than the hole.
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Jim
S&WCA #819
Last edited by Hondo44; 12-24-2018 at 05:40 AM.
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