Tools To Get Pin Holes To Line Up

[Elite Armory]

Are there any tools that can help me get these damn drift pin holes to line up??? Taking apart and putting back together these old antique revolvers is not a problem EXCEPT for getting the holes to line up where the pins go back in. I swear I've just spent about an hour and a half trying to get a trigger guard pin back in and I still can't get it. I do think the holes are a little messed up and this isn't exactly the right pin but still, there has to be an easier way... or isn't there??? Please help

 

[chief38]

I do not know what gun you are working on, but sometimes using a punch through the hole aligning everything up - while inserting the pin from the opposite side works. In essence you are pushing the punch OUT with the pin, and so everything is lined up while doing so. Might need a third hand to hold the gun while you do this. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Chief38

 

[linde]

I've found a tapered drift works well to line things up . . . especially when there are multiple pieces to get lined up. The punch is generally larger at the tip so I've been known to grind one down into a slight taper for such use.

Russ

 

[tomcatt51]

Use a drill bit (shank end) slightly smaller than the pin to align the holes, then push it out with the actual pin. Grinding a taper/chamfer on the tip of the bit shank will help too if the parts are really being difficult.

 

[Elite Armory]

I do not know what gun you are working on, but sometimes using a punch through the hole aligning everything up - while inserting the pin from the opposite side works. In essence you are pushing the punch OUT with the pin, and so everything is lined up while doing so. Might need a third hand to hold the gun while you do this. Hope this helps.

I've used this method before and it works but this one is being really stuborn, I think it's been tweeked or someone tweeked them in the past since I know someones been in there because the pins are not original and some of the screws have been buggered. This method just isn't working this time. I think because I can't get the appropriate sized punch in the holes. I can only get the size punch that is one size down since it's going to take a bit of force to get the holes to line back up properly.

I've found a tapered drift works well to line things up . . . especially when there are multiple pieces to get lined up. The punch is generally larger at the tip so I've been known to grind one down into a slight taper for such use.

Will this also work based on the description of the holes above?

Russ

Use a drill bit (shank end) slightly smaller than the pin to align the holes, then push it out with the actual pin. Grinding a taper/chamfer on the tip of the bit shank will help too if the parts are really being difficult.

I haven't tried this one yet. I'll have to see what drill bits I have.

 

[Elite Armory]

I was thinking/hoping that there would be some tool kit to do this more easily.

If there was a set of pin sized rods that were fairly short, maybe 1.5" or so that were sharp on one end and cupped on the other end, I would think that would help a lot. Then you would be able to push the sharp end in, it would then line everything up, then follow it up with the pin pushing it out the other end. Because this piece would be small and light, the pounding of the pin back into the gun probably wouldn't make it just fall out like a punch would because of the punches weight. The cupped end would help guide the pin right behind it, especially on with the rounded pins that so many of the antique revolvers used. These would be made in sizes getting larger by .1mm or so in diameter.

Is there anything like this that exists?

 

[tomcatt51]

Is there anything like this that exists?

Yes in a way. Air or oil hardenable drill rod. Normally available in fractional, metric or number sizes. Cut it to length, shape as necessary and harden (if needed) to suit. I have some sizes sitting around but it's usually easier to go to the 1 - 60 drill set. If it's stubborn enough it looks like I'll trash the bit I wait and order a few more pieces of drill rod and make a job specific alignment pin.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Isn't there a certain type of pin used for this purpose, called something like a "slave pin?"

I know I've seen them used, which is done by using the "slave pin" to get things lined up then it, the "slave pin", is pushed out by the actual retaining pin when it's installed.

Not being a Gunsmith that may be all wrong, but I do know that I've seen pins used for that specific pupose and in the manner described.

 

[dant]

ogy, has it, thats what we always do/use, 'slave pn' is a short pin the next size down from the one you're trying to install, and NO, never POUND on them, thats what boogers up the holes for the next guy ( or the next time)
yes, if its all 'tight" then we use the Craftsman tapered punch set and you can at least "wiggle", control the hole alignment from the opposite side........

 

[Elite Armory]

Slave pins sound exaclty like what I need.

tomcatt51 - What you describe is basically making these slave pins right?

I currently live in an appartment so I don't have the room and access to much/any machining tools. Is there a set of slave pins I can purchase? If so, where?

If not, I guess I'll try the drill bit suggestion, that sounds like it may work as well but may not be quite as effective as the slave pins.

 

[tomcatt51]

tomcatt51 - What you describe is basically making these slave pins right?

Same thing, just a matter of what you call it. If you have a numbered drill set you can start with a small bit aligning the parts and work your way up to bigger ones until you can get the actual pin in place. The "hard way" of doing what you would do with a tapered alignment/slave pin.

 

[winddummy]

alinment tool

I've good luck using a Ice Pick or Scratch Awl to line them up, then use the pin from the other side to push it out.

 

[Hondo44]

The secret is to "brake" (slightly chamfer) the sharp edge of the hole in each of the parts the pin must go thru so your slave pin and/or actual pin can line up the parts as it contacts the hole of each part.

 

[Elite Armory]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I got it back in with a slave pin made out of a nail. I just cut the head off the nail and it worked like a charm!

I'm going to make a whole set of slave pins out of some cut and sharpened drill bits. They make things a WHOLE LOT easier.