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Roll pin
- Thread starter Jeryray
- Start date
Jim Watson
New member
Hint: The actual diameter of a nominal 2mm roll pin is 2.1 - 2.19mm.
https://www.mcmaster.com/roll-pins
https://www.grainger.com/product/FABORY-Steel-Slotted-Spring-Pin-41KA36
https://www.mcmaster.com/roll-pins
https://www.grainger.com/product/FABORY-Steel-Slotted-Spring-Pin-41KA36
Those split pins are what roll pins are, as they are made from flat steel rolled over into the cylindrical pin shape. What shape are you thinking of? If it is just a solid pin, you can buy drill rod in 0.001" diameter steps and make your own. MSCdirect.com has it and McMaster has a fairly big selection. McMaster has some sizes already hardened that you can cut to shape with a Dremel cutoff wheel.
Jim Watson
New member
I linked spring (split) pins because that is all I have seen on a gun.
If you want spiral (roll) pins, McMaster and Grainger sell them, too.
If you want spiral (roll) pins, McMaster and Grainger sell them, too.
You might check local listings for "fasteners"
The sort of place that sells Grade 8 bolts and nuts and aircraft fasteners and such.
If you check MSC or E-bay or Amazon you might just find a box of 100 for a price low enough to not worry about the 99 spares.
I'd think,it would be under $5
Often buying a box of 100 of just about any small hardware (stainless screws and nuts,tee-nuts,etc) delivered to your door beats driving around paying $3 for a baggie of six.
Beware your eyeball might not see the subtle size difference between an inch and a metric size.
One more thing. Suppose you took a 1/4-20 allen head cap screw (or similar)
and ground the tip of the threaded end back 1/32nd of an inch or so.,as square as you can. That will get you nder the surface hardening ona cap screw.
Then take a drill bit just big enough your pin will slip easy into the hole,and drill into the end you just ground off maybe 1/3 the length of your pin. Or 1/2...it don't matter much.Its even OK if its off center. You do want the hole in line with the length of the screw. Obviously,a lathe will work.If your drill press vise has a vertical vee groove,great! OK,you can use a hand drill.Its just a screw.
The plan is making a roll pin starter punch that will hold your pin square and straight to the pin hole in your gun so you can get it started.
You can taper or shape the outside of the end of the screw/punch or drill the hole offset as you need to get the pin to the hole. Like,don't ding your slide.
I just don't do trying to hold a roll pin with fingers,tweezers,hemostats,etc any more.
Drill you a starter punch.
The sort of place that sells Grade 8 bolts and nuts and aircraft fasteners and such.
If you check MSC or E-bay or Amazon you might just find a box of 100 for a price low enough to not worry about the 99 spares.
I'd think,it would be under $5
Often buying a box of 100 of just about any small hardware (stainless screws and nuts,tee-nuts,etc) delivered to your door beats driving around paying $3 for a baggie of six.
Beware your eyeball might not see the subtle size difference between an inch and a metric size.
One more thing. Suppose you took a 1/4-20 allen head cap screw (or similar)
and ground the tip of the threaded end back 1/32nd of an inch or so.,as square as you can. That will get you nder the surface hardening ona cap screw.
Then take a drill bit just big enough your pin will slip easy into the hole,and drill into the end you just ground off maybe 1/3 the length of your pin. Or 1/2...it don't matter much.Its even OK if its off center. You do want the hole in line with the length of the screw. Obviously,a lathe will work.If your drill press vise has a vertical vee groove,great! OK,you can use a hand drill.Its just a screw.
The plan is making a roll pin starter punch that will hold your pin square and straight to the pin hole in your gun so you can get it started.
You can taper or shape the outside of the end of the screw/punch or drill the hole offset as you need to get the pin to the hole. Like,don't ding your slide.
I just don't do trying to hold a roll pin with fingers,tweezers,hemostats,etc any more.
Drill you a starter punch.
Last edited:
Aguila Blanca
Staff
Unclenick beat me to it, but I'll pile on for emphasis. Split pins are roll pins. Look at the group at the upper left of the page that McMaster-Carr link takes you to:Jeryray said:Thanks for the reply. I am looking for a roll pin.
Mcmaster and grainger show split pins. Not the same.
Slotted spring pins are also known as roll, tension, split, and expansion pins. Because the slot is pressed closed when the pins are inserted, they don't flex after insertion.
Jim Watson
New member
I assume the OP is looking at an existing pin and sees the spiral type. Strange, the only place I have seen them in a gun was a late war Nazi rule Polish Radom.
No matter, the same vendors sell both types.
No matter, the same vendors sell both types.
Jim Watson
New member
But do they fit the hole?
SGW Gunsmith
Moderator
I've been using both the "slotted spring pins" and the "coiled spring pins" for many years. If they didn't fit the designated hole, their worth would be "0".
For some firearms applications these "spring" pins have a very warranted use, especially with pin holes slightly over-size that allow pivot pins to drift right or left.
By nature of their action, these pins expand outward slightly when in place and do a tremendous job. Most all sizes manufactured are available at your local True-Value hardware store for change you can find in your couch.
For some firearms applications these "spring" pins have a very warranted use, especially with pin holes slightly over-size that allow pivot pins to drift right or left.
By nature of their action, these pins expand outward slightly when in place and do a tremendous job. Most all sizes manufactured are available at your local True-Value hardware store for change you can find in your couch.
Seven High
New member
I realize that I am late in answering this post but, My local Harbor Freight sells an assortment of roll pins for around $5.00 per container.