Pin stock?

[Jeffrey]

What is the best way to find out what size brass pin stock I need? I heard the best way is to use a caliper? Thanks!

[Owd Wullie]

Got a drill index? Use the shank of a drill and see what fits.

Unless you've already got your pin stock and no holes to put it in. Then I'd use a micrometer on the pin stock and find a drill bit that was just real close to the same size.

[Darksev]

I picked up a pair of "General" brand calipers at lowes for pretty cheap. damn handy things to have for checking pin sizes and whatnot.

[orvet]

I use a General caliper for measuring pin stock and other rough measurements, but sometimes a more accurate measurement is required & I use a more accurate caliper.

I have found that pin stock will vary a few thousands of an inch between suppliers and even between batches from the same supplier. I find it is best for me to use a micrometer on them if I have trouble getting them to fit. Sometimes I will use a number drill that is a couple thousands larger than the fractional size to enlarge the hole to get an oversize pin to fit without cracking a bone handle. If I am putting it through hardened steel, like a blade pivot pin hole and the pin is too large, I will sand the pin down to get it to fit properly.

Hope this helps,
Dale

[Owd Wullie]

On another note, I used to carry my micrometers to the place where I bought my drill bits. I checked every 1/8th bit before I bought it. Amazing how much drill bits can vary in size as well.