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Type of pin stock
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2026 1:13 am
by Scale Military
So, Im going to be rehandling a couple knives soon, one, a tl-29. Problem is, the main pin that the blades ride on was misplaced when i disassembled it. Would brass or nickle silver pin/bar stock of a heavier diameter work?
And,cwhat would be a good diameter pin stock for adding the scales be?
Re: Type of pin stock
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2026 10:56 am
by glennbad
Depending on the TL-29, unless they're really old, they likely used Nickel silver or brass pins. Regardless, you can take thicker stock and sand it down to the proper size needed.
I don't recall off hand which pin size I use for TL-29, but most of them are similar, regardless of brand. What you don't necessarily want to do is use a larger size pin, where you have to drill things out. That can affect your action and how the spring and blade sit in the open and closed position. Try to get your pin size the same as the factory ones.
I'm not sure if that answers your questions. Good luck, and we like pictures!
Re: Type of pin stock
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2026 6:16 pm
by Scale Military
glennbad wrote: ↑Wed Jun 17, 2026 10:56 am
Depending on the TL-29, unless they're really old, they likely used Nickel silver or brass pins. Regardless, you can take thicker stock and sand it down to the proper size needed.
I don't recall off hand which pin size I use for TL-29, but most of them are similar, regardless of brand. What you don't necessarily want to do is use a larger size pin, where you have to drill things out. That can affect your action and how the spring and blade sit in the open and closed position. Try to get your pin size the same as the factory ones.
I'm not sure if that answers your questions. Good luck, and we like pictures!
Ahh, good to know! The tl is a camillus, so not to old. Yes, chuck the thicker stock in a drill and us a bit of sand paper to reduce the diameter to fit.
Re: Type of pin stock
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2026 2:38 am
by Reverand
For handle pins, I normally use 1/16" unless the original waa much larger.
You received great advice on the pivot pin: it needs to be the same as the original. If you have lost that pin, size a new one until it just fits snug through the bolsters. The hole in the blade is slightly larger than the hole in the bolsters.
Re: Type of pin stock
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 6:18 am
by orvet
I've got a bunch of TL-29s, and even a box of them that are parts and pieces. However I can't find any pins that I've cut off from the knives. So I did the next best thing I consulted my notes. The rocker pin and the tail pin of the TL- 29 is .081 to .085". My note says 085" but the wire size does vary a little bit. I use nickel silver or brass pins which are .081" and it works nicely as the rocker pin.
According to my notes the pivot pin is .095" (3/32") nickel silver unless it was an older one, (WW II era), then it is steel about the same size.
I hope this helps.
Re: Type of pin stock
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 12:14 pm
by OLDE CUTLER
And if you are working with a knife with steel bolsters, wire coat hanger material is a good choice. It is soft and peens well and once the coating is removed by spinning the pin with some sandpaper, it measures about .088".
Re: Type of pin stock
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 7:08 pm
by Scale Military
orvet wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 6:18 am
I've got a bunch of TL-29s, and even a box of them that are parts and pieces. However I can't find any pins that I've cut off from the knives. So I did the next best thing I consulted my notes. The rocker pin and the tail pin of the TL- 29 is .081 to .085". My note says 085" but the wire size does vary a little bit. I use nickel silver or brass pins which are .081" and it works nicely as the rocker pin.
According to my notes the pivot pin is .095" (3/32") nickel silver unless it was an older one, (WW II era), then it is steel about the same size.
I hope this helps.
Thanks for the information orvet!
Re: Type of pin stock
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 7:09 pm
by Scale Military
OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 12:14 pm
And if you are working with a knife with steel bolsters, wire coat hanger material is a good choice. It is soft and peens well and once the coating is removed by spinning the pin with some sandpaper, it measures about .088".
Ahhh, good to know!