Help me with my first knife..Press fitting pins?

[Entropy]

I bought some 3/16" dia heat treated stop pins for a folder and need to use them as the tang pins of a balisong.

I'm sending the blade out to be heat treated so I dont know if they can be added now or after the process. Would the pins even harden properly if added before the heat treat? The blade is ats34 and the pins are some sort of stainless, possibly 300 series.

I'm also wondering whats the best to press it in so these things stay in there for good. Ream the hole slightly smaller and just press it in? Maybe lube it or cool the pin and heat the blade a bit to get some thermal expansion?

Could use some help, thanks.

 

[Nixelplix]

I always put them in after the blade's heat treatment. You can set them with an arbor press, or just hammer them against an anvil (while in position in the blade) to make them squish out a bit. I've heard that technique isn't recommended, though, as it stresses the blade a bit. I've seen pretty cheap arbor press' at harbor freight, and it's such a simple device, I don't think they could screw it up.

 

[White Rabbit]

For a cheaper alternative you could also tap the holes and use threaded pins. And to mushroom pins I usually just clamp them in the corner of the vice with biggest handle in my shop ;P

 

[balibalistic]

If the pins are 300 series your good!! if they are hardened 400 it may be tough to press the pin in nicely. i would drill your tang pin holes out to a #14 drill then ream it to .1865. if pins are 300 series you can probably get away with reaming a couple thou smaller!