Opinel pivot pins?

mykel m · Apr 16, 2014

Hey Opinel moders,can someone tell me what size pin stock to buy for replacing the pins on #6,7 & 8 Opies?
I'm wanting to make some handles out of wood & antler, but not until I have replacement pins on hand.
I found out the hard way that reusing the original ground down pin is a no go,(not enough left to peen) & trashed it before measuring it with my calipers.

While I like my "poor man's stag" I really want to do a handle in real antler.

Any tips on getting a good rounded pin head that'l index in the grove in the lock ring would be appreciated also.
Thanks in advance,
Myke

Bill DeShivs · Apr 16, 2014

Use common nails. File them to the proper diameter by chucking them in a drill. Make the pins fit the hole in the blade.

mykel m · Apr 16, 2014

Bill DeShivs said:
Use common nails. File them to the proper diameter by chucking them in a drill. Make the pins fit the hole in the blade.

Too simple man!
Thanks Bill,I'll give it a try.(I'm thinking a finishing nail,so I can shape the head to fit the collar.)

willis · Apr 16, 2014

That Opinel pictured in your post is a beauty.

mykel m · Apr 18, 2014

willis said:
That Opinel pictured in your post is a beauty.

Thanks willis, not as nice as real antler though the wood is warm in hand.

wwells20 · Apr 18, 2014

That is one of the nicer looking Opies I have seen. :thumbup:

mykel m · Apr 18, 2014

wwells20 said:
That is one of the nicer looking Opies I have seen. :thumbup:

Thanks dubaya,but look here if you haven't & you'll see plenty more nice Opi mods,especially the last one by Tinbasher.

Rich S · Apr 18, 2014

Mykel -

Love your wood "stag". On my way to the basement and my Dremel and
some stain as soon as I log off. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Rich

richstag · Apr 18, 2014

This is exactly what I did too.

Bill DeShivs said:
Use common nails. File them to the proper diameter by chucking them in a drill. Make the pins fit the hole in the blade.

liamstrain · Apr 18, 2014

richstag said:
This is exactly what I did too.

Pretty sure it's not far off from what Opinel does too. :/

G. Scott H. · Apr 18, 2014

Bill DeShivs said:
Use common nails. File them to the proper diameter by chucking them in a drill. Make the pins fit the hole in the blade.

I've done the same with brass rod from the hardware store. Another of the benefits of Opinel's "low tech" construction. :thumbup:

okto · May 13, 2014

mykel m said:
While I like my "poor man's stag" I really want to do a handle in real antler.

What did you do to the lock ring? I like that finish a lot.

mykel m · May 15, 2014

okto said:
What did you do to the lock ring? I like that finish a lot.

Thanks okto,I like the subdued look too.
I soaked the ring for a minute or so in Radio Shack PCB Enchant Solution.