Pin a bone handle

[Milt]

I did my first bone (Imistag) handle and encountered a problem pinning it. Specifically, one side chipped a little when I drove in the pin. It was difficult to drill the holes so they came out in a "grove" of the handle. I noticed that my Puma Pal has "washers" around the pins. I have never seen these "washers" on any websites. Does anyone know of a source for these, or have a tip for installing pins on bone?

Milt

 

[Dixieblade57]

A few things help! Annealing what you are using for pins (since you didn't mention what you are using, I can't recommend how)! Also making the hole a tad oversize and countersinking the hole slightly. The biggest problem comes from leaving too much pin sticking up and then while tring to peen it over the pin bends/doubles up in the hole causing stress on the bone.
My father used to rivet copper rivets with a homemade punch that the head had been dished or cupped, allowing for the rivet to mushroom out from under it as you bump it and move it at a slightly different angle. I have one I made from an old nail set that I use for knife handles.
I am sure a few others will chip in here with some more suggestions but, take your time and be very carful as you peen!

 

[Jack O'Neill]

The drilled holes have to be true and straight otherwise they are at an angle . trying to force the pin thru will alway crack or chip the bone . It even gets worse if each scale is at opposing angles .

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Annealing pins will make them soft, and they will bend, rather than peen. Holes should be straight, and very slightly countersunk. Use a very small (2 oz.) hammer and tap lightly, around and then in the center. Use wrist action only and let the hammer do the work. Make the pin about 1/8" longer than the thickness of the scales. File both ends square. Peen one side fully, and push/tap the pin into place. File off all but 1/16" of the opposing side, and lightly peen around the edges, and then in the center until the scales are tight.

 

[LRB]

Mark your hole position, and use a dremel with small round tip to grind out a pocket where the pin will go, then drill it.