Pivot questions?

smcfalls13

smcfalls13

Joined
Aug 5, 2005
Messages
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I ran a few searches for this, and didn't come up with the answer I needed.

I'm going to need 3/16" pivots for a project I'm working on, and I'd prefer them to be hardened steel, and I'd like to actually know what steel it is, so I know what I'm working with. Most of the pivots I see for sale are some unnamed steel, and that kinda bugs me. It could be anything.

It's for a Bali, so the pivots are going to take some abuse, so I need pivots that are heat treated to high hardness. Also, since they'll be used with bronze bushings(SAE 841) is there a optimal hardness? I assume that too hard will wear down the bronze faster, so I'm looking for any advice from those who know more than I do.

On the same token, what would be the optimal hardness for the tang pins as well, since they're subjected to repeated impact with the tang cups. It has to be hard enough to resist wear, but not hard enough that it shatters.

Any advice?
 
Scott,
If you are using bronze bushings, it does not matter if the pivots are hard or not. The bronze will wear before any type of stainless steel will.

On the tang pins, I use 300 series stainless steel. I see not need in using super hard tang pins. I would rather replace tang pins then handles.
Terry
 
If you are using 3/16" pivot pins, they will be able to take quite a bit of abuse to begin with. a high hardness, while nice, may not be necessary. As for the wear, any metal will wear on a softer metal, but the rate is more dependant on finish than hardness, a medium hard pin that is only finished to 220 grit will wear through a bronze bearing faster than a high hardness pin that is mirror polished. the rougher grit finishes can act like a file.

300 series pins should work well for the handle, if you are still concerned, 416 pins are stronger.

Good luck
Ken Nelson
Iron Wolf Forge
 
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