Any port in a storm!

G.T. · 07-09-2021, 12:00 AM

Hi To all, I just finished up assembling a couple of toggle trains for future builds and I always try to find as nice of toggle link pins that i can, for the best fit, and as a result, best headspace possible!
Believe it or not, the worst part of the whole rebuild process is the removal, and re-installation of the middle toggle pin retaining pin. That nasty little one that you tap in on the LH toggle knob!...

.... I've found that a small nail set is the best choice for removal, but generally, the pin is destroyed and not reusable in any circumstance?
So, we have to make a pin! Sounds easy, but for some reason, it's a real challenge most of the time.
The print says, that the pin dia. is 1.5 MM or .0595" ok, try to find that at the hardware store! Plus, the hole is often slightly over for God knows why, and it adds to the problem because in this quest, .0005" is a big deal.. So, here is what i do. I first take a measurement of the hole with wire gauge drill bits, or sometimes, even a 1/16" bit will give you enough info to go forward. After you measure the hole, you can then take a small length of 01 or W1 drill rod close to the correct dia. (probably 1/16") and cut off about an inch. grind the ends flat, and chuck into a drill and using 220 W/D sandpaper sand a slight taper onto the drill rod end, all the while test fitting into the toggle retaining pin hole. Once you get about an 1/8" insertion, you can cut the pin end off and grind it to .270" in length... You should now be able to tap it in flush and hopefully if done correctly, tight!

Good luck, best to all, til....lat'r....GT...

07-09-2021, 12:00 AM	#1
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,500 Thanks: 1,318 Thanked 3,627 Times in 999 Posts	Any port in a storm! Hi To all, I just finished up assembling a couple of toggle trains for future builds and I always try to find as nice of toggle link pins that i can, for the best fit, and as a result, best headspace possible! Believe it or not, the worst part of the whole rebuild process is the removal, and re-installation of the middle toggle pin retaining pin. That nasty little one that you tap in on the LH toggle knob!....... I've found that a small nail set is the best choice for removal, but generally, the pin is destroyed and not reusable in any circumstance? So, we have to make a pin! Sounds easy, but for some reason, it's a real challenge most of the time. The print says, that the pin dia. is 1.5 MM or .0595" ok, try to find that at the hardware store! Plus, the hole is often slightly over for God knows why, and it adds to the problem because in this quest, .0005" is a big deal.. So, here is what i do. I first take a measurement of the hole with wire gauge drill bits, or sometimes, even a 1/16" bit will give you enough info to go forward. After you measure the hole, you can then take a small length of 01 or W1 drill rod close to the correct dia. (probably 1/16") and cut off about an inch. grind the ends flat, and chuck into a drill and using 220 W/D sandpaper sand a slight taper onto the drill rod end, all the while test fitting into the toggle retaining pin hole. Once you get about an 1/8" insertion, you can cut the pin end off and grind it to .270" in length... You should now be able to tap it in flush and hopefully if done correctly, tight! Good luck, best to all, til....lat'r....GT...