Stuck rear toggle axle retaining pin

Jim P. · 03-10-2025, 03:39 PM

I am wondering if anyone might have some tips for removing a stuck rear toggle axle retaining pin. This is a DWM commercial toggle for a "project" Luger I am putting together. It appears to be all original/never altered. I want to swap out the numbered rear toggle piece for an un-numbered one I recently picked up at a show. I started just trying to tap the retaining pin out with a punch from the bottom/inside. No luck (no matter how hard a hit it). Then tried same from the top. Again, no luck. Then tried soaking it for a few days in Liquid Wrench (the type for rusted/stuck parts) and still no luck. Then tried a heat gun (really getting it super hot) and still no luck. If anyone has encountered this in the past, any tips to remove the pin without damaging the toggle itself are appreciated.

sdmark777 · 03-10-2025, 06:06 PM

Jim, our resident Luger Repair member is G.T. and recommended by many. If you search this Forum with "toggle retaining pin" you will find some posts relating to your question.

Per a prior G.T. post, "As for the small retaining pin, removal can range from a simple tap out with a ground down 1/16" punch, to removal by Laser!!! It is different every time, and it should be full length. but will most likely do the job even if compromised? If you want to, send me the toggle train and I will remove the old pin and install a new custom fit pin to cure the issue... Contact me at: gctomeks@msn.com".

G.T. is a great guy and can help you with your project if you need it. Good luck, Mark

Mac Cat · 03-10-2025, 06:08 PM

I am not clear about which pin you are trying to remove.
Can you show it on a diagram ?

Try putting it in the freezer over night.

aldo35 · 03-10-2025, 08:42 PM

Hi,
I think you need to remove #15 before you can slide to this axel # 14 pin.out. On my pistols they remove right to left.
aldo35

Jim P. · 03-10-2025, 11:51 PM

Yes. 15 on the diagram. I'll try the freezer technique as a last ditch effort before sending it off to Gerry Tomeks as Mark suggests.

03-10-2025, 06:08 PM	#3
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 744 Thanks: 2,132 Thanked 625 Times in 336 Posts	I am not clear about which pin you are trying to remove. Can you show it on a diagram ? Try putting it in the freezer over night. Attached Thumbnails

03-10-2025, 08:42 PM	#4
aldo35 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Northern GA Posts: 381 Thanks: 2,275 Thanked 165 Times in 83 Posts	Removing rear toggle Hi, I think you need to remove #15 before you can slide to this axel # 14 pin.out. On my pistols they remove right to left. aldo35

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03-10-2025, 03:39 PM	#1
Jim P. User Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Stuck rear toggle axle retaining pin I am wondering if anyone might have some tips for removing a stuck rear toggle axle retaining pin. This is a DWM commercial toggle for a "project" Luger I am putting together. It appears to be all original/never altered. I want to swap out the numbered rear toggle piece for an un-numbered one I recently picked up at a show. I started just trying to tap the retaining pin out with a punch from the bottom/inside. No luck (no matter how hard a hit it). Then tried same from the top. Again, no luck. Then tried soaking it for a few days in Liquid Wrench (the type for rusted/stuck parts) and still no luck. Then tried a heat gun (really getting it super hot) and still no luck. If anyone has encountered this in the past, any tips to remove the pin without damaging the toggle itself are appreciated.

03-10-2025, 06:06 PM	#2
sdmark777 User Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 295 Thanks: 703 Thanked 688 Times in 181 Posts	Jim, our resident Luger Repair member is G.T. and recommended by many. If you search this Forum with "toggle retaining pin" you will find some posts relating to your question. Per a prior G.T. post, "As for the small retaining pin, removal can range from a simple tap out with a ground down 1/16" punch, to removal by Laser!!! It is different every time, and it should be full length. but will most likely do the job even if compromised? If you want to, send me the toggle train and I will remove the old pin and install a new custom fit pin to cure the issue... Contact me at: gctomeks@msn.com". G.T. is a great guy and can help you with your project if you need it. Good luck, Mark

03-10-2025, 11:51 PM	#5
Jim P. User Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yes. 15 on the diagram. I'll try the freezer technique as a last ditch effort before sending it off to Gerry Tomeks as Mark suggests.