punch types

[fishblade2]

I was just wondering what the differences were between regular punches, staggered roll punches, roll punch starters and brass punches? All I know so far is that the roll punch is used on a certain type of pin that normal punches would ruin but I don't how to tell them apart? Do you have to buy a roll punch starter set along with the staggered roll punches?

With the brass punches how do they help at all? they tend to bend more but do they cause less damage?

So overall what are their purposes and how do you tell the difference between the pins so I know which ones to use? Thanks for all the help

 

[YankeeFlyr]

Flat (regular) punches have a...well...flat face and are good for solid pins.

Roll pin punches have a slight spherical projection on them to keep them centered on/in the roll pin.

Starter punches hold the roll pin to start them in the hole where you can't reach easily with your hands; I've never used them or actually seen them used.

Oh, a roll pin is sometimes called a spring pin...it is a narrow sheet of metal that has been formed (rolled) into a cylindrical shape. It's hollow in the middle and has a split down one side. It's springy and this action may be observed by squeezing with a tool.

You can use regular punches with roll pins (I did until recently) but use the right size punch to avoid it slipping inside the pin's I.D., and hold it really square to the end so you don't bugger up the end edges.

Brass punches are softer than steel so they are less likely to burr/mar pins and surfaces than a steel punch. I've never used them on guns; only to drive/drift bearing races in and out so that I didn't crack the hardened steel.

Brass punches are considered, often, to be sacrificial tools in some applications.

 

[mookiie]

Brass punches are preferred for dealing with firearms.

 

[Maj Dad]

Just remember you will get your best results using the right tool - I learned the hard way. Get yourself a good set of flat pin, roll pin and roll pin starter punches. There are several sources, and many opinions on the "best" brand, so check all the reviews if you're looking online. Brownell's is good source, and I know there are others I'm not familiar with, but make sure they are well-made. You usually get what you pay for...

 

[Jim K]

No one mentioned the cup end punches, made for use on pins with rounded ends as used on many older guns.

Brass punches are fine for work like driving dovetailed sights, but are useless for driving pins, as if the pin is at all tight, the brass punch will bend before it will do the job. Plastic punches are useful only for pushing out pins where there is zero resistance.

Jim

 

[hddriver1]

Hi all

Hi fishblade2,
Like YankeeFlyr said, roll pins are a hardened metal sheet rolled into a pin form with a split in the length of the pin. This is so the pin can collapse slightly as it is punched into a hole. A roll pin is a few thou. over the stated size. a 1/4" pin would then be like .256 or so and it compresses when punched in to make a tight fit. These are normally a one time use item. As far as purchasing a set of punches, like anything else, you get what you pay for. Starrett is the best. I work in as a power plant mechanic and have used a variety of pins, mostly roll pins, dowel pins, tapered dowel pins, whatever. Starrett makes an excellent brass and steel pin punches. Their brass ones will hold up to what the cheap metal ones can do.
Good Luck
Pat