Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Ok Ok, I know there's a search tool, and I know somebody is gonna yell at me for not finding this answer, but its been a loooooong week, and I'm kinda drunk, so I figured I'd just come out and ask.

What do people use as pins when using the pinning technique? I watch a video on how to pin, and doesnt seem too hard, but it didnt explain what he used. I want to make this a full out hobby and do it right, I just need the proper techniques and materials now

straighten out a paper clip. Job done.

Paperclips mostly.

Different thicknesses are available for bigger jobs.

For really big jobs, I use 3mm brass rod (my Inquisitor scale Brother Artemis is pinned with this).

Brass rods of various sizes. I get them in "kits" from the warstore, comes with a bunch of rod and a couple drill bits of the right size for a few bucks.

Don't use hard steel pins. It is too hard to cut with pliers and you don't need the extra strength in the join.

I use Paper clips. For larger stuff I might do 1-3 pins per joint, rather than going after something thicker.

I buy a box of paper clips, take one to my local hobby shop, he has a caliper to measure them with and then I buy 3-4 of the correct sized bits from him for my pin vice.

paper clips, brass rod & flourists wire.

I use paperclips for the vast majority of pinning. Brass rod is probably better from a purely mechanical standpoint, but I've never had problems with the clips. For the odd times you need very small pins you might try beading wire, which you can get at a craft store.

Echo on the paper clips. Get a box from your supply closet at work and you are all set. Get the a box of the small and larger ones so you can pin models requiring different sized pins.