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So I was looking through the P&M forums, but I can't find any tutorials or anything on pinning. So I do apologize if there is already such a thread or tutorial or what-have-you and I have indeed missed it.

Anyways, I was just wondering what is/are the best material(s) to use for pinning? Currently, I am using standard paper clips, and they seem to work fine for me (other than me accidentally cutting them too long, then trimming them too short ). However, I have noticed in various WIPs that when people pin, they're definitely not using paper clips, at least not the majority. What, in the general consensus' opinion, is the best material to use for pinning?

Paperclips are commonly available, and frequently match at least one drillbit size.

They are steel, so reasonably strong for the diameter.

I use them for small things. Larger things (that have the thickness) get pinned with brass rod (up to 3mm) - like my Brother Space Marine (from Inquisitor).

chromedog wrote:Paperclips are commonly available, and frequently match at least one drillbit size.

They are steel, so reasonably strong for the diameter.

I use them for small things. Larger things (that have the thickness) get pinned with brass rod (up to 3mm) - like my Brother Space Marine (from Inquisitor).

+1

Head to a model railway shop, they have brass rods of all sizes. You can grab a few packs of varying diameter to pin with. You pretty much need to find the right sized drill bit for the rod more than anything, making sure it fits the hole, but snuggly. Then if you are really concerned, chuck a little green-stuff in for good measure, the rod will hold it in place while it cures, and once it does, combined with the rod, you are golden.

Privateer Press makes a series of pinning sets of differing thicknesses - basically brass rod in whatever size and (most importantly!) two drill bits of a suitable size.

Well there ya go!

I use paper clips, dress making pins, brass rod & florist's wire.
I depends on 1, what's on hand & 2, will it fit in the hole I just drilled!
I like florist's wire as it's made from a softer steel so doesn't damage the clippers as quickly as the other materials & if you're holes are at a slight angle or don't quite line up properly, a bit of elbow grease will push the bits together.

Another +1 for the p3 kits, you get the right size rod and the right size bit everytime. If your useing a paperclip or other rod not made specifically for pinning make sure you run a peice of sand paper or a file over it as most other metals are coated with something.

I use stripped copper wire. Just because I have a lot of it.

I use paperclips for everything. Frequently my drill holes are bigger but I stuff them with epoxy putty to fill the gaps (not GS, the fast setting hardware store kind)

Thanks for the replies guys. I use the GW drill, and like BrotherJulian, my holes are slightly bigger than the paper clips. However, I usually just push some super glue into the hole with said paper clip and I find it works just fine. Again, thanks for all the quick replies.

And Vulcan, thanks very much for the specifics. I'll definitely have to look into possibly getting one of those.

Cheers!