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For years I've done all my pinning with brass rod, simply because "that's how it's done" and then I found comments here about using bits of paperclip. The traditionalist in me resisted at first, but I eventually relented and gave it a go.

It turns out, it works great, but I had trouble finding suitable drill bits, unless I bought sets of micro drill bits and that left me with a dozen or more sizes I'll never use.

As always, I figured I won't be the only one, so I've sourced some 1/32" (about 0.75mm) bits that are perfect for the job.

Like tyres and lingerie, it seems that price is inversely proportional to the quantity of material used, so they come out to $1.50 each, which seems a bit of a swizz, but seems to be a competitive price if anyone needs them?

http://www.themanufactorum.com/misc/index.htm

I did have to buy rather a lot to get the supplier to agree to just the one size, so let me know if you need multiples and we can work on a price!

Simon

Local hardware stores around here carry 3/64" drill bitz in packs of 2 for $3 CDN or so. That is the exact size of standard 'large' paperclips!

Likely have a chain in the USA that carries them too, if you don't want to go the internet way.

$1.50 sounds okay, but personally I just buy P3 pinning kits from Privateer Press. You can find them for under $4 from discounters and each kit includes 36" of brass rod and 2-3 drill bits of the corresponding diameter.

That's certainly a good deal - think I'll have to go back to my supplier and re-negotiate!

Just use a larger drill bit, put a dab of green stuff (or better yet the fast setting hardware store putty) in each hole and press the parts together with your pin in place. Presto! perfect fit. Of course putty isn't a good glue, so after it's set up a little bit pull your pieces apart and super glue it when they're hard.

Mine came from engineering supplies.

1 pack of 10 bits all the same size.

Need to get another one - the pack I got in 2004 has one left in it.

The GW hobby drill/pin vice comes with 5 drill bits the correct size for using paperclips.