Home made pin punches

[andrew butt]

hi
i was looking for an cheapish set of pin punches when i realised that i could just make them out of some high carbon steel on the lathe and heat treat them
i was wondering if anyone who owns a set of starret or simmilar pin punches could measure the lengths and diameters i would need to make a good set of punches
at the end i want them to look something like this

 

[RJSakowski]

I cheated and made the punch pins from drill blanks and the shank from hot rolled steel. The end of the shank was drilled to accept the drill blank and the drill blank was fixed in place with a few drops of super glue. They have held up very well to some heavy use.

 

[andrew butt]

i would have expected for the pin to just fall out and crack the clue the first time you hit them

 

[RJSakowski]

i would have expected for the pin to just fall out and crack the clue the first time you hit them

I have never had a pin fall out. I have broken a few pins over the years and I have to heat them to break the bond. I have been knwn to attack a 3/16" pin punch with a 3 lb. hammer. Super glue has a very high shear strength. As long as the pin is fully seated in the socket, it won't move

 

[wrat]

Why would you want Starrett dims? Make your own punches to fit your own hands. Then they'll be YOURS.
Full speed ahead. Take no prisoners. Copying is for the weak.

 

[andrew butt]

thankyou for the imput

 

[Nutfarmer]

The picture isn't that great. The over all length is 8 inches . The length of the main body of the punch is 4 and 1\2 inches. The diameter of the main body is probably 1\2 inch . The turned part of the main body is .440. Hope this gives you enough to go on

 

[Winegrower]

I just make what I need at the instant I need it, then return to stock.

 

[sycle1]

Great Idea!
I have a few that need new pins, the commercial ones break so easy.

 

[andrew butt]

thanks for the ideas
any more would be greatl appreciated