Alternative to roll pins

[DMAT]

So just like the snap rights are, roll pins annoy the hell out of me when used for drive axles.

Is there any good alternative that can just be bought. hopefully something cheap that i can buy in mass. so like a 1/16 x 3/8 solid pin.

I had been using some piano wire that was the right diameter and cutting them to size but i dont have the proper tools for cutting and they are just as bad as roll pins to do. I've also used some aluminum nails that i cut both ends off.

maybe im just not finding them or searching for the wrong item but im just not finding anything that works.

[jwscab]

look at mcmaster carr, they should carry solid pins in the right size.

you can also 'pre-squeeze' the roll pins some to give you a little bit of room, loosen them up so they lightly stay.

[DMAT]

yea....$10 for 100 of them is a lot better than associated price for 6.

[harvey]

I have had similar frustrations with roll pins, particularly for the 3/16 axles. (probably because I tried to use the stealth top shaft roll pins with axles; I think they're different sizes)
Anyway, what I do is drill the axle out to the next size up. (5/64") DON'T drill all the way thru, but almost. Just leave a short lip to secure the new roll pin. Now chamfer the end of the drill bit you just used to enlarge the axle, and then use a cut off wheel to cut the shank of the bit to the same length as a roll pin. Chamfer the cut end, and now you have a perfectly fitting pin.
Obviously this theoretically weakens the axle, so don't blame me if you bust one jumping yer house!!

[teman]

The new ti roll pins for 3/16 axles are pretty nice, I haven't broken any yet. # is 1654
http://www.teamassociated.com/parts/details/1654/

1654_md.jpg (29.13 KiB) Viewed 1672 times

1654_md.jpg (29.13 KiB) Viewed 1672 times