stuck pin

A

AC

New member
I have a simple question on a pin I cannot remove from a Ruger Blackhawk hammer.

The hammer plunger broke on me. So I need to drift out the pin that holds it to replace the plunger. This one is in incredibly tight. I bent a steel drift punch. Then I tried tapping it out with a couple of small nails that bent.

I pondered holding a torch on it but was leary of changing the temper. But I did light two consecutive wooden matches and heated it up like that. Then I took a Lee decapping punch that is very rugged and went after the pin. No luck. This however is starting to dimple the end of the pin.

I don't want to do something that will cause permanent damage and it occurred to me that there are people on these boards that will know just what to do.

Help!
 
Hi, AC,

AFAIK, there is no secret on those pins, they are just a tight drive fit. Your best bet is to get a good punch and cut it to a stubby size (1/4" or so) to use as a starter. You can buy one thicker than the pin and taper it, but be sure to leave a flat end, not a pointed one. Start the pin with that stubby punch, then use a regular punch to drive the pin out the rest of the way. You need a good solid support and a place for the pin to go. For the few extra cents, I would buy a new pin along with the plunger, in case the original pin is too battered to use and look right.

Jim
 
Jim's advice is good as always. I have a set of nail starters that I ground flat. They are very sturdy and make reall good starter drifts for thost stubborn pins. George
 
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