Quick Question on Pin Size

[Fisher Cat]

I'm doing a blade reduction on a Rough Rider Copperhead. I have it all apart and its (otherwise) in like new condition. Looks like the original pins were 2.5 mm dia. and I have 3/32" dia. nickel silver pins. Basically, the pins I have are .005" smaller than original. I intend to peen the hell out of them, but am not sure if they will grow that much in diameter.

I also have some 3/16" nickel silver pin stock and a small lathe, so I CAN turn that down to 2.5mm.

Looks like it will be a great little knife when its done, so I don't want to take a shortcut if it will effect the final result. Will the smaller diameter stock "grow" enough, or should I turn down the larger stock?

Thank you for your opinions! - John

[Bill DeShivs]

Never try to swell pin diameter by peening.
Put the larger stock in your lathe, and FILE it to size.

[Fisher Cat]

Thank you Bill! You are right that a file and sandpaper are required (on my machine anyway) to get a decent finish and avoid tapers. I am currently at .002” oversize on the first pin.

So far, this is much nicer than trying to fix an old, beat up knife. At $15, you can’t go wrong. I’ll try to post some pictures when it’s done. - John