Pin Gauges

david s

Well-Known Member
I was reading the "Sizer Dies" thread and was wondering. Does anyone know of a source for inexpensive pin gauges? The .25 inch to .50 sizes. Since most everything went CNC they have pretty much disappeared. Didn't want to hijack the thread.
 

RicinYakima

High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Yep, and they are pretty good. I bought my set maybe 20 years ago, from China in the same red box.
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Unless you do something stupid they are a lifetime purchase.
Just make sure you get the minus set.
 

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
What Brad said....but mine are in a wooden box from Enco, cost a bit less because I bought
them about 15 years ago.

Bill
 
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Pistolero

Well-Known Member
Once you lift up a set the seem even more of a deal. 249 very precise pins about 2" long each.

32 cents each.

Bill
 

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
I have that same set, and the .060" to .250" pin set as well. 12 years ago (roughly) both sets were $140 or so.
 

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
Yes, I bought the small set, too. MUCH smaller box and much lighter. Very handy on checking
pin hole sizes in certain items.

Bill
 

S Mac

Sept. 10, 2021 Steve left us. You are missed.
I thought they would be nice to have but the full set is out of my play budget. Too bad you can't just buy them by the piece, a few sizes.
 

Pistolero

Well-Known Member
I think you can buy individuals pins somewhere, but don't know the source.

I will warn you that you will tend to use other sizes than you think. For example. A friend
has a .44 S&W with accy issues. Pulling the barrel failed (!!!!!!) even with proper wrenches,
was risking frame damage, it is so darned over torqued. So, we are fire lapping. I selected
the pin gauge that would go down the bbl (which is how you find thread restrictions, too) and
we took it with us as we shot the abrasive charged bullets. We checked periodically to see if
the constriction was gone yet.

That pin for his gun is .418. So not only do you want the likely throat sizes, say .427 to .433 for .44
guns, but you need from about .417 to .421 for checking for thread choke, all in .44. Do the same
for .357 caliber guns, and .45 caliber guns.......you can see where this is going.

Plus, I think the individuals are a few dollars each (not sure) where the set works out to 3 for a dollar.

Whatever fits your needs and budget best.

Bill
 
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Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
I am sure MSC sells them indivuay but they get spendy fast.
I have used over 1/2 of the pins in my set
 

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
Bill Pistolero nailed it as far as getting the whole set goes. I haven't used half of the pins in my sets, but I have used close to 1/3 of them to date.
 
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Rick

Moderator
Staff member
I agree, get the entire set. I've used maybe 1/4 to 1/3 of them in my set. They aren't an often used tool but when ya need one they sure are the ticket and if ya try buying a bunch of individuals sure enough the next one ya need is one ya don't have.
 

smokeywolf

Well-Known Member
Many machinist tools are like a fire extinguisher. Not worth a damn until you have a fire, but when you need that fire extinguisher or that one tool, nothing else will do.
 

david s

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the lead. I look on the internet about a year ago and everything was a hundred plus. This is something that I figured could be found locally at pawn/second hand stores or even a used tool store we have in town. Nada, there just doesn't seem to be any interest. Even have an acquaintance who is my in at the local Goodwill. Asked him to give me a heads up if any showed. Nothing, so it looks like it will be ordered over the computer. Thanks again
 

Wiresguy

Active Member
A set of pin gauges and a chronograph were two things that I finally got around to purchasing, later asking myself - Why did I wait so long?