Question on Pin Spinners

[novice]

I picked up some drill rod and am going to have a go at making my own spinner set but have several related questions -

(1) What are the typical dome dimensions of the spinner? Does the dome diameter matter? Do you just make it an arbitrary size like 1/8" or 1/16" and only spin the head until you reach the size you need?

(2) The Schrade style spinner has 3 filed grooves. What purpose do they serve? As they are at the outside of the spinner diameter the don't do anything when you start to spin the pin so their function must come at the end of the spinning process. Is that correct?

[Bill DeShivs]

I only spin heads on knives that originally had spun pins.
I doubt that dome dimensions matter much, as long as there is a good head after spinning. The Schrade style tool cuts the handle material around the pin.
Spinning is used on production knives and my feeling is that it should not be used on most knives.

[novice]

I doubt that dome dimensions matter much, as long as there is a good head after spinning. The Schrade style tool cuts the handle material around the pin.

That makes sense. I noticed that some Schrade knives have a flat "rim" on the pin so that must be why.

Spinning is used on production knives and my feeling is that it should not be used on most knives.

Do you use a rivet set instead or just lightly peen it? I like the look of the domed head pin and a spinner seemed like a better approach than peening but I was guessing. I freely acknowledge possibly over-thinking prior to actually doing and greatly appreciate your comments on this.

Tom

[Bill DeShivs]

I use whatever method necessary to properly restore a knife.
Different tools to accomplish the goal at hand. Most "spun" rivets can be closely approximated by simple peening, then using a cupped punch to shape the head.

[novice]

I use whatever method necessary to properly restore a knife.
Different tools to accomplish the goal at hand. Most "spun" rivets can be closely approximated by simple peening, then using a cupped punch to shape the head.

Ah hah, light bulb goes off!



I was not considering your restoration and repair work as I asked the question only thinking how I would do it on a knife I want to make for myself.

Dawn breaks, thanks again.

Tom