ScrapYard Armory

A BattleTech weblog

Mar-24-2008

Tutorial on Pinning

Pinning is a technique used to strengthen the bond between two part of a miniature, like an arm or leg. It involves drilling a hole in each side of the joint and inserting a pin between them. It gives the glue more surface area to adhere to as well as providing additional structure to the joint.

There are more than a couple written tutorials, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Or a video for that matter.

So I decided to make a quick video tutorial using a Warhawk mini that I’ve had lying around since Christmas. Enjoy.

Posted under Minis
  1. Saxywolf Said,

    I’ll have to find a short pin vise like that where the back spins as it looks easier to control.

    Just curious about some of the details:
    What kind of Krazy glue did you use and how long does it take to be workably dry/completely dry?
    How deep do you generally make the holes?
    What size drill bit and paper clip did you use?
    Do they have to be pretty close, or does filling the space with glue generally make up for it?

  2. Brian Said,

    The krazy glue is off the shelf instant variety.

    I make the holes as deep as necessary. That is, if I know I have a deep location to work with, such as a shoulder or hip, then I err on the side of caution and make it kinda deep. If I have a small piece to work with, such as an arm off a light ‘Mech, then I make it as deep as I can without going through.

    For the size, I usually drill into a bit of flash and test the size with the paper clip I’m using.

    They should be close for a better bond. But as I said in the video, I’ve already broke a few bits, so I’m actually using the next size up and it hasn’t given me any trouble.