Pin Punches
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About Pin Punches
Pin punches are essential precision hand tools designed to drive out pins, rivets, and fasteners from mechanical assemblies without damaging surrounding components. Featuring a straight, parallel shaft that maintains consistent diameter along its length, these punches allow for accurate alignment and controlled force application when removing stubborn pins from machinery, hinges, and various mechanical fixtures. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of pin punches from trusted manufacturers including Sealey, Draper, Priory, and Faithfull, available as individual tools or convenient sets.
Unlike standard centre punches or drift punches, parallel pin punches maintain their diameter throughout the striking length, preventing the tool from following through the hole once the pin has been displaced. This design makes them indispensable for automotive work, engineering tasks, and general maintenance where precision and control are paramount. MyToolShed offers both standard and long series variants in metric and imperial sizes to suit different applications and workspace constraints.
Applications
Pin punches are used extensively across various trades and industries:
- Automotive mechanics - removing brake pins, suspension components, and door hinge pins
- General engineering - dismantling machinery and removing roll pins from assemblies
- Agricultural engineers - maintaining farm equipment and removing pivot pins
- Plant maintenance - servicing industrial machinery and production equipment
- Bicycle mechanics - removing chain pins and derailleur components
- DIY enthusiasts - furniture repairs, gate hinges, and general household maintenance
- Gunsmiths - field stripping firearms and removing retaining pins
Choosing The Right Pin Punches
When selecting pin punches from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these important factors:
Size range: Sets typically include sizes from 1mm to 8mm or imperial equivalents. Consider the pin sizes you'll encounter most frequently - automotive work often requires 3mm to 6mm, whilst machinery maintenance may need larger sizes.
Length: Standard length punches suit most applications, but long series variants (typically 150-300mm) provide extended reach for recessed pins or deep assemblies where standard tools cannot access.
Material quality: Look for hardened and tempered carbon steel construction for durability. Professional-grade punches from brands like Priory and Draper Expert offer superior wear resistance for regular use.
Head design: Flat head designs are standard, whilst round head variants reduce the risk of mushrooming under repeated hammer strikes, extending tool life.
Sets versus individual tools: Sets offer better value and ensure you have appropriate sizes readily available, whilst individual punches allow replacement of commonly used or damaged sizes.
Safety Information
Always wear appropriate safety glasses when using pin punches to protect against metal fragments or pins that may fly loose under impact. Ensure workpieces are securely clamped or supported to prevent movement during striking. Inspect punches regularly for mushroomed heads or damaged tips - dress with a grinder if necessary or replace worn tools. Use an appropriately sized hammer (typically a ball-pein or engineer's hammer) and strike squarely to avoid glancing blows that could cause injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a pin punch and a drift punch?
Pin punches have a parallel shaft maintaining consistent diameter, ideal for precise alignment when starting to remove pins. Drift punches taper slightly, making them better suited for initial loosening work but less accurate for following through holes.
Can I use pin punches for centre marking?
No, pin punches are not designed for marking work. Use a proper centre punch with a tapered point for creating indentations in metal before drilling.
How do I prevent damage to the punch head?
Strike squarely with controlled force, and regularly dress mushroomed heads with a bench grinder. Consider round head designs which naturally resist mushrooming better than flat head variants.