Mechanic's expertise needed

[NJC]

What about buying 1/16" solid brass rod and crimping each end with pliers?

 

[moribundman]

I'm afraid crimping will look a tad crude. The brass rods that I can buy are hardened and may be difficult to crimp without going gorilla.

I found a very small arbor press that I probably should get anyway.

 

[alreadygone]

How about using the brass rod, as memtioned, and building a punch out of mild steel with the desired shape of the brass rod drilled,filed, etc into the end of the steel punch so that when set on end of brass rod and tapped, it forms brass as desired? Also possibly annealing the brass ends to soften them before tapping?

bob

 

[Shannow]

bob, a far less winded tale than mine, but pretty much what I'd do/attempt/mess up.

...forming the ends will work harden that bit, although the pin may "crank" if bumped hard, as the middle will be pretty soft.

 

[moribundman]

Thanks for all the input, everyone! I'll test a few methods.