MattR Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 Hello everybody. Just joined the forum and am something of a newby. Probably a silly question relating to cutting point motor extension pins down to size: I tried to use my Dremel to do this after installation, but sparks flew everywhere. I suspect I may have not had the revs on high enough, but it got me wondering how others trim their pins. I can't find any videos or info on this anywhere. Thanks, Matthew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 The pins are hardened steel, hence the sparks.Do not use Zuron track cutters or normal electrician side cutters, these will blunt at first use.I used a special pair of cutters with hardened cutting blades designed to trim hardened steel wire. The name of them escapes me at present, but I will edit this post with the name, if it comes back to me.EDIT: End Cutters [example below]https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/pliers-cutters/cat831008?plierscuttersproducttype=end_cutters&cm_sp=managedredirect-_-handtools-_-endcuttersThese "End Cutters" provide much higher cutting forces [due to their cutting blade pivot point & handle geometry] than normal "side cutters" thus less effort is needed to cut a pin, and if a decently made brand with hardened cutting edge, will not blunt.The big advantage of using "End Cutters" over other types, is that you can use them with the point motor fitted and the full length of the pin protruded through the point tie bar hole. No need to mark and cut pin away from the point, then have to struggle to line up a much shortened pin through the hole when working under the baseboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulleidboy Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 They're called Side Cutters - I have a pair which were used for cutting point motor pins. Depending on the size (thickness) of the blades, you can find that the pin could be a mm shorter than what you have left. Also when cutting the pin, the surplus pin will fly out like a bullet, so either wear goggles or once the cutter is in place, a cloth dropped over the pin will stop it flying away. They are available online or at most DIY stores and not expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim-R855 Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 I've been using a park tools CN-10 bike cable cutter which is built to cut gear and brake cables cleanly and makes short work of spring steel point motor pins. The blades are really thick which protects the cutting edge from damage, and they are shaped to draw the wire/pin to the centre of the blade so it can't slide out as it will if trying to use ordinary pliers. Probably a bit extravagent if you are only going to use them for point motor pins, but if you have a bike and do your own maintenance they are well worth having in the tool box. The offcut flies off quite violently so I recommend marking and removing the pin and holding it over a bin or pointing into a corner so you have some idea where it is going to end up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81F Posted February 18, 2022 Share Posted February 18, 2022 I put up with the sparks, Just wear something to protect your eyes and do it in short bursts so that the pin does not get too hot and make sure the sparks do not ignite anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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