pin vise question

Mine has two different 'collets'. One for larger bits, and the other for smaller bits. Here's a couple of things to check:
- twist the end off of the pinvise so that the 'collet' comes out. Pull it out and see if there's another end on it. If so, it likely has a smaller end on it that is used for smaller bits. Reverse it in the pin-vise, reassemble the end, and you should be off.
- I have another pin-vise where the extra 'collet' is stored in the handle. Check to see if the back of the handle twists off and whether or not there is another collet stored in there. If so, it's likely the one that goes to a smaller size.

Good luck!!

Murray

A couple of things you might want to try: 1) a wrapping of thin tape around the bit. This might slip, however. 2) If you are handy at soldering, deposit a coating of solder around the base of the bit. Melt it off when you're thru. 3) A good hardware store has shrinkable plastic tubing. Get the right size for the bit and then heat shrink it. Or, just take the bits to a good hobby store (especially a train store) and see what they got in the way of bit holders. That might be the best "non- Mickey Mouse" way to deal with the problem. Tony Ryan

Meredith some pin vises do not have a collet to accept 0 size bits. 0 being the the ability to put the smallest diameter bit in. If you dont have a reversible collet with 0 you will have to modify the bit to try and make it larger.

Hey Mer,

For the smallest drill bits, you need a collet that has a + look to it. Try Micro Mark -

http://www.micromark.com/

Hey Mer,

Hoser put you on the right track. Most pin vises are not precision made and the collets aren't precise enough for the smallest bits. Spend a few extra dollars and get one from Micro-Mark that has precision collets and it will last you a life time. If you look at your collets, they're probably just cross cut and not even centered very well if it's like my old one.

Eric

hi guys! thanks for all the help! i unscrewed the handle as per murray's instructions and found a total of 4 collets...i got all excited until i realized that the one that i'd been using was, in fact, the smallest one...sigh...eric you're right the collets i have are cross cut...so maybe i should look into upgrading to mciromark as hoser suggests eh?

Here you go Meredith http://micromark.com/

Meredith,

Here's are a couple of quick-fix suggestions that might help until you find a better pin vise.

A couple of my generic hobby-knife handles have x-shaped openings where the no. 11 blade installs. I've used them to hold really small drill bits. A little awkward, maybe, but it'll work in a pinch.

I've also used wire insulation to increase the diameter of the bit I need to use. I add electronics to my models fairly regularly, and I have a pretty good stock of fine-gauge wire from Radio Shack on hand. I stripped some insulation from the wire, then slipped it over the end of the drill bit before loading it in the pin-vise collet. This method tends center the bit a little better than other methods like wrapping the bit with masking tape.

I hope this helps!

Matthew Usher
Senior Editor, FineScale Modeler

Matthew,
Welcome back to FSM! I see you're wearing the title of senior editor - did they demote Paul Boyer to give him more time to model?

QUOTE: Originally posted by paulnchamp Matthew, Welcome back to FSM! I see you're wearing the title of senior editor - did they demote Paul Boyer to give him more time to model?

Hey Paul! Thanks for the welcome -- it's good to be back at FSM.

I'm very good friends with Paul B. (his office is right across the hall from mine) and I'm quite sure he'd find time to model no matter what title they gave him! In reality, though, we're both senior editors. They bump you into the "senior" category when you fill your basement with unbuilt kits and/or collect a certain number of X-acto-related injuries. It's in our contracts.

Thanks again for the note!

Matt Usher
Senior Editor, FineScale Modeler

hey matt thanks for the tip...i think i'll try both of those in the interim...i actually really like my pin vise and if i can avoid buying a new one, i'd like to (every penny counts eh?)...i think if the wire coating stuff works i may try to find the shrink to fit kind as recommended by tonyryan

ps. thanks for the link cnstrwkr

Matthew,

I have over 600 unbuilt kits and can show you a few scars. Consider this an application for a job.