metric pin punches?!

[crf_kdx]

Hey folks!

I've been looking to replace a set of Craftsman pin punches purchased 20ish years ago. In the process I came across metric pin punches:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Q87Z0W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00433SJ8U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Metric pin punches?!!? Really?! I guess it makes sense at some level but this discovery added another variable to my search for replacement punches. In general practice, is there a difference in using fractional vs metric pin punches? That is, are there situations where one would have to use one set over the other? How many members here actually have both fractional and metric pin punches? I tend to just grab a punch slightly smaller than the pin I'm driving out and so metric vs fractional doesn't seem like a huge difference. Metric pin punches?! Live and learn....

 

[MattT]

Yeah there's a difference when dealing with tight pins in some sizes. 3mm and 6mm are two you really want the correct metric punch. 4mm and 8mm are so close to inch sizes it makes no difference.

 

[Monte]

you need both of the Wiha sets

 

[mossyboy6]

I find this question like asking: "is there really a difference between SAE and metric wrenches?"

Yes sir, one fits a metric fastener, and one fits an SAE.

 

[crf_kdx]

The ratio of fractional to metric pin punch sets is maybe ten to one when one searches the standard sites akin to tooltopia or amazon. That ratio made me wonder how many folks here had both flavors of punch sets in their boxes. I gather it is common to own SAE & metric pin punch sets.

I'll refrain from asking my question about metric slotted screwdrivers.

 

[kippieland]

Learn something new everyday

 

[Jbullfrog]

Metric roll pins can be a bear. I found a set of Snap-on mm punches on E-bay that I use regularly.

 

[Larwyn]

Yep, for my purposes they rank right up there with metric Crescent wrenches and metric claw hammers....

 

[williaty]

It is fairly common on import vehicles to have roll pins sized such that one SAE pin punch will be too large to fit through the hole and the next sized smaller SAE punch will either jam into the pin or completely fold it up.

Metric pin punches are pretty much required if you're 1) working on a metric object and 2) actually using them as pin punches.


For just setting nails or something, it doesn't matter. Working with roll pins, etc, it absolutely matters.

 

[Ed_EOD]

I hate threads like this. They make me realize I need something I didn't know I needed thirty seconds ago.

I have three metric cars, and all SAE punches. Well, off the eBay before everyone else sees this and the prices go up.

 

[Drew_flux]

For me, yes worth it, use them all the time. on larger stuff above 10mm or 3/8" sae will be fine.

 

[Buckgnarly]

So who makes good metric roll pin punches? Everything I see is pin punches, but none for roll pins.
thanks again for pointing out yet another thing I now "need"...

 

[williaty]

Pin punches, parallel drive pin punches, and roll pin punches are all the same thing.

I'm partial to the PB Swiss punches, but they are spendy. Worth it, IMO.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Pin punches, parallel drive pin punches, and roll pin punches are all the same thing.

I'm partial to the PB Swiss punches, but they are spendy. Worth it, IMO.

I always knew pin punches as having flat faces, and roll pin punches having a rounded tip to guide a roll pin into/out of place. Might be wrong, but everytime i look them up in catalogs that's how I see them listed also. No idea what a parallel drive pin punch is, never heard of it.....have to look that up.


I did find some metric roll pin punches from McMaster Carr, but wonder who the maker is....might have to order the set to see.


Pin Punch....

Roll pin punch....

 

[williaty]

I always knew pin punches as having flat faces, and roll pin punches having a rounded tip to guide a roll pin into/out of place. Might be wrong, but everytime i look them up in catalogs that's how I see them listed also. No idea what a parallel drive pin punch is, never heard of it.....have to look that up.

Damnit! Now I'm the one that needs new tools!

I have pin punches, according those pictures. I use them mostly for roll pins.

Now, because of those pictures, I desperately covet some roll pin punches!

 

[garfunkle24]

Facom make metric roll-pin punches, I just ordered some. I already have Snappy SAE roll-pin and pin punches and PB Swiss metric pin punches. It matters!

Facom part number for the 6 piece set is XF246.JS6. UltimateGarage are getting some in for and I believe they said they'd ordered a couple of sets.

A parallel punch is the same as a pin punch ie No *** to fit in a roll-pin

 

[Larwyn]

In my 62 years I have worked on a good number of domestic and imported cars, trucks, tractors, and other mechanical equipment. In all that time I have never had a metric pin punch (nor used one that I knew was metric) but I have yet to have progress on a job be delayed by the lack of one.

If you run into a lot of roll pins having the right size roll pin punch makes sense.