The "joys" of parts...

[DeaconKC]

Yeesh, doing some work on a 1911 and managed to lose the mainspring retaining pin...
This was after I went to swap out the rear sight on my 1866 Uberti. I had ordered the correct sight some time back, but it grew legs and hid from me. So I went to take the rear sight off an used Roger 10/22 barrel that was in the cabinet. Guess what? I found the missing rear sight. So at least that job got done. Then I pulled the pin from one of my own 1911s so I could get my friend's gun working.

Well, the shipping from Brownell's is more than the pin....Yeesh

[Professor Marvel]

Yeesh, doing some work on a 1911 and managed to lose the mainspring retaining pin...
This was after I went to swap out the rear sight on my 1866 Uberti. I had ordered the correct sight some time back, but it grew legs and hid from me. So I went to take the rear sight off an used Roger 10/22 barrel that was in the cabinet. Guess what? I found the missing rear sight. So at least that job got done. Then I pulled the pin from one of my own 1911s so I could get my friend's gun working.

Well, the shipping from Brownell's is more than the pin....Yeesh

Back when i was  shooting an d stripping my 1911's a lot, i keptlosing that pin ...
I finally discovered that a common framing nail (forget which size... 10 penney? ) was a perfect fit!
Cut them to size with a dremmel, bevel and cup the ends on the drill press (poor mans lathe)
And whilst it was on the press, add the groove with a tiny round file....

Spec is .156" found here
http://gunsmithinfo.com/images/Drawings/1911%20Mainspring%20Housing%20Pin.png
Also indicates heat treat, etc ....

Tenpenny is ~ .148 ....

Of course drill rod would be even better! #23 or 24?

Or take your mic down to the hardware store and spend a few quality hours measuring stuff...

Yhs
Prof cheapskate

[DeaconKC]

Thank you Professor, I will remember that!
Also, to remember to get my little magnetic parts tray for pins like that.....

[Coffinmaker]

Ah Ha 

Well, just to contribute a little Wednesday morning Trivia.  And YES am a little bored but "that" is a different thread.  How some ever:

I would like to share, when you knock that swell little magnetic parts thingie offa da bench, da little bits and pieces don't necessarily survive impact with the floor 

Also, a friend gave mea a tip some time back.  You know those cute Magnetic Door Signs some folks use on their Pick-Up Trux and perhaps Apothecary Wagon (Perfesser)??  When turned down-side-up on the work bench, you get a swell magnetic surface that will retain those itty bitty screws and springs!!  Or you can go to a Sign Shop and buy a nude (no sign) pad of same for same same bench use.  Burma Shave

[Professor Marvel]

The Sign!
I DO like that coffin!

Have to go get one of those, I am dropping bits all over lately....
Too bad they dont have one for brass and plastic plumbing parts,
as the container garden project is in full swing with the little trickle watering thingybobs

[Coffinmaker]

But Perfesser 

They DO have one for Brass and Plastic Plumbing parts.  It's called a 12 foot by 12 foot Tarpaulin   

Zip-a-De-Do-Da