Mortice gauge refurb

[Shavingsnotdust]

I've dug out the mortice gauge from the box of tools inherited from my grandfather; made by Ridge and Sons it is a well-worn but looked after tool, probably rosewood with brass inserts . The reason I've not used it before is that it is missing both pins. I know there are some accomplished tool makers/restorers on here, so hoping someone could suggest a way to refurbish it. The pins clearly need to be of the right dimension and fairly hard - I'm trying to think of a suitable type of nail I might be able to cut down - and the question then is how to fix them into the holes in the brass. Given that brass is fairly soft, would a hard pin of the right dimension grip if simply pushed into the brass?

All suggestions gratefully received, especially if someone has actually done the job themself!

 

[Cabinetman]

Far too large but probably the right material would be masonry nails.

 

[Amplidyne]

Seriously I've just used panel pins in mine when needed. Filed to suit. I usually file the ones for use across the grain into a triangular "blade" shape with a fine file.
If they go in to the hole tight, I'd leave it at that. Otherwise a drop, literally, of superglue.

 

[peterw3035]

You could try a hardened picture hook nail?

 

[bushwhaker]

Sewing machine needle.

 

[Fergie 307]

Gramaphone needles.

 

[Chubber]

You could try a hardened picture hook nail?

I've done exactly this job, but just one missing pin, as Peter suggested. Needed to nick it with a Dremel to snap it to length, set in place for depth with a smidgen of 5 minute epoxy.

(The black variety with a little brass head)

 

[schnapps95]

Gramaphone needles.

This what i did several years ago and it's still going ok so i can recommend it

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

They used to be gramophone needles, the old boys used what was available a bit of mix and match
Non of this ordering in parts, I am 3 gen plasterer and it’s much the same. Dad and g dad used to make their own wood flotes

 

[carpenteire2009]

When I inherited my great grandfather's tool chest I found this tin in amongst the various random tools, odds and ends.

 

[Jacob]

I've used old darts for pins. A bit heavier than gramophone needles. In fact have an old dart (flightless!) for scribing.