Pinning

By Anthony Karl Erdelji

Pinning is important when assembling some miniatures, especially large multi-piece models. Some model pieces are large or heavy and attach to another part of the model by a small area. The wings on dragon models are a good example. They can be quite large yet may attach to the body of the dragon by a very small joint. No matter how much glue is used the wings will break off either by sheer weight or stress to the joint cause by handling the model or an accidental bump. To increase the strength of the joint it is necessary to pin it. The pin will act as an anchor to hold the two pieces together.

The wings on this Ral Partha Graveyard Dragon will never stay glued together without additional strength.

Start by drilling a hole with a hand drill or pin vise in one of the pieces at the center of the joint. The hole should be slightly larger that the pin used. Paper clips work well for pins and are quite cheap, but if you every need a larger or smaller pin you can use brass wire.  The hole should be at least 1/4 inch deep, but generally the deeper the better. When done with the first hole drill a second hole in the other piece in a place corresponding with the first hole. Make sure that both holes line up.

Over my years of experience I have learned to "eye ball" pin holes to get them lined up, but others may need a bit of help. To match up the holes insert a paper clip into the first hole you made. Cut the clip so that it sticks out slightly above the hole. Now press both pieces of the model together. When you remove them there should be a small imprint left by the tip of the paper clip. This is where the second hole must be drill to match up with the first.

Once you have both holes drilled cut a piece of paper clip the length of  both holes. Test  fit the pieces with the pin inserted to make sure that they fit together flush. Trim the pin or deepen the holes if necessary. Next apply a drop of superglue to each piece and work it into each hole using another piece of paper clip. Finally press both pieces together, spray on some accelerator and your done. 

While in most circumstances a single pin will hold a joint together, for exceptionally heavy pieces two pins placed side by side may be necessary. If you are ever in doubt if a piece needs pinning or if you think it might hold under its own weight, don’t take the gamble. Pin it! Nothing is worst than a model falling apart once your finished painting it.