Tight steady pins on balance cocks

[AlecMac]

Good afternoon. More than once I've damaged balance staffs because  tight steady pins necessitating force to get the balance cock in place. I assume the steady pins get slightly deformed over the years by over enthusiastic balance cock removal. So now I take the lesser evil of using a smoothing broach on the steady pin holes so I get the feel and control back when fitting the cock. Is this the best option or am I missing a trick? Thanks all. 

[praezis]

3 hours ago, AlecMac said:

Is this the best option or am I missing a trick?

Imo yes. I do it the same way.

Frank

[canthus]

I use one of those rubber type abrasive sticks that fit in a pen holder.  Just rub it round the post to avoid damaging anything if cleaning the hole.  Can also use in the holes if it fits.

[nevenbekriev]

Yes, You can broach the holes but just a little, not to make the cock or bridge wobble

[AlecMac]

Thanks for the replies, judicious smoothing broach it is. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

5 hours ago, AlecMac said:

Good afternoon. More than once I've damaged balance staffs because  tight steady pins necessitating force to get the balance cock in place. I assume the steady pins get slightly deformed over the years by over enthusiastic balance cock removal. So now I take the lesser evil of using a smoothing broach on the steady pin holes so I get the feel and control back when fitting the cock. Is this the best option or am I missing a trick? Thanks 

7 hours ago, AlecMac said:

Good afternoon. More than once I've damaged balance staffs because  tight steady pins necessitating force to get the balance cock in place. I assume the steady pins get slightly deformed over the years by over enthusiastic balance cock removal. So now I take the lesser evil of using a smoothing broach on the steady pin holes so I get the feel and control back when fitting the cock. Is this the best option or am I missing a trick? Thanks all. 

 

Yes probably due to some deformation, maybe compression of the posts or burrs forming, or just plain poor original manufacturing standards. But i also do this paying close attention not to alter the intimate positioning of all the components involved with the joint . The pins should still locate with a very snug fit but not so tight that they should have to be forced down to complete the connection. A smoothing broach provides about the least amount of material change you can apply but still broach little by little. I have heard of folk working the the joint on and off a few times without the inside assembly installed.