Really don't want to lose this pin. Best way to attach pinback?
January 11, 2020 8:48 AM Subscribe
I just got a really nice 3-d printed stainless steel bird that I'd like to turn into a pin. A pin I really really don't want to lose.
The piece: a flat metal bird. No pin or spike attached at all.
*What's the most secure adhesive to attach a pinback to flat metal? Would hot glue be enough?
* Deluxe locking pinbacks, 2 rubber pinbacks, or a safety pin thing seem the most secure backing options. Which would you recommend?
Thank you!
The piece: a flat metal bird. No pin or spike attached at all.
*What's the most secure adhesive to attach a pinback to flat metal? Would hot glue be enough?
* Deluxe locking pinbacks, 2 rubber pinbacks, or a safety pin thing seem the most secure backing options. Which would you recommend?
Thank you!
What's the metal it's made of?
I don't think hot glue or other glues are going to be secure enough if your hair or a scarf might get hung on it, or if you wear it in a crowded place, or if you own it for a number of years.
Depending on the shape, you might wrap it in wire that's also wrapped around a pin.
If it were me, I'd look into learning about soldering with regard to the specific metal of the pin -- or enclose the bird in something and make that into a pin.
posted by amtho at 8:56 AM on January 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
I don't think hot glue or other glues are going to be secure enough if your hair or a scarf might get hung on it, or if you wear it in a crowded place, or if you own it for a number of years.
Depending on the shape, you might wrap it in wire that's also wrapped around a pin.
If it were me, I'd look into learning about soldering with regard to the specific metal of the pin -- or enclose the bird in something and make that into a pin.
posted by amtho at 8:56 AM on January 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
Hot glue is definitely not going to work. I would probably use a two-part epoxy (I like Gorilla Glue epoxy) and a clamp - many people use too much glue and no pressure and that is less effective. I'm not familiar with different types of pinbacks, but I'd pick whichever one has the most contact points with the back of the pin so the glue works well and ideally is all one piece so that it doesn't come apart itself.
posted by vegartanipla at 9:10 AM on January 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by vegartanipla at 9:10 AM on January 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
Is the metal magnetic? Rare earth magnets are REALLY strong. One on the bird's back and one under the article of clothing you're wearing might work for you. Please ignore this suggestion if you have a pacemaker.
posted by kate4914 at 10:22 AM on January 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by kate4914 at 10:22 AM on January 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
A metal-filled epoxy resin like JB Weld would probably be my go-to choice, depending on what the pin is made of. Else, a more conventional two-part epoxy might be a good choice. Make sure you clean the pin super well with a strong solvent first, though. The least bit of oil or dirt will seriously compromise the bond.
Silver solder or brazing might work well, depending on the specifics. Without knowing more, I'd be concerned about the heat discoloring or otherwise damaging the pin, though.
Hot glue is a pessimal choice. You're looking for something with >1KPsi shear strength.
Rare earth magnets are wonderful if you need to not put a hole in the fabric you're attaching the pin to. Attach a magnet to the pin, and put another on the inside of your garment. You want to use rare earth magnets in pairs; don't rely on them sticking to the pin itself. (Don't solder or braze the magnet to the pin. If you heat it up to anywhere near the Curie temperature, the magnet will stop being a magnet.)
Otherwise, I'd go with a safety-pin-style locking pin back.
posted by sourcequench at 12:11 PM on January 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
Silver solder or brazing might work well, depending on the specifics. Without knowing more, I'd be concerned about the heat discoloring or otherwise damaging the pin, though.
Hot glue is a pessimal choice. You're looking for something with >1KPsi shear strength.
Rare earth magnets are wonderful if you need to not put a hole in the fabric you're attaching the pin to. Attach a magnet to the pin, and put another on the inside of your garment. You want to use rare earth magnets in pairs; don't rely on them sticking to the pin itself. (Don't solder or braze the magnet to the pin. If you heat it up to anywhere near the Curie temperature, the magnet will stop being a magnet.)
Otherwise, I'd go with a safety-pin-style locking pin back.
posted by sourcequench at 12:11 PM on January 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
If it's something you really don't want to lose, I'd take it to a jeweler and have a screw-back earring back put on. These require you to screw the earring back onto the post and are used for expensive gems that you don't want to have fall out of your ears.
If you do DIY, the safety pin back is most secure. I've had every kind of pinback come off with normal wear.
posted by quince at 2:43 PM on January 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
If you do DIY, the safety pin back is most secure. I've had every kind of pinback come off with normal wear.
posted by quince at 2:43 PM on January 11, 2020 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks, folks - this is very helpful!
posted by Geameade at 9:49 AM on January 12, 2020
posted by Geameade at 9:49 AM on January 12, 2020
Regarding pin backs, I've been using locking backs to great success. I learned the hard way, though, that occasional tightenings are a must.
posted by homesickness at 11:00 AM on January 13, 2020
posted by homesickness at 11:00 AM on January 13, 2020
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