McDermott pin replacement

[ken ken quarter]

My routine pin replacement,,clamp the butt in the lathe spindle both chucks... heat the pin end with a propane torch...clamp vice grips on the pin and unscrew ...no sweat...does not work for me on the 3/8-10 McDermott pin. The glue will not release before the joint overheats. I know that McDermott uses a half flat chisel point in the glue end. What is your procedure for pulling this pin? Thanks for your help.
Ken Ken Quarters,qsmith,Q-Spot Billiards.Tulsa,OK

 

[manwon]

My routine pin replacement,,clamp the butt in the lathe spindle both chucks... heat the pin end with a propane torch...clamp vice grips on the pin and unscrew ...no sweat...does not work for me on the 3/8-10 McDermott pin. The glue will not release before the joint overheats. I know that McDermott uses a half flat chisel point in the glue end. What is your procedure for pulling this pin? Thanks for your help.
Ken Ken Quarters,qsmith,Q-Spot Billiards.Tulsa,OK

What I do Ken, is heat the pin until I can see some smoke come out around the pin where it meets the wood. Then I turn the cue upside down and lock the pin in a fixed desk top vise with the joint collar sitting on top the jaws, then I turn the pin out. I have had the same problem with some bent pins, but with a little patience and a number of tries it has always worked.

 

[ratcues]

McDermott pins are the most difficult to remove. You may need to heat it a couple of times to get it to break loose. Add some heat, let it sit, add some more, let it sit, etc. Too much heat all at once will mess up the collars.

 

[KJ Cues]

My routine pin replacement,,clamp the butt in the lathe spindle both chucks... heat the pin end with a propane torch...clamp vice grips on the pin and unscrew ...no sweat...does not work for me on the 3/8-10 McDermott pin. The glue will not release before the joint overheats. I know that McDermott uses a half flat chisel point in the glue end. What is your procedure for pulling this pin? Thanks for your help.
Ken Ken Quarters,qsmith,Q-Spot Billiards.Tulsa,OK

I agree with Ryan that the McD. pin is one of the most difficult to remove.
He's given you good advice. Follow it and you should realize success.
I remove pins using pretty much the same method as you've described. I allow my chuck to rotate slowly as I'm heating the pin, while the lathe is in 'freewheel' mode. I also have a stream of cool air directed at the joint to preserve the McD's plastic collars. Those puppies will melt quick if you're not careful. Good Luck.

 

[ken ken quarter]

Thanks for the feedback from each of you. Even after 20 years of cue repair experience and 83 belly button birthdays I still think "there's got to be an easier way to do somthing". Nice of you all to remind me to be patient and concur that the McD pin pull isn't easy. Have a wonderfull day!

Ken Ken Quarters
Q-Spot Billiards Tulsa OK.
918-779-6204 emailqspot@tulsacoxmail.com