Repairing the Pin in a US Box Fin

fxop · Joined: 13 Jun 1998 Posts: 202

Could I get some advice on replacing the retaining pin for US box fins? I have a collection of these Finworks Wave fins, 3 boards, 2 sizes, mainland and Maui, and especially in Maui the pin is rusting and getting smaller. I like this fin and don't have a reason to change. And I hate demo-ing new equipment.

Is there anything different relative to the other thread in terms of getting the existing pin out?

Once I get the pin out where do I get a replacement?

Thanks,
fxop

rswabsin · Joined: 14 May 2000 Posts: 444 Location: New Jersey

The pin should have a small cut in it that runs the length of the pin. This should enable you to compress the pin with pliers and gradually pull them out assuming there not too corroded. Might have to loosen it up with WD-40. WindDance has replacements:
http://www.windance.com/Windsurf/Windsurf-Parts/Roll-pins-For-Fins/3418/

Rob

fxop · Joined: 13 Jun 1998 Posts: 202

Wow that was fast! Thanks rswabsin!

fxop

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

If it's a solid brass pin, or really stuck, stick the base in a VICE, using a socket as a spacer against the fin base, and close the vice.
You can just cut a galvanised, brass, or stainless nail of the appropriate diameter for the replacement fin pin.

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

Another way I have removed various pins is with a small electric drill. If the chuck will go small enough you can give the pin a spin as you pull it out. Works great on older HPL boom heads!

bred2shred · Joined: 02 May 2000 Posts: 989 Location: Jersey Shore

Open the jaws of your bench vice just larger than the diameter of the pin. Set the fin base on the vice so the pin is between the jaws, pointing up, and then tap out the pin with a hammer. Once the pin is flush with the side of the base, use a drift pin to knock it through the rest of the way, or pull it out with a pair of pliers.

Replace with a stainless steel roll pin (spring pin) of the same diameter. McMaster Carr is a good source for that type of harware. You will probably have to by 50 times more than you need, but it will still only be about $5.

sm