Kilt Pin Backing Source?

[BoldHighlander]

Gentlemen,

I have an individual who is making a custom kilt pin for me *but* he isn't sure on what would be an appropriate pin (or source for such) to use for the actual "pin".

Because the items he usually makes have the pin & clutch back device, or a 'safety type pin' (for lack of another word) that he feels would be too fragile for my use.

Does anybody have suggestions for what he should use for the actual pin, & /or a source to obtain the same?

The kilt pin itself is aprox. 1 1/2" wide x 1 1/4" tall.

Thanks.

[Mark Keeney]

It depends on how heavy the pin is. Most of my kilt pins use the safety type pin. I have seen pins with 2 clutch back attachments, and I have heard of powerful magnets. Or you may use a combination of clutch back pins with a magnet.

[cacunn]

If the pin system would be adequate to hold what he normally makes they should be able to hold a kilt pin. In general there shouldn't be more stress on a kilt pin then in other applications. The one thought I have is the use of a pin "lock." Many people use a rubber band as a back up to the pin. With the clutch pins pass the pins trough the apron of the kilt, through a piece of rubber band and then put the clutch in place. Even if the clutch is lost the rubber band will hold the pin in place.

The same thing is done for the safety pin style pin. Pass the top of the pin through the apron, then through a piece of rubber band back through the rubber band, out through the kilt at the bottom and close the clasp.

Remember that the kilt pin goes only through the top apron. Do not pin the two aprons together. It is the weight of the kilt pin that does the work of keeping the apron from blowing, beyond that it is blink.

[O'Neille]

It's called a "pin back" I get mine from Otto Frei.

http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php

[The Wizard of BC]

Here are a few factors to take into consideration when deciding on an appropriate fastener for a Kilt Pin.

The weight of the pin. Obviously a heavier pin will require a stronger fastener. The average store bought pin will weigh in the neighborhood of 4-6 oz.

The material the pin is made from. If you plan to solder the fastener on you will need a pin that can withstand the heat required. 300 deg.f for the softer solders and in excess of 900 deg f. for some silver solders.
If you plan to epoxy your fasteners on the pin should be resistant to the epoxy resin and should not be an oily or fragile coating such as electro-plating that may fail before the epoxy and cause the pin to fall off.

The shape and style of the pin. If the pin has an open design with thin areas you may have to use one style over another just because that style will match the design and give you some place to put the fastener on the back.
Many tie-tack style fasteners have fairly large studs that interfere and show from the front of the pin.

If you plan to attach rare earth magnets to your pin you should be able to carve out the back of the pin so one of the magnets can be imbedded flush so the pin will not be raised out from the kilt apron and prone to catching on things.

Most craft stores such as Michaels will carry inexpensive jewelry findings including "Tie-Tack", single bar safety pin, and double safety pin styles.

Rare Earth magnets can be found at science supply stores. Some place that would carry microscopes. They may also be salvaged from old hard drives.

I would suggest though that your first resource could be to check your phone book and see if there is a rock shop near you. Most rock shops will carry good quality findings. They also carry low temp. silver solders, and I find the people who make jewelry from stones to be passionate about their hobby and more than willing to offer as much help as you can handle.

[O'Neille]

The average store bought pin will weigh in the neighborhood of 4-6 oz.

I think your scale is off, or you have some monster pins. My heaviest purchased pin is just shy of one ounce.

[BoldHighlander]

Thank you gentlemen!

[BoldHighlander]

If the pin system would be adequate to hold what he normally makes they should be able to hold a kilt pin. In general there shouldn't be more stress on a kilt pin then in other applications. The one thought I have is the use of a pin "lock." Many people use a rubber band as a back up to the pin. With the clutch pins pass the pins trough the apron of the kilt, through a piece of rubber band and then put the clutch in place. Even if the clutch is lost the rubber band will hold the pin in place.

The same thing is done for the safety pin style pin. Pass the top of the pin through the apron, then through a piece of rubber band back through the rubber band, out through the kilt at the bottom and close the clasp.

Remember that the kilt pin goes only through the top apron. Do not pin the two aprons together. It is the weight of the kilt pin that does the work of keeping the apron from blowing, beyond that it is blink.

I had never heard of this before, but is a great idea & makes alot of sense!
Thanks!

[Jim Sloan]

I have seen MANY kilt pins lost without a secure backup to the clasp. After noticing my Sterling pin laying at my feet one day --- I always apply rubber band or hemp.


Jim

[BoldHighlander]

I have seen MANY kilt pins lost without a secure backup to the clasp. After noticing my Sterling pin laying at my feet one day --- I always apply rubber band or hemp.

Jim

Hemp??