Kilt pins revisited

[Germankilter]

I'm thinking of delving into DIY kilt pins since I can't find any good ones I like. A couple of questions:
1. Which closure is preferred posts or safety pin style? And why.
2. Where would I even start looking for supplies ( closures) and how to attach them.
As always any help would be much appreciated. And yes I will post pics for the groups approval.

[brewerpaul]

I'm thinking of delving into DIY kilt pins since I can't find any good ones I like. A couple of questions:
1. Which closure is preferred posts or safety pin style? And why.
2. Where would I even start looking for supplies ( closures) and how to attach them.
As always any help would be much appreciated. And yes I will post pics for the groups approval.

Ive made a few of my own and use the post type pins. I even had to replace the safety type pin on a stag horn kilt pin with post when the safety pin came off in one wearing. Most craft stores that sell jewelry making supples sell the posts, usually a dozen or so in a bag. They will also sell items like glue usable on all types material (metal, plastic, glass, stone etc). Ive used it on everything from stone to metal to stag horn successfully. Ive found the glue and pins at Michaels so any store somewhat like that should carry both types of pins.

Stone kilt pin with 3 pin posts on back



Key ring used to make a kilt pin with 3 pin posts on back

[BuchananBiker]

Oh lord.... Another idea to make my own stufff. That's the burden of being creative AND a cheap son of a gun...

[Germankilter]

Buchananbiker: I know the feeling. But my main problem is I can't find one that I can live with.

[Chas]

There is a third option - the rare earth magnets.

I have two geode slices that I made into kilt pins by gluing magnets on the back.

The first - two magnets, one with a keeper -



In use -



And my favourite -



Regards

Chas

[Germankilter]

Chas I'm intreged. What do you use as a backer to hold the "pin" in

[Germankilter]

Chas you have my interest peaked. What do you use as a backer? The coin, or a negative polarized magnet? And how much weight will they suppost? And lastly I'm guessing a craft store like Michaels would have those?

[Chas]

Chas I'm intreged. What do you use as a backer to hold the "pin" in

Chas you have my interest peaked. What do you use as a backer? The coin, or a negative polarized magnet? And how much weight will they suppost? And lastly I'm guessing a craft store like Michaels would have those?

Hi Erik,

The backer is a UK one penny coin. I change it about twice a year for a nice shiny one, although I don't think that would matter too much. We are not talking about rust or corrosion, just that it is not shiny.

Because there are two magnets, I have not noticed any slippage - ever! The only hazard (if we can call it that), is that the kilt pin will attract itself to any passing steel. So if I lean over my open car door, I hear a clunk. I notice it, so it is not a big deal.

I bought the magnets from eBay - they came by normal post. I am in the UK and the number of craft stores here has dwindled to almost nothing in the last 20 years.

One last tip. If you are using two magnets, be aware that they will either try to attract or repel. Glue the first and only when dry and hard glue the second - and hold it till it too is dry and hard.

I see no reason why it could not work in reverse - the kilt pin acting as the backer. As long as it has a good ferric content.

Regards

Chas

[JohntheBiker]

I have used broach pins and adhesive purchased from Michaels and it works like a charm. Used it on geode slices (acknowledgement to Chas - liked the idea). Only drawback is the height of the pin - the kilt pin does not lie flat against the kilt. I'll have to try the post pins or magnets next.

Thanks for the ideas.

[BuchananBiker]

Hmm. Hadn't thought of using rare earth.... Goodness knows they'd be strong enough.