Performer hinge pin mod

[Nick S]

I couldn't stand the cheap looking wire ring keeper on the fold down table on my new performer. I took a 1/4-20 die from my tap and die set and made some threads on the end of the pin. Went to the hardware store and picked up a 1/4-20 stainless acorn nut and now no more ugly wire ring. The pin is the perfect diameter for the die, you just have to make sure you start the die PERFECTLY straight. I ran the die on the rod just far enough so the nut would tighten but it wouldn't squeeze tight against the shelf.

[Nick S]

[Nick S]

Also you have to remove the pin and put it in a vice to make the threads. It's tough to get the die started straight, but once you do it makes the threads easily.

[Winz]

Nice mod!  That looks so much better.


Winz

[Nick S]

Thanks!

I just couldn't stand that ring since the day I put it together. I ripped a new pair of shorts on it the second time I used it.

[1911Ron]

Looks factory, nice job!

[Jack Fate]

It seems that (manufacturers ) are   Using pins instead of bolts anymore. Don't think I like it

Nice mod

[pbe gummi bear]

Nice mod. I've been wanting to do the same with my wheel axles. Does that pin go all the way through both sides?

[Nick S]

Nice mod. I've been wanting to do the same with my wheel axles. Does that pin go all the way through both sides?

Yep, the pin goes all the way through both sides of the shelf. The other end of the pin just has a flat head on it.

I'm getting ready to do something like that to my axle to. I think I'm going to cut the axle down so it just barely sticks out past the wheels. Then drill a hole in each end of the axle on my lathe and tap them to 1/4-20 threads. Then I'll use a stainless bolt and washer to hold the wheels on. I don't like all the slop in the wheels on my performer.

I have the day off, maybe I'll do the axle and post pics tonight.