When trying for "durable, functional, and longevity" pins alone may not be the best choice. Pins are just straight rods so if enough torque or impact is applied to the handle even a glued pin can break loose and start to come out. For this reason, pins are often peined so that they can't slip out easily. But, if a pin can be peined that means its soft and could yield to shear pressure on the handle. So, larger pins are better for your requirements than smaller pins, harder pins better than soft pins. Adding a bolt or two to the handle will hold the scales against the handle, the hard pins will resist shear pressure. There are fancy decorative pins but they are not strong in the military sense and cannot be peined.
Some people use tubing instead of pins. Tubing can be flared and is generally larger diameter than most pins....
|