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So far, I haven't had much luck. Right size printed on package, wrong size center pins. This seems to be the norm.

Where can I get a quality center pin that is actually the size I ordered?

Byron,

I have had that happen, but only one time. I buy a lot of center pins, and they are almost always correct.

I like Schaff and Pianotek.

Don Mannino

Byron, you may have an issue with your measurement device. You aren't by chance using calipers to make your center pin measurements, are you? If so try investing in a decent quality micrometer, something accurate to .0001" and then learn how to properly use it and read it.

Even if som size make me wonder if imperials or metrics are used, (for instance 1.325 is generally 1320) the consistency is very good afterthat

With a micrometer (palmer) or even a wire gauge. (v shape)

No, I have two micrometers, one digital and one regular. They both gave the same readings. Another technician verified also. I sent the first ones back to one place and they confirmed that they were wrong. I haven't sent the others back.

I know to subtract 10 from the reading and divide by two.
In one of the bags, the pins that were supposed to be 1 1/2 sizes up were actually smaller. This happened to me three years ago and again this week! Go figure.

I'm sure they'll help me sort it out.

Can you explain this some more, please?

I measured the centers on my Ibach last night, with two micrometers. The imperial one (accuracy 0.001") read 51.3 thou and the metric one (accuracy 0.01 mm) read 1.303 mm (in both cases, I estimated the last digit), so they corresponded very well, presumably to a 1.3 mm center.

From which number should I subtract 10, divide by 2, and what does the resulting number mean? Pin size for the supplier?

In the US system of sizing a number 20 pin is .050". ie (50-10)/2=20 or
(49-10)/2= 19 1/2

Are not WNG advertise about the superior quality of their center pins?
Is there something new ? any feedback ?

It is good practice to measure all pins no matter where you get them from.

I check a few before I put them into the cup.

I check each one that I replace and each one that replaces it.

If what you are doing is to be considered "close tolerance" , then it is a necessary part.

I have several "mics" I prefer the barrel Starrett. Easy and quick, reliable.
Keep everything organized on the bench in good order and rehearse that process .."Pics and Puts" I think it is called.

Oleg,

WNG is using needle bearings for their center pins. They are manufactured to much tighter tolerance.

They did tell me that tolerance, I don't remember they number they gave me, right at this moment.

Funny - I have been told that SIZE DOES NOT MATTER!

Wew ! needle bearing ! the surface treatment may be something !

Of course everything is miked, as you state. That say the consistency is generally high with the cut centers, I cant have "strong" or less strong, for instance. but miking remains as part of process.
A mike stand can be useful too. to mike tuning pins it goes way faster.

The WNG pins for their composite parts (needle bearings) come in two lengths and 5 or 6 diameters. One length for hammer and whip centers, the other for rep and jack centers (Shorter). Sizes start at .0500" and work up in increments of .0002". Not meant to be used for cloth center bushings and not soft enough to cut anyhow.

They also sell german silver (solid,no plating) regular pins (longer and pointed, can be cut to length) for other types of centers. See their web site for further info.

Thanks Dale, I guess the one I use are surface treated (German silver core too) While I am unsure.