Removing car doors can be a necessary task for restoration projects, bodywork, or even track car conversions. However, anyone who has attempted this knows the frustration of dealing with stubborn door pins. Traditional methods and generic tools often fall short, especially on older vehicles where pins have been in place for decades. This is where a specialized Car Door Pin Tool becomes invaluable.
The limitations of standard door pin removal tools became apparent when working on a classic track car project with 43-year-old door pins. A common cranked arm machine mart tool, known for its fragility and tendency to break after just a few uses, proved insufficient. A more robust solution was needed, leading to the discovery and subsequent improvement of a superior car door hinge pin removal tool.
This effective car door pin removal tool operates on a slide hammer principle. It consists of three key components designed for strength and precision:
- Steel Shaft: Approximately 60cm long and 10mm in diameter, tapering to 4-5mm with a threaded end. This provides the necessary reach and leverage.
- Slide Hammer Weight: A 1kg slide hammer delivers impactful force to extract even the most seized pins.
- Pin Extraction Tip: A 10cm long tip, just under 8mm in diameter with internal threading, precisely fits and grips the door pin for effective removal.
Initially borrowed, this tool, despite years of service, showed signs of wear. The threads were weakening, and a makeshift ferrule replaced the original lost part. After successfully removing one stubborn pin, the tool required attention – a testament to its extensive use.
Following the unwritten rule of tool sharing – repair or replace what you damage – the tool was taken to a local engineering shop for re-threading and a new, robust ferrule fabrication. This repair not only restored the tool but also sparked an idea: creating more of these essential automotive door pin tools.
The engineer’s insight was crucial. Manufacturing a few tools would significantly reduce the labor cost per unit compared to a one-off. This led to the decision to produce a batch of these improved car door pin removal tools.
The newly machined ferrules, made from EN24T steel, featured flat sides for easy tightening, a practical improvement for usability when working in the confined door hinge area. While the engineer excelled at machining, welding was required to complete the tool assembly.
A simple jig was created to ensure consistent and accurate welding. Batch production began, efficiently assembling these door hinge pin removal tools.
With welding complete, the final steps involve cleaning up the welds and applying protective paint. As the slide hammers are being machined, the production of these robust car door pin tools is nearing completion, ready to equip car enthusiasts and professionals with a tool designed to overcome even the most stubborn door pins.
