How to pin Warhammer 40,000 miniatures: pin vice and drill sizes, brass rod or paperclip, lining up the holes, and pinning heavy models to their bases.
Pinning means drilling a small hole into both sides of a joint and gluing a short metal rod across it, much like a dowel in furniture. Superglue on its own is strong when squeezed but brittle when knocked sideways, which is why heavy metal arms, resin parts and models balanced on one foot tend to snap off at the worst moment. A pin turns that weak joint into one that survives handling, transport and the occasional drop.
The short answer: drill a hole 3–5mm deep into one part with a pin vice, mark the matching spot on the other part (a dab of paint on the pin tip works well), drill that too, then dry-fit a short brass rod, trim it until the parts sit flush and superglue everything together. 0.8–1mm rod suits most infantry joints; step up to 1.5–2mm for heavy metal or resin parts.
When should you pin a miniature?
Pin any joint that carries weight or sticks out where it will be knocked. Plastic-to-plastic joints rarely need it because plastic glue welds the parts together.
| Joint | Pin it? | Suggested rod |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic arm on plastic body | Rarely | Not usually needed |
| Metal or resin arm or weapon | Yes | 0.8–1mm |
| Metal or resin model on its base | Yes | 1–1.5mm |
| Wings, tails or legs of large models | Always | 1.5–2mm, two pins if space allows |
| Model balanced on a tiny contact point | Yes | The thickest rod that fits |
| Scenic piece on a base | Optional | 1mm |
What do you need for pinning?
A pin vice (a small hand drill), drill bits that match your rod, brass rod or wire, sturdy side cutters, superglue and a hobby knife. Brass rod is easy to cut and file; steel paperclips are free and stiffer but harder to cut and can chip cheap cutters, so wear eye protection when snipping. Choose a drill bit the same size as the rod, or a fraction larger, for a snug fit.
How do you make the holes line up?
Drill the first hole, push in a short length of rod, put a dot of paint on its tip and press the parts together in position; the paint marks exactly where to drill the second hole. Alternatively, press the drilled part into a blob of poster putty sat on the other part and lift it straight off: the small bump left behind marks the spot. Start each hole with the point of a hobby knife so the drill bit does not wander.
How deep should pin holes be?
Aim for roughly 3–5mm into each part on infantry and deeper on large models, without breaking through thin areas. Hold the part up to a light to judge its thickness, and keep the drill aligned with the direction of the joint so the pin cannot pop out through the surface. Back the bit out every few turns to clear the swarf.
How do you drill metal and resin safely?
Go slowly and let the bit do the work; forcing it heats metal and snaps fine bits. Resin dust should not be breathed in, so drill and sand resin over a damp cloth or wear a dust mask, and wipe up debris rather than blowing it. A pin vice gives the most control on small parts, while a rotary tool on a low speed can help on large models.
How do you glue a pinned joint?
Dry-fit first and trim the rod until the parts close completely, because a pin that is too long holds the joint open. Put a little superglue into both holes and on the joint faces, assemble and hold for a few seconds. Any small gap left around the join can be dealt with using our guide to filling gaps, or re-sculpted with green stuff.
How do you pin a model to its base?
Drill up into the foot, glue in a rod that sticks out a few millimetres, then mark and drill a matching hole through the top of the base. Gluing from both sides makes a model far harder to knock off, which matters for heavy metal characters. The same method helps when you rebase older miniatures or anchor scenic pieces on rubble bases.
Should you pin or magnetise?
Pin joints that should stay fixed; magnetise parts you want to swap or remove for transport. The drilling technique is almost identical, so pinning is good practice before you try magnetising arms and weapons.
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