Removing Rusted Hinge Pin on Trailer

Question:

the pin has snapped in the middle of the hinge.. it seems rusted in the nipple. How can I get the old one out to put a new one in? thanks

asked by: Bill T

Expert Reply:

You can try heating the nipple with a torch and then using a punch to drive out the pin. Be gentle with the heat, as the idea is to get the nipple to expand without heating the pin to the extent that it expands as well. When driving the pin out, be careful not to mushroom the end of the pin. For multiple hinges, you might have to remove the pins a little at a time.

If that does not work, you will have to use an angle grinder to remove the nipple and pin completely, then start over with new nipples and pins.

If you get the pins out, or have to cut the nipples off, I would recommend using a wet hinge pin, like part # HP412G which will hopefully prevent this from happening in the future.

expert reply by: Mike L