Build realistic wire wheels, axles, and micro linkages for model airplanes, vintage cars, and miniature engines using precision black enamelled (or stainless) insect pins. Ideal for scale builders needing strong, corrosion-resistant spokes.
Black enamel steel insect pins offer exceptional straightness, uniform gauge, and finish, perfect for recreating wire-spoked wheels and intricate mechanical linkages in scale models. Builders of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and aircraft use these pins for their high tensile strength and authentic metallic appearance. The fine tips can be easily cut, bent, or soldered into lightweight hubs or support frames without flaring or rusting, making them a superior choice to brass or hobby wire for precise, durable detailing.
We've offered Entosphinx black insect pins since 2005 with a delivered cost that beats "free" shipping!
Google Reviews, click on the names to read the entire review: Keith U.: ...insect pinning equipment...received quicker than expected. I will order from them again. Steven P.: Indigo...black steel pins for...wood scale flying models, very sharp...Great quality products!
Maintain or restore miniature wheels and linkages while preserving original scale aesthetics.
Model Scale Compatibility Table
Model Scale
Typical Application
Recommended Insect Pin Size
Approximate Wire Diameter (mm)
Notes
1:87 (HO, small aircraft)
Fine control linkages, ultra-light wheel spokes
000 or 00
0.25–0.30
Very delicate; use fine drill bits to avoid bending.
1:48 (O scale, medium aircraft)
Wheel spokes, struts, control rods
0 or 1
0.35–0.40
Balances stiffness with realistic appearance.
1:24 (automotive, motorcycles)
Wire wheels, axles, tie rods
2
0.45–0.50
Ideal for vintage car wheel restoration & display models.
1:12 (museum-grade engines)
Spokes, steering linkages, small shafts
3
0.55–0.60
Good strength-to-weight ratio for functional assemblies.
Custom engineering or RC
Miniature axles, mechanical joints
3 or 4
0.60–0.70
For moving parts or high-stress test assemblies.
Experimental Design / Builder’s Tips
Objective: Recreate realistic wire-spoked wheels, linkages, or steering assemblies using precision #000 black enamel insect pins for high-strength, scale-accurate modeling.
Materials:
#000 black enamel insect pins (≈0.25 mm diameter)
Balsa, resin, or ABS wheel hubs
Fine drill bit set (for optional pilot holes)
Cyanoacrylate (CA) or epoxy adhesive
Side cutters or rotary tool for trimming
Tweezers and fine needle-nose pliers
Procedure: Plan spoke layout: Sketch the wheel hub pattern and mark evenly spaced spoke holes. Insert pins carefully: For balsa or resin hubs, press-fit pins directly; for denser materials, pre-drill micro-holes. Trim to length: Cut pins just beyond the outer rim line; touch up with black enamel if needed. Secure joints: Apply minimal adhesive to maintain mechanical realism; excess glue can dull the finish. Fine-tune geometry: Use pliers or hemostats to adjust spoke tension or simulate real-world lacing patterns (e.g., cross-two or radial). Finish and inspect: Align all pins symmetrically and verify wheel rotation or control link motion.
Outcome: Builders achieve visually authentic, mechanically stable model components that mimic full-scale engineering, ideal for vintage aircraft, classic racing cars, or custom dioramas.
Image & Idea Acknowledgement
Doug Koch, who supplied us with the image, wrote about his use of our #000 black insect pins: "My intention is to build spoked wheels for my models of early aircraft, which were actually scaled up versions of bicycle wheels in the original aircraft. I am attaching a picture of another commercial product by Scale Spokes made for a Nieuport 28 fighter of the First World War. The wheels on Edwardian aircraft were similar, but usually with shallower wheel rims, thinner tires and fewer spokes." Who'd had have thought?
This is a great company with superb customer service. Unlike most companies today, they actually answer the phone! The insect pins are excellent quality. I use them as an elegant way to hang artwork in galleries.
— Dorothy
2023-03-31
This is a great company with superb customer service. Unlike most companies today, they actually answer the phone! The insect pins are excellent quality.
— Dorothy
2023-01-17
Top quality pins.
— Alexander
2021-10-07
grt product's
— richard
2021-08-17
great service and product.
— richard
2018-05-08
good quality pins! I always order from this company.
— ento
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