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!
Task | Best Practice |
---|---|
Cutting | Use fine side cutters; file ends smooth to prevent stress fractures in hubs. |
Assembly | Insert into pre-drilled holes or epoxy hubs for tensioned spoke geometry. |
Finishing | Apply clear lacquer or micro-oil to preserve stainless sheen under display lighting. |
Adhesive bonding | Use cyanoacrylate or UV resin for near-invisible joins. |
Focus / Typical User | Learning Outcome |
---|---|
Model engineers | Use insect pins to fabricate strong, scale-accurate mechanical parts for small engines or vehicles. |
STEM educators | Illustrate basic engineering principles—tension, compression, and structural geometry—using miniature pin assemblies. |
Collectors & restorers | Maintain or restore miniature wheels and linkages while preserving original scale aesthetics. |
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. |
Outcome: Builders achieve visually authentic, mechanically stable model components that mimic full-scale engineering, ideal for vintage aircraft, classic racing cars, or custom dioramas.
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?
Some blogs that may be of interest:
Insect Pins for Art, Nozzles, Puppetry...Even Insects. Our pins ensured Sponge Bob's pants didn't fall down!
Pinhole Photography & Eye Evolution. See also pinhole camera examples with a #0 insect pin & a #1 insect pin.
See our blog Bioquip Inc. Products Catalog-Indigo Instruments Equivalents may be a useful reference for some.
Pin # | Dimensions | Pin Head | Wire Gauge(s) |
000 | 38x0.25mm (1.5x0.01") | 0.9mm | 46, 47 |
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.
This is a great company with superb customer service. Unlike most companies today, they actually answer the phone! The insect pins are excellent quality.
Top quality pins.
grt product's
great service and product.
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