How to Cut a Taper on Steel Pins

Mark the cut line onto the steel pin with a marker. Use a meter stick to keep the line straight. The cut line is where the hacksaw blade will pass through the steel pin.

Position the steel pin in a vise grip, cut line facing up, so the portion containing the cut line protrudes from the vise. Turn the clamp handle clockwise to tighten the vise grip and secure the steel pin in place.

Put on protective eye wear to prevent any metal shavings from getting into your eyes.

Apply a thin coating of WD40 to the hacksaw blade to relieve friction as you cut. Use a hacksaw that has an 18-to-one-inch blade.

Position the hacksaw blade over the cut line so the teeth of the front most part of the blade makes contact with the steel pin.

Push the hacksaw forward while putting gentle pressure on the blade. You should feel the blade begin to penetrate the steel. Push until the back most part of the blade makes contact with the steel pin. Pull the hacksaw back toward you but do not put any pressure on the blade. The cutting should take place during the front stroke, not as you pull the blade back toward you. Repeat this motion, keeping a steady and consistent pace, until you cut through the entire steel pin.

File the cut edge of the steel pin with a metal file or a grinder until it is smooth.