P17 e-clip size?

[WobblyHand]

Whoops!  I took off one of the e-clips on the pivot pin.  The pivot pin that the barrel pivots around.  The e-clip launched itself somewhere.  I'm still looking for it.   

Anyone know the actual size and where to get a replacement?  It's 0.015 thick, the main diameter of the pin is 0.197" or 5mm.  I can't seem to measure the ID since the slot is far narrower than my calipers.  Guessing by eye it's about 3mm?  Looking in McMaster, I don't seen anything that's close.  The McMaster e clips seem to be 0.025" or about 0.6mm thick, for the 4-5mm size or 7/32".  My e-clips are thinner, 0.015" or about 0.38mm.  The slot width is 0.5mm or 0.020" as measured with a feeler gauge.  The closest part I can find on McMaster is https://www.mcmaster.com/98543a103.  I'd have to grind them thinner to make them work. 

I'm aware of TW Chambers.  https://www.gunspares.co.uk/products/25075/P17/  Is there any local source that has a direct fit?

So I don't do this again, does anyone have a hint or tip on how to remove these clips without having them sail through the air?  I thought I was being careful, but apparently not careful enough.

[superchikn]

I have lost so many of these over the years, and other similar parts ... UGGH!
With these clips I use a small flat blade screwdriver of better yes a pick inserted into one of the gaps at the closed side of the clip and pry lightly against the pin, just enough to get the clip moving then readjust grip or position of pick.  I always try to back up the clip in the direction it will be flying with my finger.  I am usually successful at this point.
I have an assortment at home and 4 P17s, when I get home tonight I will see if I have the right size and can drop one in the mail to you.
PS,  two weeks ago I knocked my 300 piece asst. off the shelf and it emptied all over the floor (which is black carpet)  I am still finding them. 

[WobblyHand]

I was using a dental pick and a small Xcelite flat bladed screwdriver to remove the clip.  No movement at all and then it went flying.  I kept my hands and fingers away from the backside, just to avoid stabbing myself if either sharp tool slipped.  (Done that before, no need to repeat...)  Heard the e-clip bounce a few times, but have no clue where it went.  I used a very bright LED flashlight to look both on my desk and on the floor.  Must of  spent a good ten minutes lying on the floor looking for it.  Next time, I'll put a hand towel on the backside of the clip, so maybe it will hit it and stop.  (Wishful thinking?)

I'd greatly appreciate it if you could send a clip.  Let me know if you have one tonight, and I'll PM you my address.  Rather use the right part, rather than a makeshift one. 

I've done the dump all the little parts on the floor trick more times than I'd like to admit.  For the really tiny stuff I now use little boxes with spring lids.  Like what they use for surface mount parts (SMD).  These little bins lock together and come in all sizes.  I find them really handy.  You can find them on eBay, AliExpress, etc.

[Rob M]

heres the metric set

[blom]

Next time working on something similar put it in a large clear plastic bag. Has saved me hours of searching for small parts.

[superchikn]

heres the metric set

I have both sets and the 1/8" one fits better than the metric equivalent. 

Bruce I am sending you two,  in case you do it again. 

[WobblyHand]

Ray,

Thanks!  Yeah, having two would be a good idea.  At least I get a second chance 

Bruce

[WyoMan]

I have both sets and the 1/8" one fits better than the metric equivalent. 

Bruce I am sending you two,  in case you do it again. 

Kudos Ray, that is nice to see <bigthumbsup>

Bruce, I use a couple small flathead screwdrivers (from a jewelers set) to remove e-clips and I place a small magnet on the clip during the removal process... I lost a couple and had to take precautionary measures, lol

Wyo

[Yarddog]

You might trying laying on a dollop of red grease over the Jesus clip before removing one next time. Should slow it down considerably, and if not, will be easier to espy!

[WobblyHand]

Just got back from Thanksgiving and found the letter (and e-clips) from Ray.  Ray, thank you so much! 

Back at it again...

[superchikn]

Glad to hear it Bruce, Happy Thanksgiving, now get back to shooting!   

[WobblyHand]

Replaced the o-ring on the piston, (117) and buttoned things up again.  I used the magnet trick just in case an e-clip went flying.  The first re-assembly resulted in the pistol not discharging air.  I took it apart and re-assembled it again, using 45Bravo's guest blog on Resealing the P17 as a guide.  https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2019/08/beeman-p17-air-pistol-part-5/  Part 5 has all the hyperlinks to all of the blog.  Parts 1 & 2 are about resealing.

The dry fire report is a bit sharper now.  Hopefully that means something, or perhaps it's just my wishful thinking.  This afternoon I'll find out for sure when chrony it and re-sight my scope.  (Have to charge my Chinese Bargain Gate chrony)  Thanks for everyone's help!  Special thanks to Ray for sending me a couple of e-clips, I greatly appreciate your act of kindness.

Just for future reference:  McMaster p/n 98543A103 e-clips fit my P17.  They are $2.95/100.  They are a little thicker than the original e-clips, but seem to work. 

[Airspace]

Anytime I am working on something that can fly off unexpectedly I lay a heavy towel over it. If it flies off it just hits the towel and stops.

[superchikn]

Not me! I work over a cluttered bench, with &^^& all around, over black carpet!  I'm an idiot and have always been one,  seems i'm used to it now so why change?!