galvanised metal mesh panels

VERY VERY small "silver" nails needed

The Problem

A silver inlay on an original rifle has a missing silver tack or nail, causing it to bend back. The owner needs a very small nail to keep the inlay flat.

Possible Solutions

Making nails from flat silver sheets or wire is suggested. Silver wire can be heated to form a ball head, then cut and shaped. Another suggestion involves using silver wire hoop earrings or an elephant hair bracelet as a source of silver.

Repair Attempt

The owner mixed epoxy and packed it into the nail hole, binding the inlay in place. The hope is that the epoxy will harden and stick to the corroded shank.

Nail Specifications

The nail needs to have a head, be about 3/8 inch long, and have a very small diameter.

Concerns

Removing the existing nail stub could damage the silver inlay. The other nails may have pulled through the metal, making replacement difficult.

Current Status

The tip of the inlay is laying flat enough for now, and the owner is hesitant to do more.

Alternative Method

Drill a hole for the pin and then hammer a piece of wire a little longer than the depth of the hole into the hole. Then trim the wire with a small diagonal clipper above the inlay and pein the wire forming a head.