I have been frustrated with the looks of the garish blue axle pins with friction, especially when you see a bunch of blue circles on otherwise nice green/black/white/red panels and beams on the exterior surface of builds. You know the ones I am referring to - http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=43093

The black (and white) versions of 43093 are outrageously expensive in quantity, so unless someone makes a batch, its not an option

I am thinking about using the light grey or tan "axle pin without friction ridges lengthwise", http://www.bricklink...Item.asp?P=3749, but in certain situations the friction is needed to maintain stiffness in the structure (black in this is also very pricey).

Any thoughts on how to introduce "friction" or "stiction" into the pin end of the 3749 part, but without doing permanent damage to the part or the receptacle? I was thinking a bit of double stick tape may do the trick

I think even wrapping the shaft in single-sided tape will increase the thickness enough to provide necessary friction.

I think single-sided tape would work just fine. Double sided tape would tape it into the pinhole and would be pretty ugly to take out, plus you'd have to get the sticky stuff off of the liftarm. I think that's what would happen, at least. I think I'd have to try it myself.

If you are looking to modify the pin anyways, then why not just paint the ends of the blue one or use a black sharpie marker?

Edited December 27, 201311 yr by Meatman

Thanks for the suggestions, I was hoping for something a little better than arts and crafts, but since I got 3 kids, I can put them on it!

You might think of 3D printing if one is available.

Cut a 3l bar into 3 1l sections, and put the sections inside the pin.