C.S. Osborne Upholsterers' Pins No. 190 - 144/Pack - Various Sizes

C.S. Osborne No. 190 upholsterer’s pins are classic skewer-style pins built for professional upholstery, furniture restoration and heavy textile work. Designed to temporarily hold coverings, webbing, springs and foam in place while you shape, stitch or glue, these pins combine length, strength and a smooth nickel finish to make workshop layout and assembly faster and more reliable. Packs commonly contain 1 gross (144 pins) so you can keep multiple projects moving without frequent restocking.

Key features and why they matter:
• Length and reach: The No. 190 is available in longer lengths (the 4 inch variant is a common choice) to clear deep cushions and thick stacks during layout and basting. Choose pin length by the overall length so you get the clearance you need.
• Stiffness and strength: Made from robust steel, these pins resist bending when pushed through multi-layer assemblies. That reduces wasted time and prevents distorted layouts caused by bent pins.
• Nickel plating: The plated finish helps the pin glide through material, resists surface corrosion and makes removal easier after permanent fastenings are installed.
• Production-friendly packaging: Supplied in boxes of 144 (one gross), No. 190 keeps a busy shop supplied for repeated jobs and saves time on frequent reorders.

Primary applications and benefits:
• Basting and pattern fitting: Hold fabric and linings in place over frames while you check fit, pattern alignment and transitions on curved or irregular shapes. Pins make it simple to tweak fit before committing to tacks or staples.
• Securing webbing & foam: Temporarily anchor springs, webbing and foam layers during assembly so you can adjust tension and placement before final stitching or adhesive setting.
• Draping and shaping: Use pins to hold draped fabric while forming pleats, tucks and corners; long reach lets you work into deep sections without contorting the work piece.
• Repairs and restorations: For antique or fragile pieces, pins let you make careful adjustments and repairs with minimal permanent alteration to original materials.
• Template and trim placement: Hold templates and trims in place for accurate cutting and attachment; pins are easy to remove from non-visible or hidden areas.

How to choose the right pin and use them effectively:
• Choose by overall length: Measure the total thickness of your assembly and select a pin that clears both sides with comfortable working room. Overall length is the most reliable spec.
• Match pin diameter to task: Heavier stacks and denser frames need larger-diameter pins to avoid bending. For delicate fabrics choose thinner pins to minimize visible holes.
• Insert and remove correctly: Insert pins straight and remove parallel to the surface to reduce hole enlargement and fabric distortion. Hide pin entry points in seams or under trim when working on visible surfaces.
• Use support when needed: For very dense frames or hard wood, back the insertion with a padded block or use an awl to start a pilot hole so the pin does not bend.

Care and workshop tips:
• Return used pins to the box and keep them dry to prevent surface corrosion despite nickel plating.
• Replace any bent or burred pins immediately to prevent material damage.
• For outdoor or marine work use stainless pins or marine-grade temporary fasteners for longer corrosion resistance. Use No. 190 for temporary holds during fabrication and switch to marine-rated permanent fasteners for final assembly.

Related products:
• Browse upholstery tools and needles: https://alanrichardtextiles.com/collections/needles
• Shop leather and upholstery hand tools: https://alanrichardtextiles.com/collections/leather-tools
• See complementary fasteners, thimbles and tack hammers in our upholstery collection: https://alanrichardtextiles.com/collections/upholstery-tools

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How many No. 190 pins come in a box and what lengths are common?
No. 190 pins are typically packed one gross per box (144 pins). Several lengths are available depending on supplier, with a 4 inch length being a common choice for deep cushions. Always check the overall length when choosing to ensure adequate clearance for your assembly.

2. Are No. 190 pins suitable for delicate or antique upholstery?
Yes, they are useful for careful restoration because they hold fabric in place temporarily and are easy to remove. For very fragile fabrics, use the thinnest practical pin and place entries in seams or hidden areas to avoid visible holes.

3. What should I use instead of No. 190 for outdoor or marine upholstery?
While the nickel plating offers some corrosion resistance, for long-term outdoor or marine applications choose stainless steel pins or marine-grade temporary fasteners. Use No. 190 to hold pieces during assembly, then replace with corrosion-resistant permanent fasteners as needed.