[CR]OK, should've checked the archives - but, how to file cotters?

(Example: Bike Shops:R.E.W. Reynolds)

From: "Dr. Paul Williams" <castell5@sympatico.ca>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:34:41 -0400
Subject: [CR]OK, should've checked the archives - but, how to file cotters?

Thank you to the few who replied to my query last night about fitting cotter pins - I should have realised that this was a well trodden query and answers were to be found in the archives. I am still a little unclear, however, how to properly file the cotter pins. What am I looking for in doing this in order to not only ensure that the pin will fit but also to put the cranks in proper alignment?

Also does anyone have any tricks to setting the pins without using a press or a hammer?? I am not sure I want to invest in a press at this time (not sure how many cottered chainsets I am going to be installing) although Mark Stonich has one which is reasonably priced:

http://www.bikesmithdesign.com/CotterPress/index.html

Paul B. Williams, BAH, MPhil, PhD
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
castell5@sympatico.ca