There are several different types of mounting pins available in the world.

For small-molecule work in this laboratory you need only consider the style described here. All other styles can (and should) be ignored. There are usually a few mounting pins lying around that already have a glass fibre attached, so if you find one, feel free to use it.

Otherwise (or if you break one) you'll have to attach a new glass fibre. This is not difficult but it becomes easier with practice.
Some mounting pins have a steel collar attached. For normal small molecule crystals, you may use either type.

You will need a copper pin, a steel base and key, some glass fibres, some solder and the little blazer blowtorch.

Mounting pins	Pin in steel base + key	Solder	Butane torch

i)  Remove pin from steel base.	ii)  Place copper pin in clamp.
iii)  Gently heat the fat end of the pin.	iv)  Push glass fibre in narrow end to ~2mm.
v)  Quench the pin under tap water.	vi)  Replace the steel base - not too tight.