Pinning is a technique used when assembling large or heavy model kits

Scale model

A scale model is a physical model, a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size of the object, which seeks to maintain the relative proportions of the physical size of the original object. Very often the scale model is used as a guide to making the object in...

 (such as metal wargaming

Wargaming

A wargame is a strategy game that deals with military operations of various types, real or fictional. Wargaming is the hobby dedicated to the play of such games, which can also be called conflict simulations, or consims for short. When used professionally to study warfare, it is generally known as...

 miniatures) that involves drilling a hole in two pieces of the model to be joined, and using a "pin" to strengthen the bond when they are glued. Pinning is a useful technique for reinforcing joints and is essential when making models from parts that were not designed to go together, such as a miniature conversion

Miniature conversion

Miniature conversion refers to the practice of altering the appearance of a miniature or model so as to deviate from the standard version purchased in a boxed set....

.

While models that are used for display purposes do not often require pinning, heavy models that are frequently handled (such as large metal miniatures used for wargaming) will often benefit from pinning to ensure that the model does not come apart.

Some modellers also use Blu Tack or another temporary adhesive as an aid when pinning.