Driven pintles were frequently used in the 1700's; but jamb mounted pintles are more common today. The down side of using driven pintles in wood is that you have only one chance for perfect alignment. The driven part is barbed, and if you place it wrong (the pin is crooked one way or another) or in the process you hit an old nail or a knot; there is no turning back. I often recommend the use of driven pintles in masonry, because cementing them into place is a reliable method of installation.
