Are G10 scales sturdy enough to attach a pocket clip to?

[Random Dan]

I currently own a ZT0350 (I <3 it BTW) that I've been carrying tip-down. I'd kinda like to switch to tip-up but I dislike how much of the knife sticks out of the pocket. So my first reaction was to drill and tap new holes nearer the end of the knife, but the liners are skeletonized at the back end so that won't work. Anyway my question is this: If I were to drill two correctly spaced holes in the G10 scales and then find the right size nut for the other side (hopefully about the same thickness as the liners), would it be sturdy enough to attach the pocket clip?

Thanks!

 

[Phydeaux]

I can't think of any reason it shouldn't work. G10 is pretty tough stuff. I would use a fairly fine threaded screw, like a 2-56, so the nut has enough threads for a solid grip.

I've had success mounting clips on Micarta scales by drilling and tapping 1-72 threads in it. The clip caught on something and got bent, the screws didn't budge and no damage to the Micarta. Never tried it on G10.

Check some of the electronics places for small screws, nuts and stand offs. You could get some threaded hexagonal stand offs and cut them to the desired thickness instead of trying to find nuts.

one more idea I just had....

If the screws would hit the liner where the skeletonizing holes are, make a small mending plate the same thickness as the liner that will fit in the hole, drill and tap into the plate and you're good to go (sorry about the run on sentance). The plate would provide better surface area and stability than two separate nuts.

Sounds like a fun project.

Ric

 

[M. McCord]

Depending on the size of screw used you can, like the previous poster said, use a nut under the scale. I've used 1-72 and 2-56 nuts to back up clip screws on the inside of the frame as well.

If you can't find them locally send me a PM. I've got a local hardware store that stocks them.

 

[Random Dan]

Thanks guys!