best way to fit detent

O

oldgus

Joined
Jun 11, 2006
Messages
48
What is the correct procedure for fitting a detent, do you just drill a hole and stick it in and/or peen it?, do you need a special drill for the hole and do you have to drill to a certain depth, I've done a search but cannot find instructions on fitting one.
Thanks

Gus
 
I would ask this over in the makers area.

You can also find a great break down of the process in "The Tactical Floding Knife" by Bob Terzuola.
 
This all depends on the size ball you have. Most use a 1/16" diameter stainless steel or ceramic ball. You need a number 53 drill for the hole. If you use a 1/16 drill it will be too large and the ball won't stay put.

The way I do it for my own handmade frame locks is very simply. Mark where you want the hole. Drill it either just far enough to seat the ball or all the way through, that is entirely up to the maker.

Once drilled set the lock flat on a clean anvil and using one of the washers you intend to use in the pivot area set it so the inner circle of your washer surrounds the hole you just drilled. Making sure the lock is flat on the anvil place you detent ball over the hole and using a flat punch tap it with a ball peen hammer. The washer will act as your stop for the punch so that once the detent ball is seated in place in the hole it will only stick up off the lock the same height as the washer is thick.

I've done it this way for years. No problems so far.

STR
 
I use a 3/32 ball, I drill a 1.5mm hole all the way through, then use a 2.3mm drill to drill down about 1.6mm, I usually eye ball it rather than measure it. Then place the ball over the hole and tap it in with a small hammer. The 1.5mm hole allows you to drift the ball out if too much is sticking out but I make framelocks so that dosen't really matter as long as the ball is firmly in place.
 
Its a friction fit, a 3/32 ball is 2.38mm in diameter, so its 0.08mm wider than a 2.3mm hole.
 
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