Camillus Cuda Maxx 5.5

[Chris Pierce]

I have a Camillus Cuda Maxx 5.5 folding knife. The pocket clip is set up for right hand tip down only. Which is generally the only way I carry a folding knife. BUT since I bought this knife specifically for SD when I can't carry a pistol i want to be able to "wave" it out of my pocket. So I need to drill and tap some holes and attach a pocket clip on the butt of the knife.
The existing pocket clip on this particular knife not only acts as a pocket clip but also functions as an over travel stop for the lock bar. Is this a particularly important function?

Anyway, my main question is about tapping Titanium. I have experience tapping mild steel and stainless steel, but no non-ferrous metals, and never anything this small or thin. Generally when I tap a hole (1/4-20) I will use a drill motor, I'm guessing that I will be better off tapping these holes by hand.

I plan on using either an old kershaw JYD clip or a clip from my spyderco police (i have lots of other left over clips from other models and may end up using one of them depending on what looks/feels the best) since I am planning on modifying the existing clip for use as a over travel stop. I have the factory screws for the clips mentioned and a friend of mine has a small machine shop and apparently several sets of very small taps.

If you have any advice I'd be happy to hear it.

Wish me luck.
Thanks
-Chris

PS, I'll post pics if/when I get the job done.

PPS, Should I use lock tight on the clip screws? Red or blue?

 

[razorburn]

Tapping titanium is suppose to be an extreme pain in the ass.According to STR expect to break several taps during the process.

 

[Chris Pierce]

Lame. I hate when that happens. I've heard horror stories about trying to get the broken tap out. Maybe I'll just through bolt the clip....

 

[razorburn]

Lame. I hate when that happens. I've heard horror stories about trying to get the broken tap out. Maybe I'll just through bolt the clip....

The trick is to use acid to eat up the tap and the titanium won't be harmed by it.But it's really best to post a question in the Steve Rice's forum in the knifemaker's subforum.You'll find that he's always more than happy to help fellow member's tackle problems with modifying their pocket knives.