Can't find correct size pins

B

BKH

Joined
Nov 24, 2012
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I'm looking for some pivot pins or corbys to finish a project. Got a blade blank and made a micarta handle, but all the pins I'm finding seem to be too small. The predrilled holes are 5/16, anybody have any suggestions as to where I can find em? Any help or advice would be much appreciated. I'd really like to avoid bustin out the tap and die set...
 
I use flared tube rivets on that size hole, but I don't know if that's something you'd want on your project.
 
If you haven't drilled holes in your micarta yet, you can use any size pin you want -- epoxy will fill the rest of the hole in the blade blank.
 
Both good ideas. Is there a particular epoxy that would be ideal for this situation if I choose to go that route? I haven't worked with flared tubes before, but as long as its durable, I don't mind tryin em
 
There are a lot of folks who use "West Systems" 2 part epoxy, others who go with "2-ton" epoxy.
Whatever you do, stay away from the "5-minute" stuff for knife handles.
 
You could pretty easily make a bushing too. 5/16" o.d. and something common like 3/16" i.d.
 
After some more searching, I found a stainless steel 5/16 female/female connector. I may still have to fabricate my own 8-32 thread screws. I had some trouble finding longer screws, and the micarta handle I made is thick. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I'll post a pic when it's done.
 
so, are you doing pins or screws? if the handles are too thick you can countersink the holes
 
I was still debating what to go with, but I think I'll be using 3 sets of three-piece screw and connector sets. I had also thought about integrating the bottom end of two .308 shells over the middle screw set (I'm making this for my brother, who shoots a .308 in the army).
 
The stainless flared tube rivets are very strong. I have a set of flaring dies from USAKnifemaker that fit the same holes in my arbor press that I use for Kydex rivet dies. Countersink the holes in the Micarta, cut the tube the same length as the thickness of the handle (a tubing cutter works best, I got one from Home Depot for $35), line it up in the hole, flare them a bit, flip it over and flare them the rest of the way. You'll break bones before you break your handle.
 
I often have cheapo knives given to me that are in poor shape or broken I just take the hard ware I want and know i can find a use for later. Worth a thought...
 
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