Drill and tap before HT?

2k3gti18t

2k3gti18t

Joined
Sep 11, 2006
Messages
242
Sorry before hand, but I have searched and I could not find an answer. I would like to attach my scales to my blade with screws. I am not sure though, if I should drill and tap before the HT, drill before the HT and wait to tap till after or do both after the HT. I'm working with 1095 if that matters. Thank you all in advance.
 
yes drill and tap before HT. but after HT and temper you may want to run the tap back thru to clean out the scale buildup if there is any and to make sure your threads are clean. also be sure and use cutting oil designed for taping.
 
Thank you two for your answers. I was thinking that running the tap back through after HT would be a good idea. Is there a reason why more people don't use screws or other thread style fasteners to attach their scales to the blades?
 
Screws are commonly used to attach scales

Two photo links are attached of what I think you have in mind

http://www.chrisreeve.com/greenberet.htm

http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1588


The problem is that the thickness of the tang is too shallow to hold two opposing screws.
A relatively thick 1/4” blade stock allows only 1/8” of thread per side.

There are two solutions:

1. Offset the screw positions for each handle. This uses 4 threaded holes in the tang and 2 through holes per each scale piece. This works but looks funny. One side is different than the other.

2. Drill 2 non-threaded holes through the tang, which will pass a small, internally threaded bushing. Also known as standoffs or spacers. They are often sold by the knife materials suppliers as “barrel pivot pins” for folder pivots.
You should be able to source these locally at a fastener supplier.

http://www.texasknife.com/store/s-pages/TKS_MainframeStore.htm

You may wish to solder them in place.





Steven Penner
 
you can also get screws that have shoulders on them that screw into each other. once you get your scales on, you grind off the heads and have what looks like smooth pins. i'm not sure who carries them but i have seen them. i have also made some which you can do easily if you have access to a lathe.
 
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