drill size

W

willy m

Joined
Nov 27, 2007
Messages
255
i got a question for ya. when i want to use a 3/32 or 1/4 brass pin.and i use a 3/32 or 1/4 bit to drill my holes. i end up putting my pin stock in my drill press and spin/sand it till it fits. does anyone know a better drill size or number to drill those holes with,so i dont have to sand them till they fit?
question number 2 if i glue the pins in at the same time as the scales sometimes the scales seperate from the tang.i read here once about glueing the pins after the scales but i can't seem to find it. could someone direct me towhere its explained,or please re-explain it. thank you,willy:)
 
If you use a taper reamer you can open the holes very slightly and you'll be able to create an even stronger mechanical connection when the pins are swelled. Peen your pins, don't glue them. If everything fits well and the pins are peened, your scales should not separate.
 
i always drill my holes about .010-.015 under size and then use a reamer to make the hole the perfect size for my pin stock.
 
You need to go to a lettered size bit. For 1/4" pins or thong tubes you need a size F drill bit. Go to Tracy's Web page (forum member) US Knifemakers. He has EVERYTHING at great prices.
 
i think i like the idea of peening the pins. but how far do you finish the handle before inserting the pins then peening them? how much extra pin do you leave exposed above the handle before peening? is it better to use a "tool" like ive seen in magazines or do you just use a ball peen hammer? last question.wont the glued handles get knocked loose or the hole in the handle be off center because its bigger than the size of the pin? thanks,willy:)
 
What you have to keep in mind with pins is that a 1/16" pin will not fit into a 1/16" hole, because they are the same size, likewise with 3/32", 1/8" and so on.

I rarely use anything larger than 1/8" pins, so here's a list of the drill bits I use for each size pin:

1/16" pin = #52 drill bit

3/32" pin= #41 drill bit

1/8" pin= #30 drill bit

Peening pins works great as long as your not using fragile handle material. One too many taps with the hammer when you peen pins, and your gona be replacing the handle material.
 
do you use one of those peening tools orjust a hammer? how far do you finist the handles before peening?
 
I'm so bad at sharpening my drill bits that they drill just oversize enough to let my pins through.:D
 
I use a hammer and the anvil of a vise, but I would like to try out a pin press. Each knife is different, but for me the basic shape should be there and the front must be finished before pinning. I like to leave plenty of pin and grind it off. I'd say 1/8" to 3/16" on either side.
 
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