Hollow Tube Fasteners

Doug, the "off sets" are .25" outer diameter threaded tubes. I bought them .25" long to fit exactly within the tang of the knife. The screws are 5/16" long and thread into the off set about 1/8" each, therefore filling the 1/4" long tube when you consider both sides.

I think if this were going to be my long-term set-up, I would epoxy the off sets into the tang holes to keep them from shifting or spinning. But since I haven't made up my mind, I just turned the screws from both sides at the same time (with a little loctite) to cinch the scales down.

It feels pretty secure as is --- for "air swings" anyway...
 
Sounds good. Keep us posted when you get the new handle materials.

I look forward to seeing it.

It sounds like you have likely decided to forgo the flared tubing - ????


But, screws vs. solid pins sounds like the current decision for you and I would guess it is largely based on whether you want to have the option to change scales or do it permenant (????).


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Doug,

I actually bought some stainless and brass tubing as well ---- just trying to decide what would look best and what I could do w/o screwing it up! LOL
 
Did you get any more info on which type of tubing is strongest and/or best for heavy duty handle retention?

Which is best for flaring without splitting?

Any more tips and tricks about flaring without splitting?

Etc.


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If using the factory scales, I think flared tubing would obviously be fine, but not as easy to change out if changing scales. I tend to think you are more likely going to stick with one set of scales if you figure out which ones you like most. I don't think most people would be interested in having "interchangeable" scales. - Just whichever ones you like best.

Because of the counter-sink in the factory scales, you are likely to be better off with flared tubing or a screw-set up that has a washer you like. Personally, I don't mind the look of the screw heads on the factory scales. They look good to me. But, I doubt the screw heads or flared tubing would look very good with custom wood scales. With custom wood scales, (personally) I would likely go with the fasteners you can grind the tips off after install to make look like solid pins. I would personally probably use some epoxy as well. I think a lot of knife guys use Devcon 5 minute epoxy or Devcon 2-Ton epoxy. From Devcon's website, it appears the 2-ton is a little stronger, but I am not technically sure which would be best for a knife (????).

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Devcon 2-Ton - Technical Data Sheet: http://www.devcon.com/techinfo/179.pdf

Devcon 5-minute - Technical Data Sheet: http://www.devcon.com/techinfo/175.pdf


I think you can get Devcon at Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes and similar (???).

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In the pictures, the screw head and washer combo looks pretty good. But, you mentioned calling for larger screw heads. I couldn't help wondering if there might be an option for some type of specialty counter-sunk / tapered / decorative washer that would accomodate the screw head (????). Maybe a local machine shop could fabricate something out of stainless (????)

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tubes crack because they do not have flat ends. it is important to use a lathe to cut your tubes and have flat square ends. using a hacksaw or pipe cutter won't work most of the time.
tubes need to be .250 x .028-.030 wall thickness. :thumbup:
 
Thanks Skunk, that may have just saved me some expensive blocks of wood...
 
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