I Messed Up...

N

Nic.

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
Messages
814
I epoxied a handle on a blade and (being in a rush) didn't make sure my pins were all the way through the handle...now 24 hours later... the pins are not where they need to be and I can't get them out! Sigh, that's a rookie mistake... Lesson learned, don't be in such a rush! So I'm Feeling like an idiot- any one have any tricks for how to get them out without messing up the handle? Pins are CF and handle is walnut. Drilling them out would be difficult- the handle is already shaped.
Any advice would be appreciated!
 
The epoxy will have cured by now so the handle is pretty much set. Your only choice is to drill out the pins. Start with a smaller diameter drill bit to clear the center of the pins then follow with the diameter that will clear most of the remaining pin then ream to pin dimension just go slow good luck.

You may have to drill from both sides to meet the tang if the handle is shaped.
 
Nic. said:
I epoxied a handle on a blade and (being in a rush) didn't make sure my pins were all the way through the handle...now 24 hours later... the pins are not where they need to be and I can't get them out! Sigh, that's a rookie mistake... Lesson learned, don't be in such a rush! So I'm Feeling like an idiot- any one have any tricks for how to get them out without messing up the handle? Pins are CF and handle is walnut. Drilling them out would be difficult- the handle is already shaped.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
You can fix the knive for drilling on ricasso ??
 
i am assuming one side of the pin is sticking out too far, whack it in with a hammer. it may loosen it enough to be able to pull back out with pliers, or it may remain firmly seated. at worst the pin will bend, and you will have to drill it out anyways.
 
another idea, insulate the handle material, and heat the pin with a torch. most epoxies fail above 500 degrees.
 
Use one of those mini butane torches to heat up the pin then grab it with a pair of vice grips and twist it out. I've done it before. And it works.
 
Or just touch the pin with a soldering iron. No open flame, so your handle won't burn but the pin will heat up. Then just pull it out.
 
Guys, he told us the pin is of Carbon fiber, applying heat won't be effective in this instance. I would try the drilling with a bit smaller as advised and then ream to remove remaining pin material and
re-pin, perhaps need to use larger pins than original.
 
Could you drill a slightly larger hole just deep enough in the scale to put a plug of larger carbon fiber rod, or another material? Clamp it flat from the riccaso like stated above, and support it under the handle
 
How about heating the pin up with a soldering iron? Once the epoxy around the pin releases you could remove the pin, clean the holes and reinstall them.

Just saw they were cf so never mind.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. Heating the pin won't work...they are carbon fiber pins. I guess I'll try drilling them out and just hope it doesn't get messed up!!!
 
So am I correct in understndthing the pin did not come all the way through on one side? If so, can you not just drill it in just a bit and use another small piece of pin just to fill the hole? If it is through the tang already it is doing its job so really it is now more about cosmetics no?
 
Bobbybirds said:
So am I correct in understndthing the pin did not come all the way through on one side? If so, can you not just drill it in just a bit and use another small piece of pin just to fill the hole? If it is through the tang already it is doing its job so really it is now more about cosmetics no?
Click to expand...

Yep I agree.
 
Don't heat anything up.
Drill both sides about 1/8" deep with a drill bit a bit larger than the pins.
Fill the holes with something decorative, or something to contrast with the handle material. Like a "cover".

Mistakes are simply opportunities.
 
Exactly what Karl said.... :thumbup:

If the pins pass through the tang, they are doing their job. Drill/bore/mill out and plug to make it look intentional. My advice(because it's kinda my thang) would be to channel out a band around the handle(at the pin location) and inlay a nice wrap with cord, leather or wire.

Not exactly but you get the idea...

 
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You can drill both sides of the pin just a1/8" deep or so and make a filler with crushed decorative stone or shell from a hobby shop (like Michaels). Fill the holes with the mix and sand flat once it sets. You'll end up with a decorative inlay.
 
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