Lanyard Hole

childzplay

childzplay

Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Messages
202
Here's my dilemma. I have a knife blank I used which has a lanyard hole, but the hole is just under 1/4". I've already attached curly koa scales and I've already oiled the wood. I'm relatively happy with it, although I'll be happy to get out of the knife blank stage of my learning. I've found quite a few imperfections on these blanks.

So, I bought 1/4" tubing and it doesn't fit. I tried slimming it down on a sander, but I can't seem to get it to the exact diameter. What would you guys do? The holes are already drilled in the scales and of course I would like to get a tight fit. I think I messed up and should have corrected the hole in the blank before attaching the scales.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
The tube goes through your scales but not your tang, correct?

See if you can buy locally a 1/4 solid carbide drill bit.

Sometimes a local machine shop will give you one or maybe sell you one much cheaper than you could find at retailers.

THose 1/4 carbide bits are almost always just a bit bigger, at least the ones I've gotten are.

A letter "F" drill is the proper size for 1/4" pins. You can also use a 17/64" bit if you can find one.
 
Why not just chuck the tubing into a drill or lathe and file it to the correct diameter?
 
I'm likely missing something here, but is there a reason why you don't just drill the hole larger to accept the tube? You'll need to have the blade level so the hole is drilled straight though.

I don't see any real problem with the oiled wood. The oil would have penetrated the wood only a bit and there's be plenty of "dry" wood to epoxy the tube in place.
 
I always use a reamer in the hole after I drill it, just to make sure it's the right size. The tubes area always hard to get in but just tap it a bit with a small hammer and they will drive in for a perfect fit with no adhesive. Oh I do taper one end of the tube to get it in easier though
 
Hmmm, lots of good ideas, thanks. I think I'll chuck in my drill press and file the tube. If that doesn't work well enough, I think I'm gonna take the carbide, re-drill route.
 
You could just make a thonghole with no tube, a hole in the wood scales. Another option is to use 7/32 tube, if the inner dia. hole is big enough to get a thin thong through.
Dan
 
I was wondering about that. It looks pretty good without any tubing. Maybe I'll try to chuck the tube and if it doesn't work, I think I'll go without. I'd like to try the carbide route, but I'm a beginner and I'm worried about messing it up. The knife is basically about a week away from being done.
 
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