Liner material for liner locks

[Shotgunone]

I have read back through the past posts on liners. But I was wondering about some things. So if you liner lock makers could help it would be great.

Can you use other material beside titanium for the liner lock such as nickle silver, brass, stainless? And if so what thickness?

I saw a few sizes mentioned for liner locks in titanium but what size ti do you use? Is .03 or .035 thick enough?



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Tony Huffman
thuffman@texinet.net
Sporting Clays & Shotguns ... my other bad habit!

 

[Kit Carson]

Tony,
I use both titanium and stainless steel for liners in my folders. I prefer titanium for it's lightness.
For small folders, 3" or less, I use .053-.055. For larger ones I use .060-.070. For frame lock types I use .125-.150. These numbers are for titanium. You can go a little thinner with stainless but I never go below .050.
I don't recommend using brass for the locking liner. It is way too soft, and won't stay bent.

 

[HermanKnives]

i hate ti and working it so i looked into stainlesses for liners and have found 17-4 ph to be perfect! i am also using it for auto leaf springs. i believe size to size it is stronger springwise to ti, and as strong as ats34 for leaf springs but heat treat is alot easier at 1 hour at 900 degrees. on smaller folders i use .040 and on bigger, .050
it cuts way easier than ti on the bandsaw and wont set your shop on fire while grinding