No tool - DIY epoxy putty thumb stud (Wenger ranger 56 pocket knife).

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diff_lock2

Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
146
I am pretty sure they sell this same knife with a thumb hole for opening. But mine isn't that version, clearly.

I doubt this is as strong as a traditional metal thumb stud but I think it works very well for what it is.

[video=youtube_share;sO8NLicc1fk]http://youtu.be/sO8NLicc1fk[/video]



UPDATE:

One side of the thumb stud sheared off when I closed the blade. This was after drilling holes for jimping. Looks like it hit the liner lock and then popped off. Thumb stud is still really suck on though. Still works.

VCjrgrh.jpg
 
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Cool modification! What are the little holes for? Do you have problems with stuff getting stuck in them?

thanks for sharing.

Ric
 
Phydeaux said:
Cool modification! What are the little holes for? Do you have problems with stuff getting stuck in them?

thanks for sharing.

Ric
Click to expand...

Failed attempt at jimping. I guess it adds a bit of grip. I am sure they will get clogged up but nothing a toothbrush and soapy water can't clean up.
 
Let us know how it holds up. If you make it a little larger, you could add some jimping with a file or dremel type tool after the epoxy is cured. I've repaired stuff with JB Weld and filed and shaped it after curing.

ric
 
Chris "Anagarika";12026781 said:
Cool! What kind of Epoxy did you use?
Click to expand...

Standard Yellow-Grey Milliput.

I usually like to cure this epoxy at pretty high temps (over 50C) as I find that the end result is harder. But for the knife it was kind hard to get it really hot safely so the end result was a bit soft for my taste. Out of the same batch (mix) of epoxy I used the leftover on a table light switch which is a bit small to press, this switch area gets close to 50C, and and it cured harder. But I think there might be more variables at play here, as I used water to smooth out the thumb stud but did not use water to smooth out the light switch.

It does seem to hold well and there is no flex, it feels solid. In future I would like to try out some WEST epoxy systems where you can mix your own ratios and fillers and make your own putty. But for most tasks consumer putty sticks work well enough.
 
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Phydeaux said:
Let us know how it holds up. If you make it a little larger, you could add some jimping with a file or dremel type tool after the epoxy is cured. I've repaired stuff with JB Weld and filed and shaped it after curing.

ric
Click to expand...

I have done that before. I didn't feel like the mess was worth it this time.
 
I think the epoxy I used is not tough enough. It is too brittle and weak. Obviously there are many factors: mixing resin and hardener, surface prep and curing. Just bumping for updated first post.

I think one thing to note when working with epoxy as a structural component is to make sure to fillet and smooth it all out. Any sharp points can be large "stressors" and can initiate a break/ crack which could be an other reason my epoxy failed.
 
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