Pin size.....?

schmittie

schmittie

Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
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I've got some micarta pins laying around in 1/8". Is there any danger in using them for a knife that has larger holes drilled in the tang, maybe 3/16-1/4"? As long as 1/8" holes are drilled in the scales to match the pin size, it is safe enough, right? What do you think?
 
The main point of scale pins is to prevent lateral movement, AFAIK. With this in mind, the smaller pin really defeats the purpose becuase it is not tight in the hole. YMMV
 
It probably doesn't matter. However, optimally, epoxy isn't as hard as steel. Though, again, it probably doesn't matter.
 
Many epoxies allow a degree of flexibility, this could compromise the bond of tang to scale, though it's unlikely that it would ever be a problem. To be safe, it might be better to use a rigid 2-part like JB Weld.
 
Some makers drill the holes in the tang oversize to make things easier to fit up during the glue-up. As long as the voids between the pins and tang holes get filled with epoxy it should be fine. I prefer a more precise fit myself and have never seen the need for oversize holes, but it's more of a preference thing than a right/wrong thing. I will say that if I were doing oversize holes, I would be even more anal about my epoxy and surface prep than I already am.
 
What epoxy are you planning on using? The pins will be fine if you are using quality slow cure epoxy...
 
Using 1/8 pins in a 3/16 hole will leave a large gap for the epoxy to fill. If it doesn't fill all the way, you will create a weak point in the system. Is it possible to drill 1/8 holes in the tang and scales instead?
 
tattooedfreak said:
Using 1/8 pins in a 3/16 hole will leave a large gap for the epoxy to fill. If it doesn't fill all the way, you will create a weak point in the system. Is it possible to drill 1/8 holes in the tang and scales instead?
Click to expand...

This is my opinion: the very thin amount of epoxy between the pin stock and scale material is so little that pins are a secondary attachment method (Backup) to the epoxy between the scales and the tang. If you have ever taken the scales off a knife, the pins knock out fairly easily (Especially if your tang holes are small (Less epoxy touching the pin again). getting the scales off the tang is nearly impossible. It will be fine if you just fill the hole with Epoxy.
 
I was planning on some typical, 2 ton epoxy. But after all your replies, maybe larger pins are needed.

Thanks for the tips!
 
Or if you realy want to use the thinner stock, fill the holes with fitting pin stock, sand flush and then drill the smaller holes
 
I always drill oversize in the tang, at least a couple sizes. Just make sure that the epoxy fills the area around the pin.
 
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