Pins, screws, bolts, and other parts: How to find replacements OR how to polish???

[MTHall720]

I want to do some minor embellishments, for a slightly more individualized look. Just not in the budget to do anything like getting custom scales so I wanted to start small with things I can do myself.

I have absolutely no clue at all what to even call some common small parts in some cases. Also no idea how to measure them. I found some things online from Jantz but know how to measure them correctly or in some cases even what the correct name is for some things.

1] Example 1: If I want to change out "hex or torx" screws which hold the clip in place on my Kershaw Whirlwind, how do I go about measuring them to see if I can order some bright stainless, or other really bright finish ones?

2] Example 2: If I wanted to simply take off the "screws?" which hold the scales in place, and the pocket clip along with the screws for it, how can I go about making a shine effect? All I can think of, which may not work out well, is to take each one, put in a vice, and then buff the top with my Dremel.


So, If any of you were to do this, how would you go about it?

Thanks VERY much for all input!

 

[BJE]

I would be cautious putting screws in a vise, too much pressure and you can bugger up the threads, maybe use some thick leather in the vice to avoid damage.
If I were going to polish things like screw heads and pocket clips, I use varying grits of wet-dry sandpaper by hand finishing up with the finest grit I can find, which is about 2000 grit around here, then I follow up with a polishing paste like Semichrome, Autosol, Flitz, or Miracle Glo.

I have polished a couple blades like this in the past and they turned out great, an almost perfect mirror polish. If your clip is coated like most are, then stripping the paint with paint stripper first will save some elbow grease.

Can't help you much with the sizes of the screws, but if you have any questions on the above method, feel free to pm me.

 

[Phydeaux]

Instead of putting the screws in a vice, drill a hole slightly smaller than the screw in a scrap block of wood. Screw the screw in (the wood is softer than the screw so it won't damage the threads), put the block in the vise. Now you can polish the heads up with a Dremel.

ric

 

[MTHall720]

Thanks Very much indeed! For sand paper I was thinking about 600 grit, 1200 grit and about 2000 grit. Then finish with Dremel using either felt or rubber tips with white compound.
I greatly appreciate the advice. Will need more later probably. Looking forward to when I can return the favor and help someone else too.