Scale Removal Question???

[DennisM]

What is the best way to loosen the screws holding the scales on CPKs? I have not done this before. Would I risk gouging scales with a leveraged allen wrench slipping off or snapping a screw head off with my Milwaukee hammer drill or impact gun? Please give advice of what worked best for you. Thx

 

[Hammer67]

I have always just used the proper hex key.

 

[ferider]

I suggest not to use an electrical tool (the allen heads are too soft, and I think the default spacers are aluminum ?). Just two good manual wrenches from both sides. Like Wiha or similar. Edge towards a cutting board, tip away from body.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

^ this is the way.

 

[toker]

I suggest not to use an electrical tool (the allen heads are too soft, and I think the default spacers are aluminum ?). Just two good manual wrenches from both sides. Like Wiha or similar. Edge towards a cutting board, tip away from body.

That's the best way. Two quality bits at the same time.

 

[M67]

I usually start one screw when the knife is in the sheath

Just use the proper allen wrench or torx head, just need 2 of them to support both sides and one end will eventually give

 

[DennisM]

Thanks to all for the advice.

I usually start one screw when the knife is in the sheath

^^^^^
Since I am getting older and I am prone to bleeding easily ... I will most definitely incorporate M67 's advice too.

 

[EMCEE]

I line the blade with cardboard or leather and place it in a vice with cutting edge down and tip away. Then, as others described use Wiha hex or Allen bits.

Often, one fastener has red Loktite and the other blue. Thus, only one screw will break free.

After removing the first screw, the spacer should push through. If it won’t, use an appropriately sized dowel or rod and light taps w/ a mallet to push through.

Remove the second screw and take care not to let the scale drop. (Damaging the scale sucks ! )

Personally, I prefer to have replacement fasteners on hand. All sizes and colors can be ordered from Jo or traded for. Be sure to keep track of the original spacer and screw position since some are longer than others.

If you’re reusing the old screws, wire brush the old gunk from threads and mouth of spacer. If not, add one drop of blue (medium) Loktite to threads and re-install.

Enjoy your sexy new scales and/or fasteners !!! PICS OR IT DIDN’T HAPEN.

 

[DennisM]

I have a new to me LC coming and I planned to replace the hardware. I plan to do the scale removal of a BFK FIRST since I have multiple extra scales, duplicate knives and because they are easily attainable in the event I screw - pun intended - something up.

Hopefully my question is helpful to other half-whits - like me - so they don't F-up their knives.

 

[SharpBits]

You can't be a half-wit since you asked BEFORE messing anything up! I pronounce you fully witted!

 

[EMCEE]

^This. I screwed a few up before asking. Consider me a “less-than- half- wit”. Quarter-wit, maybe ?

 

[toker]

You don't need a sheath. The blades aren't that sharp.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

You don't need a sheath. The blades aren't that sharp.

Lol. Yeah. Try that and check back with us how that works out for you.

 

[toker]

Lol. Yeah. Try that and check back with us how that works out for you.

In all seriousness, if you don't have a sheath, you can just lay the blade edge down on a piece of cardboard and use the two torx bits to remove the scales. That's what I did with my K20.

 

[bluemax_1]

^This. I screwed a few up before asking. Consider me a “less-than- half- wit”. Quarter-wit, maybe ?

I hereby declare you a candidate for the Witless Protection Program (#unaffiliatedwiththefbi).

You can send all your CPKs to me for your own safety

 

[SharpBits]

Seems legit!

 

[Moorik]

Guys…

 

[clinton1]

View attachment 3197766


Guys…

Had pants on when you started……

 

[JJ_Colt45]

High quality bits with a good driver or quality allen wrenches are a must to insure good reaults. Whia and Wera are my gotos.

If you want to be careful you can cut a couple pieces of cardboard slightly wider than the blade height and tape them together for a quick, cheap, and easy blade sleeve that gives you open access to all the fastners.

As EMCEE posted above one fastener with blue Loctite will break free and the other is more solid with red Loctite. So use quality bits on each side and the blue Loctite fastner usually isn't too difficult to break free. His recommendation to clean up the fastners is good too as sometimes it's a snug fit to reassemble.

 

[SharpBits]

Am I the only one who remembers that these exist?



Plastic blade guards. Cheap insurance.