Slip joint mistakes, but learning, I hope!

Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
64
I've been making some slip joint kits as practice before I try to build a custom. I get a good snap at the fully open position and at the half way point, but I am having friction at the 3/4 closed position. Its not the scale linner pins rubbing. Its pinching the liners hard against the flats. What do you think is happening? Is there a way to loosen this up at this point? How many shims do you use for a two blade trapper? Do you peen with the blades closed or open? Do you peen the spring pin? What's the best slip joint book or video in your opinion? Thanks in advance.
 
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I have enjoyed Eugene Shadley's "knife makers copy" of "how I make a multi-blade slip joint".

I purchased it from Mr. Shadley at a knife show.
 
The tang might be thicker behind the pivot hole than in front. Have you measured it with a micrometer?

I peen with the blade open and close it after each peening to make sure its not too tight.
 
I peen in the half stop position, with a slightly thicker stock stuck between the liners until the most of the peening is done....checking often

As Shing said, the tang may be not completely parallel, but could also be that the pivot is not completely square....is it rubbing on both side or only on one?
 
Thanks guys, the tang is square, after reading your replies I'm thinking its a pivot issue because it is only on one blade and one side. I need the jaws of life to open the liner a tad....? I only used one shim and am thinking that I should have used two, one one each blade.
 
Bill, if you relieve the inside of the liners where the flats of the blade closes into it sure will help. Or do like I do and use a .005" washer on either side of the blade.
 
Bill Thomas said:
Thanks guys, the tang is square, after reading your replies I'm thinking its a pivot issue because it is only on one blade and one side. I need the jaws of life to open the liner a tad....? I only used one shim and am thinking that I should have used two, one one each blade.
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Bill, make a little wedge out of micarta that can be tapped in to spread the liners a bit.
 
I really appreciate all of you on this forum that are willing to take the time to share your knowledge. I admire this quality in a person, while recognizing what a lot of you guys went through to get where you are without having access to experts in real time like I do through Bladeforums.
Don Hanson III said:
Bill, make a little wedge out of micarta that can be tapped in to spread the liners a bit.
Click to expand...
 
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