Tang spacer holes

[bodog]

I have I knife that has .260" holes cut into the hardened tang that I need to use for threaded barrel spacers for removable scales. Should I try to ream the tang holes out to a larger size or try to use 1/4" spacers knowing there's a little bit of slop?

Of course I don't want there to be any slop but the only thing I can think of is buying some carbide drill bits and making the holes larger. That just seems like a pain and I'm looking for easier solutions.

The blade doesn't list what kind of steel it is but it's an older American made(or so it says on the ricasso), stainless blade so I'm guessing a relatively low hardness 440A or similar. The knife also doesn't list the manufacturer so I'm guessing here.

Any advice?

 

[rustyrazor]

if you're just doing one, you could use a diamond file and ream the hole, or if the steel isn't too hard, you can always use carbide masonry bits, or soften the tang a bit first and use a sharp hss/cobalt bit. worst case scenario can you make your own barrel spacer?

just a thought or two off the top. good luck