Thread pitch for fixed blade handle screws

Hawk45

Hawk45

Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
2,154
Hi everyone,

I'm going to try doing some screw on scales on some of my fixed blades. Most stock in 3/16" and scales 1/4" each side. What is a beefy enough thread post/pitch for this thickness of stock? Don't want anything too dainty looking, more of a HD torx. Would 2-56, 4-40 or other be best?
 
Those would work on folders, but for a fixed blade you want at least 6-32 or 8-32. What you do is put a threaded insert in the tang. It is basically a piece of inside threaded tubing placed in a hole thorough the tang. It can be a snug press fit, soft soldered in place, or just held in place with a drop of CA. The torx screws hold the two side scales tight to the tang. You can buy the screws/bolts of your choice from most all knife suppliers, and some carry the inserts. Industrial suppliers and eBay carry them very cheaply. They are called threaded tubing or a standoff. Make a counterbore for the scales to make a flat seat for the screw head.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KEYSTONE-34...154608?hash=item4d3fb2a730:g:2VsAAOSwll1WxRB2
 
For some reason the last post won't edit.

TIP:
To press in these inserts, put a pan head bolt through the tube so it sticks out the other side. Run it down snug. From the bolt head, press the insert in the tang hole so it goes half way through. You can file a slight chamfer to the end of the tube so it starts easier, and a little white grease lube also helps. Back out the bolt and the insert will be unharmed and have perfect threads. Using this system, you can even tap the inserts in with a small hammer.
 
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