Thumbstud on Tomcat,,

[Hank Zudd]

I'd like to get a thumbstud installed on an older tomcat and get it beadblasted. Other than factory, anyone had this done? how much? thanks hank_Juggs@jahoooooo also, how hard would it be to replace the rubber on the bolsters with g-10? thanks again

 

[Bobby B]

I was considering that too, but never did...
The SOGWinder has the same handle with a stud, just a different blade shape. You could drill it and put in a set of studs (I seem to remember the hole needing to be 5mm...measure it yourself to be sure!!! )
Just drill straight... remembering it's hardened steel...

The rubber is glued on, so it can be removed and something else glued on...

Hope this helps?!

 

[Hank Zudd]

drill the hardened steel? I have two tomcats and gave one to a buddy who works in a machine shop to work on. he told me they had to mill a flat spot on the blade behind the thumbnick in order to bore a small hole & press in a stud. yea, that tempered steel is tough; this has been about 2 months ago, so it can't be that easy. where's ron when you need a favor.

 

[AlphalphaPB]

Hi. You should try a carbide bit to drill the hole. They can't tolerate much bending/walking, so make sure to use a decent drill press (Dremel's piece of crap doesn't count) and go really slow. Maybe split it into 50 passes to drill through, and use water to lubricate/cool.

Also, to keep the drill bit from cracking once it reaches the other side, you might want to clamp a small piece of wood beneath the drilling area.

It helps to have a pilot hole. You might want to start with a 1/16" carbide bit.

 

[Hank Zudd]

may just try that if my "friend" don't decide to finish the job. pm