Tightening Old Wooden Scales

[GeofS]

Apologies if this is the wrong forum for this inquiry; I just figured you smiths would know better than anyone.

I picked up an old Case WWII bolo...

It’s scales are a bit loose, can I do anything to fix this?

Thanks,
Geof

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You can try tapping the rivets tighter. You'll have to support them on the back side. They may not/probably won't tighten.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

^^^ What Bill said. Those appear to be the two piece cutler rivets. The wood may have shrunk, & the brass rivets stretched in the 60-70? Years since it was made. I’d just keep as is and not put new scales on it since it’s a WWII war relic ..

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Tapping the rivets snug may or may not work as Bill said. It also may split the scales. If a new handle isn't what you want to do, try making this one more secure.
Mix up some thin epoxy and work it under the scales with gloved hands where the scales have lifted. Work in some fine dark sawdust after the epoxy gets in. Wipe the excess off the scales with denatured alcohol, and do that again after the resin has gelled. Let it dry and lightly sand the handle by hand as needed.

 

[GeofS]

I appreciate the guidance. Thank you, gentlemen.