Varying Pin Diameters

[Diligence]

Folks,

Okay - so I pulled apart my first "fixer-upper". It's an old imperial stockman. Anyway, the diameter of the holes in the blades are larger than the diameter of the holes in the liners?

Is this a common occurance? The blade holes are 3/32", but the corresponding liner holes are smaller.

Additionally, the holes in the springs appear to be smaller too.

So what do I do? I can redrill the liners easily enough, but the spring is going to be a problem. Do you ream the springs to match the liners?

What is the cure? (besides thinning my pins to match the springs)

Any advice would be great.

Jaye

[jonet143]

buy more pin material or reduce the diameter of what you have. pin size varies from brand to brand and just because you bought 3/32 does not mean it is. invest in a set of calipers. good luck.

[muskrat man]

buy more pin material or reduce the diameter of what you have. pin size varies from brand to brand and just because you bought 3/32 does not mean it is. invest in a sert of calipers. good luck.

What Johnnie said, I've reamed holes before with mixed results, I usually just turn the pin stock down to match in a drill press or on a sander. It's common for tang holes to be bigger than the holes in the liners, mainly from wear. Calipers are a good investment, I'm ordering mine shortly-probably should have bought a set earlier in the game, probably would of saved alot of headaches from doing this-- . Good luck and post pics!

[Diligence]

I've got micrometers, so I will check the "as sold" diameters and report.

However, when you drill the new holes through the new scales, using the liners as a guide, how do you select the right size drill bit? Do you just use the spring holes (because it's hard to ream out) as the basis for bit selection?

That is, if the holes in the spring are less than 3/32, do you try to find the corresponding "letter" bit to suit, drill the new pin holes in the scales, then turn the pin stock down to fit?

I know this should be an easy solution, but I'd rather not try to buy 20 different size letter bits if I can help it.

On a totally different topic, I used an old dime (99% nickel) to make a nice little shield yesterday - it turned out wonderfully and is just the right thickness.

Later,
j

[Hukk]

Jantz has some metric diameter pin stock in their catalog, It may help with the odd size pin diameters, may save some time on grinding down pins, I figure I will end up getting some sometime in the near future.

MM, I have to agree, I think a decent set of calipers is the best investment one can make in a shop. I like the digital caliper the best, I can just press a button and it will convert inches to millimeters, takes the thinking out of it. I also have one in fractional measurements I had for eons. I end up using that more than you would think. Micrometers are good, but for knives I've found the calipers to be more handy, my preference, both are fine.

[orvet]

I have taken to measuring the pin stock.
Surprising what I found........depending on where I got it, up to .0015-.002 variation in pin size.

I usually fit the pin to the hole in the blade and the back spring. I can drill liners & bolsters, but the hardened steel is more difficult to drill.

That is, if the holes in the spring are less than 3/32, do you try to find the corresponding "letter" bit to suit, drill the new pin holes in the scales, then turn the pin stock down to fit?

I know this should be an easy solution, but I'd rather not try to buy 20 different size letter bits if I can help it.

I have bought the bits & the metric pin stock. If I am working on older American knives (my preference) I don't encounter that problem too often.

Dale

[Diligence]

I'm interested to get home today so that I can check out the pin stock diameter.

This an old Imperial knife with the stamped hollow sleeve handles. I may try to drill the spring, but I know I will have limited success and will ruin my bit.

...in mid sentence, I realized that I didn't actually try to fit my 3/32 bit through the spring, just the pin stock....I'll bet I have oversized stock..

Now I really can't wait to get home..
j

[orvet]

I have a gauge that I can use to check the diameter of pin stock or drill bits. It was worth the $12 or $15 I paid for it.

Dale

[Diligence]

Thanks for all your help.

I had two problems. The pin stock was larger than 3/32 (one package only) AND the hole in the spring was less than 3/32.

Drilled out the spring and the liners and everything is good now.

I can only get out the shop for about 20 to 30 minutes a night, so I take what I can get.

later,
J

[muskrat man]

Thanks for all your help.

I had two problems. The pin stock was larger than 3/32 (one package only) AND the hole in the spring was less than 3/32.

Drilled out the spring and the liners and everything is good now.

I can only get out the shop for about 20 to 30 minutes a night, so I take what I can get.

later,
J

Glad to hear youy got it cleared up, every little bit helps!

[Diligence]

I'm excited to get to work in the shop. It's been a while since I have been able to.

I have the liners drilled to match my pins, brought the oversize pin stock down to 3/32, glued some black paper micarta onto the liners, have cleaned up the blade and spring, now I just have to shape the scales, pin it together and call it a day....wtih some buffing too.

I made this really neat little "cross" as a shield. this knife is going to a pastor, who was a close friend of my father's. He died in August and this pastor has been very supportive of my mother. Thought he might like a gift.

I don't have a buffer so will hand rub and maybe use a dremel for some finishing touches.

If all goes well, I'll have it done by Saturday.

Later,
j

[jonet143]

take pictures! borrow a camera if needed. you'll want them down the road.