All About Pocket Knives

Hey,

First time posting here so I hope this is the appropriate section. I've been having a heck of a time trying to determine what size pin/clearance I need for a lock back folder I'm working on. I have taken the knife apart and the blade/bolster as well as the liners/lock back have a .103" hole in them for the pins.

It's kind of a weird size to me and I was hoping someone here could recommend the correct pin size to use when reassembling the knife and what sort of clearance I should have on the fit prior to peening.

Thanks in advance!

You're in the right place and to AAPK! I'm sure a repair person will be along shortly to help you out.

Whatever fits snug and still allows the blade to function properly. Don't over complicate it, if it fits snug and everything still works you're good to go.

muskrat man wrote: ↑Mon Dec 23, 2019 9:20 pm Whatever fits snug and still allows the blade to function properly. Don't over complicate it, if it fits snug and everything still works you're good to go.

I totally agree......
The only thing you might want to be sure of is this.... Make sure the pins go thru the hardened parts.
( you don't want to try to drill those parts )

Thanks for the replies! I certainly like the idea of keeping it simple. Looks like I will have to ream the holes out bigger since a .103 brass pin doesn't seem to exist anywhere.

I would refrain from drilling or reaming the holes any larger.
Try taking 1/8" rod (.125), and turning it down until it fits.
You can easily turn stock by chucking it in a drill and spinning it against a running belt sander. Running it against a file or sharpening stone can also work, it just takes longer.
This is MUCH easier to do, and does not weaken the backsprings or risk other damage to the knife.

Reverand wrote: ↑Tue Dec 24, 2019 1:58 am I would refrain from drilling or reaming the holes any larger.
Try taking 1/8" rod (.125), and turning it down until it fits.
You can easily turn stock by chucking it in a drill and spinning it against a running belt sander. Running it against a file or sharpening stone can also work, it just takes longer.
This is MUCH easier to do, and does not weaken the backsprings or risk other damage to the knife.

Yes, this is an easier solution to your pin size problem. Its just not possible to have every pin size in stock so turning them down via the drill press method is a quick and easy solution to get a pin that's sized correctly to fit your application.
Like the Rev, I chuck mine up in the drill press, run it at it highest speed and use a file to get the pin resized.
I have re-drilled a few holes from time to time but usually to correct a worn pivot hole or similar issue.
Jeff

Thanks again for the advice! I think I'll try a 2.5mm pin first and if that is too loose I'll turn down a 7/64.