Thread: Knot removal

I'm having a heck of a time removing a knot I glued in with this:



Been steaming for about 25 mins, now and she ain't budging...at all!! Did I use the wrong epoxy?

I have removed factory knots before, so removal isn't brand new to me.

I want to save the handle and knot, so cutting isn't an option.

Thoughts, comments, concerns, suggestions?

I've heard epoxy becomes brittle when frozen.

At the risk of sounding contrarian:

If you are having a hard time removing the knot it sounds as if you used EXACTLY the right epoxy

The new glues are much stronger than the older ones, which is what we are after

Until you want to break that bond

I have also used the Freezer to break an Epoxy bond on a Rifle Stock, never on a Brush but it might be worth a try

Our dear departed, and greatly missed, Bill Barber, pixelfixed, posted this thread on the topic ;

http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...ove-knots.html

Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Into the deep freeze it shall go.

I would highly recommend drilling out the knot instead of trying to steam it out as you may compromise the integrity of the handle with the heat.
Good luck.

Originally Posted by celestino

I would highly recommend drilling out the knot instead of trying to steam it out as you may compromise the integrity of the handle with the heat.
Good luck.

An $80 High Mountain White knot, I'd just as soon NOT destroy it!

Be sure to say how you get it out. I have one I'd like to drop deeper but dont want to destroy the knot. Like you, I want to keep it!

Originally Posted by Gasman

Be sure to say how you get it out. I have one I'd like to drop deeper but dont want to destroy the knot. Like you, I want to keep it!

I have removed a few in the past, steaming them. However, this one just don't want to budge. Like GSSixgun said, the epoxy is doing what it's suppose to...just TOO well. lol

I've removed and reset or replace 4 different knots in the past, described below:

Add about a cup or so of water to a pan, then set another pan in it and set the brush handle in the 'inside' pot. Put a lid on the bigger pot, to keep the steam in. Bring the water to a rolling boil and wait about 15 or so mins. 15 mins seems to be the magic number, anything less and the knot won't come out cleanly. With a pair of jersey gloves (or couple of hand towels), grasp the handle and the knot (as close to the handle as possible) and pull/wiggle and she'll slide right out. A little 'clean up' may be required in the knot hole, to allow for an even reset.

I've been busy working in the shop the past few days, so I haven't had a chance to try the freeze method. It has, however, been in my deep freeze for the past couple days. Maybe I'll get a chance to try it this evening.

Originally Posted by celestino

I would highly recommend drilling out the knot instead of trying to steam it out as you may compromise the integrity of the handle with the heat.
Good luck.

The handle is stabilized wood. So, the water/steam shouldn't be an issue.