Thread: Knot size question again

Replacing my first knot on a vintage brush. I know its been asked a million times, but in searching I am getting conflicting stories. The hole in this handle measures 20mm across. So to me that means I need a 20mm knot an set the loft to where I prefer. I have read that some people use a size smaller for fitting? So I am ready to purchase a knot but don't want to order the wrong size. Thanks for any help.

I'm glad you posted this because I'm in the same boat. I'm working on a vintage Ever Ready that is at 20mm, it's a birthday gift and time is running out.

I measure the knot at it's base before ripping it out and round down the fraction. Has worked for me so far. Knots are not always perfect in measurement. Worst case scenario you have to open the handle some to get it in. The knot you buy is measured at the bottom which you can't get at. The brush does fill the rim so it's not like it's going to rattle around if smaller.

Yes the knot will actually be a larger diameter just above the base. While it's flexible, if you did a line to line fit for the base, you couldn't shove the knot in any deeper cause you couldn't compress it that much above the base.
If you check out The Golden Nib they'll usually mention what this measurement is. Here's an example for a 19 mm two band:

Base approx 19mm
Hair tuff above base approx 22mm

By the way, I've done a two step hole where I go in with a bit closer to the base size, then another that's larger to accommodate the knot. This gives the base a little better socket to sit in. Not sure if anyone else does this or if I'm off my rocker - which is entirely possible.

The 20mm should work for you, but as an example I recently made a brush and sized the hole for a 30mm knot. I had the entire handle complete and all that was left was to epoxy the badger knot in. The owner wanted a smaller knot, which was no problem. I dropped down to a 28mm and it fit just fine. I didn't change the hole in any way.

Sometimes one size smaller when ordering a single badger knot is the safer way to go.

For a 20 bore. go with an 18,with a proper loft of say 48MM the knot will center itself just fine.

Ok cool so if I run a bit smaller its not a big deal. I measured three times with calipers. 20mm at the rim so going to try a 18mm or 19mm an see what happens. Thanks as always. You guys rock.

Originally Posted by RollinCoal69

Ok cool so if I run a bit smaller its not a big deal. I measured three times with calipers. 20mm at the rim so going to try a 18mm or 19mm an see what happens. Thanks as always. You guys rock.

Disclaimer I will pre-face with I have only done a few:

I have always (granted I work with vintage handles and I will put some pics of the current if you wish) planned on a bit of a custom fit.
A barrel sander on a Dremel or pencil grinder can do a lot on the right hands.

I do agree a size or two smaller will guarantee fit, but loft has always been a contributing factor for my few restorations.

So for instance the one I just purchased a knot for is at 23mm with 12.5 mm depth (I ordered a 22mm knot),
with the knot in hand I will measure, plunge it deeper or fill it if I need to, and open it up a bit (which I fully anticipate).

I have learned if the knot is not in hand go conservative it pays off in the long run.