Thread: An impossible task?

Originally Posted by tintin

tried the steam method with a old ever-ready. melted it into a distorted piece of plastic. didn't try to see if i could remove the knot though.

Yes, those old Ever-Ready brushes have handles that are thin plastic shells and can melt if you aren't careful. I don't think there would be a problem with a solid handle though.

This is an old Canadian made Simms brush that I steamed the knot out of. Got lucky on the melting bit as they are made the same way as the Ever-Ready ones, with a thin hollow handle. The knot was set in rubber glue and I don't remember if it was salvageable because I was pitching it out anyway. I was a while ago that I did this too so factor in the old age effect too.

Bob

Shaun, what don't you try banding the bottom of the knot to simulate the depth you want to set it and see if it is any good, if it is a bad knot ano way you won't need to be so concerned about getting it out whole.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Shaun, what don't you try banding the bottom of the knot to simulate the depth you want to set it and see if it is any good, if it is a bad knot ano way you won't need to be so concerned about getting it out whole.

That is a GREAT idea!

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Shaun, what don't you try banding the bottom of the knot to simulate the depth you want to set it and see if it is any good, if it is a bad knot ano way you won't need to be so concerned about getting it out whole.

I did put two 'O' rings at the base of it and tried it that way. The results were better, but the O rings stretch a bit so I think it will be ok if I set it deeper, which is how I got to the how to get it apart question.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I did put two 'O' rings at the base of it and tried it that way. The results were better, but the O rings stretch a bit so I think it will be ok if I set it deeper, which is how I got to the how to get it apart question.

Some waxed sail makers and a common whipping won't stretch like "O" rings will.

Bob

I remove knots by taping the hairs tightly with duct tape and smash them in a vise, Hold the handle out tightly and saw the hairs off with a hacksaw, close as possible to the handle. Then, a cordless drill using a 1/4 bit right in the middle, through the knot and plug till I get to the handle material. Sometimes, I drill lots of holes around and pick it out with a small screwdriver. Sometimes, I use a forstner bit . Problem with some vintage handles is they are not deep enough to set a knot low enough for our desires. Some, you can just make it deeper with the forstner bit. Some, you cannot as to the way the handle is constructed. Why I just sometimes use o-rings. Seems TGN sells some low-loft knots?

I think the Orig intent was to save the Knot and handle

Yes. I am trying to save both. I am also willing to risk both as I am not happy with the current configuration. I'll be back in an hour with the results.

The result is after following the video posted by BobH the knot came out quite easily and no harm was done to the handle or the knot. I will reset the knot another night. It has been a positive adventure. Thanks for all the input.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I think the Orig intent was to save the Knot and handle

Funny, your post on #5 said it about the same?

I hope the knot can be saved as well as the handle! Giving something called an 'alternative'. Good luck, Rez!