Thread: How do I determine knot size?

I have a nice bunch of vintage brushes, and want to put new knots in them. How do I determine the knot size to order? Is there swelling that occurs or do I get a knot that is the same size as the opening? I dont really want to screw this up.

Thanks

I can't answer your question with much authority but i do know that with the brushes i've made there is some swelling in the knot (at least the ones i used) that makes it necessary to adjust the hole accordingly. I think some brands of the more expensive one may be a little more accurate. There should be some more knowledgeable members that can give you some more help.

Replacement knots normally come a little larger than sized like a .5 to 1mm. So depending on the size of the hole you have you might have to enlarge the hole just a little. Or order one step smaller. Ive just make the hole bigger as its not much. Unless your working with something extremely thin or metal.

Knot size is usually quoted as the diameter at the base of the glue plug. The knot bulges out slightly above where the visible part of the glue plug ends. Suppliers of knots usually say to have the brush hole size 1 - 2 mm larger than the knot size.

I'd remove the knot from the handle, clean up the hole and measure it's diameter. Then buy a knot with a 1 - 2 mm smaller diameter/size. You do not want a real tight fit where you are really forcing the knot into the hole. Over time a really tight fit can lead to splitting the handle as the knot swells a bit with use. If the fit is a bit tight you can always ream the hole out for an easier fit.

Here is what Maggards has to say about knot size https://www.maggardrazors.com/produc...dger-fan-knot/

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Knot size is usually quoted as the diameter at the base of the glue plug. The knot bulges out slightly above where the visible part of the glue plug ends. Suppliers of knots usually say to have the brush hole size 1 - 2 mm larger than the knot size.

I'd remove the knot from the handle, clean up the hole and measure it's diameter. Then buy a knot with a 1 - 2 mm smaller diameter/size. You do not want a real tight fit where you are really forcing the knot into the hole. Over time a really tight fit can lead to splitting the handle as the knot swells a bit with use. If the fit is a bit tight you can always ream the hole out for an easier fit.

Here is what Maggards has to say about knot size https://www.maggardrazors.com/produc...dger-fan-knot/

Bob

This is what I was worried about. Ididnt know if swelling would occur and crack the handles.

Originally Posted by MrZ

This is what I was worried about. Ididnt know if swelling would occur and crack the handles.

If the fit is too tight they can and do crack the handles. I had a custom brush do that on me.

Bob