Crack in scale at hinge pin-What are long term issues?

I dissembled Wade and Butcher 4/8" for cleaning and such. During my polishing of on of the scales, I noticed a hairline crack completely through at the hinge pin hole. The crack runs from near dead center of the hinge pin hole laterally to the edge of the scale. It is not a lengthwise crack. So I applied CA (super glue) and worked it into the crack by flexing the scale. The glue was applied to one side only and I managed to work it in so that it was oozing out the the other side.

So that drying now and I want to know if cracks in this location are always major issues or is this going to be fine. Other than this crack the scales are in great condition.

So should I use them as repaired or do something more.

See if it holds when you pin it. You could glue the thrust washer to the scale to help strengthen it? It would work like a liner.

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Originally Posted by 10Pups

See if it holds when you pin it. You could glue the thrust washer to the scale to help strengthen it? It would work like a liner.

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That raises another questions about thrust washers. This razor had no thrust washers. That's normal right? I was careful when I un-pinned it to make sure no spacer or washers fell out.

I have the microfastener's washers on order. I remember reading a post by gssixgun on how he made the microfasteners washers thinner by hitting them with a BFH:rofl2: So I'll be trying that....

BUT how do I glue the washer to the scale?? I never had luck with CA and it binding metal well. Is there a difference with brass? Should I sand the brass washer rough on the scale side to help the glue bind?

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Originally Posted by Fort

I remember reading a post by gssixgun on how he made the microfasteners washers thinner by hitting them with a BFH:rofl2: So I'll be trying that....

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I don't like that method, it certainly works. I prefer to make my own from brass sheet stock. Drill a series of 1/16 inch holes in the sheet stock. Center a hole punch on the drilled hole and punch out the washer. Sometimes the hole punch will curve the washer, just flatten it with your penning hammer. The biggest advantage is that you can can have a consistent thickness.

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BUT how do I glue the washer to the scale?? I never had luck with CA and it binding metal well. Is there a difference with brass? Should I sand the brass washer rough on the scale side to help the glue bind?

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Consider using fabric, martica, or sheet brass to line both scales. I would use epoxy for most liners, but for fabric CA would work well also.

Sand and degrease both mating surfaces for the best bond.

Jonathan

Make sure both sides are clean. Sanding does it and I clean the brass with acetone before gluing.

Make sure everything centers before you glue it all up. If you add washers you may find misalignment from wear and or your sanding.

I'd vote for quick set epoxy over super glue for fixing the washer to the scale. Seems this stuff bonds to most anything. In all likelyhood this razor isn't going to be taken apart any time soon.

Ok the CA worked as far as me not being able to open the crack by applying pressure with my hands as I was able to before CA treatment. I sanded and polished the scale and now I'm ready for the next step.

What problems could occur during the pinning process that I should be careful with? I have never pinned before, but I have two types on the way: traditional and microfasteners.

As for bonding the thrust washer to the scale, I have an idea on how to approach this. Has anyone used PC-7 on razor projects because I have that on hand. Its a 2 part epoxy that requires and over night setting.

My process would be to apply the epoxy to the washer. Insert a small section of brass pin material in the scale and then slide the washer down and set it in place. I would then remove the pin so as not to bond it to the scale or washer.

Not familiar with Pc7 but sounds like it will work fine. I still would prefer a quick set epoxy like 1or 5 min stuff. My favorite is Locktite Quickset 5 min. Last thing you want is for the washer to slip while the glue sets up.

It has been my experience that by the time I get done doing all the prep and work on a fix that "Might" hold I could have either made new scales or found an old set/scale that fits :shrug:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

It has been my experience that by the time I get done doing all the prep and work on a fix that "Might" hold I could have either made new scales or found an old set/scale that fits :shrug:

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Well I have never made scales before and these are in such great shape. I decided to use microfasteners this way Later on I can get some new scales made.

What Glenn said. I tried to superglue the scales back together on an ebay special, twice. Didn't take too well. But I got some 1/8" acrylic sheet from my razor guru for rescaling my Gold Dollar projects and it is dirt cheap from TAP plastics... like $10 for 6" x 30" and that will make a lot of scales. Comes in lots of colors, opaque and translucent. Anyway I did my first ever rescale on that razor, a Union Cutlery spike, and gave it to my Dad. From now on I don't try to patch old scales back together unless they are some really cool scales. Acrylic works nice. And plenty of sources for already made scales, too.

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Originally Posted by TulaneBoy

What Glenn said. I tried to superglue the scales back together on an ebay special, twice. Didn't take too well. But I got some 1/8" acrylic sheet from my razor guru for rescaling my Gold Dollar projects and it is dirt cheap from TAP plastics... like $10 for 6" x 30" and that will make a lot of scales. Comes in lots of colors, opaque and translucent. Anyway I did my first ever rescale on that razor, a Union Cutlery spike, and gave it to my Dad. From now on I don't try to patch old scales back together unless they are some really cool scales. Acrylic works nice. And plenty of sources for already made scales, too.

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I took your advice and made plastic scales because the glue did not survive tightening of the microfasteners. So it was fun to create something out of my head. I wanted the scales to be light to keep the balance of things.

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Originally Posted by Fort

I took your advice and made plastic scales because the glue did not survive tightening of the microfasteners. So it was fun to create something out of my head. I wanted the scales to be light to keep the balance of things.

Attachment 144193Attachment 144194Attachment 144195

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Nice! I like!