Thread: What type of drill bit?

What did you use for internal washers?

Whenever I needed to enlarge a pivot hole that I was going sleeve I used a pin vise and a drill bit. Like Bruno said drilling existing holes tends to be alot harder than drilling a new one. I learned that the hard way drilling holes for knife handles in hardened knives, but I think the metal in most knives is alot harder than the metal in vintage razors.

Answering #41 I took some brass bearing washers from an old blade and bashed out a 1/8" internal diameter using a leather hole punch and my small anvil. Rustic but effective.

I should perhaps explain that I have sat behind a desk for the last 45 years and have no practical experience whatsoever. That's why it is so enlightening when I get such detailed responses to what may seem basic questions.

I'd say you have a fair bit of practical experience now Rob!

I want to start making my own internal washers as those micro fasteners ones we all use are just so thick. I'm planning to make some from really thin phosphor bronze.... One day.

A couple of photos to show how it ended up. The razor is a Taylor's 3000 - not a common razor but quite unusual in that it has an extended monkey tail and short blade.

Originally Posted by mikew

What did you use for internal washers?

I use 10thou brass shim, drill the 1/16" hole then use a standard paper hole punch to cut the washer, tap if back flat with my peening hammer, then I give them a quick rub on the 2k wet & dry, good to go

Originally Posted by JSmith1983

Whenever I needed to enlarge a pivot hole that I was going sleeve I used a pin vise and a drill bit. Like Bruno said drilling existing holes tends to be alot harder than drilling a new one. I learned that the hard way drilling holes for knife handles in hardened knives, but I think the metal in most knives is alot harder than the metal in vintage razors.

Thanks for that advice - I assume you still need a specialised drill bit though?

In terms of hardness, old razors are generally a bit softer than modern but still in the 58 Rockwell area. I don't know how this compares to knives.

Originally Posted by UKRob

A couple of photos to show how it ended up. The razor is a Taylor's 3000 - not a common razor but quite unusual in that it has an extended monkey tail and short blade.

Nice job. I was just thinking about making a short razor with a long tail. It's good to see a picture of one and get an idea of how it would look.