Thread: Cracked Scale Repair Advice Please

I picked up a J.A. Henckels 70 1/2 locally for cheap that looked like it just needed a little cleaning up. In the process of removing the pivot pen I found (or created) a crack from the pivot pen hole to one edge of the scale. The pivot pen holes are so small that putting a 1/16" pen in spreads the crack slightly.

How do I repair this crack? Will CA migrate into the crack if I stick a pen in and apply from the back side? After gluing I would plan on drilling the pen holes out to 5/64 (thanks gssixgun) and re-pen. Would that be enough or would y'all (good southern term) advise reinforcement on the back side?

Thanks in advance for all the great answers!

If they are not ornate in any way I usually replace them. You can’t epoxy very thin G-10 to the inside as well as a host of metallic liners. However lining average non descriptive scales is about the same amount of work and making a set of horn or bone scales, so I usually go with the replacement.

Especially if the crack is new with no scum in it I would try just the glue.

If your point is to have fun and learn go for the liner etc if that doesn't work.

Economically if that is the way you wan't to go I agree with Rez and get or make another set.

I just secure it by filling the crack with Superglue and clamping the crack closed if possible. You can finish with a thin coat of Superglue on the inside of the scales. If I am repinning with large washers between scales and blade I also Superglue a washer to the scales to overlap the crack.

If they are hard rubber or Bakelite, I would say forget it.
A picture?

I seem to have some scales around.........The blade should be worth it....

Thanks for the responses. I'll try to take some pictures and post tomorrow.

In kind of summarizing the points made, if you want to remain as historical as possible, then glue it or put a liner on it. If that isn't as important, put a new pair on.

A 70 1/2 should be a 5/8 roundpoint? May have something like this 72 1/2. If the front scale is intact, that's a good thing.
A rear scale can be found/modified.



If they are plain-black, some scales might be found?

Try the super glue, if it doesn't work...ya needa newons.

Originally Posted by outback

Try the super glue, if it doesn't work...ya needa newons.

Advise to live by!