Thread: How to realign plastic scales that have become slightly "banana" shaped.

Hi all,

How does one realign plastic straight razor scales that have become slightly "banana" shaped? The "Pearlex" scales on my favorite razor - a DOVO 5/8 stainless - has curved enough that I have to very slightly push the blade to the side when closing to keep the blade's edge from touching a scale on one side. A careful look at the pin that holds the blade in place reveals that the center of the pin holes are located slightly different distances from the ends of the two scales - about 1/32" (12/32" on one side and 11/32" on the other).

Respectfully,
Jeff

Does one of these scales have an inlay of some sort? I've seen this many times with an inlay as at that point the scale is thinner and shrinkage or warpage happens easier.

The best way to straighten is to unpin. Use heat to make it flexible then clamp it down to something hard and straight to cool. A few times and they will be straight again. Another way without unpinning, but with the fact, you have a 3-pin set of scales is to use heat again. But wedge some coffee stir stick or popsicle sticks between to bow out a little extra. Heat again and cool. You can work a lot of warp out doing this but being you are working with plastic don't use steam as that can change the color or damage them. An Iron works. I use a heat lamp. Just go slow and do it a few times. You can get them in better shape. But unpinning is the best way. You can repin after realigning the holes for the center pin or wedge pin if need be after they are straight.

Good luck.

Best bet.! As said above.

Unpin, flatten. Check, make sure holes line up. If the hinge pin isn't straight, open the holes in the scales with a 1/16 drill bit so the pin can move more freely. Just a wee bit, don't hog it out.

Being Dovo....guaranteed they bent the pin at the factory. Its finally turned and causing your problems. IMHO.

Thank you for sharing your advice, fellas!

I believe you that unpinning, straightening and repinning is the best way to correct the warped scales.

Gasman: I might try the heating and bracing method first, but expect that it won't be a permanent fix. Thanks for the caution about steaming - I was thinking of doing that, but will perhaps use a hair dryer.

outback: I bet you're right about Dovo bending the pin at the factory. I have seen that on another of their razors. If (when) I remove the hinge pin I'll follow your advice on ooening up the holes a tiny bit.

I've had best success, using a heat lamp. When it comes to plastic.

I remove the pin from the scales and clamp between 2 pieces of straight wood. Pour very hot water over the scales and let cool before removing clamp.

If you do not want to remove the pin I place a thin strip of wood between the scales and a straight piece on each side and clamp. Pour the hot water and let cool.

Same method I use on horn scalez.

Good advice already
I use either an iron and wrap the scales in newspaper or heavy packing paper if unpinned or a heat gun if leaving it pinned. With a heat gun though you must be ultra careful not to char or even ignite the scales especially being plastic. Horn is safer with this method. A blow dryer on high is safer but takes more time. If using a heat gun move it constantly up and down the scales. Not too close and never stop moving.it.