Thread: Tightening Loose Scales

My scales are a bit too loose and I would like to know if there is an easy way to tighten them. Can I just squeeze with some pliers right next to the pin?

The scales are black plastic like material (TI from AOS)

As a result of leaving my blade in some hot water too long, the scales near the pin heated up enough to really loosen them up. Any help would be appreciated.

By taking a small hammer backed up by an anvil you can carefully tap the pin to tighten it just enough. A little bit goes a long way. Take your time.
Lots of info about this if you do a search.

Originally Posted by Raudrive

By taking a small hammer backed up by an anvil you can carefully tap the pin to tighten it just enough. A little bit goes a long way. Take your time.
Lots of info about this if you do a search.

+1, If you can, get a copy of Lynn's DVD. It goes over that. You mean the blade is loose at the pivot pin, right? You can use a small jeweler's anvil, a small pin punch and small hammer. You need to be absolutely sure that the pin punch is seated directly over the pin on the razor. If it slips, you'll crack your scales. Once you have the pin punch lined up, gently tap several times. this should tighten it up.
It's not a Duck is it, They are always loose, may as well get used to it.....

A pic might help. But if they're regular type pins then you should look at the re-pinning article in the Wiki. It's under the restoration section. To tighten pins you would tap (lightly) on them with a ball peen hammer. This squashes out the "rivet" head of the pin and peens it over a bit more which in turn tightens the scales on the blade (actually there are thin washers in there between the scales and the blade).

Check the wiki. The guy in the video is a "trained professional" so you might want to be less aggressive with the hammer.

I use a 4oz riveting hammer on a small anvil. I have seen forum member The Topher do it with a large table spoon. Tapping gently on the pin with the bottom of the spoon. It worked and is probably safer then the hammer unless you feel confident with the latter.

I hit the pin a few times with a small hammer and it is much better now. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Great thread! I just gave mine a few gentle taps and now it is tight and like new! I feel like I just fixed something! This forum is awesome! Thank you gentlemen!

My 8-oz ball peen hammer is a little heavy for the job, so I just choke way up on the handle: better control, less force, works pretty well.