Thread: blade catching scales

I have bought a few vintage razors that are slightly loose in the pivot pin. I could almost deal with that, but the blades will hit the scales when closing them. do you guys have any ideas to fix this? Could I just try to peen the pins a little tighter?

tighten the pins, or repin the razors.

If you are curious on how to do that, a few light taps with a 4 or 8 or even 12oz hammer will do the trick. I have heard a lot about using a spoon somehow, but if you have a hammer why bother?

The way the blade moves about it's axis affects whether it hits one side of the scales or another. It you flex the scales in one direction you can see whether this swings the blade clear of the affected scale. Tightening the pin with taps to drive it towards the wedge (or away from it) to mimic the flex needed can help, but only if there is enough play in the hole in the scale that the pin goes through. Taking the pin out, elongating the hole slightly at one end and at the opposite end on the other scale will effect a swing in the blades axis, too.

Sometimes though, it appears that too long a pin has been driven with some force into the pivot hole of the scales, buckling in the process and affecting the way the blade revolves - I've seen that a lot of times, In this case, simply using a pin of the correct length will do.

Another reason is that one scale has a metal inlay on it. The scale with the inlay moves at a different rate than the other scale, causing one scale to bend or bow and touch the blade.

Try tightening the pin first - it might be all that is necessary!

Regards,
Neil.

If the scales are plastic (or any of the many names for plastic like material - i.e. not wood), try dipping the wedge end in hot water for a minute or two. Then, gently flex the scales in the direction you need and hold them until they cool. I get hot water out of one of the sink hot water makers. It worked like a charm on a couple ebay razors that had the problem you mentioned.

Thanks guys. When I get time I will try to tighten the pins. I am only really set on saving the scales on one of these, so maybe I will make some new ones.