How to attach custom SAK scales

[porteiro]

OK, so normal SAK scales are designed to go on and then come back off, because they fit tight around the brass bushings, right?

When people make their own SAK scales (for example, out of wood), how do they attach these scales?  Do they just epoxy them to the knife?  If so, what do they do when it comes time to remove the scales?

[Neil]

I use epoxy.  How do I remove them... I don't

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Factory SAK scales are not designed to be reusable...the factory considers them one time use items. If you are careful, you may be able to replace them a few times, but eventually they will no longer hold tightly onto the bushings.

I'm with Neil. Lord of the Bees!   ...epoxy and don't remove them afterward.

[yud]

I use super gule


But you get the idea

[porteiro]

Hmm... You'd probably be able to remove superglued scales by soaking it in acetone (provided it didn't dissolve the scales as well -- although technically that *would* remove them).

Does anybody know if that would work with epoxy as well?

[Gareth]

I'm confident that the acetone would go for the scales.  As you say technically they are removed, but reusable?  I think not.

I've heard of guys in the states that swear by "Goop", apparently it holds well but lets you take them off again. 

[porteiro]

I'm confident that the acetone would go for the scales.

It depends on the scales.  I've soaked wood in acetone with no apparent damage.  And if I make those brass scales I've been thinking about...

I've heard of guys in the states that swear by "Goop", apparently it holds well but lets you take them off again. 

As in the shoe adhesive?   Interesting...

[Mr. Whippy]

I'm confident that the acetone would go for the scales.  As you say technically they are removed, but reusable?  I think not.

I've heard of guys in the states that swear by "Goop", apparently it holds well but lets you take them off again. 

That's what I use (or seam sealer--basically the same stuff).  It doesn't hold as well as 2 part epoxy, but it allows you to remove the scales without damaging them.

[Gareth]

I'm confident that the acetone would go for the scales.

It depends on the scales.  I've soaked wood in acetone with no apparent damage.  And if I make those brass scales I've been thinking about...

I've heard of guys in the states that swear by "Goop", apparently it holds well but lets you take them off again.  

As in the shoe adhesive?   Interesting...

Of course you're right, I was only thinking of cellidor scales.