Are these scales still usable?

[glenfiddich1983]

In preparation of my mod I took off the scales of my donors. They were stuck really tight, and in the proces some parts broke off around the holes where the bushings go in.

Will these still fit tight when I put them on again? Or do I need new scales?





This is probably asked before but I can't find it with the search. Probably not using the correct search terms.

[Toolslinger]

That looks like a substantial loss of material.

I've found even small amounts of material loss (and probably some stretching/bending) when removing the scales is enough to reduce their ability to snap on again.

I doubt they will snap on like new scales would. You can try press fitting them on when your mod is done. If they don't snap on, they should be usable if you add some glue and clamp them on.

Usually I will just use a small dab of gel superglue and then clamp the SAK and let it set for a few minutes.

Next time you have to remove some scales, you can try letting the warm up in hot water first. Syph007 mentioned that in his mod thread and I've used that technique with good success as well.

[glenfiddich1983]

Thanks, i'll try and if it doesn't fit i'll order new ones. It just feels like such a shame to discard the nice golfer scale.

Is there any way I could have prevented this from happening? I really tried to be careful and slowly building up the pressure when removing, but when it came loose I also lost these fragments.

[glenfiddich1983]

Next time you have to remove some scales, you can try letting the warm up in hot water first. Syph007 mentioned that in his mod thread and I've used that technique with good success as well.

OK thanks 

Well, better luck next time! Although I did some how-to research before, I completely missed this technique for reusing scales.

Hopefully no more screw ups before my mod gets finished 

[jaya_man]

Yup, much material is removed... best bet is it will not be a tight fit, or worse, won't stick...

Another method you can try is to worm the scales with a hair dryer prior to removal... another method I tried, is letting it sit for a while in front of my laptops heat blower opening...

In putting back the scales on, I use a mini bench vice... pressure is more controlable... and I let it get clamped for about a minute or two to let the scale material settle...


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[jaya_man]

A trick I learned by reading threads from senior modders is to be patient... always mock-up the tools several times to ensure that tool placement is best... nail nick access especially... once satisfied, then do final peening...


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[Toolslinger]

Good tips jaya_man

I've tried the hairdryer/heatgun approach but found that the warm water worked better in getting the insides of the scale to be flexible.

With the air, it tended to heat up the outside and tools quickly, but the inside of the scales was not as pliable. Maybe the soak time (like when you use the laptop/computer fan) is what is needed for that to work.

Taking the time to mock and test accessibility is huge. Has saved me much hassle and wasted material.

Also, be patient with peening. Go light and slow. Check frequently for tool tension and play.

Good luck with the mod and make sure to post pics and thoughts on the process when you're done. Always interested in seeing what others come up with.

[glenfiddich1983]

Good tips jaya_man

I've tried the hairdryer/heatgun approach but found that the warm water worked better in getting the insides of the scale to be flexible.

With the air, it tended to heat up the outside and tools quickly, but the inside of the scales was not as pliable. Maybe the soak time (like when you use the laptop/computer fan) is what is needed for that to work.

Taking the time to mock and test accessibility is huge. Has saved me much hassle and wasted material.

Also, be patient with peening. Go light and slow. Check frequently for tool tension and play.

Good luck with the mod and make sure to post pics and thoughts on the process when you're done. Always interested in seeing what others come up with.

Of course I'll open up a thread and post pictures when the mod is made!

[Mechanickal]

Maybe you can use a sodering iron to replace some material that was lost by pushing the edges inworths.
I've done this myself a few times on random broken plastic stuff with good results.

[glenfiddich1983]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

When the mod is done next week I'll try if I can make the scales fit. Otherwise I'll find some new scales.

[pfrsantos]

You might use contact glue to keep them in place but it would make a later replacement more difficult to do.

 

[BleaKrytE]

Probably not. I did the same and now my SAKs have kinda loose scales, not much, except for one that doesn't stay on anymore and is glued back together with tape.


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[Mike 56]

I use Goop glue it dries rubbery. First clean the scales as well as the knife with alcohol and let dry glue and clamp over night. Any squeeze out can be cleaned the next day with your finger nail or a razor blade.  


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[hiraethus]

The older solid scales seem to be stiffer and more brittle than the newer pocketed type, and more likely to be damaged when you remove them.  I wonder if the material has been changed, or if it degrades over time.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I second the Goop.  I've been using it for years and it is fantastic.  It holds the scales on very solidly, yet can still be removed if you want to.  And the great part is, since it's really thick and rubbery it doesn't seem in around the pivots and glue the knife shut like super glue can do if you aren't careful.

Def

[PTRSAK]

5 minute epoxy works for me.
Just a small amount in the hole, not enough to ooze out all over the place.

[glenfiddich1983]

Thanks all, i'll keep this in mind

[glenfiddich1983]

That looks like a substantial loss of material.

I've found even small amounts of material loss (and probably some stretching/bending) when removing the scales is enough to reduce their ability to snap on again.

I doubt they will snap on like new scales would. You can try press fitting them on when your mod is done. If they don't snap on, they should be usable if you add some glue and clamp them on.

Usually I will just use a small dab of gel superglue and then clamp the SAK and let it set for a few minutes.

Next time you have to remove some scales, you can try letting the warm up in hot water first. Syph007 mentioned that in his mod thread and I've used that technique with good success as well.

Now this was some good advice 
I had two other SAKs that needed scale removal, and after letting it soak in warm water they went off VERY easy and without material loss!