Drilling and tapping Leatherman for pocket clip

[Uncle T]

Hello, former lurker here.

I apologize if this has been covered before but  I cannot find any info on somebody doing it with a how-to. I am looking to drill and tap holes in Rebar scales for a Bond p2/p4 pocket clip. Does anybody know the size of the holes and thread specifications?

I carry the Bond with a clip and love it. I carry the Rebar on a suspension clip with the lanyard hole but it tends to get in the way of the implements sometimes.  I do like  suspension clip but, my urge to tinker is compelling me to drill the scales. I am not looking for an adhesive clip.

[Barry Rowland]

Thank you for posting this!  I'm curious about this too.

[mvp]

I'm interested in the same thing, but I'd like to do this on a Leatherman PST.
I tried to search to see if anyone had done this, but I couldn't find anything either.

[SteveC]

Hello, former lurker here.

I apologize if this has been covered before but  I cannot find any info on somebody doing it with a how-to. I am looking to drill and tap holes in Rebar scales for a Bond p2/p4 pocket clip. Does anybody know the size of the holes and thread specifications?

I carry the Bond with a clip and love it. I carry the Rebar on a suspension clip with the lanyard hole but it tends to get in the way of the implements sometimes.  I do like  suspension clip but, my urge to tinker is compelling me to drill the scales. I am not looking for an adhesive clip.

Info here

Tap size for Bond pocket clip

[Barry Rowland]

Thanks Steve! 

[LoopCutter]

It is my understanding that a Torx 6 size screw is a M2 thread.

Also, mounting a pocket clip to a REBAR may be a trick.

Back when I first acquired my first REBAR, the discussion on this forum regarding Leatherman MTs always included when was your tool manufactured?  LM stamped a date code (mm did) inside one handle or both.

The REBAR however does not have a date code stamp.

I was told that the handle material for REBAR is too thin for the stamp process without damage resulting to the handle. 

If correct, then there may not be enough material for threads to be cut and hold a screw.

A work around could be, to insert the screw(s) inside the handle and screw into the pocket clip.

This of course would require  drilling and tapping the pocket clip.

Also, there are a few discussions using a Niteize type pocket clip, that mounts with an  adhesive double sided tape.   There are mixed results with the included tape, yet   It is said DUPONT’s RED, double sided tape was the best. It can be found at many automotive stores. This tape is used  mounting automotive trim.  It is advised to use caution as it can remove paint from a car if you attempt to remove.

Personally, I find that the REBAR and WAVE are just a tad heavy for comfortable pocket carry via a clip mounted on the tools.   The BOND is just right!  A PSt is same size as some pocket knives, so letting it settle to the bottom of the pocket is good for me😁

[Uncle T]

  thank you for the replies.

I did find a video on Youtube of a guy that drilled the scales and installed a clip from a pocket knife, but he didn’t go into detail. I am weighing my options. A buddy of mine has a drill press. I do not have a tap for screws as small as that on the Bond clip. They are TINY. I could order one. Also, looking at the tool I am concerned that if the screws protrude at all I may not be able to close the tools properly . However I bought this Rebar on Ebay for fairly cheap…. So what the heck.

If I want to stick with the Bond style clip, what size bit should I use to drill the holes? The tap I can get online

[Uncle T]

Nevermind, the link to that other thread answered my questions. I am going  to attempt to do this soon. I have the tan and black Rebar so I am going to paint the pocket clip matte black when I have time and then drill and tap.

I do agree that the Rebar is a little thick for a pocket carry, but I only carry it once in a while when I have plans. Day to day I usually go with the Bond . That is a great size tool. I will holler back with pics in a few weeks when I finish it.

[grouch]

Donk makes a black titanium free series pocket clip. It will hold up better than black paint imo.

[Uncle T]

  I have one of their darker clips on my Bond and love it. Not a fan of shiny clips, i like a darker clip that  blends into my jeans better and doesn't broadcast what I am carrying.