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Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: J-sews on December 31, 2006, 05:54:38 AM

Title: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on December 31, 2006, 05:54:38 AM
Okay, I'm taking the plunge. I ordered two different belt clips from KnifeKits.com (http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pages/kk_store_1mainframe.htm?kk_products_parts_main.htm~smain), with the intention of installing one of them on a Spirit. I couldn't decide between the #3 style or the #8 style though, so I ordered both.

So far I think I might prefer the #8, but I guess I'll decide once they both arrive. Which one do you guys like better?
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on December 31, 2006, 05:57:00 AM
Here's a mock-up of what the #8 would look like. (I think the stainless steel color will match the Spirit a lot better than it does in my picture.)

~Bob
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: 665ae on December 31, 2006, 06:02:17 AM
Personally, I like the #8.

Although, you shouldn't have said anything... if you pull this off I'll be begging for you to put a clip on mine :)
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Tom Munch on December 31, 2006, 06:55:14 AM
That looks great!  I'll anxiously await your results.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: prime77 on December 31, 2006, 08:57:01 AM
I like #8 too. You have to let us know how everything turns out.  A pocket clip on a Spirit would be great.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: swisstool11 on December 31, 2006, 08:18:48 PM
What kind of equipment will you use to drill the holes in your Spirit?
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on December 31, 2006, 08:51:55 PM
Ahhh, one of the very very very few advantages to working at a machine shop: I can stay after hours and use a Bridgeport milling machine. I'll just be using it as a drill press to drill and tap the screw holes.

My biggest concern (a possibility that Roger/swissbianco raised) is that the Spirit handles may be heat treated, making the metal too hard for tapping such a small thread. I won't know until I try it.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Icheatpeople on December 31, 2006, 11:55:44 PM
that happens sometimes as i try to modd - nada - heattreated!

do they have an cnc mill?

good luck!
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on January 01, 2007, 12:00:26 AM
Wouldn't heat treating the handles be counter productive?  I would think you would want a bit softer steel there to allow some flax and shock absorbtion rather than hardness?

Def
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 01, 2007, 08:21:33 AM
I'm fairly sure that the handle material itself is not hard; my Spirit has a couple of light scratches here and there, which would not occur on hardened steel.

However, directly beneath where I want to drill and tap for the belt clip, there is a bracket that strengthens the plier pivot. This same bracket has the funny-shaped hole for mounting the corkscrew accessory, as well as providing a back spring for the plier head. I'll have to drill and tap through this bracket too. No telling how tough it will be.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: supratentorial on January 01, 2007, 09:29:44 AM
Ahhh, one of the very very very few advantages to working at a machine shop: I can stay after hours and use a Bridgeport milling machine...

There will be multitool.org members lining up outside your workplace just before the end of your next shift.  I'm first.  :)
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Dunc on January 01, 2007, 11:23:13 AM
However, directly beneath where I want to drill and tap for the belt clip, there is a bracket that strengthens the plier pivot. This same bracket has the funny-shaped hole for mounting the corkscrew accessory, as well as providing a back spring for the plier head. I'll have to drill and tap through this bracket too. No telling how tough it will be.

On my Spirit these brackets have some movement/ play in them . It maybe a good idea to check yours for this because if the screw goes through the handle and bracket and the bracket wants to move when you open and close the pliers then the screws could get damaged . The way to check is to open one handle and hold it in your hand with your thumb ontop of the corkscrew hole then rock the handle as if you were going to close it and open it .On mine the spring on both handles has a small amout of play , i dont mean the spring bending to keep the pressure on the pliers it actually moves up and down and rocks on the pivot .

Dunc
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Icheatpeople on January 01, 2007, 12:27:33 PM
its mainly for the privots and lock areas def...havent sutch an tool, cant check.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 01, 2007, 04:57:38 PM
On my Spirit these brackets have some movement/ play in them........
Dunc

I see what you mean Dunc. I had not noticed this before. I think this movement is because the bracket is only "anchored" in one spot, by the pivot rivet. Rotation of the bracket is prevented by the lip along the outer edge of the handle, but it still allows for a small amount of movement/play.

I'm thinking that by the time I drill and tap and install three mounting screws through both the handle and the bracket, the connection should be strong enough that the screws will not get damaged. I hope.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 01, 2007, 05:08:33 PM
Bracket pictures. (Hard to get a good shot of what I am talking about here, sorry.)
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Dunc on January 01, 2007, 07:02:54 PM
Just to comfirm , does yours have that play too ? I have asked the question over at SOSAK before but everyone who answered said there was no play in theirs.

Dunc
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 01, 2007, 07:31:14 PM
Yes, the play is there, but it is very slight. Hardly noticable. I believe - due to the design itself - that this play must be present on all Spirits produced. However, it is so subtle that most folks don't see it.

I probably would not have noticed if you had not mentioned it.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: supratentorial on January 01, 2007, 08:03:59 PM
I see a small movement in the bracket when the pliers lock open.  I see it clearest on the side with the saw, watching the small overhang above the saw.  I can't see it clearly when watching the small overhang on the side with the file.  It's probably just my eyes since I can see the corkscrew attachment flex on both sides.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: plowboy on January 02, 2007, 11:55:15 PM
The concept is great.  Nice looking clips.  Best of luck on the project.
 :)
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 04, 2007, 04:10:52 AM
No real clips in the mail yet, so I have to content myself with more computer-generated ones:

(I wish they would hurry up and get here!!)
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 10, 2007, 04:47:21 AM
Well what a bummer!!
I got my pocket clip and other parts in the mail today from KnifeKits. But despite a listed "max width" of 3/8", the clip actually measures closer to 5/8" wide. Dang, that means it is too wide to fit properly on the handle of a Spirit.

 :(
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Tom Munch on January 10, 2007, 06:22:42 AM
Better look for another clip.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on January 10, 2007, 12:26:54 PM
I believe they have some models that only require two screws... perhaps one of them would be better?

Def
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: mcniac on January 10, 2007, 05:48:18 PM
Hi m8, you should try to make your own clip, you can use titanium or some stainless steel, in case of the steel check what is the hardness for the untreathed steel, i think some authenistic steels are about30 or 35 RC which is good enought for a clip , i have used 316 without any problems

have fun
Esteban
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 11, 2007, 04:57:44 AM
Thanks for the great suggestions fellas. Roger too, who PM'd me with a couple of thoughts. However, here is what I went ahead and did; I took the KnifeKits pocket clip to work with me today and ground off the two "ears." Now it fits on the handle of the SwissTool Spirit okay. Then I added two more holes, so it can be screwed down securely.

I'm trying to decide if I like the looks of it, before I go ahead and try drilling and tapping the Spirit.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: prime77 on January 11, 2007, 05:30:34 AM


I'm trying to decide if I like the looks of it, before I go ahead and try drilling and tapping the Spirit.
I like the way the ground down clip looks better than the way it originally looked.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: 665ae on January 11, 2007, 06:24:26 AM
I like the way it looks too.

I was messing with my Spirit today and mine doesn't have any movement in that bracket...  I wonder why?
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: supratentorial on January 11, 2007, 08:39:21 AM
Looks good to me.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on January 11, 2007, 11:47:09 AM
I like it!

Def
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Tom Munch on January 11, 2007, 03:40:38 PM
I like it too, but I fear you may have a weakened clip there that may bend easily at the two screw holes.  I hope I'm not right.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on January 13, 2007, 03:20:04 AM
I like it too, but I fear you may have a weakened clip there that may bend easily at the two screw holes.  I hope I'm not right.

Now you've got me worried.....

.....tomorrow I'm going to drill and tap a block of steel and screw the clip to it. I'll do a little stress testing first before I drill any holes in the Spirit.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Tom Munch on January 13, 2007, 03:58:35 AM
Sorry, it just looks really thin next to the screw holes now.  Let us know how the test goes.

Tom
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Mike on February 18, 2007, 07:11:08 PM
J-sews,
Just wondering how this worked out for you?

mike
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on February 18, 2007, 07:33:35 PM
J-sews,
Just wondering how this worked out for you?

mike

Uh-oh, busted!

I.....uh...um.....haven't done a darn thing on this project since I last posted a month ago. I took all the components in to the shop, then got busy with another project. (One that was leftover from last summer!) Time to get busy and git 'er done I guess!


Bob's motto:  Never put off until tomorrow that which can be put off until the day after tomorrow.   ;)
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Mike on February 18, 2007, 07:35:59 PM
I like the motto. :)

mike
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 18, 2007, 07:50:08 PM
So we will be waiting till Spring? :P

Def
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Mike on February 18, 2007, 07:53:33 PM
So we will be waiting till Spring? :P

Def

Of 2008. ;)

mike
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on February 18, 2007, 09:56:28 PM
Ugh! These "motivational" digs are starting to feel painful. You guys must have been taking lessons from my wife!   :D
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: CQC-7 on February 20, 2007, 05:59:53 AM
Speaking of pocket clips, Does anybody here do mods on SAKs?  I really want to clip a tinker but I just dont want to destroy a good knife if I dont know what I am getting into.  I have my own ideas on how to do it but then again I am unsure of my engineering skills.
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 20, 2007, 11:48:38 AM
There are lots of SAK modding articles at www.sosakonline.com for your perusal.  Also, Roger (SwissBianco) has designed a pocket clip for SAKs that Victorinox is considering producing, so you may wish to ask him if he has any suggestions.

Def
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: CQC-7 on February 20, 2007, 09:13:49 PM
That would be great if Victorinox produced a model with a pocket clip.  I e-mailed victorinox a while back giving my input.  I guess if they get enough suggestions they will go through with it.  Personally, I think that the pocket clip adds more utility to the multitool or SAK.  You can clip it onto anything.  A SAK clipped to my shorts could come in handy when I am riding my mountain bike.  It allows for a possible quick repair if needed, a task that usually could not be accomplished with a clipped "tactical folder."   
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 20, 2007, 09:39:07 PM
No, but with a good tactical folder you could stab the bike if it attacked you.

Def
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: CQC-7 on February 20, 2007, 11:10:58 PM
Yeah, I could stab the bike.  However, with the blade being of one of the harder steels it would probaly break thus compounding my losses.  :)   
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: J-sews on March 07, 2007, 03:19:11 AM
HAH! You all thought I was never gonna do it, didn't you!   O0

Link: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=858.new
Title: Re: Spirit Pocket Clip project
Post by: CQC-7 on March 07, 2007, 04:57:35 AM
I usually have more words to reply with but as of right now although I want to say WOW!, my mouth is still full of foam. :)