DIY Question: Drilling G10

ooitzoo

ooitzoo

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2010
Messages
7,944
Hello all,

I recently received a G10 knife in trade. I like the knife but it only comes in tip up carry. I want to tap 2-3 holes for deep carry tip up but was wondering if there are any concerns with regard to drilling into g10. Is there anything I need to do to make sure it doesn't crack or warp? Should I look to get Apoxy/Locktite for the screws? The part that I want to drill doesn't have liners (e.g. they end midway down the handle), is this also a concern?

Any comments are welcome.

Thank you,
ooitzoo
 
What I do when drilling and tapping plastic is to use the next smallest drill size than what's recommended. I like the slightly extra meat on my threads when tapping plastic. Of course this is when I'm using metal screws, not plastic ones.

Now my disclaimer : I've never tapped G10 yet, tho I have tapped a good many other types of plastics with great results. Use caution :D
 
Always wear a respirator when drilling G10 because it will release glass dust into the air which is really bad for your lungs.
 
G10 is easy to drill and tap. I don't think it will be strong enough to hold the screws for a pocket clip though. It might hold for a while but it won't last long especially if you remove and replace the screws a few times.. I suggest you drill and tap into the metal liner.
 
ono724 said:
What I do when drilling and tapping plastic is to use the next smallest drill size than what's recommended. I like the slightly extra meat on my threads when tapping plastic. Of course this is when I'm using metal screws, not plastic ones.

Now my disclaimer : I've never tapped G10 yet, tho I have tapped a good many other types of plastics with great results. Use caution :D
Click to expand...

Awesome! Thanks for the advice.

Do you use an ordinary hand drill? What about apoxy?
 
Phade said:
Always wear a respirator when drilling G10 because it will release glass dust into the air which is really bad for your lungs.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Is that true of FRN as well? Is the following (or something like it) sufficient?

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-detail.aspx?pn=472-541&ref=base

raylaconico said:
G10 is easy to drill and tap. I don't think it will be strong enough to hold the screws for a pocket clip though. It might hold for a while but it won't last long especially if you remove and replace the screws a few times.. I suggest you drill and tap into the metal liner.
Click to expand...

Problem is that the liners don't extend all the way back. Its a Para 1.
 
I would stick with Ray's advice. A pocket clip gets lots of pressure exerted on it and it will probably tear out after a short while of use. Tap into the liners if you can, it will be much stronger:thumbup:
 
You could epoxy inserts into it...

That thought in mind, I've got knives where the screws go into brass inserts, and brass isn't exactly real tough, never had a problem with the clips on them.
 
raylaconico said:
G10 is easy to drill and tap. I don't think it will be strong enough to hold the screws for a pocket clip though. It might hold for a while but it won't last long especially if you remove and replace the screws a few times.. I suggest you drill and tap into the metal liner.
Click to expand...


That's why I use the smaller drill size, and I think a small amount of epoxy would help. Of course, I wouldn't try removing the screws once you have them in place...ever :D
 
Plastic handles aren't really strong enough to support screws with machine threads. Sometimes a sheet metal thread will hold in plastic. These threads are quite coarse and widely spaced. My advice is to get a #2X56TPI Helicoil kit and install the stainless helicoils in the plastic handles. I have used these on G-10 and Valox handles. They are rock solid, and they can be taken apart and reassembled many times with no deleterious effect.
 
I've mounted pocket clips to linen Micarta (1/8") handles using two 1-72 button head screws. No problems. I've even accidentally bent the clip a couple of times.

Haven't tried it with G10 or CF yet.

Ric
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top