I need help with a new set of Pakkawood scales

[Reformation Student]

I just purchased a set of Pakkawood scales from Classic Shaving. The only thing for me to do is place the blade in the scales and install the pivot pin. Looking at the pin, it looks pretty long and I'm not sure what to do with it. Should I just hammer the extra length or cut off some of it before tapping it down? The scales came with all the hardware needed, including the pin.

[PalmettoB]

I just purchased a set of Pakkawood scales from Classic Shaving. The only thing for me to do is place the blade in the scales and install the pivot pin. Looking at the pin, it looks pretty long and I'm not sure what to do with it. Should I just hammer the extra length or cut off some of it before tapping it down? The scales came with all the hardware needed, including the pin.

You'll want to cut the pin down and then taper it some before you put the washer/collar on the other side. I use a Dremel and cutting wheel and just cut it off that way, but you might be able to use some strong wire cutters, too. If you leave the length, you'll be tapping a LONG time, or you'll get tempted to hit it too hard like I did with my first pinning job and bend the pin.

[Reformation Student]

Thanks for the info Blair. How much extra should I cut off. Would it be just enough to stick out of the washer. I presume I want some extra to tap down and have it spread out to hold everything together.

[Reformation Student]

Oops, I just answered my own question :ashamed001

[Reformation Student]

Well, the pin's in but when I close the razor I'm feeling a catch and the blade gets pushed to one side. It closes centered for most of the way but just before the blade enters the scales - that's when I feel the catch. The very tip of the blade is resting on the inside of one scale.

I've tapped both sides of the pin to try and even everything out but no success thus far.

Any suggestions?

[IsaacRN]

I wish I could help you out Steve....Hopefully someone will be along to chime in

[Scorpio]

Couple of things come to mind. Scales are warped or not cut right. The other is the pivot hole of the blade could be too big so that when it was set in between the scales it is not centered.

Raf

[Reformation Student]

Couple of things come to mind. Scales are warped or not cut right. The other is the pivot hole of the blade could be too big so that when it was set in between the scales it is not centered.

Raf

I think you might be on to something with the pivot hole in the blade being too big. I went back to look at the set up and I could actually pull the blade back a fraction of an inch (very slightly) but if the hole was just big enough for the pin, I don't think I should be able to do that. Also, when the blade is opened to be a straight line with the scales, the razor is tilted slightly from the tang to the tip. I'm thinking either the hole is too big and I got the result you mentioned or the pin head (not me) wasn't flush against the scale when I started and I have a small gap to close up. I don't want to tap the pin any more as one side seems to be biting into the scale. :confused:

Oh, just to be clear: I'm only talking millimeters of a gap. Very, very small.

[Scorpio]

I believe the solution, if the hole is too big, is to find a sleeve that the pin can sit in through the pivot hole.

[Reformation Student]

I'll have to get another set of pins and such. I only had one set that came with the scales and I didn't see this problem until after I put it all together. Maybe I'll order a set of the adjustable pins from MicroFasteners.