adding a pocket clip

[Phydeaux]

I have an Al Mar Ultralight Hawk that I would like to attach a pocket clip. Is the linen Micarta strong enough to have the clip attached to it or do I need to tap into the back spline? Would 1-72 or 2-56 screws better?

I am absolutely amazed at all the information that is contained on the CKD forum. It has given me alot of help and encouragement.

Thanks for the help.

[Ray Rogers]

I'm not familiar with that knife so I don't know the details of its construction. Linen Micarta is strong enough but it may or may not be thick enough on that particular knife. If you are going to tap Micarta you want to be sure to get as many threads in it as possible to prevent the screws pulling out.

I'd use the biggest screw feasible, the 2-56, to get a better bite on the Micarta. If the spine is also plastic, I'd go for that too. If there is a metal liner that can be tapped, that would be your target....

[Phydeaux]

Its a small mid lock. the scales are un lined and about 0.2 thick. I tried threading a scrap piece of Micarta with 1-72 thread and attached the clip. it seemed to hold fairly well. I hope to get to it next week.

Thanks!

[Phydeaux]

I got it done. I ended up using 1-72 button head hex screws, the 2-56 heads were too big for the spacing on the holes in the clip. I was able to drill into the spine with two of the holes and thread with a bottom tap. Before attaching the clip, I sanded and polished the under side so that it would slide on easier. I also cleaned up the edges which still had marks from the stamping. And last but not least, I had to use a spot of Loctite for final assembly.

Phydeaux