Spyderco Forums

I was just trying to attach a set of Halpern scales to my new Elmax Mule, but the hardware pass-throughs (the holes in the handle) are full of rough metal. Has anyone else had this issue? What type of sandpaper do I need to remove the excess metal so that I can get the mounting hardware through the holes? Thanks for your help.

I've used a file before but recently I use my rotary tool with a diamond bit. Takes no time to get rid of those imperfections in the holes.

angusW wrote:I've used a file before but recently I use my rotary tool with a diamond bit. Takes no time to get rid of those imperfections in the holes.

+1.

I do the same. You could also use a reamer on your drill press, but the Dremel is quicker and easier.

TedP

I don't have a Dremel tool, or access to a drill press - I'll have to do it by hand. I don't have any expertise with sandpaper, so what type/grit should I use?

Be freaking aware that if you start spinning tools, drills or whatever in those holes you fix the knifeblank. You WILL lose fingers if a drill catches the sharp blade and start spinning!

T.

toomzz wrote:Be freaking aware that if you start spinning tools, drills or whatever in those holes you fix the knifeblank. You WILL lose fingers if a drill catches the sharp blade and start spinning!

T.

Good advice. Sometimes simple is better...a cheap rat tail file and a couple of minutes work should clean up the holes.

If you have a Harbor Freight or Northern Tool store near you, they sometimes have inexpensive needle file sets. A small diameter file will take a bit longer than a Dremel, but it will work. I have several Mules that I had to touch up the holes on. I also have the Skil competitor to the Dremel, it was pretty inexpensive at Walmart, and you may also find it handy for shaping/polishing the scales if you get into making your own scales.

toomzz wrote:Be freaking aware that if you start spinning tools, drills or whatever in those holes you fix the knifeblank. You WILL lose fingers if a drill catches the sharp blade and start spinning!

T.

You are correct Tomas. Good idea to tape up the edge real good before doing any work on the Mule's or any knife for that matter.

If anyone from Spyderco reads this, please stop reusing the Mule picture which shows a hole pattern that is no longer used.

toomzz wrote:Be freaking aware that if you start spinning tools, drills or whatever in those holes you fix the knifeblank. You WILL lose fingers if a drill catches the sharp blade and start spinning!

T.

Good advice, as always, Tomas. That's definitely an image straight out of a horror film... :eek:

You should tape up the blade before any work - even a small nick can cause a lot of blood to spill. As for the spinning tools - the only safe way to do this is to either clamp the knife into a bench clamp (for the Dremel) or securely clamp the blade to your drill press' table.

For hand tools, I'd recommend a small round diamond file. You can get these fairly inexpensively through online dealers (Professional-Diamond-File).

Just put 320 or 600 grit sandpaper on a screwdriver shaft and sand with that

Sequimite wrote:If anyone from Spyderco reads this, please stop reusing the Mule picture which shows a hole pattern that is no longer used.

What he said. It's funny how it's the new pictures from MT08 to current that are like that. MT01-MT07 all have the correct pattern. My Elmax is on it's way, but I have to assume it's like all the others.

More to the topic, I would also recommend a set of needle files. It's worth getting a set of good ones, but it's also worth getting some mediocre diamond files from Harbor Freight for jobs like this.

I use the inexpensive chainsaw blade files that can be found most anywhere!

phillipsted wrote:For hand tools, I'd recommend a small round diamond file. You can get these fairly inexpensively through online dealers (Professional-Diamond-File).

Thanks for the advice. That file set looks like a good bargain.

razorsharp wrote:Just put 320 or 600 grit sandpaper on a screwdriver shaft and sand with that

I believe that the simple way is usually the best way. :D

Thanks for all of the great ideas and suggestions, everyone.

I would be interested to hear how it goes for you. Also I would love to see pics when you are finished. I just finished sanding some handles on my Elmax mule. I didn't notice any trouble with the 3/16" mosaic pins I used getting through the knife tang. I bet the burs you have on yours will clear off quickly with sanding.

I know this is a little off topic but if I wanted to pipe the lanyard hole on my mule what would you recommend? I was thinking some copper tubing and flaring out each end.