Question about tightening the guard/knob on fixed blade knife

[knifeaholic]

This is one example but I have had others - fixed blade knives with concealed tangs and what seems to be an odd fastener at the end.

These usually have guards/knobs that are loose and can be moved back and forth by hand.

I have tried and tried but can't figure out if there is a way to tighten the whole handle assembly so that the guard and knob are tight and do not move.

Anyone else experienced this problem and have a solution?

[SwedgeHead]

Those are pretty common.
You can improvise a tool to safely tighten and loosen/remove the nut without damage (bending and forking an old screwdriver to have 2 prongs is one way). But the tang itself also has a shoulder stop built-in, so sometimes when the handle material (especially leather discs) shrinks you may run into the stop before things get really tightened up. In that case you have to either file/shorten the nut or modify the tang or handle (or add/replace discs). Typically if just a little play you can file the bottom of the nut to allow it extra room to clamp down before hitting the stop. Vintage Marble's knives are this way and you can find videos and references to the fix.

Here, looked up a quick tool reference, you may just be able to buy one, or just make your own. (pommel nut tool)
The center section is a threaded portion of your tang that the brass nut screws down on.

[knifeaholic]

Those are pretty common.
You can improvise a tool to safely tighten and loosen/remove the nut without damage (bending and forking an old screwdriver to have 2 prongs is one way). But the tang itself also has a shoulder stop built-in, so sometimes when the handle material (especially leather discs) shrinks you may run into the stop before things get really tightened up. In that case you have to either file/shorten the nut or modify the tang or handle (or add/replace discs). Typically if just a little play you can file the bottom of the nut to allow it extra room to clamp down before hitting the stop. Vintage Marble's knives are this way and you can find videos and references to the fix.

Here, looked up a quick tool reference, you may just be able to buy one, or just make your own. (pommel nut tool)

Thanks so much, I appreciate your detailed response.

[ea42]

You can make a quick tool out of an old screwdriver (or something similar) provided the tip is wide enough. Just grind out a notch in the center portion so that you have a fork that will fit over the threaded tang and into the slots.

Eric.
'

[Fisher Cat]

I agree with Swedgehead, EXCEPT shortening the nut will not help; it will only make things worse. If necessary, you can counterbore the bottom of the nut to clear the shoulder of the tang at the bottom of the threads, but then the end of the tang will also protrude farther above the top of the nut. Your easiest option would be to add a washer (or two) between the bottom of the nut and the bottom of the hole in the pommel. In most cases, a simple tightening of the nut with an improvised tool should suffice though. Good luck! - John

[knifeaholic]

Thank you everyone; I appreciate the detailed replies.

[Colonel26]

You can make a quick tool out of an old screwdriver (or something similar) provided the tip is wide enough. Just grind out a notch in the center portion so that you have a fork that will fit over the threaded tang and into the slots.

Eric.
'

I was just about to type the same thing. The screw driver tip notch works great for the split nuts found on old handsaw handles too.

[SwedgeHead]

I agree with Swedgehead, EXCEPT shortening the nut will not help; it will only make things worse. If necessary, you can counterbore the bottom of the nut to clear the shoulder of the tang at the bottom of the threads, but then the end of the tang will also protrude farther above the top of the nut. Your easiest option would be to add a washer (or two) between the bottom of the nut and the bottom of the hole in the pommel. In most cases, a simple tightening of the nut with an improvised tool should suffice though. Good luck! - John

Fish is totally right. I came back on to correct myself realizing my thinking was backwards. Good catch.
Sometimes shortening the nut helps to just align it with the pommel top but in your case wouldnt work.
Yea try tightening, improve a washer or work the tang stop, but maybe as last resort.

cool.