How do I improve weak snap?

[archie]

The scales were loose and chipped on this Camillus Sword Brand folder and I thought I'd replace them with antler. I popped the plastic scales off but mangled the rocker pin a little and the brass liner was pulling away from the spring. So I decided to replace the rocker pin....... Couldn't find a proper sized punch so I drilled it out and consequently enlarged the hole in the brass liner a little. See pictures.

Anyway, I've managed to replace the brass pin but small blade has a very weak snap while the big blade is somewhat better. Also the small blade goes too far in the liners so I can't reach the fingernail notch. The springs protrude slightly beyond the brass liners indicating to me that they need to be brought in line. If I solder around the hole while the knife is in a vise will the solder be strong enough to hold? Any other suggestions to improve the weak snap?

I'd also like to compliment everyone on this website. It provides great inspiration, ideas and help.

Regards,

[archie]

Forced in a bigger pin and it cured everything! It's amazing what a slight adjustment will do! Monster snap on both blades! I'm going to epoxy on some antler scales next....

[hot tempered steel]

What kind of antler are you thinking of using Archie? Elk, Blacktail (Mule)deer, or Whitetail deer? Sounds interesting. Post a couple pictures of your work when you finish with it. H.T.S.

[Redrummd]

Archie - I suggest you use loctite 325 to adhere the scales. Loctite 325 remains slightly flexible and will stand up to thermal cycling with better shear strength than common epoxies.

You need to be very clean in doing the work to get perfect adhesion. I wear gloves when preparing to do the adhesive work. I use 180 grit on a flat lap to ensure the scale material is absolutly flat. You can do this on a sheet of glass.

I use a "0" file to clean and roughen the liners up to the bolster and a 36 grit wheel in a dremel for the middle. of the liners. I keep my gloved finger over the bolster on the side the dremel would go toward if it "skips" on me. Scratching the edge of the bolster will show when you finish so be careful. You can use the file for the entire surface but be careful to keep it flat so you don't round the edges of the liners....

Tape over the holes in the liner from the inside of the knife well too.