Help with homebrew pick handles please

[ToolyMcgee]

Another vote for Gorilla Glue, which is holding a 2-pound combination wheel pack to the back of a hard drive in my homemade practice safe lock.

To get anything to stick two pieces of metal to each other, you're going to have to distress the surfaces. Adhesive needs something to grip and won't do well on smooth polished surfaces. When I need to distress a metal surface quickly, I use a Dremel and just barely touch it to the surface a few times.

-steve

Agreed, all that should be needed is small tool marks and good super glue. Gorilla is my brand, but others could fit the bill.

[Olson Burry]

Thank you all for your advice and replies.

You might try using rivets. Just drill the holes.*snip*

I toyed with the idea of rivets however, "just" drilling holes in hacksaw blades, in my (limited) experience is not an easy thing to do, these things are tough!

I was hesitant to use "superglue" because it will perish over time, and if I'm going to spend time making things, I'd like them to last - and i mean LAST.. this is why buying a spot welder is still in the back of my mind.

So I used "Araldite" - my Dad used to swear by this stuff and I've used it hundreds of times before. Its an epoxy resin that you mix together.

In the hardware shop, chatting to the guy, I felt compelled to buy a new bench grinder - my old one must be 30+ years old. Shows they made stuff to last back then because it's still solid. The new one does the job faster, has good edges, two wheels and a handy lamp on the top.



I hastily roughed out a pick on my new grinder just to find if the glue worked. I had to leave it under some wood overnight to cure, which was difficult given my enthusiasm.



The problem I had was the glue squodging out from the sides under pressure. Fortunatley there wans't enough there to make it difficult to pry off.



After carefully grinding and sanding the glue off, you can hardly see the the three different blades there, and I got my shiny finish.



Knowing this will work now, I'll spend some time making some better machined tools and experiment a bit.

Thanks all for your time - I'll be back soon (gone to get grindin')!

[scampdog]

I tend to use a rubber solution known as PLASTI DIP probably available in US. the thickness of the handle, is governed by the number of times you apply the dip, after leaving the previous application to cure (about 15mins)Hope this helps

[criminalhate]

Thank you all for your advice and replies.

The handle looks very professional =)

[Artkrp]

It does look rather nice...the handle I mean. On a rather random note, I have that exact same bench grinder.<shrug> .....

[doppleganger]

Plastic Dip..i know what it is from its very descriptive name, but where may you buy it? Hobby Lobby? Home Depot, Lowes?

Thanks,
Dopp

[BraveHeart.]

hope that helps





http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip
Plasti Dip – Protective Rubber Coating Products – Plasti Dip International

[doppleganger]

hope that helps





http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip
Plasti Dip – Protective Rubber Coating Products – Plasti Dip International

appreciate it...unfortunately I'll have to order it if I want it. there's no where nearby that sells is according to their "Where To Buy" list.

dopp

[ToolyMcgee]

Most hardware stores have something similar in the paint section, just ask. Menards has it, but every one I have been in it is always with the hand tools for some reason instead of the paint. Lowe's should have it. You can usually find someone who can tell you where to look.

[criminalhate]

but every one I have been in it is always with the hand tools for some reason instead of the paint.

A lot of stores have it by hand tools because it is used to recoat plier handles after they have worn out.

[alarmsun]

I use Plasti Dip all the time to coat and recoat tools. I think it will make a great coating for pick handles. You can get it in various colors so you can color code your picks.

Just a note though: In the fine print (and it's really small on the can) it says to place a layer of aluminum foil under the lid when you snap it on for long term storage. I failed to do this once and the whole can hardened up. With the foil on, it can sit for much longer. Just stir it up before you use it 'cuz it will separate over time.

Good stuff though. I spent a week dipping a set of pliers every time I walked by and ended up with a really great set of handles on the pliers.

TODB

[BraveHeart.]

yes,

my dad works for the city, and he brings me tools that are fine, but the handles have ripped so all i do is dip it in a few times and they are good as new!

its awesome because i dont have to buy so many tools