How to make a hollow handle heavier [Archive]

SirWhiskers

10-20-2010, 03:29 PM

If you have a handle that you absolutely love the design and feel of but it's too light because it's hollow, here's one idea on how to make it heavier: pour some fine sand into the handle, say 80% of the way; get an epoxy syringe and push some epoxy in so that it seals off the sand. You need to make sure that the syringe has a tip that makes it past the threads and you don't fill the handle too much as to prevent the screw from making it past the threads and a bit into the handle (depending on how long the head screw is).

Other suggestions?

Crixus

10-20-2010, 04:01 PM

Lead birdshot. If you don't shoot, get your buddy to give you a shell. Just cut the plastic open up top.

MilkyLee

10-20-2010, 04:03 PM

Also, instead of using epoxy you could always seal it with melted beeswax.

SirWhiskers

10-20-2010, 04:05 PM

Also, instead of using epoxy you could always seal it with melted beeswax.

Wouldn't that melt again if you put the handle in hot water?

Crixus

10-20-2010, 04:10 PM

Wouldn't that melt again if you put the handle in hot water?Super Glue, people. Did everybody sleep through "Duct Tape, Aluminum Foil and Super Glue--All You Need To Fix The World" class?

cooncatbob

10-20-2010, 04:43 PM

Just cut some strips of wire solder and stuff them down the spindle.

squirrel_nut_zipper

10-20-2010, 05:15 PM

Exactly what razor handle are we talking about?

Hercule

10-20-2010, 05:22 PM

Super Glue, people. Did everybody sleep through "Duct Tape, Aluminum Foil and Super Glue--All You Need To Fix The World" class?

I believe super glue is water soluble.

BladeDE40

10-20-2010, 05:24 PM

I usually like to pack mine with a little neutron star dust...adds a bit of heft to the razor.

Mike'sWorld

10-20-2010, 05:41 PM

Just cut some strips of wire solder and stuff them down the spindle.

Yes. Go simple.

SirWhiskers

10-20-2010, 06:32 PM

Exactly what razor handle are we talking about?

NEW bar handle, Mühle handle, etc.

M80

10-20-2010, 06:46 PM

Lead birdshot. If you don't shoot, get your buddy to give you a shell. Just cut the plastic open up top.

Tungsten is heavier.
http://www.pinewoodpro.com/p/021200&Category_Code=pinewood-derby-weights-lubes.html

Crixus

10-20-2010, 06:50 PM

I believe super glue is water soluble.Except when I'm trying to get it off my fingers, you mean?:wink2:

Actually, CCBob has a great idea. I actually have a small roll of lead "cable" in my steelhead tackle for crimping to fishing line and bouncing along the current on rocky bottom. It's a little heavier than solder.

xjrob85

10-20-2010, 11:12 PM

I added weight to one of my fat handled Techs using the birdshot and wax method. It is the perfect weight now, plus I can get the wax out again if I ever want to remove the lead. I have been very happy with it.

Hank21

10-21-2010, 12:27 AM

If the sand gets wet it might retain the moisture and cause the handle to corrode especially if the sand contains minerals. Lead might be the best bet.

Hercule

10-21-2010, 06:09 AM

Except when I'm trying to get it off my fingers, you mean?:wink2:

....

How true. No sooner do the fingers stick together that panic sets in and theonly way out is to sacrifice a couple layers of skin. Though it's water soluble, it isn't quick about it. SG isn't recommended to fix cracks in fountain pens for that very reason. Ink, afterall is 99%+ water.

Hercule

10-21-2010, 06:13 AM

Cerobend - heavy as lead but melts at the boiling point of water. Very expensive though. You could try that in a handle.

What ever you put in there, you wouldn't want to rattling around. I suppose you could grind up some fishing sinkers, pour them in and tamp them into place.

MilkyLee

10-21-2010, 07:08 AM

Wouldn't that melt again if you put the handle in hot water?

No, beeswax has a high melting point. It wouldn't melt again unless you shave with boiling water! Other people have used it to hold the tension on their straight's that have adjustable pivot bolts.

M80

10-21-2010, 12:22 PM

No, beeswax has a high melting point. It wouldn't melt again unless you shave with boiling water! Other people have used it to hold the tension on their straight's that have adjustable pivot bolts.

While its true the melting point of beeswax is 144 to 147 °F, it becomes pliable at 100 °F. For the most part the plumbing code has the minimum temp at the faucet for hot water at 100 °F, with an optimum temp at the faucet of 120 °F. This is definitely hot enough to make the beeswax soft and pliable enough to rub off your razor.

rallycamaro

10-21-2010, 12:36 PM

mcandre

10-21-2010, 01:06 PM

Snip some lead solder in there and apply some heat, simple

SirWhiskers

10-21-2010, 01:18 PM

Snip some lead solder in there and apply some heat, simple

How do you apply heat without damaging the handle finish?

Den

10-21-2010, 01:22 PM

How do you apply heat without damaging the handle finish?

Couldn't you just throw it in the microwave? :tongue_sm

cooncatbob

10-21-2010, 02:33 PM

Snip some lead solder in there and apply some heat, simple

You don't need to apply heat, the wire solder is soft enough that when you stuff in 4 or more pieces then will bend and jam together.

M80

10-21-2010, 03:02 PM

Tungsten putty would be easier than shoving wire solder in there.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513TZ2NEx3L.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Anglers-Image-Moldable-Tungsten-Putty/dp/B002B92448

cooncatbob

10-21-2010, 03:26 PM

Tungsten putty would be easier than shoving wire solder in there.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513TZ2NEx3L.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Anglers-Image-Moldable-Tungsten-Putty/dp/B002B92448

No it wouldn't, by the time you molded the putty small enough to fit into the spindle you could be long done placing 4 or 5 strips of solder in there.
Also many people have a roll of solder it their collection of tools and supplies, I've never even heard of Tungsten putty before, what's it for?
I can't imagine many people have some lying around.
BTW.
I just shoved 5-2 inch strips of solder down the spindle of a Bar handle, cut the solder with scissors.
It increased the weight from 21 grams to 40 grams and took about 2 minutes,

SirWhiskers

10-21-2010, 03:32 PM

It increased the weight from 21 grams to 40 grams and took about 2 minutes,

:thumbup1:

Crixus

10-21-2010, 03:38 PM

I've never even heard of Tungsten putty before, what's it for?
I can't imagine many people have some lying around.
"Honey! Have you seen the Tungsten putty? I'm always laying that down somewhere. Damn." :001_smile

spindlecone

10-21-2010, 03:43 PM

off to the fishing store now:)

M80

10-21-2010, 03:55 PM

No it wouldn't, by the time you molded the putty small enough to fit into the spindle you could be long done placing 4 or 5 strips of solder in there.
Also many people have a roll of solder it their collection of tools and supplies, I've never even heard of Tungsten putty before, what's it for?
I can't imagine many people have some lying around.
BTW.
I just shoved 5-2 inch strips of solder down the spindle of a Bar handle, cut the solder with scissors.
It increased the weight from 21 grams to 40 grams and took about 2 minutes,

The putty is mostly used for fishing as a replacement for lead weights. Its non toxic and is denser than lead. Also I bet I could totally squish a handle full of tungsten putty in half the time you did those solder strips in. :biggrin1:

cooncatbob

10-21-2010, 04:18 PM

The putty is mostly used for fishing as a replacement for lead weights. Its non toxic and is denser than lead. Also I bet I could totally squish a handle full of tungsten putty in half the time you did those solder strips in. :biggrin1:

I doubt that, besides lots of people have some wire solder lying around and I imagine very few people except maybe avid fisherman have any tungsten putty.
Birdshot's okay too if you got some or some shot shell.