Thread: Fix for cracked scales?

I've read through several posts for repairing warped scales, as well as making your own. I haven't seen anything yet for fixing a cracked scale/filling holes, and whatnot. Is it worth the effort? I received a Bismarck from a friend (so no cost from me) in decent shape, but cracked scale through the pivot hole. Unfortunately the Bismarck logo inlay is on that side. Any ideas?

Carefully un-pin and glue a very thin brass liner underneath and re-drill the hole. I've done this a few times and it works well

The reason there are no "Repair" threads is that it depends on the scales...

Naturals = Ivory, Hone, Bone, can normally be repaired pretty good using Epoxies and/or Fiberglass

Bakelite = Pretty tuff to repair as the glue don't stick well and shows up badly..

Celluloids = Here is the problem, there were different compounds/formulas so sometimes repairs work sometimes they don't
The bridge style repairs work rather well as Rodb said, also you can try an acetone weld with a tiny drop of acetone in the crack (Fingernail polish remover is acetone also)

Hope that gives you some ideas

Fingernail varnish remover usually contains some oil, to avoid drying out the skin or nails, or some such. Some brands may work well, others perhaps not. All they guarantee it for is nails.

I have seen threads on other solvents which worked better with some plastics, which may well look just like celluloid to most of us. It sticks in my mind (though you should check if you are depending on it) that MEK was mentioned, both as being good and as a seriously harmful substance.

Good info guys! I'll play around with it and let you know the results. Like I said, I've got nothing invested in it except the interest in fixing it up.

Do you know if these are good shavers?

Originally Posted by rodb

Carefully un-pin and glue a very thin brass liner underneath and re-drill the hole. I've done this a few times and it works well

I have one razor with a cracked pivot hole. I used CA (Krazy Glue) to glue the broken piece back in place, and then glued pivot washers to the inside and outside of the scale. Then re-pinned with a bolt.

Same idea as a brass liner -- distribute the stress of the pivot pin on the scale, and supply as much glueing area as possible.

It hasn't broken yet . . .

Charles

I bought some glue and a thin brass plate last night at the hobby store. I plan on working on this tonight, or this weekend. I'll be sure to take some photos and let you know how it turns out. Thanks again for the info!

Originally Posted by Ducksfan

I bought some glue and a thin brass plate last night at the hobby store. I plan on working on this tonight, or this weekend. I'll be sure to take some photos and let you know how it turns out. Thanks again for the info!

I look forward to your pictures and account of progress. I have a Kinsfolk Red Point that I need to repair in the same fashion. Good Luck and hope you have a successful outcome!! Before & After picts, maybe:~) Regards, Howard

To answer your question as to if they are good shavers.....Oh, Hell Yes! I have a couple and they are some of the best shavers I have. They give a smooth, irritation free shave. I love both of mine!