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Gunsmithing Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Do you have a mill? How do you plan on boring down your current knob?
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Well, I know that it sounds cheesy, but I was going to use a band saw and a grinder. I did this once before and it worked out well.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ss7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you have a mill? How do you plan on boring down your current knob? </div></div>
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

If its on a Remington bolt knob <span style="text-decoration: underline">do not</span> just cut the knob off. You need to cut the knob in half so you have that extra length. Then grind it down until you can fit the correct die on it to thread it for the new knob.

Edit: Band saw and grinder will work fine. You said you've done it before but I understand asking for tips. Never know when someone will point you to a better method.
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Thanks Redirt. I used the Badger instructions when modifying the knob. If you look at the link in the initial post, it shows how/where to cut the factory knob.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If its on a Remington bolt knob <span style="text-decoration: underline">do not</span> just cut the knob off. You need to cut the knob in half so you have that extra length. Then grind it down until you can fit the correct die on it to thread it for the new knob </div></div>
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Whoops, looked at the title and did not figure you would have instructions on how to do it posted. I also didn't look at your second post that said you have done it before until after I posted. Next time I will read through everything and see if there is any reason to post. I don't know of a better way to do it with simple tools. Sorry about that
wink.gif
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

I use an air angle die grinder with 3m rollock green sanding pad. A good vise is used to clamp the knob and also act as a straight edge. First I get the knob nicely squared up and then I shape it like a hexagon. At this point I switch to a brown scotch brite pad and Make the hexagon stub as round as possible. I try to make the stub have a little taper to it to ease tapping of the pourous pot metal Remington calls a bolt knob.

It may sound a bit hoakie, but it works good pretty good.
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Some things I've learned w/bolt knobs.

M700 bolt handles are cast. The castings are prone to inclusions. I gave up on machining the knob into a threaded stub. Instead we now buzz it off, drill/tap to 10-32, and install an insert.

I make the inserts from 5/16-24x5/8 set screws. Just turn one side down to 10-32 and your done.

Have not had a single failure since.

Its not my intent to persuade you from doing this at home with tools that aren't exactly ideal. Its more to offer an alternative.

Good luck

C.
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

I use a grinder with a cut off wheel, a flapper disk, a hand file, and a 5/16-24 die set and haven't had a problem yet. They turn out looking the same as any I've ever seen. Just make sure when you're grinding down the knob you dont make the diameter too small for your 5/16 die. Then taper the end just a bit to start the die and use some oil on it and they thread up pretty easily.
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Thanks guys. I like getting the different approaches/methods to skinning the cat. A lot of very good points made here. I will probably give it a go nice and slow.
Thanks again,
This forum ROCKS!
Ken
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

I started installing them a few years ago after seeing a tool on SH and re-engineering it from the photo. Works great in the lathe...although there were a few moments of terror when I first started installing the knobs I haven't had any problems.
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

The worst that can happen is you fudge it up somehow, and you have to send it to Chad and have him cut off the knob and install the new knob the way he does it anyways. I'd give it a go first before spending gunsmith prices for a bolt knob. But there's the added security of knowing it will be done right FOR SURE if you send it out to be done.
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xXlojackXx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The worst that can happen is you fudge it up somehow, and you have to send it to Chad and have him cut off the knob and install the new knob the way he does it anyways. I'd give it a go first before spending gunsmith prices for a bolt knob. But there's the added security of knowing it will be done right FOR SURE if you send it out to be done. </div></div>

That was my thinking exactly (well, after I saw Jack's post).
Ken
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

There are many different ways of installing Badger knobs. I have done the grind and thread with die, machine the knob and single point thread methods etc. They all work out ok.
Nowdays I make a threaded insert and tig weld it to the handle simular to a tac-ops but using the standard 5/16x24 thread that most knobs use. It makes a nice transition.

40XknobConversion.jpg
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: el gordo2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are many different ways of installing Badger knobs. I have done the grind and thread with die, machine the knob and single point thread methods etc. They all work out ok.
Nowdays I make a threaded insert and tig weld it to the handle simular to a tac-ops but using the standard 5/16x24 thread that most knobs use. It makes a nice transition.

40XknobConversion.jpg
</div></div>

That is an impressive install! I like the option of welding the insert to the handle too (another option if I screw the pooch).
I noticed that you have a Torx screw installed on the bolt for a little extra beef on the handle. Did you install that or have it done?
Ken
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

I used an angle grinder to cut off the big chunks and then used everthing that would remove metal from the square shaped spindle to get a nice round stem. Files, sandpaper, buffing wheel on the angle grinder, elbow grease, sanding blocks, wife's emery boards, all the while checking diameter. I was well over the .313 they advise but I put the 5/16-24 on it and started to turn down and then back off some while it was clamped in the vise making sure I was nice and square (like my head) and I used ALOT of oil. ALOT. It came out great and I was pleasantly suprised. Make sure you tape up the whole bolt real good like so you can position it as needed. This took me everybit of an afternoon, but I didn't mind. Used red loctitie in the end and no problems. If I can do it, anybody can! Good luck and good shooting!

Doug

I used waaay more tape than shown here.

http://www.700rifle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=372
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Thanks Douglas! Love the emery board tip:)
Thanks for the link to the instructions too. I had a link to a similar site showing how someone did the job but seemed to have misplaced it. I was thinking of taping some cardboard over the bolt or something, as much protection as possible. Last time I did this I nicked the bolt with the band saw and was thoroughly POd. The install looked great other than that though.
Good luck with that square head thing:)
Thanks again,
Ken
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

I never did get them stem perfectly cylindrical, rather like a lincoln log with some smooth spots and some faceted areas. I recall using some tough as nails sandpaper on a real heavy stock type paper that I cut into strips and used it like the shoe shine boy in Johnny Cash's song "Get Rhythm". I also wrapper the bolt in rags and used duct tape as well. You're vey welcome, good luck and good shooting!

Doug
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

As Chad said they are cast, I just did one the other day that had an inclusion in it. It was so bad that I couldnt even get it threaded, it broke off in the lathe. Had to tig it and rethread. Tig is your friend
smile.gif
Just be prepared and have a backup plan if you cut it down and find a hole the size of your thread OD in the center of the factory bolt knob.
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

If anyone attempts a Badger knob install themselves, and arent too happy with how it comes out, we can cut it off and install one of ours. It will completely remove and replace the area previously worked on.

So if anyone tries it at home with a belt sander and die, or whatever, we can fix it if you're not happy with how it comes out.


Best of luck to all
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

That is what I like, a guaranteed fall-back plan! Thanks Keith!
Ken

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Keith Johns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If anyone attempts a Badger knob install themselves, and arent too happy with how it comes out, we can cut it off and install one of ours. It will completely remove and replace the area previously worked on.

So if anyone tries it at home with a belt sander and die, or whatever, we can fix it if you're not happy with how it comes out.


Best of luck to all </div></div>
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Thanks. We're pretty good about giving discounts when this happens too. So if anyone messes up their bolt, have no worries... we'll take care of it for $70. Just say I said so when you call or include it in the note you send with the bolt.

I totally understand wanting to try it at home. That's what I did 4 years ago and I am very happy I did. I was hooked after doing my first one! Very fun to do work to your own rifle and have it come out great! Feels good every time you go out and use it.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: keninsb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is what I like, a guaranteed fall-back plan! Thanks Keith!
Ken

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Keith Johns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If anyone attempts a Badger knob install themselves, and arent too happy with how it comes out, we can cut it off and install one of ours. It will completely remove and replace the area previously worked on.

So if anyone tries it at home with a belt sander and die, or whatever, we can fix it if you're not happy with how it comes out.


Best of luck to all </div></div> </div></div>
 
Re: Is installing a Badger Bold Knob difficult?

Thanks again Keith. That is good business.
KEn
 
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