Armory question

When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?

Thanks for your help...

Debbie B.

I use a small drop of glue at the base of the barrel after tightening it on.

Dieter


Fencer91162 wrote:
> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>
> Thanks for your help...
>
> Debbie B.

I use a small drop of glue at the base of the barrel after tightening it on.

Dieter


Fencer91162 wrote:
> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>
> Thanks for your help...
>
> Debbie B.

I use blue loctite and then screw the barrel on really tight.
Couple of caveats:
1. these are epee tips but I've not yet had one come loose.
2. I make sure the threads on both barrel and blade are absolutely
clean. Acetone and wire brush.
3. I have lost the threads from one barrel. (out of 40 or more).
and I did split one barrel yesterday when tightening it on a
Leon Paul blade.

But that's been my experience.

Jonathan


Fencer91162 wrote:
> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>
> Thanks for your help...
>
> Debbie B.

I use blue loctite and then screw the barrel on really tight.
Couple of caveats:
1. these are epee tips but I've not yet had one come loose.
2. I make sure the threads on both barrel and blade are absolutely
clean. Acetone and wire brush.
3. I have lost the threads from one barrel. (out of 40 or more).
and I did split one barrel yesterday when tightening it on a
Leon Paul blade.

But that's been my experience.

Jonathan


Fencer91162 wrote:
> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>
> Thanks for your help...
>
> Debbie B.

>
>I use blue loctite and then screw the barrel on really tight.

I used to use blue... the red has been better than the blue, for me... but, not
the results that I'd like...

>Couple of caveats:
>1. these are epee tips but I've not yet had one come loose.

I've had the same result with epee and foil barrels.

>2. I make sure the threads on both barrel and blade are absolutely
> clean. Acetone and wire brush.

.... do that, too...

>3. I have lost the threads from one barrel. (out of 40 or more).
> and I did split one barrel yesterday when tightening it on a
> Leon Paul blade.
>
oops <g>

>But that's been my experience.
>
Thanks...

>Jonathan
>
>
>Fencer91162 wrote:
>> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
>> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
>> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
>> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>>
>> Thanks for your help...
>>
>> Debbie B.
>

>
>I use blue loctite and then screw the barrel on really tight.

I used to use blue... the red has been better than the blue, for me... but, not
the results that I'd like...

>Couple of caveats:
>1. these are epee tips but I've not yet had one come loose.

I've had the same result with epee and foil barrels.

>2. I make sure the threads on both barrel and blade are absolutely
> clean. Acetone and wire brush.

.... do that, too...

>3. I have lost the threads from one barrel. (out of 40 or more).
> and I did split one barrel yesterday when tightening it on a
> Leon Paul blade.
>
oops <g>

>But that's been my experience.
>
Thanks...

>Jonathan
>
>
>Fencer91162 wrote:
>> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
>> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
>> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
>> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>>
>> Thanks for your help...
>>
>> Debbie B.
>

I just glue the barrel on and then tighten.

Then your only worry is getting the barrel back off when/if you need to rewire. Not
hard with a pair of pliers though.

Caveat: I use 5 minute Aroldite (or however you spell it)

Fencer91162 wrote:

> >
> >I use blue loctite and then screw the barrel on really tight.
>
> I used to use blue... the red has been better than the blue, for me... but, not
> the results that I'd like...
>
> >Couple of caveats:
> >1. these are epee tips but I've not yet had one come loose.
>
> I've had the same result with epee and foil barrels.
>
> >2. I make sure the threads on both barrel and blade are absolutely
> > clean. Acetone and wire brush.
>
> ... do that, too...
>
> >3. I have lost the threads from one barrel. (out of 40 or more).
> > and I did split one barrel yesterday when tightening it on a
> > Leon Paul blade.
> >
> oops <g>
>
> >But that's been my experience.
> >
> Thanks...
>
> >Jonathan
> >
> >
> >Fencer91162 wrote:
> >> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> >> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> >> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> >> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
> >>
> >> Thanks for your help...
> >>
> >> Debbie B.
> >

I just glue the barrel on and then tighten.

Then your only worry is getting the barrel back off when/if you need to rewire. Not
hard with a pair of pliers though.

Caveat: I use 5 minute Aroldite (or however you spell it)

Fencer91162 wrote:

> >
> >I use blue loctite and then screw the barrel on really tight.
>
> I used to use blue... the red has been better than the blue, for me... but, not
> the results that I'd like...
>
> >Couple of caveats:
> >1. these are epee tips but I've not yet had one come loose.
>
> I've had the same result with epee and foil barrels.
>
> >2. I make sure the threads on both barrel and blade are absolutely
> > clean. Acetone and wire brush.
>
> ... do that, too...
>
> >3. I have lost the threads from one barrel. (out of 40 or more).
> > and I did split one barrel yesterday when tightening it on a
> > Leon Paul blade.
> >
> oops <g>
>
> >But that's been my experience.
> >
> Thanks...
>
> >Jonathan
> >
> >
> >Fencer91162 wrote:
> >> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> >> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> >> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> >> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
> >>
> >> Thanks for your help...
> >>
> >> Debbie B.
> >

I use blue loctite, and tighten it pretty tight with adjustable wrench on
the barrel, and pliers on the blade to stop it twisting - blade is clamped
about 6 inches from tip in a clamp, but that allows too much twist without
the pliers.

I have had only one come loose that I know of, and have split one German
barrel when I was still learning.

I have done at least 50 foils.

> > >Fencer91162 wrote:
> > >> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use
red
> > >> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> > >> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What
does
> > >> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
> > >>
> > >> Thanks for your help...
> > >>
> > >> Debbie B.
> > >
>

I use blue loctite, and tighten it pretty tight with adjustable wrench on
the barrel, and pliers on the blade to stop it twisting - blade is clamped
about 6 inches from tip in a clamp, but that allows too much twist without
the pliers.

I have had only one come loose that I know of, and have split one German
barrel when I was still learning.

I have done at least 50 foils.

> > >Fencer91162 wrote:
> > >> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use
red
> > >> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> > >> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What
does
> > >> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
> > >>
> > >> Thanks for your help...
> > >>
> > >> Debbie B.
> > >
>

One question is: how old are the barrels you're using? After a while, the
threading in the barrel can become worn, and won't hold well
no matter what you use as a threadlocker. There may even be a crack in the
barrel that's not bad enough to cause noticable continuity problems
(especially if you're just using an LED box to test), but will spread a bit
as you tighten the barrel, preventing a secure attachment. Additionally,
sometimes on cheaper blades there's not a sufficient length of threading
(or the threading is too shallow) to secure the barrel.

What I do is clean any old Loctite & gunk off of the blade threading with
the mini wire-wheel Dremel attachment, clean out the barrel threading with
a Q-tip and alchohol, and then closely examine the barrel for hairline
cracks and check how tight the barrel fits before wiring. If there are any
problems, it's time for a new barrel. I use blue Loctite when I wire the
blade, and tighten down the barrel just enough so it stops turning with
easy effort, but avoid trying to crank it on further than that (which can
stress the barrel enough that a crack will start forming when it receives a
few blows in use, or damage the interior threading).

Keep in mind that if the weapons are being used by someone whose fencing
style is rough on weapons, you're going to have barrels coming loose no
matter what you do.


-Dave



Fencer91162 wrote:

> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>
> Thanks for your help...
>
> Debbie B.

One question is: how old are the barrels you're using? After a while, the
threading in the barrel can become worn, and won't hold well
no matter what you use as a threadlocker. There may even be a crack in the
barrel that's not bad enough to cause noticable continuity problems
(especially if you're just using an LED box to test), but will spread a bit
as you tighten the barrel, preventing a secure attachment. Additionally,
sometimes on cheaper blades there's not a sufficient length of threading
(or the threading is too shallow) to secure the barrel.

What I do is clean any old Loctite & gunk off of the blade threading with
the mini wire-wheel Dremel attachment, clean out the barrel threading with
a Q-tip and alchohol, and then closely examine the barrel for hairline
cracks and check how tight the barrel fits before wiring. If there are any
problems, it's time for a new barrel. I use blue Loctite when I wire the
blade, and tighten down the barrel just enough so it stops turning with
easy effort, but avoid trying to crank it on further than that (which can
stress the barrel enough that a crack will start forming when it receives a
few blows in use, or damage the interior threading).

Keep in mind that if the weapons are being used by someone whose fencing
style is rough on weapons, you're going to have barrels coming loose no
matter what you do.


-Dave



Fencer91162 wrote:

> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>
> Thanks for your help...
>
> Debbie B.

>One question is: how old are the barrels you're using?

New, slightly used, old... it varies. I do armory work for many people and it
depends on what I have to work with.

After a while, the threading in the barrel can become worn, and won't hold
well
>no matter what you use as a threadlocker. There may even be a crack in the
>barrel that's not bad enough to cause noticable continuity problems
>(especially if you're just using an LED box to test), but will spread a bit
>as you tighten the barrel, preventing a secure attachment.

I've never noticed any cracks, but I haven't looked *that* close... I inspect
them, but not with a magnifying glass...

Additionally,
>sometimes on cheaper blades there's not a sufficient length of threading
>(or the threading is too shallow) to secure the barrel.
>

I was beginning to wonder about that. Most of the blades that I'm working on
are Leon Paul non-maraging blades. The threading does seem a turn or two
shorter than some other blades.

>What I do is clean any old Loctite & gunk off of the blade threading with
>the mini wire-wheel Dremel attachment, clean out the barrel threading with
>a Q-tip and alchohol, and then closely examine the barrel for hairline
>cracks and check how tight the barrel fits before wiring. If there are any
>problems, it's time for a new barrel.

I soak all the bits in a dish of acetone while I'm soaking the blades in the
pipe. The parts are very clean when I put it all back together. I'll make a
point of looking extra close for cracks...

I use blue Loctite when I wire the
>blade, and tighten down the barrel just enough so it stops turning with
>easy effort, but avoid trying to crank it on further than that (which can
>stress the barrel enough that a crack will start forming when it receives a
>few blows in use, or damage the interior threading).
>
The red Loctite is supposed to be even stronger, but I still have problems. I
use two vise grips to tighten the barrel so I can really feel how tight they
are. I'm careful to tighten enough but not overtighten.

>Keep in mind that if the weapons are being used by someone whose fencing
>style is rough on weapons, you're going to have barrels coming loose no
>matter what you do.
>
>

ROTFLMAO... Hear that Dirk? You might just have to learn to live with loose
barrels... <g>

>-Dave
>
>
>Fencer91162 wrote:
>
>> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
>> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
>> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
>> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>>
>> Thanks for your help...
>>
>> Debbie B.
>

>One question is: how old are the barrels you're using?

New, slightly used, old... it varies. I do armory work for many people and it
depends on what I have to work with.

After a while, the threading in the barrel can become worn, and won't hold
well
>no matter what you use as a threadlocker. There may even be a crack in the
>barrel that's not bad enough to cause noticable continuity problems
>(especially if you're just using an LED box to test), but will spread a bit
>as you tighten the barrel, preventing a secure attachment.

I've never noticed any cracks, but I haven't looked *that* close... I inspect
them, but not with a magnifying glass...

Additionally,
>sometimes on cheaper blades there's not a sufficient length of threading
>(or the threading is too shallow) to secure the barrel.
>

I was beginning to wonder about that. Most of the blades that I'm working on
are Leon Paul non-maraging blades. The threading does seem a turn or two
shorter than some other blades.

>What I do is clean any old Loctite & gunk off of the blade threading with
>the mini wire-wheel Dremel attachment, clean out the barrel threading with
>a Q-tip and alchohol, and then closely examine the barrel for hairline
>cracks and check how tight the barrel fits before wiring. If there are any
>problems, it's time for a new barrel.

I soak all the bits in a dish of acetone while I'm soaking the blades in the
pipe. The parts are very clean when I put it all back together. I'll make a
point of looking extra close for cracks...

I use blue Loctite when I wire the
>blade, and tighten down the barrel just enough so it stops turning with
>easy effort, but avoid trying to crank it on further than that (which can
>stress the barrel enough that a crack will start forming when it receives a
>few blows in use, or damage the interior threading).
>
The red Loctite is supposed to be even stronger, but I still have problems. I
use two vise grips to tighten the barrel so I can really feel how tight they
are. I'm careful to tighten enough but not overtighten.

>Keep in mind that if the weapons are being used by someone whose fencing
>style is rough on weapons, you're going to have barrels coming loose no
>matter what you do.
>
>

ROTFLMAO... Hear that Dirk? You might just have to learn to live with loose
barrels... <g>

>-Dave
>
>
>Fencer91162 wrote:
>
>> When wiring foils, what do you do to keep the barrels tight? I use red
>> Loctite on the threads and tighten thoroughly, but I still find that
>> the barrels come loose more often than I think they should. What does
>> everyone else use? Do you have any special tricks?
>>
>> Thanks for your help...
>>
>> Debbie B.
>

Fencer91162 writes:
> The red Loctite is supposed to be even stronger, but I still have
> problems.

You might try staking the threads slightly. Don't overdo it, though.
--
John Hasler
john@dhh.gt.org
Dancing Horse Hill
Elmwood, Wisconsin

Fencer91162 writes:
> The red Loctite is supposed to be even stronger, but I still have
> problems.

You might try staking the threads slightly. Don't overdo it, though.
--
John Hasler
john@dhh.gt.org
Dancing Horse Hill
Elmwood, Wisconsin

>
>You might try staking the threads slightly. Don't overdo it, though.
>--
>John Hasler

I'm not sure I know what you mean. Could you explain what you mean by
"staking"?

Thanks,

Debbie B.

>
>You might try staking the threads slightly. Don't overdo it, though.
>--
>John Hasler

I'm not sure I know what you mean. Could you explain what you mean by
"staking"?

Thanks,

Debbie B.

Here's a suggestion for new armorers. Get a few old, bashed up barrels
and intentionally screw them on too tight until they crack. This will
give you the feel of just how much torque you can apply (not much). Then
unscrew the cracked barrel. Notice how hard it it too see the hairline
crack after you removed the barrel!

Best regards,

Dieter