What to do about this situation?? I finally took the knot out of this really old brush to put in a new knot and right in the middle of it is this metal screw that is covered in this super-hard material. I can't figure out what to do unless I make a hole in the bottom of my knot so that the knot base will rest on the floor of this brush head. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks
I would worry about taking too much off the plug of a knot. I have ruined a couple knots in the past.
That is vulcanized rubber. Best way I've found to get rid of it is to wait until the brush hits it's 100th birthday mark. It just crumbles from dry rot at that point. I'm assuming you want a faster timeline. small drill, drill down into the rubber, make a series of holes right next to each other, make it all look like a sliced up pie. One or two taps a chisel to divide the 'pie' slices and you should be able to remove all the rubber. That will give you access to the metal thingy. Pad the bottom of the brush when you are doing the chiseling. Do the drilling outdoors or in a very well ventilated spot. Burning hair doesn't smell great.
Thanks... I've already removed the entire previous knot with all the hair (you're right, the hair stinks!) and the hard stuff that the hair was stuck in. underneath all that was a black base that the new knot will rest on. The screw is sticking up out of that black base about 1/4 inch at least. I'll try to dremel it out, but unsure that I have anything strong enough to get rid of it.
Have anything like this? Or this: And some long curved needle nose pliers? Being one to do most my own stereo installs/speaker builds in vehicles over the years....these were essential additions.
I'm afraid that the first tool wouldn't fit inside the head... I'm not familiar with the second tool... what is it called and do you think that it could cut through a screw? Thanks!!
Both are versions of what's called a 'flush cutter'. The top version I have is not large at all, like the screenshot makes it look. It would be tight for sure, but maybe.... I wasn't thinking of totally cutting through the screw head. More like score it on a few sides, then use needle nose pliers to bend/twist it at the score marks to make it break off. Then, maybe you could get at it a little better with a Dremel type grinder stone. Delicate process for sure, time consuming to go slow and not damage the brush handle. Says the guy who spent 4+ hours with a Dremel on an Omega EVO plastic handle....to retrieve the knot intact for transplanting into a 'prettier' handle.
What about placing a coin or washer as a base for the knot? Is there enough depth? Or even just some silicone/epoxy to even things out.
That's a great idea, but unfortunately it would be too shallow. However, I think if I grind the tip down 1/8 inch or so, I could put a washer in there and it would fit. A combination of everyone's ideas will actually work! Thanks!
Been there, done that. Chipped handle on a D01 Shavemac. Salvaged the knot and reinstalled it in a Wolf Whiskers handle. It was a slow process.
I've done a couple with that cone shaped rubber piece to remove. I eventually bought cheap grinding stones to use on my Wen. After using it one time, you'd have to throw away the grinding stone because it gets caked with rubber.