Brass Tacks

[N.Y. Yankee]

Sorry if I'm unaware but had there been any tutorials on installing tacks in a gun stock? I may want to do that.

 

[stantdm]

I am a long way from an expert at it but I tape a drawing of the pattern I want on the wood and use a sharp awl to mark the tack locations. I drill the locations to a depth of the tacks shank. The drill bit is a very small one and you ought to buy four or five as they break easily. I try to use a bit that is about 3/4 the thickness of the tacks shank. I push them as far as I can and then seat them by gently tapping them with a tack hammer. Next time I make something I might glue a piece of leather on the face of the hammer so there is no marring of the tack. I have read that some folks use a bit of glue on the tack when they set it but I have not any problems with them coming out, at least yet.

I have used a dremel tool to do this as a regular drill won't hold the small bits.

 

[Ken Cormier]

It all depends on weather you are using the old style square shank or the newer round shank ones. The suggestion of taping out your design is a good one. As you only get one chance to get it right.

 

[LaBonte]

I have used a lot of tacks over the years (literally 1,00's) to decorate gear and what was suggested above is pretty much the way to go. Some things to add:
1) Don't worry about getting the pattern too perfect - the originals weren't
2) Old wood workers trick to help keep the wood from splitting - clip the sharp point off.
3) Whether square shank (yes they are available but VERY costly @ $1.00 or more each) or round shank always pre-drill. I too use a Dremel with a slightly smaller bit, but also stop drilling just short of full length of the shank so the tack gets driven into the wood just a bit which helps retention. I also tap them in hard enough so the edge of the head just dents the wood, which also helps with retention and keeps crap from working it's way under the cap.
4) Don't put them where you're cheek will rest, especially if you have a beard. :shocked2:

 

[N.Y. Yankee]

That pretty much sums it up. Thanks guys!

 

[omarick1948]

Unless you are trying to duplicate an Indian or Free trapper type of gun. Tacks can drive the value of a gun down.

 

[Wes/Tex]

If you do go ahead with tacks...go easy with them. Fewer the better is always a good tack to take! (pun intended)! :wink: :haha:

 

Go hog wild!
http://merzantiques.com/photo/indian-percussion-trade-rifle-in-.45-caliber

 

[Mickc01]

Be careful not to make it too tacky.... :haha: