Decorating Rifle with Tacks

deucedaddyj · December 14, 2005, 01:26:32 PM

I have a friend who wanted to decorate his rifle with some brass tacks like the indians did. So one day we headed to the store and bought some tacks. Apparantley we got the wrong kind, because we broke 5 of them trying to make the first hole. We even tried starting the holes with small nails, and the still broke. Anybody have recommendations on how to do this properly, or what kind of tacks to use? We already started it, so we've got to finish.

Ozark Tracker · December 14, 2005, 01:44:36 PM

You might be able to take a drill and get a bit a few thousands smaller than the tack shaft pre drill all the holes, don't know what kind of wood you're trying to get it in but some of that stock, wood is tough, close grained

deucedaddyj · December 14, 2005, 02:06:07 PM

Yeah, it's real tough. It's a Henry .22 stock. That's a good idea, I hope I have a small enough bit.

Forty Rod · December 14, 2005, 03:30:32 PM

Get a pin vise and a small bit and do it by hand. A variable speed motor will work, but be careful. You can get off center and hog a hole out big enough to put your thumb in real fast.

GunClick Rick · December 14, 2005, 03:48:32 PM

I would strip the stock first,draw pattern,drill holes,put glue in holes,drive in the tack and i would use smaller tacks on that 22,i have one also and i am going to refinish it.They are nice stocks but the semi gloss spray they put on them don't do 'em'no justice so i am taking it off and make it butyful..Take yer time and do a good job and post a pic of it when you "get'er'done'

deucedaddyj · December 14, 2005, 03:54:25 PM

Yeah, I was thinking that myself. It's got a couple dings in it, so I was gonna sand it down a bit and give it a worthwhile finish. That badboy's gonna look good when I get it done (hopefully). I was also thinking about getting a friend of mine to try and make a metal butt plate to replace the hard rubber one. That would look darn nice. If and when I get it done, I'll be sure to post some pics for everyone.

Singing Bear · December 14, 2005, 08:05:35 PM

I used 2" masking tape on the butt stock, transferred my design to it, marked off the tack positions and drilled 1/16" holes at each point. Removed the tape and drove in the tacks with a brass hammer. If the holes are too big, use a little hot glue or adhesive of your choice.

Ol Gabe · December 15, 2005, 08:22:17 AM

Good question and good replies. Suggest you get Brass Tacks that have a Steel Shank/post at least 1/2" long, the lesser quality ones do not and look more like a carpet tack or large Thumb Tack. Upholstery Tacks are fine but make sure of the Shank. If you want some really kick butt Tacks go to Crazy Crow's website and check out their stuff, its just what you are looking for. The website is at: www.crazycrow.com
Type 'Brass Tacks' or 'Metal Spots' in the SEARCH slot and you'll get a wide variety for your needs. If you don't already have them, I would also suggest a small brass or Tack hammer and a pair of Needle Nose Pliers to hold the Tack and drive it in, helps a lot!
Best regards and good pounding!
'Ol Gabe

deucedaddyj · December 15, 2005, 09:15:09 AM

You know what's funny is that crazy crows is just a 5 minute drive from where I work. I was using upholstery nails, and I believe they had a 1/2" shank, but they were pretty poor in quality, so I might just pick some nicer one up. I saw those metal spot somewhere and was wondering if the would work for this project. Thanks for the info everyone, I'll be sure to post pics of the finished project in a week or so.