Checkering a Hammer?

[Smokey Plainsman]

Well hello guys and gals, Smokey here. This is the hammer on my Ohio rifle:



Smooth as the south end of a bullfrog. I’ve had my thumb slip a few times out in the field especially when sweaty. I’d like to checker it or make some lines in it so my thumb don’t slip no more.

There’s already a place where the browning has worn back. Hoping I wouldn’t have to rebrown the part if I do this. Anyone have any recommendations? I’ve never built a gun or attempted checkering or making lines. Any tips, tricks, ideas would be extremely appreciated so I don’t bungle it.

-Smokey

[smart dog]

Hi,
If it is not hardened, a checkering file from Brownell's will do the job.

dave

[T*O*F]

Or, you can engrave it.

[Stophel]

If the hammer has been case hardened, it will have to be annealed down...best as you can.  I doubt it has been, though.  If it is soft, serrations could be filed onto the hammer spur with reasonable ease with good, sharp cornered three-square files.  Might not be perfectly even, but functional.  A checkering file is an expensive tool, and good for laying out the fine serrations on a modern pistol sight or other such things. It won't cut fully on its own, but it starts your cuts and gets them evenly spaced....which may not work all that well on such a curved surface anyway.   I would not recommend getting the checkering file solely for this operation (I'm not sure it would be very advantageous to have at all anyway).  It just takes a keen eye, and a steady hand.

 Serrations would probably be sufficient, but actual checkering could be done by filing again lengthwise, over the crossways serrations.  Not so easy, but can be done.

[JPK]

This hammer is similar to yours and with the checkering file I laid the pattern on then used a three corner file to point them up. It went well enough for my needs. I recommend removing the hammer from the lock so you can get the best angles to work on it. I case hardened it after wards of coarse.

IMG_0548 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I bought a Brownell's chequering file in the 70's and have used it dozens of times since.  To my mind, well worth the investment.  But even with the file, I use a safe sided triangular file to clean up the borders.

[Curtis]

Taylor, how many lines per inch is your checkering file?

Curtis

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I'll have to have a look...don't know.

[T*O*F]

I might suggest a thread restoring file.  Much cheaper than Brownells and has 8 different thread pitches on it.  Will do the same job for this purpose.

https://www.grainger.com/product/3MD29?cm_mmc=PPC:+MSN+PLA&s_kwcid=AL!2966!10!8973609251!1102900008997&ef_id=Xp3RxQAABErbCbRP:20200420164557:s

[Curtis]

Good idea on the thread restoring file Dave!

[Jerry]

Smokyplainsman, send it to me and I’ll engrave it. Jerry

[Bob Roller]

I tried the thread. Restoring file with poor results and used the cricketing file only.

Bob roller

[stuart cee dub]

For some years I have used my jewelers  saw to checker percussion hammers
The trick is to get a good layout and take your time . I guess I could have purchased
And used a checker ing file but I already had some experience with the jewelers saw

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I checked my file.  It is a #1...40 lines per inch.  My 2012-13 Brownell's catalogue lists it at $51.99.