Very Thin underlugs for keys

[HighUintas]

I got some of track of the wolf's UL-NW-2 underlugs. They measure a surprising 0.032 thick in all dimensions. I'm not too worried about the dovetail base, but a little worried about the post that the key goes through. I also have their UL-NW-1, which is thicker but not slotted. I've used those and like them.

Has anyone used these? Do they work ok or is 0.032 too thin?

[smart dog]

Hi,
I dislike them a lot.  I like lugs for keys to have at least 3/32" or better 1/8-1/4" of width over which the key slides.  That makes it easier to create a proper friction fit less susceptible to temp and humidity because there is more metal to metal contact and less wood to metal contact. The lugs on original British guns are often >1/8" wide.

dave 

[JTR]

With what I used to do, I always used thicker ones, as that is what you find on the old guns.
However, as for strength, this thin one is stronger than you need. For a test, just try to break it in two with just your fingers.
I have seen some thin ones on some southern mountain rifles, basically just a folded piece of sheet metal.
That said, if I was going to build something, I'd use something thicker, like Dave suggests.
John

[HighUintas]

I had the same thought about potential problems with getting proper friction on the key. I didn't know they were so thin, otherwise I'd have skipped ordering them. I just thought the slot would save me a little time. I'm glad I order the UL-NW-1 at the same time.

[Eric Krewson]

I tried thicker slotted lugs; I found that I might not hit the slot just right when I drilled for the pins so I went back to unslotted and slotted them myself which about a 2 second job with a 1/16" diamond bit in a Dremel.

[HighUintas]

I tried thicker slotted lugs; I found that I might not hit the slot just right when I drilled for the pins so I went back to unslotted and slotted them myself which about a 2 second job with a 1/16" diamond bit in a Dremel.

Is that diamond but the one that is just a rod with diamond coating on it? I never thought about using one of those. That would be much more efficient than using a jeweler saw

[Eric Krewson]

I think this whole set was less than $10 at Harbor Freight or some other el-cheapo place.

I use the one on the far left for slotting the lugs after I drill the initial hole.

[HighUintas]

Thank you! I'll give it a try