Grizzly Knurling Tool Rant

[JimDawson]

I am working on a project and needed a couple of knurled knobs in a size that I couldn't buy. I didn't own a knurling tool, and hadn't really had a use for one. So find a cheap one that will get the job done. No problem, Grizzly is 2 days away by UPS ground, and they are cheap, $39.95 + 8 bucks shipping.

I set it up and started to use it..............The ^*&(**(&^ top wheel runs out about 0.020, the axle pin hole was drilled off center. I never really looked at the bottom roller. I got my parts done OK, so all is not lost. But I'm not happy. I'll just buy some new, quality knurls for it, and go on with life. I need a full set anyway.

The real problem is laser etched right there on the bottom of the holder. But it was cheap, and I knew better.

 

[Chipper5783]

Bump holders are notoriously bad. Get (or make) a pinch holder. Then you can knurl flimsy jobs too (within reason).

 

[JimDawson]

I think this is the first time I have used a knurling tool in the last 30 years, The last time I owned one was in the 70s

 

[dave2176]

I bought one of those. Nothing to write home about to say the least. Made my own bump knurler that works okay but not to long ago I bought an "import" scissor knurl from Enco that I really like. I think it was $79.95 less a 20% coupon and free shipping. I've been doing a lot of knurling for the type of things I make.

 

[brino]

Jim I have the exact same one, and have only used it once (last week coincidentally) and was less than impressed with the results.
I didn't have time to debug it, so set it aside.
Now I'll have to go inspect that tool.
Thanks for the heads-up!
-brino

 

[johnnyc14]

Here's what I did with my bump knurling tool. I was just as disgusted as you were Jim. I removed the knurl wheels.





I used my bandsaw to cut off the end that holds the wheels.





I milled the slot to full length.



Drilled and tapped 2 more set screw holes.
Now I have another regular toll holder, I bought a pinch type knurling tool.

 

[BGHansen]

I bought this one from Shars for $40 plus shipping. Works really well other than I wish the tightening knob was a T-handle instead of a turned knob.

Bruce

 

[tmarks11]

Buy a replacement handle for it from Mcmaster Carr.

 

[f350ca]

Quality knurls may make the difference Jim. I've had a bump one with 3 different sets of knurls on a rotating head. I got used every couple of years with poor results. Needed to knurl a couple of replacement knobs for the bandsaw cover the other day. When I dug it out of the drawer there was a set of replacement knurls someone had given me, I expect good quality ones. Long and short, stuck them in it and WOW, that thing never worked like that before.

Greg