Bolt knob mod with Sugru

[Sponge]

Sugru is a moldable silicone glue that is playdoah-like in consistency and sets up into a firm rubber. I have used it in the past to modify bow grips and it has held up well, one long bow has had some on for 10ish years, thousands of arrows, hut humid summers, cold, rain, etc. Its held up surprisingly well.

Anyways, as to rifle bolt knobs. This started with an X-Bolt with a knob as pictured below. I think Browning wins the award for most creative bolt knobs across their line, this one in particular isn't bad, but I struggled to get a good thumb/forefinger grip while running the bolt quickly. Being stingy and not wanting to send the bolt off for threading, and having some Sugru laying around I tried it out...works great so far thru ~100 rounds of live fire and several hundred dry manipulations.


So having a Tikka, wanting some better purchase than the factory knob (which is much better than factory Browing three sided truncated cone thing), still being too stingy to buy an aftermarket handle and knob*, and still having some Sugru around, I figured I would do the same but take some some pictures for you folks.

Post mod Browning, and unmodified factory Tikka bolts below.



* I did buy a Tourbon slip on knob thing to try... 2/10 would not recommend

 

[Sponge]

The sugru molds a bit like clay (remember art class?), but is a bit crumbly or fragile in its uncured state. A single packet is enough for one knob.

Degrease the bolt before starting. For the tikka knob, I packed the open cavity at the end, then spread it over the last inch of the knob, smoothing and blending as I went.


Mold and blend into the shape you want. You want to spend some time blending in creases and making sure there is good contact everywhere. I wore gloves to avoid hand oils contaminating, it probably isn't that big of a deal. finished product below.



All in all took about 20 minutes, probably removable if you decide you dont like it, but seems durable enough for at least light to moderate use. I'm not sure how well it will hold up to heavy use, but I will update if anything drastic or note worthy happens.

 

[apohlo]

I dig this. Thanks for sharing! Probably adds about an ounce?

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[Sponge]

I dig this. Thanks for sharing! Probably adds about an ounce?

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

far less. The packet says 3.5 g (0.12 oz)

 

[Sponge]

I should add, it is somewhat soft before it cures. I carefully put the bolt back in the rifle and let it sit in the safe overnight. If you leave the bolt resting on a flat surface sitting on the glue, you may end up with a flat spot cured in.

Also, after its cured it may be a little slick, you can lightly sand it to increase the grip just a little - I think I used 120 last time.

 

[SloppyJ]

Cool stuff. I can envision quite a few uses for it. Thank you for sharing. Is there anywhere in particular to get it?

 

[Sponge]

Cool stuff. I can envision quite a few uses for it. Thank you for sharing. Is there anywhere in particular to get it?

I most recently got it from Amazon. You may find it in a craft store or Walmart, but I've never looked for it locally.

You can apparently make it from silicone caulk, corn starch, and food coloring. I haven't tried to make it, but if you needed a lot for a project that may be the way to go cost wise. a quick google gave me this https://cuppanatter.wordpress.com/2015/10/27/diy-sugru-mouldable-rubber/