RE: Larger Revolver
Mike
When installing Robarts, I like to do the following
1. MAKE SURE that the centerline of the pilot hole is at the center of thickness. Robatrs makes a nice drill guide
2. Drill the pilot square (to the hinge line in both horizontal and vertical directions). Make sure the pilots on the movable and fixes portions are exactly in alignment.
3. Counterbore the pilot hole to accept the hinge knucke. If you dont, the surface will gap quite a bit.
4. Put a little vaseline or lithium grease on the hinge pin so that glue does not freeze your hinge.
5. When you glue them (I use epoxy but others differ) make sure the hinge pivot pin is parallel to the intended hinge line. Easy way to do that is to flex the hinge 90* and make sure the free leg is vertical (square to the hinge line)
6. Glue hinges into the fixed surface first, then glue the movable portion to the hinges (already glued and hardened) in the fixed surface.
If you messed up and have too big a gap, cut them with a dremel cut off wheel, grind them off, and redrill / counterbore